Even seasoned denim enthusiasts occasionally fall into common traps that compromise fit, longevity, or style. Whether you're new to low rise jeans or have been wearing them for years, reviewing these frequent mistakes can help you get more satisfaction from every pair in your collection.
Mistake #1: Buying the Wrong Size
This might seem obvious, but it's by far the most common denim error. Many people buy jeans that are either too small (hoping they'll "stretch out") or too large (for comfort that ultimately looks sloppy). Both approaches lead to disappointment.
The reality: While denim does stretch with wear, typically by 0.5-1.5 centimetres in the waist and slightly in the thighs, the overall structure remains. Jeans that are genuinely too small will never become comfortable, and jeans that are too big will never look polished.
The fix: Buy jeans that fit properly at the point of purchase, with just enough room to move comfortably. For stretch denim, you can size down slightly, but for rigid denim, buy your true size and accept a short break-in period.
When trying on jeans, sit down, squat, and walk around. If they're uncomfortable or restrictive during any of these movements, they're too small—even if they look fine while standing still.
Mistake #2: Ignoring the Rise Measurement
Many shoppers focus exclusively on waist and length measurements, overlooking rise—the measurement from crotch seam to waistband. For low rise jeans especially, this measurement dramatically affects both comfort and appearance.
The problem: A rise that's too low can cause constant discomfort and coverage concerns. A rise that's not low enough might not achieve the aesthetic you're seeking.
The fix: Measure the rise on jeans that fit you well and use this as a reference when shopping. Most brands now include rise measurements in their product details. For low rise styles, expect rises between 17-22cm, with anything under 17cm being ultra-low.
Mistake #3: Washing Jeans Too Frequently
Over-washing is one of the fastest ways to fade colour, break down fibres, and shorten the life of your jeans. Many people wash jeans after every wear out of habit rather than necessity.
The impact: Each wash cycle removes some indigo dye and weakens cotton fibres. Excessive washing also accelerates the deterioration of any stretch content in the fabric.
The fix: Aim to wash jeans every 5-10 wears, or when they're visibly dirty or smelly. Spot-clean stains between washes, and air out jeans overnight to freshen them without water exposure.
Mistake #4: Using Hot Water and High Heat
Hot water and machine drying on high heat are enemies of quality denim. Heat causes cotton to shrink, breaks down elastane fibres, and accelerates colour loss.
The damage: A single hot wash and high-heat dry cycle can shrink jeans by 1-3% and noticeably fade the colour. Over time, this treatment will render even quality denim shapeless and faded.
The fix: Always wash jeans in cold water on a gentle cycle. Air dry when possible; if you must machine dry, use the lowest heat setting and remove jeans while still slightly damp.
Cold water and air drying can extend the life of your jeans by years. This simple change is the single most impactful thing you can do for denim longevity.
Mistake #5: Not Turning Jeans Inside Out
A small step that many skip, turning jeans inside out before washing protects the outer surface from friction against other garments and the washing machine drum.
The difference: The exterior of jeans washed right-side-out shows more friction wear, faster fading at stress points, and potential damage from zippers and buttons on other items.
The fix: Make it a habit—always turn jeans inside out before they go in the wash. This takes seconds and significantly reduces surface wear.
Mistake #6: Choosing Style Over Fit
It's tempting to buy jeans in a trendy style even when the fit isn't quite right for your body. Perhaps the skinny cut everyone's wearing doesn't suit your proportions, or the ultra-low rise you love causes constant discomfort.
The result: Jeans that look great on the hanger or on others but never feel right on you. These often end up unworn at the back of the wardrobe.
The fix: Prioritise fit over trend. Every jean style comes in variations, and with enough shopping, you can find current styles in cuts that work for your specific body. If a particular trend truly doesn't work for you, that's okay—not every style is meant for every body.
Mistake #7: Skipping the Movement Test
Many people assess jeans only while standing in front of a mirror. But you don't spend your day standing still—you sit, walk, bend, and move in countless ways that static standing doesn't reveal.
What you miss: Jeans might gap at the back when sitting, pull uncomfortably when squatting, or ride down constantly while walking. These issues often only become apparent after purchase.
The fix: In the fitting room, put jeans through a full movement test. Sit in a chair. Squat down. Walk around. Bend over. Check your coverage and comfort from all angles in each position.
When buying jeans online, immediately try them on and perform the movement test before removing tags. Keep receipts handy—it's better to exchange an ill-fitting pair than force yourself to wear jeans that don't work.
Mistake #8: Ignoring Fabric Content
Not all denim is created equal, and fabric content significantly affects how jeans perform over time. Many shoppers overlook the fabric composition label, focusing only on look and fit at purchase.
What happens: Jeans with poor-quality stretch components lose their shape. 100% cotton denim doesn't accommodate those who need give. The wrong fabric content for your needs leads to dissatisfaction.
The fix: Check the fabric content and understand what it means. Quality stretch denim typically contains 92-99% cotton with 1-3% elastane. Higher elastane content (5%+) offers more stretch but may not hold shape as well. Consider your needs: do you need stretch for comfort, or prefer the structure of rigid denim?
Mistake #9: Neglecting Alterations
Few people have bodies that perfectly match standard sizing. Rather than settling for almost-right fit, many jeans can be tailored to fit you precisely.
Common issues fixed by tailoring:
- Hem length adjusted for your height
- Waistband taken in to eliminate gaping
- Leg taper adjusted for different proportions
The fix: Find a good tailor and consider alteration costs as part of your jeans investment. A $30 alteration that makes a $150 pair fit perfectly is money well spent. Not all modifications are possible, but many common fit issues are easily corrected.
Mistake #10: Storing Jeans Improperly
How you store jeans affects their longevity and ready-to-wear condition. Improper storage leads to unnecessary creasing, stretched waistbands, and even pest damage.
Common storage errors:
- Hanging by belt loops, which stretches the waistband
- Cramming jeans into overcrowded drawers
- Storing in damp conditions that promote mildew
- Leaving in direct sunlight, causing fading
The fix: Fold jeans neatly along their seams and store flat in a drawer or on a shelf. If hanging, use clamp-style hangers that grip the waistband or hem evenly. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For seasonal storage, use breathable garment bags rather than plastic.
Bonus: The Mindset Mistake
Perhaps the biggest mistake isn't about the jeans at all—it's believing you need to conform to one "correct" way of wearing denim. Fashion rules are guidelines, not laws. Low rise jeans work for more body types and occasions than many people assume, and personal comfort and confidence matter more than following trends precisely.
Trust your own judgment. If jeans feel good and you like how you look in them, that's ultimately what matters. Avoid the mistake of letting anyone else's rules prevent you from enjoying your denim exactly as you prefer.