The jeans in your closet
June 30th, 2008Last week I asked about the jeans in your closet. So many people shared detailed information that we thought it would be fun to summarize the results.
First of all, how many pairs of jeans do you own? The largest group of people own between one and 5 pairs, with almost the same number of people between 5 and 10 pairs. This seems reasonable if you wear jeans regularly. Note that there were also people at the extremes (one person had zero pairs, and another had 48), but those are excluded from the chart below.
On the color front, most people stuck to a dark blue wash, which is definitely the most versatile and cost effective choice. I was delighted to see that of the non-blue jeans, white and cream was the most popular choice. Black and grey followed soon after. I have a hunch that black-black jeans are going to make a comeback sometime soon.
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| Breakdown of non-blue jeans | Split between blue and non-blue jeans | Breakdown of blue washes |
The chart below shows the brands that were mentioned three times or more. First surprise: There were more than 50 brands represented in our sample. Second surprise: the popularity of Levis amongst our top brand contenders. I have spent an exhausting amount of time in Levis stores trying unsuccessfully to fit myself and my clients into their jeans. They do have good fits for men though.
No surprises with the styles…
- Bootcuts were the forever flattering and fashionable favorite. They cut across, age, body type and fashion persona and are always a good, safe choice. It’s a rule: when in doubt, opt for boot cuts.
- Skinnies and straight legs were next in line. For some, straight legs are “their version of skinnies” because they offer a similar sleek silhouette. I’m happy to see this look gain popularity. It’s contemporary, mainstream and practical. You know I’m a big fan.
- Wide-legs and flares were less popular, which does not surprise me. It’s a hard look to wear.
Overall, a great mix of brands, styles, washes and duplications. Well done you stylish lot.
June 30th, 2008 at 8:13 am
angie i am impressed by all of your graphs and analyses. you are really on top of your game.
June 30th, 2008 at 8:29 am
As a Stats major, I have to say this post is awesome!
June 30th, 2008 at 8:31 am
Very interesting indeed! The only surprising thing to me was that people do not tend to have/like trouser jeans a lot. I think that they are perfect for smart casual.
June 30th, 2008 at 8:38 am
I think that this was a interesting way to represent how big a role jeans play in our life. And I actually looked at every chart! Unlike when I have to look at sales charts.
June 30th, 2008 at 8:48 am
On Levi’s - I too would have been surprised a few months ago, but I’ve recently “come back” to them. As a brand that I’d discarded about 10 years ago, I now find that several of their styles fit perfectly, while Gap has now fallen off my radar.
Great analysis - Thank you!!
June 30th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Thanks for the GREAT info! I didn’t count my jeans, but I’ll bet I’m in the 6-10 pair group.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Thanks for breaking this down for us.
About the Levi’s. I was in a Fred Meyer store recently and saw them on sale so tried several styles on. I was swimming in a 4. I ususally wear a 6. They must run very large or else the chain stores like Fred Meyer carry a different quality product.
Tanya, I love trouser jeans. I think they look awesome. They are just more difficult to wear. I thnk they give a beautiful sillouette but opt for the jeans with less fabric, so far.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Thank you ladies. I shall pass the compliment on to Greg (the graphs are his handy work and labour of love). He’ll be especially chuffed with your approval, Ana.
Quite right, Tanya. Trouser jeans aren’t easy to find and women are generally put off if the legs are too wide ( this has been my experience anyway). But the right pair can look chic and fantastic.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Wow, impressive stats, Angie…and Greg! Interesting to see the trend. For the record, the Levi’s I own are men’s! I too have not successfully fit into their women’s jeans. Maybe two or less didn’t make your list, but my Acne straight leg jeans are some of my favorites now.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Oh my gosh, this is so funny! I love it — the perfect combination of the fashionista & the computer scientist!!
Now, youlookfab.com is a resource for the fashion industry as well.
And, I agree with those who love trouser jeans…I have one black pair that Angie encouraged me to get and I love them and wear them regularly.
Thanks for this Angie & Greg!
June 30th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Thanks for this! I guess I’m the odd person out as I rarely wear jeans. I’m going to have to rethink that now that I see so many wear jeans and love them. Like you pointed out, often it takes so much time to find ones that fit and flatter.
June 30th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
For the record, all of my jeans (four pairs) are brands not represented on the chart: Tahari, Classiques Entier (Nordstrom private label), Banana Republic, and Isda (small San Francisco designer). None of them fits perfectly, but all fit much better than Lucky, Joe’s, J-Brand, J. Crew, Levi’s, etc.
I name products and companies for a living, and I just can’t bring myself to support a company that names its jeans Acne.
June 30th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
By my own preference I love wide leg pants, which are the only one to cover my tummy and saddlebags successfully. Never had one in denim because the fabric is to harsh. Until last week I saw the girl on the street in a wide, floating superfine dark navy jeans. Combine with flat ballerinas, white t-shirt and super narrow belt she looked as a ballerina herself. Actually, the fabric is so soft that I didn’t believe it to be jeans until i touched it. Ladies and gents: Zara for new season at it’s best! They also come in ivory.
P.S Heading for summer trip to Europe it’s also worth of visiting british NEXT with incredible variety of jeans.
June 30th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Nancy, I love Isda clothes! I got to go to their outlet store when I was in SF last month! Acne is a Swedish company made in Italy, maybe it means something else in another language?…also, it’s easy to remember, love it or hate it! But it’s the fit that counts. But I also love my 7’s…now that’s a funny name too, 7 for all Mankind.
Basia, the floaty soft wide legs sound dreamy…by Zara? Can you buy Zara in the U.S.? I don’t think they are in Seattle. I’ve heard good things about them.
July 1st, 2008 at 1:42 am
Zara used to be my favorite, yet now with their expansion in Europe it’s like a Starbuck’s- literally on every corner!I think it’s some Spanish idea of new Conquista;-))
The quality is good, the prices reasonable and the variety of styles and designs overwhelming! Especially of the heavy goods- like coats or suits or very funky fake fur.. Also, their sales is the best in Europe: since the day 1 they want to sell the stock as soon as possible so the prices are plummeting, no tricks with the small print.
I wonder what is Angie’s opinion about Zara??
On their web page they claim to have stores in 24 cities in USA which considering the country is not too much. Lucky you then! Find your closest and go for it!
July 1st, 2008 at 9:16 am
Zara is one of my very favourite places to shop. It is with good reason they are one of the most successful clothing retailers in the world. If you love fashion and Euro style, you CANNOT overlook Zara. I have been shopping at Zara for years and years and have never left a Zara store without a treasure in my hand.
July 1st, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Love the analysis! It would be fun to do one on dresses or something else some time. Great job, Greg!
Statistical samples always have an error margin. I am the reason it is not entirely accurate for this sample. When I responded, I wasn’t home, so I missed my Banana Republic dark wash denim trouser jeans and my Cotton Ginny grey with embroidery jeans. Both I love, but they don’t get worn as often. Sorry, I will do better on the next survey.
July 1st, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Angie, where do you find Zara in the U.S.? Funny coincidence, I told a guy I liked his jeans today when walking around…and he said in a very thick French accent: “Zara”…and he was shopping for Levi’s
!
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:23 am
Angie,
Do you already have an article about which jeans best different shapes? I don’t have most of the brands mentioned by the other readers, and I have a pear shape. I have your article at http://www.youlookfab.com/2007.....r-in-2007/ bookmarked for reference, but brands are not mentioned as it is overview of all types of clothing for pears.