Jeans Mistakes That Are Making You Look Older

When it comes to timeless fashion staples, it doesn't get any better than a good pair of jeans. No matter who you are and what your style is, everybody should have some go-to denim in their perfect capsule wardrobe. While jeans are a must for any age, it's easy to make mistakes with this classic item and end up with a look that's unflattering, out of style, or even aging. Since jeans trends come and go, it's important to update your favorite pair every so often, while ensuring any denim you decide to keep is still serving you.

According to Krissy King, founder and designer of Krissy King the Label and co-founder and producer of The Bureau Fashion Week, there are a few key denim mistakes that people tend to make again and again. When you cling to old styles and don't embrace the new, what should be a flattering garment can make you look much older than you are. But there's more to think about than just silhouettes and trends; jeans also have to work with your body. Those that don't fit or draw attention to the wrong areas will do you no favors. This might sound intimidating, but King exclusively ensures Glam that it's just about finding a pair that works for you: "It's all about keeping it simple and letting your personal style shine!"

The top mistake that people tend to make with jeans is holding onto styles that have long been discarded by the fashion world. "If your jeans are an old-school cut or wash, like overly baggy or acid-washed, they can make your outfit look dated and add years to your appearance," Krissy King exclusively warns Glam. Of course, that doesn't mean you need to immediately jump on every single new denim trend — including those that don't suit you — and throw away your favorite pair. But those jeans that are so outdated that they evoke a particular era — like 2023's barrel-leg jeans that reigned as the premier denim trend of the time, the Y2K low-rise bootcut, or 2010s-era skinny jeans — can make you look stuck in the past. Note that boot-cut jeans in general are timeless, but those low-rise waists scream the noughties.

Trends do matter, but your personal preferences and fashion sense should always come before temporary fads. If there's an outdated pair that you just can't say goodbye to and you don't want to retire it to the back of your closet until it comes back into fashion, there are ways to redeem it. "A cropped jacket, blazer, or lightweight sweater adds a modern edge," King explains. By adding other pieces that are stylish, you can save a look from being entirely outdated, and your old jeans may even come across as intentionally vintage. To this end, King recommends paying special attention to your footwear, as your shoes can be your saving grace. "Clean sneakers, ankle boots, or loafers instantly elevate your outfit," she observes. Several retro shoe styles are actually seeing a resurgence in 2025, including clogs and ballet flats, like the Dansko Professional Slip-On Clogs and Athlefit Slingback Flats, respectively.

Once you reach a certain age, you should be aware of the number-one fashion rule: Clothes that don't fit will never flatter you, no matter how cool or stylish they are. Being uncomfortable is a surefire way to ruin any look. So, naturally, Krissy King recommends avoiding denim that doesn't work with your body. "Jeans that are too tight or way too loose can highlight areas you might not want to show off, making you look older instead of stylish," she tells Glam exclusively. You may be able to stretch out your fave too-tight leather boots, but your legs, hips, and waist deserve to be fitted properly.

Pay special attention to the waistline, as this is a common problem area where jeans tend to cut in or hang. There's no shame in moving up or down a size when your body needs it; brands are notorious for having inconsistent sizing across the board, so go with what feels the best rather than a specific number you think you should fit into. 

Speaking of waistlines, Krissy King explains that this is one area where people tend to get jeans wrong the most. A pair might have flattering bottoms or have a stylish wash, but if you end up with an unflattering waistline, the entire look can suffer. "Super high-waisted mom jeans or very low-rise styles can draw attention to the wrong places, making you look less youthful," King says. If these are your preferred styles, ensure that you're comfortable with the way they make your waist look. If not, it might be best to go with something more flattering. 

Finding the best pair of jeans can be complicated because it tends to correlate with a person's body type. Even though jeans got baggier in 2024, both slim-fitting and wide-leg jeans are flattering on most body shapes, while those that are wider or flared, such as barrel-leg jeans, tend to suit those with wider hips or an hourglass shape. Meanwhile, structured, straight-leg jeans (which were trendy most recently in 2023) tend to suit those with more narrow hips and wider shoulders. In addition to nailing the perfect shape for your body and waistline, it can help to balance out your look with complementary silhouettes. "Pair skinny jeans with loose tops or straight-leg jeans with fitted ones," King advises us.

Sometimes, the silhouette or style of your jeans might not be dated, but the garment still becomes worn and old. According to Krissy King, sticking with a rickety pair can age you, as is the case with all other clothing once it reaches its expiration date. "Faded, saggy, or overly distressed (from wear and tear) jeans can give the impression that your wardrobe (and maybe you) need an upgrade," she shares exclusively with Glam. To avoid this, monitor your wardrobe, particularly at the start of each new season, and pay attention to which jeans are looking worse for wear. Try to take the emotion out of it, though that's easier said than done. Sometimes, letting go of a pair you love can be tricky, but if they're worn-out, that's the best thing for you and your wardrobe.

While no pair of jeans will live forever, King recommends opting for classic washes from the beginning since they never go out of style. Think dark or mid-wash over light-wash denim, and of course, be aware that every denim wash has its ideal color pairings. These may still get worn out quickly if they're not high-quality or if they're not well-taken care of, but you can trust that you won't have to retire them early because their wash makes them look dated before their time.