Get a Leg Up on Denim Fashion

For an item of clothing that is such a staple in most wardrobes, blue jeans cause an inordinate amount of angst.

Once you had the choice of two, maybe three, brands, and now there seem to be hundreds, and most pretty pricey at that. Women may have the patience to try on a few dozen different labels, but many men just want to get into the store and get out again as quickly as possible.

While there's no real substitute for trying on a pair, we do have a few helpful hints to narrow down the range.

Color

As we edge into spring, one thing you have to know about your old blues is that they're old. The latest hues range from pearly washed-out shades to bohemian-influenced brights like grass green, yellow and turquoise (perhaps best left to the bohemians).

	Earnest Sewn's Fulton

According to Timothy Elliott of Barneys New York, many jeans this season are a whiter shade of pale. He adds, "You also have a trend towards a bit of a higher waist," which should be welcome news to anyone who has wanted to keep certain parts of their bodies under wraps.

Quantity
You want to have at least two pairs: A dressier, more going-out kind of jean, and the everyday, oh-I-just-threw-these-on-but-happen-to-look-great pair.

For guys on the shorter side, length is crucial. Don't let them pool up around your ankles, and the hem should meet the top of your shoe sole. Also, go for a straight line or boot-cut -- styles that are good choices for the muscular, the most difficult body type to fit (try denim with a bit of stretch).