'I'm a stylist who used to avoid jeans. Then I discovered this perfect fit formula.'

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When I say jeans, you'll probably fall into one of three camps.

You're either a die-hard denim loyalist, you avoid them completely, or you've got a complicated love-hate relationship with them.

Maybe you're settling for a pair or two that just do the job.

How do I know this? Because as a personal stylist, I see it all the time.

Shopping for jeans isn't just about finding the right wash or a pair that's trending, it's a full-blown emotional experience.

Watch: Chelsea and Lucinda share their denim hacks on our fashion podcast, Nothing To Wear. Post continues below.

Between fit, rise, length, stretch, rigidity, softness, pocket placement, silhouette, waistband gap, price point, and the endless trial and error, it's no wonder so many women find the process overwhelming.

Add in the pressure of trends, inconsistent sizing between brands, and the constant question of 'What shoes even go with these?' and you've got a recipe for denim fatigue.

And I get it. I used to be that person. I'd mostly avoid wearing jeans altogether because every pair I tried left me feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable.

As a millennial, I also grew up in the peak era of skinny jeans, when ultra-low-rise skinny denim ruled and everything was designed to cling.

For years, that was pretty much the only option available, and every time I attempted to wear them, I'd walk away feeling deflated.

I thought I was the problem, when really, the style itself just didn't work for my natural shape, my proportions and for my personal style preference.

I'm nearly 40 now, and seven years into styling hundreds of women, I can honestly say I've found my denim confidence.

Not because my natural body shape changed, but because my understanding of fit and styling did.

Once I started exploring different silhouettes and rises, I realised there's a whole world of denim options that didn't exist when I was growing up, from relaxed straight legs to barrel shapes, wide-leg (the MVP in my wardrobe), cropped styles and more.

Image: Supplied.

The evolution of denim has completely changed how we can wear it, and more importantly, how we can feel in it.

What really sparked this article was something I read recently from Mamamia's Lifestyle Editor, Amy Clark, who confessed: "You'll never catch me wearing jeans."

It immediately resonated with me, not because it was surprising, but because it was so relatable.

It made me think about how many women quietly feel the same way, avoiding denim, not because they don't like it, but because they've never found a pair that feels truly comfortable or makes them feel confident.

To explore this further, I asked my social media audience about their experiences with jeans — and I don't think I've ever received so much feedback on anything in my time online.

Jeans are clearly a real pain point. Women shared struggles with fit, style, comfort, length, stretch, temperature, and even the way jeans sit on their belly. Some find them too tight, restrictive, or baggy… and the list goes on.

The good news is, there are ways to navigate these challenges. Over the years, I've learnt some strategies that can help women feel a little more confident in their denim and that's what I want to share here.

So, while this article might not solve every denim dilemma, I hope it gives you a few strategies to help you start finding your best fit.

1. Get to know your natural shape.

This is where denim confidence starts.

Forget the body shape fruit analogies, really get to know your shape, your features, and the little details that affect how jeans fit and feel.

For example, you might have a long torso and shorter legs. Low-rise or cropped jeans can make your legs feel even shorter, so perhaps switching to a mid or high rise can be a great start to balance your proportions.

Think about your waist in relation to your hips. If your waist is smaller compared to your bottom half, you might need jeans with a slightly smaller waist to hip ratio to avoid gaping.

Image: Supplied.

These days, there are plenty of brands that have niched down and are solving real fit issues.

There are brands that have dedicated options for taller women, petite options with shorter rises and leg length, or those with a smaller waist in comparison to their hips, for example, making it much easier to find jeans that work.

Other details matter too. Do you prefer a softer waistband with stretch for comfort or sensory issues, or a firmer fit that holds everything in place? Paying attention to these little adjustments is what makes a pair of jeans feel like they were truly made for you.

2. Step outside your comfort zone.

If you've been wearing the same skinny jeans for the last two decades, it might be time to try something different.

More styles, different rises, and new cuts mean there's a pair out there that could feel so much better than what you've been settling for.

It's about pushing beyond what's familiar. Maybe it's trying a straight leg, barrel leg, wide leg, a high rise instead of a low rise, or even a cropped style. Sometimes the style you least expect ends up being the one that you love the most.

Personal Stylist tip: Don't judge a pair the moment you pull them on. Jeans often need a little wear to soften and mould to your body.

Take a few minutes or a short walk around the store before you decide. And don't forget your footwear, which leads into my next tip…

3. Jeans + shoes = denim confidence.

Image: Supplied.

I say this with love: more often than not, it's not the jeans that are the problem, it's the footwear.

Shoes can completely change how your jeans sit, how they balance your natural shape and proportions, and ultimately how confident you feel in them.

When you're trying jeans on, style them with the shoes that you think you'd actually wear them with — sneakers, loafers, boots, sandals, etc. Yes, I mean actually take them shopping with you or try them on at home to get a full picture.

On my socials, I often demonstrate this with the same jeans paired with different shoes.

You can see firsthand how a slight change in footwear can completely transform the silhouette, elongating your legs, balancing proportions, or avoiding harsh visual breaks.

4. Don't underestimate the power of alterations.

Sometimes a pair of jeans is already 80 per cent of the way there, but it may require a few small tweaks to go from "just okay" to a pair you truly love and feel confident in.

I see so many women leave it at almost right, when all they might need is a slight adjustment at the waist or to take the hem up an inch.

These little changes can completely transform how a pair works on your natural shape.

Image: Supplied.

Instead of spending another 12 months hunting for "the perfect jeans," a simple alteration can make them feel like they were made just for you.

Women's bodies are so unique and everyone has different preferences, so allowing for small adjustments can make a world of difference.

Finding the right pair of jeans can still feel like a challenge, and that's completely normal.

The tips above aren't a quick fix, but they're a starting point for understanding your body, experimenting with styles, and noticing the little details that can make a big difference.

And if you ever feel stuck, working with a personal stylist can be a helpful way to navigate the options, find what truly fits you, and build confidence in your denim choices.

Because when you find the right pair, it's not just about jeans. It's about feeling comfortable, confident, and like yourself every time you wear them.

For more helpful style advice and shopping recommendations, subscribe to the weekly Nothing to Wear Substack, listen to the Nothing to Wear podcast or watch Nothing to Wear on YouTube.

Feature image: Supplied.