Jeans are a wardrobe staple for many people, regardless of their age. However, when you get into your 60s, you may wonder if you should still be wearing jeans or how to wear them in an age-appropriate way. The good news is that jeans can still be stylish and flattering after 60! It just requires knowing what styles and fits work best for your body type. With some thoughtful consideration about rise, wash, distressing, and fit, you can find jeans in your 60s that make you look and feel great.
Should you wear jeans in your 60s?
There is no reason you can’t wear jeans in your 60s if you want to! While some people may believe that jeans are only for young people, the truth is that denim is universal. Jeans are classics that transcend age. As long as you select styles that flatter your figure, there is no maximum age limit for wearing denim. Many women in their 60s and beyond still enjoy rocking jeans. Ultimately, you should wear what makes you feel confident and stylish. If jeans fit your personal style, then, by all means, wear them! Don’t let an arbitrary age guideline dictate your wardrobe.
Choose the right rise
One of the most important considerations for wearing jeans in your 60s is rise. The rise refers to the distance between the crotch seam and the waistband. For many older women, a medium or high rise is most flattering. Here are some tips on choosing the most flattering rise for your body:
- High rise hits near your natural waistline and fully covers your stomach.
- Mid rise hits below your belly button.
- Low rise sits low on your hips.
A high or mid rise is ideal for women over 60 because it slims the waistline and prevents gapping in the back. Low rise jeans tend to be less flattering as you age because they can slide down, expose skin, and cause muffin top. Look for a rise that hits just below your belly button or close to your natural waist. The extra coverage will slim your middle.
Consider the wash
Dark washes tend to be the most slimming and flattering jean colors for women over 60. mid-tone washes like medium blue are also excellent choices. Here are some of the best jean washes to consider:
- Dark wash – Sleek and elongating on the legs.
- Black wash – Slimming and sophisticated.
- Medium wash – Classic and polishes.
- Dark blue wash – Flattering and versatile.
Lighter washes and distressed styles can work, but beware of too much fading or distressing. Excessive fading and rips can sometimes read as sloppy rather than stylish. Go for darker finishes that lengthen the legs.
Choose the right fit
Finding a great fitting jean is critical after 60. Look for these fit characteristics:
- Straight leg – Classic and elongating.
- Boot cut – Balances and flatters curves.
- Skinny – Sleek, but make sure it’s not too tight.
- Relaxed – Comfortable through the thigh.
Stay away from baggy, shapeless fits or overly embellished styles with lots of extra seams, buttons, and embellishments. Keep the look clean and streamlined.
You also want the jean to fit smoothly over your stomach and bottom. There should be no pulling, gapping, or muffin top. The waistband should lie flat and the jeans should fit close without squeezing. Stretch denim is ideal for allowing a flattering, wrinkle-free fit.
Watch the length
Jeans that are too long will bunch up unattractively at your ankles. On the other hand, jeans that are too short can make your legs look stumpy. To find the ideal length:
- Stand barefoot and have a friend mark where the crease falls at your ankle.
- The hem should meet just at the mark when wearing flats.
- For heels, add an extra 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch to allow for lift.
This will allow the jeans to graze the tops of your shoes flatteringly. jeans that puddle on the floor or expose too much ankle should be avoided.
Consider stretch fabrics
Stretch denim includes spandex or elastane, making the jeans more flexible. Stretch fabric helps jeans keep their shape while allowing comfort. The extra give is also great for movement. Since many women over 60 deal with issues like arthritis, stretch denim can be easier to wear. Look for jeans containing 2-4% spandex.
Some examples of great stretch jeans brands for women over 60 include:
- Lee Flex Motion Jeans
- Levi’s Sculpt Jeans
- NYDJ Stretch Jeans
- Anne Klein Stretch Jeans
- Lucky Brand Sculpt & Lift Jeans
Stretch material will move with your body yet keep its structure. It prevents jeans from sagging or bagging out.
Play with distressing
Distressed details like whiskering, fading, and shredded holes can add stylish edge to jeans after 60. However, you want to keep distressing minimal and elegant. Avoid jeans with large rips or tears, especially around the knees. Here are some tips for pulling off distressing with sophistication:
- Go for light hand-sanding versus excessive whiskering.
- Opt for a single knee slit or hole versus heavy shredding.
- Focus distressing on the pockets versus all over.
- Make sure any fraying appears intentional versus haphazard.
Subtle distressing adds visual interest without looking over the top. Keep distressing looking neat and polished.
Take proper measurements
Having your body measurements accurately taken is key to identifying the perfect size. Don’t rely on approximate sizing numbers. Ask a tailor or seamstress to carefully measure your:
- Waist circumference right at the navel.
- Hip circumference at the widest point.
- Inseam from crotch to floor without shoes on.
Armed with proper measurements, you can identify your ideal size in any jean brand. Sizes vary widely between manufacturers. Accurate measurements help you find the best fit.
Conclusion
Jeans can absolutely still be fashionable and flattering after age 60 with the right style choices. Focus on rises, washes, and fits that enhance your body shape. Darker denim with minimal distressing lends a polished look. Don’t be afraid to embrace jeans – just be selective in finding pairs with timeless style and a figure-flattering fit. With so many great jeans now designed specifically for women over 60, you can rock denim with confidence and class.
Wearing Jeans Over 60 – A Helpful Checklist
Rise
- [ ] High rise (at or near waist)
- [ ] Mid rise (below belly button)
- [ ] Low rise (below hips)
Wash
- [ ] Dark wash (sleek and slimming)
- [ ] Black wash (slimming and chic)
- [ ] Medium wash (polished and classic)
- [ ] Minimal fading/distressing
Fit
- [ ] Straight leg (classic and elongating)
- [ ] Boot cut (flattering and balances curves)
- [ ] Skinny (sleek but not too tight)
- [ ] Relaxed (comfortable through the thigh)
- [ ] No muffin top or gapping at waistband
Length
- [ ] Hem hits top of shoes when wearing flats
- [ ] Hem is 1/4 to 1/2 inch longer when wearing heels
- [ ] No bunching at the ankles
Fabric
- [ ] Stretch denim with spandex/elastane
- [ ] Minimum 2% spandex/elastane
- [ ] Retains structure but has give
Use this checklist when shopping for jeans to help you select pairs that check all the boxes for flattering women over 60. Considering these factors will ensure you find age-appropriate jeans with timeless style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rise of jeans is most flattering for women over 60?
A high or mid rise is typically the most flattering and comfortable rise for women over 60. High rise jeans sit near your natural waistline. Mid rise jeans land below your belly button. Both adequately cover the stomach and prevent gapping in the back.
Should older women avoid skinny jeans?
Not necessarily. The key is choosing skinny jeans with some stretch to them. Stretch fabric will allow the skinny jeans to cling smoothly rather than squeezing tightly. Look for skinny jeans with at least 2% spandex. Stay away from skinny jeans that are stiff or compressive. The right stretchy skinnies can look modern and chic.
What wash of denim is best for mature women?
Darker denim washes are ideal for women over 60. Deep indigo, black, and dark blue washes are universal and slimming. They create a long, streamlined silhouette. Lighter washes can work for some women but beware of washes with extreme fading or whiskering, which can appear dated.
Should I avoid distressed or ripped jeans after 60?
You don’t necessarily have to avoid distressed jeans over 60. The key is keeping distressing minimal and polished. Opt for a small knee slit versus dramatic shredding. Focus any fading or whiskering details on the pockets only. Avoid jeans with large holes or excessive fraying for a sophisticated vibe.
What length of jeans is most flattering for older women?
The right jean length hits at the crease of your ankle bone or just above the back of your shoe. Hem jeans you plan to wear with flats so they break slightly above the shoe. Allow an extra 1/4 to 1/2 inch longer for heels. Proper length will keep your jeans from bunching or getting wet and dirty.
Conclusion
Jeans can still be chic after 60 with some thoughtful styling. Seek flattering rises, dark washes, and stretch fits. Add sophisticated distressing and proper lengths. Follow these tips to identify jeans that accentuate your curves rather than working against them. With so many great styles now catering to the over-60 crowd, you can wear denim as part of a modern, youthful wardrobe. Jeans are ageless when chosen with care and confidence.