Jeans are an essential wardrobe staple for many of us, but just how many jeans do you really need and what’s the ‘normal’ amount of jeans to have in your wardrobe?
Research cited by Fashion United found that on average women own 7 pairs of jeans and that men own on average 6 pairs, but despite this, we only really wear 4 pairs that we own.
So why is that so many of us have more jeans that we actually need or actively wear?
There could be a few reasons for this. Weight fluctuation means that some of us have jeans in various sizes, so whether we’ve gone up or down in weight, we’ll choose the jeans we wear accordingly.
For mums that have recently had babies or for anyone who’s gained weight for one reason or another, there might be a good few pairs of too-small jeans sat in the back of the wardrobe, kept in the hope that one day they will fit again!
Likewise, for those wishing to gain weight, there might be a pair of jeans bought in a larger size that you’re hoping to fit into one day.
But if weight fluctuations aren’t to blame, what else could account for the average 7 pairs of jeans?
We’ve seen some big trend changes with jeans over the last few years as straight leg and boot-cut have become less fashionable, whilst skinny and relaxed fit jeans had grown in popularity, so another reason for this jean-hoarding could be changes in styles, perhaps you have a pair of old much-loved boot cut jeans you’re keeping hold of until they become fashionable again?
How many pairs of jeans do you really need?
Whatever the reasons behind this rather excessive average jean ownership rate, denim experts believe that 3 pairs of jeans is enough for any wardrobe, these 3 pairs of jeans can be categorised as;
- Dressy jeans
- Every day casual jeans
- Messy jeans
Dressy jeans are those jeans you love that can easily be dressed up for a night out. Typically, these could be skinny black jeans as they are super easy to dress up (or down!) and are super versatile too.
Every day casual jeans might be a more relaxed fit, and in a more classic blue denim. These are the sort of jeans that you can fling on at the weekend and will go with a range of different types of footwear and more casual looks.
Messy jeans are likely to be comfy and relaxed, the kind of jeans you can pop on when doing jobs around the house or just for knocking around at home in, and might typically be an old pair of jeans that have faded, got rips in them or are no longer considered stylish.
So there you have it, from the experts, you only really need 3 pairs of jeans. But let’s face it, when does ‘need’ really come into it when your shopping for clothes and are tempted by something you love?
As with all aspects of keeping your wardrobe in check, we’d thoroughly recommend that you don’t let it get out of control. If you’ve not worn something in the last year, jeans or otherwise why not donate them to charity or raise a bit of money by selling them online?
Perhaps you’ve been given a pair of jeans from a friend or family member that either aren’t quite the right size or style for you, but you’re keeping hold of them anyway?
However many pairs of jeans you have (we don't judge!) don't forget your Holé button covers to keep your tops in perfect condition and prevent those pesky tiny holes from appearing.
FAQs
Trends and Personal Style: If you enjoy keeping up with fashion trends or have a particular style, you might want to have a few pairs that reflect the current fashion. Considering these factors, a reasonable range could be around 3 to 6 pairs of jeans in your wardrobe.
How many pairs of jeans is too much? ›
As a general guideline, it's recommended to have at least three to five pairs of jeans in your wardrobe. This allows for some variety and ensures you have options for different occasions and styles. However, keep in mind that this number can vary depending on personal preferences and lifestyle.
How many pairs of jeans does the average person have? ›
The average American woman owns seven pairs of jeans. However, most women only wear four pairs out of their jeans collection on a regular basis.
Is 3 pairs of jeans enough? ›
That is quite a large number for a single garment that professes to be easy to style and is versatile enough to be worn in many different ways and therefore lends itself well to frequent repetition. That being said, three pairs of jeans are all you need, according to Max Wong, a part-time denim trader via Wise Bread.
How many jeans does the average American woman own? ›
Research cited by Fashion United found that on average women own 7 pairs of jeans and that men own on average 6 pairs, but despite this, we only really wear 4 pairs that we own. So why is that so many of us have more jeans that we actually need or actively wear?
How many wears should jeans last? ›
The more specific guideline is to wash them once every 10 wears at most to keep them fitting correctly and make sure you minimize sagging. We're not saying you can go even longer between washes—but we are saying some people wait until their jeans start to smell before they wash them.
Is it bad to wear the same pair of jeans Everyday? ›
If jeans aren't sweaty, dirty or stained, they don't have to be washed often, Rossi said. “I personally don't wash my jeans,” he added. Mohammed recommended washing jeans monthly but acknowledged it depends on your lifestyle and environment.
How often should you replace jeans? ›
The average lifespan for a pair of jeans, according to the International Fabric Institute Fair Claims Guide, is 2-3 years. But there are a few factors that can either make jeans fall short of that standard or outlast it by years. How long a pair of jeans lasts depends on three variables: Quality.
How many wears for jeans to stretch? ›
Dry, 100% cotton denim expands anywhere between one inch to 1.5 inches over a three month period of daily wear. From there I machine washing a few times before my usual first daring repair, and then continue to cold wash and hang dry throughout the denim's life.
How many pairs of clothes do I really need? ›
Research on How Many Clothes We Need
Ask a researcher how many clothes do I really need, and you'll get some interesting answers. According to a report referenced by Vogue in 2022 that leans on sustainability goals, “The researchers found that a “sufficient” wardrobe consists of 74 garments and 20 outfits in total.
Wash denim with like colors.
Since denim is heavy and holds water, avoid washing more than two pairs of jeans together.
How many pairs of pants does the average woman own? ›
The number of casual pants you only need and wear is 4 to 5, even though most women own 7 pants on average.
How many breaks should jeans have? ›
Straight-leg jeans generally look best with a single break, creating a neat and well-tailored look. In contrast, skinny jeans can be slightly shorter, showing a hint of the ankle for a modern and trendy appeal.
What size jeans do most models wear? ›
Editorial and runway women models' waist is usually 24″–25″, hips 35″-36″. Jeans sizes vary between 25 to 27.
How many pairs of jeans is ideal? ›
Considering these factors, a reasonable range could be around 3 to 6 pairs of jeans in your wardrobe. This would provide you with enough variety for different occasions, styles, and seasons without overwhelming your closet.
What size does the average woman in the US wear? ›
American women have long been told that the average size is 14. But it's actually a size 16, according to a recent study.
Can I wear jeans 5 times? ›
A good rule of thumb is to wash your jeans after every 3-10 wears, or when they start to smell. If you're regularly active in your jeans (think: manual work, anything where you work up a sweat), wash them every 3 wears, but if you're working at a desk, you can probably go through multiple wears without washing.
How many wears before jeans stretch? ›
Dry, 100% cotton denim expands anywhere between one inch to 1.5 inches over a three month period of daily wear.
How long does the average person keep a pair of jeans? ›
The average lifespan for a pair of jeans, according to the International Fabric Institute Fair Claims Guide, is 2-3 years. But there are a few factors that can either make jeans fall short of that standard or outlast it by years. How long a pair of jeans lasts depends on three variables: Quality.
How many pairs of jeans make a load of laundry? ›
Washing Machine Capacity
| Washing Machine Capacity (KG) | Amount and Type of Clothes |
|---|
| 7 | 28 T-shirts/ 7 shirts and three pairs of pants |
| 8 | 32 T-shirts/ 2 bedsheets and 4 towels/ 8 shirts and three pairs of jeans |
| 10 | 40 T-shirts/ 3 bedsheets, 3 towels, and 6 pillowcases/ 5 shirts, two pairs of jeans, and two towels |
5 more rowsOct 15, 2023
