There are a surprising amount of activities you can’t do until you reach a certain age, like drive a car and rent a hotel room. On the flip side, you apparently can become too old to do certain things, too. That includes one rather commonplace habit: wearing jeans.
The data was collected by CollectPlus, a UK courier company that recently surveyed 2,000 national shoppers. They were asked to share their shopping habits and wardrobe preferences—all the way down to their perfect pair of jeans.
Based on the final data, the respondents seemed to agree that people shouldn’t be trying to squeeze into denim past the age of 53. The reason? It’s not because you’re making a fashion faux pas, though. In truth, it just becomes harder to find a pair that fits by that age.
Sadly, the numbers spell bad news for denim devotees. One in 10 of respondents over the age of 50 reported trying on up to six styles before finding the perfect pair, the researchers said. The study also found that most people experience peak stress levels while jeans shopping by age 53. Six percent of shoppers even became so upset they burst into tears.Of course, finding the perfect pair of blue jeans might as well be rocket science, no matter how old you are. In fact, research shows people spend an average of five to eight days searching for jeans. So it’s no surprise that most people don’t buy a new pair for another three years at minimum.
If you still want to rock your favorite pair of denims until you retire, we will cheer you on.
There are some surprising age-based milestones that many people may not be aware of—like the fact that jeans, a wardrobe staple for most, are supposedly harder to wear as you grow older. According to a survey conducted by CollectPlus, a UK courier company, wearing jeans past a certain age becomes more of a challenge, with 53 being the magic number where denim starts to lose its appeal. But this has less to do with style and more with the practical difficulties of finding the perfect fit.
The survey, which polled 2,000 national shoppers about their clothing habits, revealed that many people struggle to find jeans that fit comfortably once they pass the age of 50. It’s not that denim becomes an outdated fashion choice, but rather that the shopping process itself becomes more frustrating and stressful. One in 10 respondents over 50 admitted to trying on up to six different styles before finding a pair that works, and for some, the struggle is so intense that it even brings them to tears.
Shopping for jeans can be an ordeal at any age, with research showing that people spend an average of five to eight days searching for the right pair. For older adults, though, the process becomes more disheartening, with stress levels peaking by age 53, according to the study. The challenge of finding jeans that fit well and feel comfortable, combined with body changes that occur with age, leads many to give up on denim altogether.
However, this doesn’t mean you have to ditch your beloved blue jeans if they still bring you joy. Fashion is personal, and if jeans remain a staple in your wardrobe, there’s no rule saying you have to stop wearing them just because of a number. For those who remain dedicated to denim, perseverance can pay off, and the feeling of slipping into the perfect pair never goes out of style.
Ultimately, while the survey may suggest that jeans shopping gets tougher after a certain age, the decision to wear denim is entirely up to you. Whether you’re 23 or 73, if you love your jeans, wear them proudly—after all, comfort and confidence are what really matter.
