Age often comes with rules and milestones: you can’t legally drive until a certain age, you can’t book a hotel room without meeting age requirements, and there are even age restrictions for buying alcohol. But what about the things we might eventually grow out of as we get older? Surprisingly, one of those everyday staples could be something as simple as a pair of jeans.
For many of us, denim is a wardrobe essential. It’s comfortable, versatile, and has been around for generations. But according to some fashion experts—and one eye-opening survey—you might actually “age out” of wearing jeans. In fact, there’s even a suggested age limit for when people should finally hang up their denim for good.
The insight comes from a survey conducted by CollectPlus, a UK-based courier company, which questioned 2,000 shoppers about their clothing habits. Participants were asked about their shopping preferences, their struggles with finding the perfect fit, and specifically about their experiences with jeans. The findings were both surprising and a little discouraging for die-hard denim lovers.
According to the results, the consensus was clear: most people believe jeans become more trouble than they’re worth after the age of 53. That conclusion doesn’t come from outdated fashion rules, but from the frustration of trying to find a pair that actually fits well. As our bodies change with age, it becomes harder to find denim that feels comfortable, stylish, and flattering all at once.
The numbers tell the story. Nearly one in ten people over 50 admitted they had to try on as many as six different pairs before finally finding one that worked. What used to be a fun shopping trip suddenly becomes an exhausting chore. By the age of 53, most respondents said the stress of jean shopping peaked, and for some, it was downright overwhelming. In fact, six percent of shoppers confessed that the process made them so upset that they cried in the dressing room.
And it’s not just older adults who find denim shopping difficult. The study also revealed that no matter your age, finding that “perfect pair” can feel like a science experiment. On average, people spend five to eight days searching for jeans that meet their expectations. Because the process is so frustrating, many shoppers put it off as long as possible, with most admitting they only buy new jeans once every three years.
While the results might sound discouraging, they don’t necessarily mean you have to stop wearing denim altogether once you hit your 50s. For some, jeans remain a timeless fashion choice that feels just as good at 60 as it did at 20. It really comes down to personal style and comfort. After all, fashion is about expressing yourself, not just following statistics.
If you’re determined to keep rocking your favorite pair of jeans well into your retirement years, consider this your pep talk. Sure, the hunt for that perfect fit might be stressful, but when you finally find jeans that make you feel confident, it’s worth it. Denim has survived every fashion trend from bell bottoms to skinny jeans for a reason—it’s here to stay. And whether you’re 25, 53, or 75, if slipping into a pair makes you feel good, then age is just a number.
