1. Starting with a plan

Before I even enter the store, I have to know what type of jeans I want. Plain and basic … or distressed and with embellishments. Slim or loose fit. Low or high waist. Light or dark colors. I need a clear focus for quick results.

2. Scanning

Quickly browsing through the rack and looking for a garment that seems appealing. Do I like the style? Do I get excited about the stitching, the pockets, the color? What is my first impression of the fabric? What info is on the label?

3. High quality

If one pair of jeans seems interesting, I pull the hanger out of the rack and examine it further. Does it have a long zipper or even better … buttons in the front? Are the pockets deep? Each of these are signs of a high quality cut.

4. Fit check

Now it’s time to get the measuring tape out? Yes, I am measuring the jeans and check the waist first. If it’s too tight or too loose, the hanger goes directly back on the rack. The other two important sizes are the back rise and the thigh.

5. Assessment

When buying in the second hand store you have to check for these: stains, holes, rubbed edges mainly in the crotch area and the function of the zipper. And, you have to do a sniff test. If it smells funky, it stays in the shop.

6. Trying on

If you are lucky, the store has chancing rooms, and you can finally try on the jeans. Or you have to be bold and wear thin sportswear to the shopping trip – to be able to just throw on the jeans – in between the aisles at the trift store.