The post-skinny-jeans guide to buying denim, for every body

What about men, do they feel the pressure? Yes, to a lesser extent, though this is changing, Mair says. “As body-consciousness has spread across genders, most likely as a result of the move towards gender fluidity, men are becoming more aware of their physical appearance. And now this is becoming a problem with men reporting lower body-satisfaction than women.

Best “now” style: In case you missed the memo, it’s all about the slim (not skinny) jean this season. Ksubi’s Brooklyn is about as good a mid-rise, straight jean you can get, while the fashion crowd loves Nobody Denim’s Frankie. Mackinnon says shorter bodies need to offset the cropped length with a higher waist to maintain the illusion of length. “The fit should be firm on the waist, with some room in the hips and thighs,” she says. “Pocket placement on the bum is really important – avoid small or high pockets and choose bigger, lower placed pockets.”

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Best for talls: Photographer Liz Sunshine is nudging six foot and can’t go past her Viktoria & Woods boyfriend jeans but also loves Acne Studios’ straight leg in mid-blue, which she wears with sneakers and socks. “They are comfortable even though they aren’t stretchy. Perfect for all things Mum and kid life.” Her other rates are Mother Denim’s stretch mid-rise flares – “perfect for a night out” – and Maggie Marilyn’s white boyfriend jeans. “I like them oversized and in a thicker denim. I like wearing all white with a black belt and shoes.”

Best for guys: Fashion writer Benjamen Judd encourages men to look at numerous price points. Judd rates A.P.C (“like a classic Levi’s with a more luxury tone”) and Australian brand Neuw for “actual variety available for body type and they are big on sustainable treatments and methods”. As for his underrated faves? JAG and Assembly Label, “another very affordable brand … the IKEA of denim”, especially the black wash.

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