A good pair of jeans is the staple of every woman's wardrobe, but finding denim that flatters your figure can seem impossible. Here's how to make the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans a little less grueling.

Denim Fit Facts

• Denim will usually stretch, so you should always wear your jeans in the store for a bit (sit, stand, walk)before making your final assessment on how they fit. Keep in mind that most jeans stretch out a bit with wear and then shrink back once washed.
• Rigid denim (100% cotton) runs small, but will eventually conform to your body, and last longer than stretch varieties.
• Jeans with stretch are more figure-forgiving but have a limited lifespan; even the highest quality stretch denim will lose its elasticity with time. Size down in stretch styles and never put them in the dryer, as heat destroys the stretch factor.
• Due to the popularity of low-rise styles, size your jeans based on your dress size or the measurement of your low waist, where your jeans actually sit, not the measurement of your natural waist.
• Go up a size when buying maternity denim to account for weight gain in late pregnancy.
• Consult a tailor to get the perfect fit. The extra money is worth it when you're investing a couple hundred dollars in a pair of designer jeans.

Denim Styles by Body Shape

Inverted Triangle or Apple (shoulders wider than hips)
This body type looks good in lower rise styles due to its slim hips. Flare, trouser and bootcut styles, and lighter or distressed denim flatter by balancing shoulders with lower portion of body.

Rectangle or Straight (small difference between waist and hips)
This shape naturally lacks curves, so jeans with flaps on the back pockets and styles with flare or bootcut legs create the illusion of curves and a rounder bottom. Ultra-tapered styles work on this for by bringing hips and thighs into proportion.

Triangle or Pear (hips wider than shoulders with round thighs)
The classic pear shape benefits from slimming dark washes, bootcuts that counter-balance broad hips, and/or straight leg jeans that help to elongate the legs. This shape should avoid flap read pockets, over embellished backsides, and tapered legs that accentuate a wide bottom and hips.

Hourglass (proportional upper and lower halves; curvy with well-defined waist)
Ladies with this build can easily wear trendy skinny legged and/or ultra low-rise styles that accentuate the curves of this sexy shape.

Petites
Smaller ladies should avoid cuffs and bootcuts – they make short legs look shorter. Instead choose straight cuts to lengthen the legs.

Tummy Troubles
Minimize a tummy with a bootcut, mid-rise jean that hits across the belly, and avoid high- or low-waisted styles.

Denim No-no's

• Muffin Top: Low-waisted jeans are too low and too tight for your figure, causing your tummy to spill over your waistband.
• Fashion Fix: Avoid low- and ultra low-rise cuts and opt for mid-rise styles.
• Plumber's Crack: A low-rise reveals your unmentionables when you bend over.
• Fashion Fix: When you crouch or sit down wearing low-rise jeans, hike up your jeans and pull down your shirt, preventing innocent bystanders from viewing your butt-crack or thong.
• Bubble-Gum Jeans: Stretch is not meant to be tested at its limit: just because you can squeeze your body into a size doesn't mean it fits.
• Fashion Fix: Avoid cheap stretch denim, and make sure you can walk and sit comfortably without feeling sausaged into your jeans.