Helium

Any man can learn how to pick the perfect pair of jeans, and it's easy if you understand a few key buying points. Jeans remain among top sellers because they offer durability, easy care, low price, and they look and feel great. You should get many years of wear from any well-made pair of jeans, so the first thing to consider is comfort.

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The material must be soft enough for casual, all-day wear, and rugged enough for tough working conditions. Rub the material between your thumb and forefinger, and you'll know right away. If the material doesn't feel good between your fingertips, picture that same fabric against your thighs for eight hours or more.

No matter which denim you choose, real comfort is not possible unless you get the right fit for your body type. Slim guys prefer slim fit jeans, with a straight leg or boot cut as they compliment their body lines. Heavier guys go more for the loose fit and carpenter jeans, for both comfort and look.

The way your jeans look is especially important when choosing which jeans are suitable for specific settings such as work, recreation, and socializing? Choose bleached jeans and looser fits for more casual settings, and darker denims with more of a slim or regular fit for a dressier look. Jeans can get you by in just about any type of gathering when matched with the right shirt, or even a jacket.

With numerous manufacturers to choose from, the top brands include Levis, American Eagle, Wrangler, Diesel, and Lucky Brand. You'll find a wide variety of feel, fit, styles and colors from $20 to $60, but if you really need a designer's label on your jeans, you'd better be willing to pay from $70 to $150+ per pair.

Once at the store, buy your jeans according to their intended use, feel, and price. You'll walk out with the perfect pair of jeans that will be a top choice any time you walk into the closet.

By William S. James, originally written for the Helium marketplace, and submitted on August 7th, 2008