Jeans-THE 10 BEST STYLE STRATEGIES WE'VE EVER HEARD

Jeans: They're in every closet, but finding the right pair--the one that makes us look slim and sexy--is often harder than choosing a bikini. Enter Shape's first-ever fashion workbook. Our goal this issue is to help you uncover the jeans that fit your body type and style. Shape staffers--women of every height and size--tried on almost 300 pairs from 50 different brands. Here, the results of our tugging, pulling and even doing a few deep knee bends.
THE 10 BEST STYLE STRATEGIES WE'VE EVER HEARD
1 Consider buying one size smaller. Jeans can stretch 10 percent after moderate wear, so when trying them on, be sure they hug your body.
2 Buy two pairs. If you find a style you love, buy one and have it hemmed to wear with flats and keep the other long to wear with heels.
3 Choose a zipper over a button fly. It gives a cleaner, smoother look--no bunching.
4 Bring your favorite belt along when you shop. If you want to wear one, make sure the jean loops fit.
5 Wash and dry your jeans before any alterations. This will ensure that shrinkage is accounted for.
6 Keep the original hem. It may cost more, but for a seamless finish, request that the original hem be put back on.
7 Always wash in cold water. Warm water can cause shrinkage. (Turn them inside out to prevent fading.)
8 Skip fabric softener. It can break down the dye, leading to color loss.
9 Air-dry your jeans. Heat can shrink the fabric.
10 Dry-clean dressy jeans. This will keep the rinse darker and fresher-looking.