For someone who’s nowhere near a denim aficionado (I’m a tapered trouser kinda lady), I had my work out when it came to test driving some jeans as part of my job.
Befuddled by the sheer choice of shapes, cuts and styles, after much deliberation (and research), I settled for the high rise, straight leg Hunter jean (a brave detour from my usual denim choice) by celebrity go-to brand, James Jeans (fans include Rachel Bilson, Hilary Duff and Zoe Saldana, to name a few).
Highly impressed by the super-soft 9oz denim fabric, I was pleased to find that the Hunter jean was comfortably stretchy; far from the deceptive size 10 pairs I have picked up over the years that refuse to slip on without a fight!
Being a high rise pair meant the Hunter jean sat quite high on my waist – I usually tend to opt for low rise styles – and I found the effect to be quite flattering around the hip area, almost ‘lifting’ my excuse of a derrière to new heights of visibility!
But, my initial excitement was sadly short-lived, as when I opted for the high rise style I didn’t quite factor in the fact that the leg length would increase so much. Being an awkward 5’6.5″ tall with an inseam measurement of 27″ means I don’t have the Kloss legs needed to carry off the extra six inches of the Hunter, causing the jean to gather at my ankles. Being a straight leg cut means folding isn’t really an option, either! I also found that my chosen style gathered in an unusual way at the back of my knees.
For me, a certified flats lovers, the high rise Hunter would spell disaster, as I would only be able to carry off this design in the most flattering way possible if I were to wear it with super high heels. Worn with flats, personally, this pair would be a major style fail.
The soft-to-touch fabric and flattering effect around the hip area win major points from me, but with hindsight, I would not recommend choosing a high rise style if, like me, you have a shorter lower body. Venturing into new style terrain doesn’t always work out positively: a lesson well learnt!
Hunter Black Clean High Rise Jean, £155, available at James Jeans.
