Buying denim takes on a whole new guise as opposed to the quick nip to the shops that one can do to pick up a frilly holiday top.

The fit, when it comes to a good pair of jeans, is everything. Although you might buy the odd pair for fleeting fashion fads or novelty (frill hemmed capris, anyone?), if you're looking for that staple set, which will see you through at least a year, you're going to need to find the cut, colour, waist height and shape that suits your body from hip to toe.

Here's how the ELLE team find their dream denim...

Kenya Hunt

I've always been a sucker for a Scandi jean.

Kenya Hunt ELLE Fashion Features Director - denimpinterest

They do that higher waistline retro look very well. COS used to make a high-rise, cropped skinny that I bought in multiples. I loved them because they suited my frame really well and worked with ankle boots, brogues, trainers, sandals — basically any kind of shoe. So I was heartbroken when they stopped selling them.

COS, can we get those back???

So lately, I've been experimenting. My most recent purchases include a pair of men's 501 Levi's. I've also been wearing cropped flares and mom jeans by M.i.H. as well.

My biggest advice is to avoid the heartbreak of e-comm for denim - they almost never fit perfectly on the first try. And it's a hassle to go through rounds of returns and exchanges, no matter how fast a site's dispatch policy is.


Harriet Stewart

MiH is my favourite place to shop denim.

Their high-waisted boyfriend jeans fit me so well – they strike a perfect mix between sexy (read: bottom hugging) and comfy.

Clothing, Jeans, Fashion, Street fashion, Fur, Fashion model, Footwear, Shoulder, Brown, Neck, pinterest

I'm obsessed with their boilersuits too, which they've re-issued in a super-soft chambray denim as part of their Cult Denim Project; a limited run of cult pieces from their denim archive.


Kirsty Dale

I have lots of different pairs of jeans, from AG, Acne, Frame and MiH, to Topshop and H&M.

Kirsty Dale ELLE denimpinterest

The AG jeans are boyfriend-style, with rips and just have a lived in look and are good if you like your jeans soft in feel.

My latest pair is from MiH and they are a cropped, with a great wide leg flare and a distressed hem. I actually liked the shape so much and really wanted these in cream as well for the summer - after all, once you find a shape that works, you might as well invest in a couple of options.

I have also bought two pairs of jeans from H&M this season. I think some of their shapes are particular good if you are petite like me and don't have model–length long legs.

My main tip for jeans is to invest in the classic shape that works for you in different washes. I am also a fan of ordering jeans online – MATCHES, H&M or ASOS – there is nothing like trying jeans on in the true light of your bedroom and with all the different pairs of shoes you are wanting to wear with them.


Billie Bhatia

Can I pretend I fit my fat ass into 7 For All Mankind - I want to channel VB circa 2004?

Billie Bhatia ELLEpinterest

I buy my jeans from ASOS Curve as I think plus-size denim on the high street is really limited.

I keep it classic with a black straight leg and customise the bottoms with a frayed edge or a rolled up hem. For the summer, I venture into light denims and washes, but still that ankle grazing, high waisted vibe.


Michelle Duguid

Michelle Duguid ELLEpinterest

I do two different approaches. I buy Levi's for my husband and let him wear them in for me. I then nick them after a year or so.

I also have started to love Citizen of Humanity who do a high waist well.