How to Order Jeans Online

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 27, 2022 References

Buying jeans online can be less stressful and save you more money than buying jeans in stores. First, measure your waist and inseam using a tape measure. Then, find an online store and check out their reviews. Reading reviews is very helpful when shopping for jeans online, since you can get a sense of what other people think. Then, pick your style of jean based on your body type. Be sure to check out the company’s return policy, in case your jeans don’t work out!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Taking Your Measurements

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Put on a pair of jeans that fit well to easily measure your size. You can easily take your measurements with your jeans on. To get the most accurate measurements, do this with a pair of jeans that fit great.^{[1]
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- If you don't have jeans that fit wonderfully, wear a form-fitting bottom, like leggings or athletic shorts.
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Measure the waist of your jeans to get your waist size. Wrap a tape measure around the waist of your jeans so the end of the measuring tape is at the front. Then, bring the tape around your back and align it with the end in the front. Your waist measurement is the number you get when the loose end of the measuring tape meets the other end.^{[2]
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- Write down your measurement so you don't forget it!
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Measure your inseam to determine your leg length. After you measure your waist, hold the end of your measuring tape at the crotch of your jeans and bring it to the bottom of one of the pant legs. Your inseam measurement is the number listed on the tape measure when you reach the very end of your jeans.^{[3]
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- Men’s jeans are sized by both the waist and inseam measurement, such as 38x34.
- Women’s jeans are typically sized based on an average hip and waist measurement, ranging from 0-14. They are also sorted by short, regular, or long inseam lengths.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Finding Jeans that Fit

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Look for jeans online using the measurements you took. To find jeans online, search for "men's jeans" or "women's jeans." You can also search by particular brand. Browse different retailers to ensure they carry your size.
- You can either buy jeans from particular brands, online department stores, or resale websites, for example.
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Compare your measurements to the manufacturer’s sizing chart. When you find a brand or company you are interested in, locate a link reading “Sizing chart” or “Measurement guide” to find your size. Pick the size appropriate for your waist and inseam measurements.^{[4]
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- For example, your size may be US size 4 or 32x32.
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Read online reviews of a brand before you order jeans from them. To find the best online retailer, look for a "Reviews" section, usually toward the bottom of the page. Read over multiple reviews to see what other people think about the product or company. Every brand has slightly different sizing, and you may need to order a size up or a size down.^{[5]
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- This way, you can get additional information on things like size, quality, durability, and return policy.
- Reading reviews can help you assess what companies are worth buying from and which ones are a waste of money.
- Some websites may not have reviews available on their website. If this is the case, search online for reviews of this particular brand.
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Try on similar jeans in your closet to check the fit. To get a sense of your sizing, consult your favorite pair of jeans. Take a look at the tag, and look for similar sizing when ordering online.^{[6]
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- This way, you have a general idea of what size to order, based on what fits well.
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Order multiple sizes of the same style of jeans if you are unsure. If you are unsure of your proper size after taking your measurements, looking at the size chart, and reading reviews, your best bet is to order multiple sizes. That way, you can compare the different jeans without waiting for your return to ship.^{[7]
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- Before you order multiple pairs, be sure to check the return policy. Some companies cover return shipping for free, while others require you to pay for shipping out of pocket.
- While this may cost more up front, this can help ensure you get the right pair of jeans.
- For example, if you think you wear a 6, buy a 4 and/or an 8 as well. If you think you are a 33x30, you can get a 32x30 and try both.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Picking Your Jeans

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Go with a dark wash for the most flattering option. Dark denim is flattering on everyone, and it tends to look very slimming. Choose a simple pair of jeans, rather than 1 with lots of embellishment or accents.^{[8]
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- Avoid jeans with fading or whiskers along the thigh or back area. This draws attention to your body where you may not want it!
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Try a skinny jean style for a slimming effect. Skinny jeans are a denim option with a very tailored leg. This is a popular, modern style that can make you look slim and tall. They look great for casual or dressy outfits, and you can pair them with boots and sneakers.^{[9]
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- When you try on the skinny jeans, make sure you are comfortable in your thighs, crotch, and hips. Bend your thighs and lift up your legs several times to check the fit.
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Go for a bootcut jean if you are tall and/or muscular. Generally, bootcut jeans have a low rise and have a looser fit in the leg. If you have a wider midsection, the wide leg of the pant can balance your overall shape. Bootcut jeans are great for on-the-go, daytime looks.^{[10]
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- Bootcut jeans also work well with pear-shaped body types.
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Choose straight leg jeans for a classic, attractive style. The straight leg jean is a simple, flattering jean that works for nearly all body types. The leg of the jean is uniform from hip to foot, giving you a streamlined appearance.^{[11]
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- This is a great option if you want a versatile jean great for casual wear and dressing up.
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Pick a relaxed fit if you want a laid-back, casual style. If you need a bit more room around the legs, this is a great choice. The relaxed fit features a baggy, wide leg, great if you are an athlete or have a wider bottom half.^{[12]
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- If shopping for women’s jeans, this style may also be called “boyfriend” jeans.
- Pair relaxed fit jeans with streamlined shoes, like Converses or boots, for a polished look.
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Select an athletic cut if you are fit and ripped. An athletic cut jean has a relaxed fit with a widened, bootcut hem. This is a less popular style, though it looks great if you want to show off your frame.^{[13]
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- Athletic cut jeans showcase your legs while still offering the comfort of a baggy jean.
- Wear these with sporty shoes like sneakers or hiking sandals.

Warnings

Read over the manufacturer’s return policy before you purchase your jeans. That way, you can easily return them if they don’t fit. In addition, you should review if they offer free shipping for returns.^{[15]
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