Decode denim: Learn the lingo so you can find the best fitting jeans.

WHAT IT SAYS: Low-rise
WHAT IT MEANS: The rise is the distance from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. Low-rise styles come up only to about 3 inches below your belly button.

WHAT IT SAYS: Boot-cut
WHAT IT MEANS: These jeans are designed to fit over a pair of boots. They’re straight through the leg, with just a bit of flare at the bottom.

WHAT IT SAYS: Flare
WHAT IT MEANS: Narrower in the knee than a boot-cut design, flares are also slightly wider at the bottom, for a more exaggerated shape.

WHAT IT SAYS: Skinny
WHAT IT MEANS: This trendy style is fitted in the leg all the way to the ankle. The fabric usually has quite a bit of stretch and needs to be washed more often to retain the shape.

WHAT IT SAYS: Wash
WHAT IT MEANS: This term refers to the process of coloring the denim. Washes can be dark, medium or light. More stylized washes, such as “destroyed” denim, are also popular.

• Find the the best jeans style for your shape!