The perfect denim fit is basically a non-negotiable in the fashion world – you’d be surprised by just how much it affects your silhouette. Determining your body shape is the first step towards getting it just right.

CURVY/ HOURGLASS/ PEAR

If your hips and thighs are wider than your waist, then you have an hourglass or curvy figure. A bootcut or flared leg is particularly flattering for this body shape as the wider bottoms balance out your hips, while the snug fit around the waist flatters your curvy shape. A curvy-fit straight leg is also a great choice – it moulds to the body beautifully, accentuating the hips and waist. Give yourself some extra height with booties or heels.

PETITE

Opt for medium to high-rise jeans that sit at the narrowest part of your waist to show off your natural curves. Wide or flared legs can make your legs appear shorter, so either avoid this style or wear it with heels. A straight cut is most flattering for a petite shape, as it hugs the legs perfectly. Look for a tapered hem that ends on – or just above – your ankle. Dark-wash denim is your best bet, streamlining your frame and creating the appearance of length.

INVERTED TRIANGLE/ATHLETIC

If your shoulders are broader than your waist and hips, you fall into this category. The trick is to accentuate your bottom half to balance your silhouette. Bootcuts and boyfriend/girlfriend jeans will achieve this. Jeans with texture and details such as cargo pockets, fades and cuffs, will further emphasise your lower half.

TALL & LEAN/RECTANGULAR

Women with this body shape tend to have hips and shoulders that are the same width, with few curves and not much definition in the waist. Fortunately for you, just about every cut of denim suits this body shape. Looking to add volume to your lower half? Go for wide-leg or flared jeans with patterns and details. A skinny fit creates the illusion of curves, while low-rise to mid-waist jeans add shape to your buttocks and create a defined wasitline. Back-pocket details also draw attention to this area.

APPLE

Apple-shaped bodies carry volume around the middle. Select jeans with a little more ‘give’ in the waistline for comfort, and to avoid overspill. High-waisted jeans draw attention to the waist, so rather go for a mid-rise style, or a pair with a wide waistband. Make the most of your slim legs by wearing a straight cut or a slight bootcut to balance out your proportions. Denims in contrasting colours will add contouring to your thighs.

Getty Images

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

Growing up in Lebowakgomo, a small township in Limpopo, and only learning English in his teens, Edgars' creator of culture and local influencer, Tsitsi Chiumya, might never have imagined a career as a comedian. But in just a few short years he’s set stages alight all over the country with his shows, raking up awards along the way. He tells Edwain Steenkamp how he got there.

Growing up, were you the funny kid? 

No, but I was definitely the naughty kid! My mom had me when she was very young, so I was raised by my grandparents who were strict but very loving. I think, with me, they had their hands full.

So comedy wasn’t something you dreamed about? 

As a kid I didn’t even know it could be a career. Living in such a small place, I had other dreams. At one stage I wanted to be an athlete more than anything. But I always knew that I wanted to live a happy life. That was something my small village taught me too: what’s most valuable in life.

What was the next major chapter of your life?

I went to study video design at Wits University. So my life nearly took a very different turn. There weren’t many kids like me on campus at that time. I felt different, but it didn’t stand in my way. In fact, I realised that somehow it allowed me to reach people.

Was it during this time that you discovered your gift of entertaining? 

Yes, that was when I started telling stories from my childhood and from where I grew up. I knew that my classmates loved the stories I told, and so I started preparing and rehearsing them in the evenings. I might have added a few embellishments here and there, but they loved the stories. It was like a whole new world opened up.

Was that when you decided on your future career path? 

Actually, it happened very slowly. I was always drawn to comedy; I remember my friends and I watching comedy shows till three in the morning. So right after university I moved to Cape Town and spent all the money I had – and also money I didn’t have – to watch every comedy show possible. From there, I started participating in any show that would have me. I eventually landed a segment on the Expresso Morning Show and added as much of my comedy into it as I could. I was travelling up and down, trying to make this all happen … getting as little as four hours sleep a night.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tsitsi Chiumya (@tsitsichiumya) on Jul 14, 2018 at 3:34am PDT

How did you manage all of it? 

I honestly don’t know! I was so exhausted all the time, but it felt right. I knew it would all be worth it.

What do you think is the most important aspect of your comedy? 

I think a lot of people expect the same formula from South African comedians, that is, comedy based on the hardships of the country’s past, and the struggles we face today. You know, politically heavy content.

Do you try to stay away from that? 

I mean it enters my comedy of course. But I want to tell different stories too. Stories that everyone relates to. And for me, that's powerful comedy – the kind where the humour is universal. And I draw from some of my personal experiences.

What kind of experiences? 

I was a kid from Limpopo who could barely speak English, and then suddenly I was in a big city – there’s something about that situation everyone can relate to. Being the awkward kid, unsure of themselves and not really fitting in anywhere. Looking for acceptance, inspiration and guidance.

Speaking of inspiration, who has influenced you the most? 

More than individual people, there are moments in different people’s careers that have inspired me so much. And through these moments in many of the most legendary comedians’ careers, I have learned different techniques and styles. Drawing from that I have been able to develop my own sense of comedy.

You’re known as a smart dresser. Has this also developed over the years? 

Since I was a young boy I was aware of style. Both my grandparents were so stylish. My grandmother always dressed impeccably, and my grandfather always had the best suits. I definitely learned what style is from my family. But I was always a little shy and unsure about what looked good on me.

When did you learn to let go of that uncertainty? 

It was actually when I worked with one of the stylists at Edgars. He handed me the nicest botanical printed shirt and told me that when I go shopping, I should always look out for at least one item of clothing that’s outside my comfort zone and incorporate it into my closet. It was the best style advice I’ve ever received. To this day, that shirt is my favourite item of clothing and I take it everywhere I go.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tsitsi Chiumya (@tsitsichiumya) on Oct 20, 2018 at 7:42am PDT

FUN FACTS

Favourite fashion items? 
A nice shirt, and definitely a good pair of sneakers.

Favourite food?
Pap and wors. It’s a classic.

Guilty pleasure? 
Mangoes. I can eat them any time.

How do you unwind? 
I play video games; I’m still very passionate about gaming.

Some of your favourite comedians?
Trevor Noah, Robby Collins and Kevin Hart.

Check out Tsitsi's Instagram
Photography: tsitsi.co.za, Instagram, Shutterstock

CAPE TOWN

JOBURG

DURBAN

PORT ELIZABETH

BLOEMFONTEIN