Finding the perfect pair of jeans is like looking for a needle in a haystack — especially when that coveted needle is extra curvy, short, tall or shapeless.

"It is really hard, especially because I have to love them," said Sarah Jane Lesinski, an interdisciplinary studies in social science and health studies freshman. "I can never find a store where there is a pair of jeans I can always fit into."

Even though shopping for jeans can be frustrating or intimidating, the experience can be practically painless with a few handy denim-fitting guidelines.

"(People) are wearing the wrong jeans because they think if they can get it buttoned, it fits," said Calli Long, a business and communication sophomore and sales associate at Eastwood Towne Center's Bella Blu Boutique. "But it may not fit their leg or body type."

At Bella Blu, sales associates are trained to find the perfect pair of jeans for every person. Long said the most universally flattering denim is a dark wash boot cut with a little Lycra. Boot-cut jeans complement hips, and stretchy jeans work well with curvy body types.

Back pockets that sit low and far apart flatter the rear, making it look half as big, she said. Pockets placed closer together and higher up, however, have the opposite effect.

Premium denim, such as Citizens of Humanity, 7 For All Mankind and Paige Premium Denim (currently trendy in Los Angeles) is more carefully constructed than less expensive brands, Long said.

"When you're buying Abercrombie & Fitch or Hollister Co., you're buying for the name," she said. "When you're buying (premium denim), you're buying them because they fit well, too. Premium denim is more reliable denim. They spend time working with tons of different models to find the right cut and designs."

Lindsey Gish, a graduate student, said she has tried both premium denim and cheaper brands, but didn't find a difference in the quality. She said it depends on the individual designer and customer.

"It is not worth it. They last as long as any other jean. Really, you are paying for a label instead of quality," she said.

True Religion and Paige Premium Denim are perfect for tall figures because they both have a 34-inch inseam, Long said. Although Paige comes in lighter shades, they're still slimming.

For Lesinski, who shops for jeans at stores ranging from Nordstrom's to Kohl's, the biggest problem is finding a figure-flattering pair that make her legs long and lean.

"For me, it is the length. I'll find a cute pair, but they are not long enough," she said.

Lesinski said she has had success with brands !iT Jeans, Levi's and Z. Cavaricci.

Shorter people can try Paper Denim & Cloth, which has a 31- or 32-inch inseam, and 7 For All Man Kind, which has a 32-inch inseam, Long said.

Boot-cut jeans and skinny jeans are best on shorter people, Long said, adding that flared jeans make legs look heavy.

When trying on jeans, tight is better. The jeans should not appear to have been painted on, but they should feel snug in the store, Long said. If they are comfortable or a bit baggy, they will stretch out too much and become too big.

Long said to check for three things when trying on jeans: A good fit in the waist, no gathering or puckering in the front — that means the jeans are too tight — and that the legs have a full range of motion when walking.

If jeans need tailoring, they should be washed and dried first, Long said. When taking jeans to a tailor, bring them in with your highest shoe, so they don't get too short to wear with them.

To eliminate fraying, jeans shouldn't cover the stud of a heel.

The important thing to remember is that everybody is different, and trends are trends for a reason, Long said.

"If you buy with trends, you are going to look a certain way instead of looking good and feeling great," Long said.

Look for complementing shapes that conceal those unwanted areas and enhance others. Nothing looks better than a properly fit garment that produces clean lines to flatter the frame.

"I do really well with Gap jeans — they are called Long & Lean," Gish said. "They are awesome because they have spandex in them. They mold well to all types of people."

When setting out on the quest for a perfect pair of hip huggers, low riders, pencils, flares, wide legs or boot cuts, remember to stand out for all the right reasons. Cookie cutters are for pastries, not people.