Jeans may be a staple for every girl’s wardrobe, but finding
a pair can be difficult whatever your shape and size.
The other day I popped into M&S, at Marble Arch, and was
persuaded by an assistant to try its new body scanner which is geared towards
individual body shapes as opposed to the standard body size. As I needed a new
pair of jeans, I thought it would be an interesting exercise.
There are three styles: Eva, cut for those with a small
waist and hips, Marilyn, aimed at the more curvaceous and Lana, cut for figures
like mine that are straighter from waist to hip. I was brought a size 8 (£25),
the smallest size, which was far too big. The waist measured 30ins (76cm). I
know there are discrepancies in sizes, even in the same store, but this did
seem rather generous.
Apparently, this range of jeans is supposed to flatter the
majority of women, clearly I’m not one of them. “Our customers tend to be
bigger than you,” was the assistant’s response.
Over the years, I have bought both designer and ones from
the high street. I find the best result is going to a company that specialises
in jeans as you tend to get a good fit and better quality.
 |
| Levi's store, Regent Street, London |
I headed straight to Levi’s. The company introduced its
Curve ID Fit Finder a couple of years ago and I have not looked back. There are
three fits: Slight, if you are straight from waist to hip, designed to define
the waist and accentuate curves. Demi, for those with some curve and some
definition from the waist to hip and Bold, for ladies with a defined waist and
rounded hips. Prices start from £85. As the first pair I had lasted two years
until I wore them out. I thought this was value for money.
The assistant measured me and decided that I was a Slight. She then asked me what style and length I would
like and asked me to choose a wash. I went for skinny and dark, a slightly
different shade from what I had last time. They also have stretch in them which
I particularly like.
The first pair of jeans I was shown were a perfect fit –
albeit they needed shortening slightly. “Could you come back in 30mins?” asked
the charming French girl who served me. “We will shorten them free of charge.”
Service with a smile, such a rarity these days.
I went back to the shop exactly half an hour later and my
jeans were ready. Result: one happy customer.
By Daralyn Danns
