I'm still not doing much sewing right now, but I HAD to go hunt - and I mean HUNT some jeans. With a 29" or so waist and 41" hips, and legs a bit on the heavy side, this shouldn't have been THAT much of a challenge - but, alas - after trying on at least 30 pairs of jeans on Sunday - I have some conclusions.....
* Where to shop:
I looked at T.J. Maxxx and a college type resale store - though I must admit, since I was with my daughter (22 - a new Mom) - I might have gone to a department store to really look if I"d been by myself. ESPECIALLY if you want jeans that come at least 1" below your bely button - and THAT would be considered "Hi Waisted" and "Old Lady" - I think you would need to look in more conventional stores - and in the Ladies' sections... When I have some time, I'm gonna go investigate this further...
But - I really did want to try to get an acceptable pair or 2 of jeans that were more 'in currrent style' - thus the excursion...
Besides - my favorite pair that were denim/lycra - the lycra had poppped, given out all around the crotch - not acceptable to wear any longer (or so I was told!)....
*Rack Selection Process
Hummmm I looked for ones whose zipper looked at least at least the width of my four fingers... :)
I also like the 'give' of Lycra so I watched for that
If the thigh looked too super skinny - well, I went on...
* Fitting Process
I found it only took putting in one leg to see if it was going to work...so many didn't make it any further than that.
If I could get one leg in - I had some hope...
It was a quick conclusion that my undies were not 'in fashion' - as they showed over the top of absolutely EVERY pair I got all the way on! That will be yet another shopping trip now I suppose...
*What I bought -
Finally finding 2 pair that didn't leave enough room at the center back 'waist' to put my entire fist into - (I do have a slim, somewhat sway back), I felt that I had achieved victory. $10 for the ones at the resale store - and $16 at T J Maxxx.
Observation: the 'new' ones didn't appear any 'newer' than those at the resale store! In fact - some at the resale store looked newer!
Crotch length: 24 3/4" on one pair - 10.5" in front, 14.25" in back - wore them yesterday and felt they were 'falling down' all day long...
25 3/4" on the other pair 9.75" in front, 16" in back - sitting here in them, at least I don't feel like I'm 'exposed' on my back side... Another subtle observation - they seem to come up higher at the side seams, and dip subtly in the center front - I almost like that... Perhaps something to incorporate in the next pair of SoHo pants I make...
My daughter has already informed me that I MUST go get some new undies - that no one needs to know that mine are pink today! :)
Well ---- any others of you have some experience to share???
Hope I've enlightened/entertained you for a bit today...
Back to playing with oodles of new fabrics that have arrived.
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2 comments:
Shopping for jeans! That's an experience that will cause me to shutter. It doesn't help that the size indicators on them do not relate to anything. "Size 10" is just a meaningless phrase, IMHO. There is little or no consistency even in a single brand and style in the same season.
I look for boot cut or straight legs. Over the years I have learned to carry a tape measure so I can take a quick "read" of the width of the backside and thigh width. I prefer 100% cotton as the lycra is just too hot to wear here in the summer (6 to 9 months of the year here in Tampa). I do not care for dark or heavy denim, again just too hot. Out of dozens and dozens of trips I might find one or two pairs to try on. When I am very lucky (or very good?) I find just what I am seeking.
As I wear my jeans to work in, inside or outside, and for very casual wear, I do not want to pay much for them. Otherwise I would just run to Anthropologie, Nordstroms, or some similar place and throw money at them to get what I wanted.
I have thought once or twice about making the Betzina jeans. Anyone try them yet?
I have also thought about tearing apart a pair of Blass jeans I like very much. Those have the front cut on the bias, boot leg, and the waist is at my waist. . .but not old lady. But, I like them too much and they are still too good to sacrifice.
Try, too, the new Aura line by Wrangler -- they're designed by the ladies who work at the factory. You can get short, med, and long in rise, as well as in leg length, and in any combination. They 97% cotton 3% lycra. LOVE LOVE LOVE mine. Another plus -- usually, a size smaller than normal is the one that fits.
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