3 reliable tips for buying jeans, without trying them on

Laura Scholz

1/4/2025

Translation: Elicia Payne

Buying a new pair of jeans – or any other pair of trousers – can be a real headache. However, if you use these three simple tricks, the struggle will soon be over and it’ll be a walk in the park.

How hard can it be to buy a pair of jeans? Well, harder than you think. Sometimes the waistband is just right, but it stretches at the hips and the button just won’t close. Or, the other other classic problem where the length is too long. The constant dressing and undressing in the changing rooms leaves you hot and flustered. And you come away without any jeans.

Wait, stop. It doesn’t have to be this way. You can either go for the same brand and model every time and hope that their cut (and your figure) won’t change. Or you can make use of the measuring tools that your own body provides you with. That way, you can save yourself the hassle of trying on clothes in future – or at least you’ll have a smaller, more accurate selection to fight with in the changing room.

The neck method

You don’t even need to take out a tape measure to find the right waist size. Instead, wrap the jeans of your desire around your neck like a cape. If the two waistband ends meet exactly, the jeans should fit you. If the ends don’t reach each other, the jeans are most likely too tight. If they overlap, they’re too wide.

The forearm method

Same problem, different approach – if your forearm fits into the waistband from your elbow to your fist, you’ve got the right size. If it doesn’t fit, the jeans will be too small. If there’s room – they’re too big.

The chin to hand method

Will the jeans be the right length? You can easily find out by folding them once in the middle with the back to the outside and placing the crotch against your chin. With your other hand, grab the trouser legs and stretch out your arm. If you can stretch your arm out fully, the jeans should be the perfect length.

Do you know of any other tricks that come in handy when you’re losing patience, in long changing room queues or at places like flea markets? Let me know in the comments.

Laura Scholz

Senior Editor

Laura.Scholz@digitecgalaxus.ch

Always in the mood for good hits, great trips and clinking drinks.

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