When only high-quality denim will do

Whether your backside resembles J. Lo or your legs stride like Cameron Diaz's, it is possible to find the right pair of jeans.

When it comes to buying premium denim, Jean Therapy owner Leah Eckelberger said consumers must open their minds, and their wallets, to a new pair of jeans.

''If you're buying premium jeans, you're paying for quality. You have to look at it as an investment in your wardrobe," she said. ''Open your closet, survey your wardrobe, and decide what you need."

Premium jeans, like the ones sold at Jean Therapy at the Hotel Commonwealth in Kenmore Square, range in price from $130 to $215.

For the typical American jean-shopping consumer, Eckelberger said knowing your lifestyle is key to establishing your price range.

''Every pair of premium denim jeans is different," she said.

Whether you're big in the behind, short in the torso, or round in the waist, there are general rules to follow for men and women, but Eckelberger suggests trying on various styles for the most comfortable fit.

For the bigger bottoms, Eckelberger says stay away from small back pockets. Additional detail and smaller back pockets on the backside give little bottoms an added boost.

''Spacing matters. The placement of the pockets make a difference in how jeans look on you," she said.

For the shorter crowd, Eckelberger said buyers should consider a fabric with a little stretch because it makes you appear taller and more proportioned.

''You want to take into consideration your waist-hip-thigh ratio," when shopping for the right pair of jeans, she said.

But the right pair of jeans may not necessarily be marketed to your gender. In today's metro-sexual world, Eckelberger said men's jeans are also made for women.

''The average waist size of a woman is 32 inches, and premium jean makers don't make jeans for women larger than 32 inches in the waist," she said. ''Men's jeans go up to a size 40 waist, so men and women can wear those jeans."

Eckelberger said the most popular jeans in her store for women are by Salt and Paige and range from $130 to $200. The men prefer Da'Mage and Edwin jeans, which sell for $200.

''When it comes to price, it's all about quality and appreciation of your body," said Eckelberger. ''If Gap jeans make you feel good, go with it. Think of jeans as a bathing suit. You're not going to buy a bathing suit that makes you feel uncomfortable or that you don't feel good in."

After a childhood of hand-me-down jeans, Eckelberger bought her first pair of high-priced jeans four years ago -- a pair of Seven for all Mankind for $150. Since then, premium jeans have become an addiction, and fitting people in the right pair of jeans a challenge.

''I love jeans because they translate into your lifestyle," she says.

But if you don't want to pay for high style, Eckelberger has a tip for that too. ''My dirty little secret is in the juniors department at Macy's -- Levi's 517," she said of the $45 jeans. ''If you're on a budget and need a good fit, these jeans are great."