Style Q&A - Jeans

Wear good jeans and they’ll notice the man, wear bad jeans and they’ll notice the jeans.

Q: What type of wash should I be wearing and why?

A: Jeans are one of the most versatile and personal items in a person’s wardrobe. Your favourite pair may feel like a second skin and be as important to you as the jersey signed by your fave hockey team. That being said, it is important to think of fit and colour when deciding which pair of jeans to wear in public, especially to the office on a casual Friday. At Ensemble, we really like to keep jeans basic – no rips, studs, gems, fancy stitching or anything that draws more attention to your legs than your face. If your favourite jeans are fitted, dark and plain enough to wear to the office, bonus, if not, keep them in your weekend warrior stock and invest in a pair of jeans that can be worn more formally.

Q: In your opinion, what are definite no-no’s when it comes to denim?

A: Never, ever wear jeans with studs, gems, loud stitching, designs or rips in the hem.  Also, if you get the urge to iron them, or make a pleat down the front, please refrain from doing so.

Q: If my jeans are too long, can I cuff them?

A: Yes but keep in mind that when you turn up your cuff, whether it is for function or fashion, you express a little bit about yourself.

The thick cuff: We believe this is the least stylish of the three – go for one of the two below.

The thin cuff: Great for guys whose pants are just a little bit too long. If your jeans have a different colour thread on the inside of the seam, you get extra style points.

The full-blown roll: If you’re in a band or are looking to pull off legit hipster style, the full roll is for you! Pair this with some boots and you’re going to look like you walked straight out of Brooklyn (or play guitar for the raddest band in town).

Q: How do I make my jeans last a really long time?

A: Unless they are raw denim, which you should wait 6 months before washing, soak them before you wear them. Turn the jeans inside out, soak for an hour in warm water and then hang to dry. After 6 months, you should also soak your raw denim rather than washing them in the machine.

Wash your jeans as little as possible. If they are starting to smell, you can put them in the freezer rather than washing them to kill some of the odor. If you MUST wash them, ensure they are turned inside out, the cycle is cold and you are using a gentle detergent. NEVER put your jeans in the dryer, EVER! 

At Ensemble Style, we would like to consider ourselves quite knowledgeable in the denim category. If you are having troubles deciding on which pair to buy, or simply want a woman's opinion on which style flatters you the most, shoot us a message!