My love affair with jeans started in elementary school with my first pair of Luv-its. They had ice cream cones on the pocket and they looked fabulous with my white roller skates with the lime green wheels.
Enough said.
I had another pair of favorite jeans that got ripped on my swingset. I remember my mama taking me shopping to buy a patch for them. I chose a patch with a cartoon fox and the word “FOXY” written on it. Apparently, I understood the class and elegance the right fashion can convey, even at a young age.
Once I reached junior high, I discovered Jordache and then later, Guess jeans. I can’t believe I used to wear jeans that actually zipped at the ankle to create the tightest fit ever. Nothing like creating an ice cream cone silhouette to really flatter a figure.
Denim has been a constant in my life. I love jeans. They are probably the most essential piece of my wardrobe. You can dress them up, you can dress them down, you can cut them into cut-offs and dress like Daisy Duke for Halloween. What other garment gives you those kind of options?
Not many, my friends. Not many.
So, today is the day we will discuss jeans. I have long feared this day would come. The jeans issue is fraught with danger. Everyone has their preferences and their favorites. It’s like having children, but with more passion.
With that being said, the opinions stated here are just that. Opinions. They are my personal denim beliefs. The most important thing is finding a pair of jeans that you feel good in, and if I can help even one person accomplish that, then my life will be complete.
Well, not really, but y’all get what I’m saying.
There are several denim options to choose from this season.
Let’s start with the skinny jean.
Okay, I’m done.
Stay away from the skinny jean. It is not your friend. Unless you’re 6 feet tall and weigh 82 pounds, hence the name skinny jeans.
Next up, the trouser jean. This is a jean made out of a darker rinse denim, but is cut like a trouser. I think the key to wearing these jeans is to find a pair that aren’t too loose through the leg and have front pockets that don’t jut out at a funny angle. I tried on a darling pair of trouser jeans yesterday at Target.
At least I think they are darling. They didn’t have my size, so I had to try on one size larger. But from what I could tell, they are really cute. In fact, I called Sophie and told her about them. She ran up to her Target, tried them on, and purchased them. She said they fit really great.
Best of all, they cost $27.99. Which, for those of you not fooled by Target’s clever pricing scheme, is $28.00 plus tax.
So, if y’all need to find me tomorrow I’ll be scouring all the local Targets in search of the Mossimo trouser jean in my size. Because I have my priorities straight.
Here’s the link to the trouser jean at Target. Please note that they look much cuter in person. This picture doesn’t do them justice. In fact, this picture makes them look hideous, but I feel that I must provide the information anyway.
Now, if y’all are looking for just a regular pair of jeans, the sky is the limit. However, here are a few rules you should follow.
1. If the waist of the jeans sits on your actual waist, that’s too high. The only button sitting on your real waist should be the one God and your doctor gave you when you were born.
I’m not saying you have to be all Britney and have everything hanging out, that’s not good for anyone…especially the people behind you. You can find jeans that are cut lower in the front and higher in the back, which allow you to just say no to crack.
2. If they have pleats, run away. Far, far away.
3. Women with larger bottoms should look for jeans with larger pockets. If you have a small bottom, look for smaller pockets. And do not wear a pair of jeans if the pocket placement hits you below your actual bottom. No one wants to see a bottom on the back of your thighs. It’s not a good look.
4. Darker washes are more current. They don’t have to be indigo, but you don’t really want a real faded wash either. And stay away from the dirty washes. They look dirty.
5. Remember that you can have them altered. If you find a pair that fit great through the hips and thighs, but they’re too long, have them hemmed. If you find a pair that fit your bottom, but are too big in the waist, have them taken in. Most of these alterations are minimal and can be done for $10-20. The price of your sanity is worth it.
6. If you find a pair of jeans you like, you may want to buy 2 pairs in different lengths. That way you have a pair to wear with flats or tennis shoes and another pair to wear with heels or boots.
I personally like jeans that have some sort of stitching detail on the back pockets. Maybe it goes back to my childhood days of the ice cream cone pockets, but I think a little stitching detail makes even inexpensive jeans look a little more like designer jeans.
I resisted the allure of the designer jeans for a long time. It seemed ridiculous to pay more than $100 for a pair of jeans. I searched the world over or, you know, the mall, for a pair of reasonably priced jeans. I finally found some that I loved at Abercrombie and Fitch. They were so cute, but had one fatal flaw. They were made out of denim so thin that anytime I bent at the knee, they would rip.
I returned pair after pair of these jeans to Abercrombie and they were always kind enough or stoned enough to exchange them for me. (although they couldn’t figure out why I didn’t want torn jeans) Finally, I’d had enough. I had to search elsewhere for jean fulfillment.
This quest led to my first pair of 7′s for all Mankind.
They are pricey, but they are worth every penny. And here’s how I justify spending money on jeans, I wear them almost every day. If I amortized their price over a year, they’d end up costing around 50 cents a day.
Fifty cents a day.
I spend more than that on Sour Patch kids.
They feel so good and they have just a hint of stretch. In fact, over time they mold to your body and become better and better with age. Which is good news for me because I bought my pair back when I still had a job and now that I’m on a budget, I may never own another pair.
And here’s a hint. If you have a TJ Maxx or Marshall’s anywhere near you, you can often find high-end designer jeans for about half price. You have to dig through the racks, but they are there waiting for you to discover them. Also, Ebay can be your affordable high-end designer jean friend.
Now, if you’re not as much of a jean person or just need a jean in a lower price range, I like American Eagle jeans.
They are about $30.00 and come in a variety of washes and styles. Don’t let the adolescent vibe of American Eagle frighten you, I promise the jeans are a good buy.
And trust me, you’re better off walking into American Eagle than Abercrombie these days. The stench of cologne (at least I think it’s cologne) billowing from Abercrombie will cause you to pass out before you even clear the doors.
Mossimo at Target also has a premium denim line and there are some cute styles.
And a lot of people swear by Gap jeans.
But for me personally, Gap jeans haven’t worked for me since about 1994. I don’t know what happened. I try them every year thinking maybe they’ve changed, but alas, it appears this will be a permanent separation.
Oh, and don’t forget Old Navy.
Old Navy has some decent jeans, however, I will caution y’all that the quality isn’t always the greatest, so don’t go looking for a long term jean commitment. You’re going to get about one season out of them. Don’t fall in love or you will get your heart broken.
A few last things for today.
Jeana at Days to Come asked about stretch cords. I think a cute stretch cord can be a great denim-type every day option. One of my favorite winter outfits is my camel-colored cords with a denim jacket and boots. And a shirt. I wear a shirt under the denim jacket.
And don’t forget a cute denim skirt. Kit mentioned that she has a great A-line denim skirt and I am envious. I have long been on the quest to find a good denim skirt that hits right above the knee, but it is like the mythical unicorn. It has alluded me.
Also, J. Fergie from Mama Law mentioned cargo pants as a sweatsuit alternative. Great call. I love cargo type pants. They look great paired with a hoodie or a cute t-shirt. Plus, you can wear them with flip-flops or tennis shoes. They are what you call, versatile.
I know this is a lot of information, perhaps not all of it, or even most of it useful. The quest for jeans is not to be taken lightly, ladies. Everyone knows a good pair of jeans are the key to true happiness.
Just remember, perseverance pays off. And once you stumble upon that perfect pair, you might want to buy a few pairs of them. Good jeans aren’t like streetcars, they don’t come along everyday.
And if y’all have a brand you recommend, mention it in the comments. We’ve all got to work together.
Stay tuned for tomorrow when I will address various questions and concerns that have come up in the comments this week.
I’m first, I’m first!
Will you come and go shopping with me please? I really hate it and it wrecks havoc when stuff needs to be replaced.
About the jeans – do you tuck the shirt in? Or not? That’s the new 60,000 dollar question.
what about Levis? I’m going to check out Target!! Thanks!!
Now, this is my kind of fashion post…me and jeans, we’re best friends…when I can find the right pair, which seems way more difficult since I gave birth two years ago. Yeah. The hard part is, I’m of the short legged type, and after said birth of my daughter, have since become the short legged with bigger thighs and bottom type. Finding jeans to fit THESE criteria proves difficult for me. I will not give up my quest. Jeans are worth it.
thank you.
I don’t think you have to worry about being all Britney while wearing jeans. I’m pretty sure she’s dispensed with wearing pants at all any more.
Great advice! Thanks!
Eddie Bauer has great jeans IMHO. Especially for petites!
I have a freakishly short rise. The last time I went through the jeans-buying process (in college. 7 years ago.), I tried on well over 20 different pairs at Gap. It finally came down to MEN’s BAGGY fit. It worked well enough.
Now I’m dealing with the body clutter after baby #2 that stubbornly refuses to come off while nursing. I’m bracing myself for jeans shopping ASAP…these elastic-waist capris are going to look mighty silly in the snow.
I’ve been experimenting with zafu.com. Wish me luck!
Since I truly am a Big Mama, I love the jeans at Lane Bryant. The Venezia Low Rise Bootcut is the best fit. And they have just a touch of stretch. It’s important for a plus size Mama to have jeans that were made for a plus size body. This is the place!
Well said. You could probably make a week of posts on jeans alone. People need lots-o-education on jeans…it’s really a public service.
My favorite jean is the “butt-lifter” jean by David Kahn..the style name is “Heidi”…pricey, but such a quality piece of work. They hold their shape & don’t fade. Plus, they are so comfortable. My sister and I swear by them. You can find them at Nordstrom, however the pic on their website is a terrible injustice.
I have seen the Mossimo premium at Target..it catches my eye everytime, but I’ve never tried them on…looks like a great jean, though.
I am loving Big Mama Fashion Week!
Sarah, TN
Thanks for the help BigMama. Jeans buying is really an exercise in extreme patience for me. I stumbled upon some the other day that might be helpful to others in my situation. I have a waist that is one size and my butt and thighs are a size large. So, I have been faced to make the decision of having the gaping waistband and a good fit through the legs or the opposite. However, Eddie Bauer has a jean that is a smaller waist size and bigger butt/him size!!! I bought the size 10 which has a size 8 waist and the fit is one that I have never experienced! And clearly I am not the only one with this problem since someone wised up and is addressing it! Hope this is helpful.
Loving the great tips!
Amanda, AR
You don’t want to know what jeans I wear…I really try not to wear old lady jeans, but it does happen once in a while. My youngest daughter is very hard to fit with her hour-glass figure. She has a tiny waist. (well not as tiny as it was, she just had a baby) All this to say that she has found that Silver Jeans fit her perfectly. I have always had to take in the waist of her jeans and we don’t have to do any alterations to her Silvers.
Ooooo, I think I’m getting famous…Big Mama mentioned me in her post! Hee hee.
Great advice, Big Mama. I find it incredibly difficult to find cute jeans that fit. One place I do like that you didn’t mention is Lucky Brand Jeans. They can definitely be on the pricey side, but if you time it right, you can get them for half off. After Christmas is a great time to shop there, but I have also found that they occasionally have things on unadvertised sale. Example: One time I tried on a wicked awesome pair of embroidered jeans, all hippie-ish and cool, JUST FOR FUN because no way was I going to spend that kind of money on a jean!I asked the salesgirl if this style ever went on sale. She said she would check. Then she came back and said, “Oh yes, those are on secret sale.” I’m all, “WHAT?! Secret sale? Do you just decide that they’re on sale if the person meets some secret standard of Lucky Brand coolness? I’ve never heard of a secreet sale!!” And then I calmly purchased said pair jeans and never looked back.
So…*shhhh* ask about the secret sale!
if you are plus sized – check out Lane Bryant’s new Right Fit jeans.
I should get paid more to advertise.
You are wise even beyond your jean wearing years. And it really is a story of perseverance and deliverance from the days of zippers at the ankle
I must agree with you on all of the above! I would also like to add that I found some adorable jeans at Steve and Barry’s recently. They are from Sarah Jessica Parker’s new line and don’t think I don’t sometimes pretend to be her when I wear them. In addition to how cool that makes me, the jeans were under $20. It was a happy, happy day.
Unfortunatley, I was in a certain store that rhymes with Old Navy yesterday and saw gray, I repeat gray, skinny jeans. It was a sad moment in time and I’m not going to lie–lost a little respect for ON.
Thanks again for all the helpful hints and wisdom!
Our Goody’s here has a great pair of Duckhead brand jeans with a dark wash, wider legs and just enough stretch to cover my big butt without actually being stretch jeans…I could live in them. I am short though so instead of having to length sizes, I think I need 2 different sizes in the waist in case I have a fat day and a not as fat day! LOL
I have no greater fashion joy than to see my girlfriends discover the truth about denim.
Great advice!
I detest “mom jeans” like nobody’s business, so I am glad you are educating the masses.
i went and bought 3 pairs of natural fit jeans from Kohls last fall–they’re kind of boot-cut, and they sit just below the natural waist. They have some stretch to them and look great! The only problem i have is that they start to slide down, kind of like pantyhose will–so i’m pulling them back up constantly, and they’re not big on me–they fit the way they’re suppposed to. how do i fix this?
Big Mama, thanks for the fashion tips. I have enjoyd reading your blog the last few days. I have a jean to recommend. I am 60 inches tall and after 4 babies, I am now a size 14. I bought THE BEST PAIR this past January from QVC. Yes, qvc.com. I am new to this linking thing, so here is the item number that you can put in the search and view a photo. Item A45126. I bought these jeans when my youngest was 3 months old and EVERYONE around me thought I had lost all of my baby weight and then some. I purchased the dark denim. Caution against the black option. Thanks again!
Melanie, we have the exact same feelings on jeans. I have about 10 pairs in my closet, all different brands and I only wear two of them on a weekly basis (weekends and casual Friday) I have to wash them every week to wear them. The other pair just sit there b/c I can’t bring myself to get rid of them. I have several pair of Ann Taylor jeans. They fit well in the dressing room but then after I get home…you can see the crack, so annoying, I only wear them with long shirts or big sweaters. Plus the boot cut is not really boot cut. Gap and Express are two places that I try on jeans about twice a year. I go there thinking I will find the perfect pair because several years ago I had the perfect pair from each place. Every year I give them another chance and after trying on every style in two different sizes I am totally beat down and I walk out empty handed. Last week I did find a really good pair at Express finally they have redeemed themselves. I too have owned Abercrombie and American Eagle jeans, but always have to buy a size up. I also have found good fitting jeans at New York and Company. I have been dying to get a pair of Seven’s I just can’t bring myself to spend the $$ but I have heard it is well worth it and I do have a Nordstom’s gift card…..hmm I think I will take the plunge this weekend.
BTW: I HATE THE SKINNY JEAN…BLEH!
Big Mama,
All of the models in the pictures have a disjointed hip. Does that mean that we will have to stand one foot in front of the other, with one hip up in the air to receive maxium jean wearing pleasure???
Please advice.
There are two things I HATE HATE HATE shoppping for, bras and jeans. Maybe it’s because both have to fit, you know? There is a little wiggle room in buying a shirt. You can wear it a little big and nobody will care, but have your jeans a little big and life is over as you tug on them all day long. Thanks for the great list and affordable prices! I’m going shopping soon I hope!
I don’t even know what the ‘skinny jean’ is. You didn’t provide a picture! Hmph! And why can’t those Target models stand up straight?? How can you tell how the jean looks?? Very annoying. Anyhow, all those jeans look to be VERY low waisted, which, as I stated in yesterday’s comments, is not something I support, however hopeless and wrong I may be. In the past few years I haven’t seen so many women’s lower parts and underwear since being in the high school gym locker room!! I recently discovered ‘Lee’ brand of pants/jeans at Kohl’s and they seem to fit me well which is rare. I’m average height and thin, but despite that nothing ever fits me.
So, the jean hem is just supposed to hang out in space over a heel?? I’ve only ever worn loafers with my jeans (I am a total prep). It looks odd to me so see a jean hem hanging out like that…not resting upon the shoe…
On another note, I cleaned out my shoe closet the other day and I just want to double check…white pumps and flats are illegal on anyone over the age of six, correct? Mind you, I truly haven’t worn these things in over 15 years, but I did want to check.
The spendthrift in me says “$30 for jeans? You all must be crazy.” But I recognize that that is just me.
This also explains why my fashion style leaves much to be desired…
The only jean “rule” I can think of is from Stacy & Clinton: If you have larger thighs/booty don’t get jeans that have distressing (highlighting) in those areas – like a big spotlight.
I’m liking my Polo Jeans right now. The price isn’t too bad & they come in a 34″ inseam!!!
I’ve got a flat asian bootay, so 7 for All Mankind is my very best denim friend EVER. The basic jean in a bootcut is perfecto!
GAP and Old Navy, while reasonably priced, makes me look like I have a concave bootay. Not quite the look I’m going for.
For a slightly more affordable alternative to the uber-fabuloso 7s, my sister got some great jeans at Buckle at the mall. She went in and told the guy there what she was looking for– darker wash, bootcut(ish), and something to help her rear deficiency (it runs in the family). The guy tossed over many different jeans (different sizes, colors, cuts) over the dressing room door until the right one was found.
Okay, trying on jeans like a robot without having to walk in and out in and out is TOTALLY worth it!
This now ends my public service announcement.
Oh and if you like 7s, you might also like Citizens of Humanity.
(Per my younger sis that lives in NYC– she’s a jeanaholic since she can wear them to work, the brat.)
I am loving fashion week too!
Two things:
1) If you get your jeans hemmed, make sure you don’t just get a regular hem. It needs to have that stitched hem like jeans have, which requires a sewing machine or a professional seamstress, not the joke of a hem I can (barely) do for my pants. Obviously the stitching does not apply to the trouser jeans, but you know what I mean. Hemmed jeans just aren’t quite all the way jeans if they lose the stitching.
Believe me, almost everything has to be hemmed, as I am 5’1″.
2) Boy’s jeans from Levi’s work for me. These aren’t for your most dressy jean look, but for running around, consider them (particularly if you’re short). I was shopping with a friend for her son, and I remembered reading about boys’ jeans for short people. I grabbed a couple of pair, and really liked this one fit. Lower in the front, higher in the back, JUST THE RIGHT LENGTH, but too big in the waist. I showed them to my friend, and she said, “No problem.” She proceeded to show me the ADJUSTABLE WAIST. You can tighten those bad boys. Very interesting. LOVE THEM. Again, not for boots and a dressy jacket, but for casual to medium needs, these are awesome! I got the size 14 husky, which took a huge chunk of pride. I normally wear an 8 jean, so that gives some idea of the size parallels.
Keep up the good work! And thanks for the scoop on that Isaac M. boot at Target! I bought the black pair!
I just bought a pair of jeans at Ann Taylor called Curvey. I instantly fell in love. Citizens of Humanity Jeans are worthy of love too. Just my two cents.
I am so short that I have to buy the long capris or ‘ankle jeans’, and they fit me just perfect as jeans!
All this clothing talk is just making this poor eight months preggie girl thoroughly depressed… I miss jeans with buttons and zippers.
But let me just say, for when I’m not pregnant, you’ve spoken my jeans-related heart here, just spoken my heart. Especially when it comes to the pockets on the thighs deal. Having a bottom on your thighs just isn’t flattering, even though we all tried it out in 2003.
I found an A-line denim skirt at New York & CO last spring. You may check there if you’re still interested in one…I love mine.
I used to purchase my jeans at Old Navy but like you said, having to buy new jeans each year got old in a hurry. The quality is just not there.
I’m currently in love with American Eagle jeans. I love the Boyfriend and Favorite cuts and I often buy one in regular length and the other in ankle length…for different shoes, of course! I also like that they have some styles without any distressing so that I can wear them to work on casual days.
I really enjoy your blog and am loving Fashion Week.
I’d love to hear Caroline’s take on some of these issues
Here’s another tip for you: Consignment stores. I hated the mere thought of finding jeans to fit my apparently oddly-shaped body; there simply wasn’t a pair out there that fit right, and when, after long last, I did find one that actually flattered, after one wash, they would shrink into a distinctly hideous pair of jeans that I would never wear again.
Add to that the fact that I also stopped working to become a stay-at-home and was under the constraints of a budget, so the days of my spending $50 or more on a pair of jeans I’d ultimately wear once were gone. But to aid in my clothes-shopping withdrawal, I found consignment stores. If you look, you can find upscale shops that only accept current styles in recognizable brand names. I just bought a very current pair of Kenneth Cole jeans and a great pair of Ann Taylor jeans for $8 apiece. And the best part is that they’ve already been through the wash, so the way they fit me at the store is the way they will always fit me (unless I hit the HoHos too hard, which is always an imminent possibility.).
Admittedly, I never in a million years thought I’d be the type to buy second-hand clothes, even if they were labeled “vintage” and had a shocking price tag on them; I was strictly an original-owner kind of girl. But once I tried consignment, I was hooked–on both the fit and the price tag. I will never buy a new pair of jeans again!
Keep writing, BigMama! You’re fun to read!
Don’t rule out The Buckle either ladies. Besides having LUCKY jeans, their brand, BKE, are great. Very stylish and typically a salesperson will ask you what you’re looking for and will “wait on you” while you try things on! They tend to have “mom jeans” grouped together and can help you find the right look for your body type.
I am so glad to see a jeans post! As I mentioned in my comment yesterday, my FAVORITE jeans are Paper,Denim and Cloth brand, now these are spendy but well worth it. And my secret? I bought them at Costco for $50. I also have a pair of Bella Dahl, GREAT FIT, and David Bitton Buffalo jeans. Both of which I got at Ross for WELL below retail. These are easily $180 jeans a piece, and I spent about $20 on each. Once you go designer, you will never go back!!
If you have a consultant near you, I beg you to host a CAbi party. http://www.cabi.org
The jeans are spendy at $89.00 but if you host a party you can easily earn 1/2 off. They are the most amazing jeans I’ve ever worn. I suffer from flat buttitis and these actually make me look like I have ghetto booty. You buy them at least a size smaller than you normally would and what girl doesn’t love that? I threw them into my camping bag this summer on accident (as the only pair of pants I had) and they got really horribly dirty. I thought they were lost forever. One wash and their good as new!
I actually like Gap Long & Lean jeans…and I’m neither long nor lean, but the key is they make you LOOK like you are long and lean! A little bit of stretch…dark wash…my fave pair.
Wrong link!
http://www.cabionline.com will work much better.
OR
http://mlmblog.typepad.com/cabi_clothing/
I’m right there with Shalee.
I think I have really good taste… but you wouldn’t know it by the clothes that I end up buying for myself. I’m too cheap (I have expensive LIKES but don’t ever justify them…)
Blessings,
Karla
I work for Wrangler and we actually just bought 7 for all Mankind, so I appreciate the advertisement!! Cause you know, Wrangler doing good equals me having a job!
My current favorite jean is Lee Jeans (also part of the daily growing Wrangler Jeans empire), they have new fits, and their just below the waist works great for me. Lots of different washes too.
Land’s End has a cute jean skirt that hits right at the knee. You might want to check them out.
Jeans: love/hate relationship
Skates: mine were white with purple wheels and purple pom-poms…I was the queen of the limbo game.
Fav childhood jean: dark denim Sassoons with their “ok” emblem stitched on each pocket.
I felt like the “Dancing Queen” of the 70′s! Great post!
Cute jeans are my sweatsuit alternative. I wear them every day from September-March. I too LOVE my Sevens. I want to reiterate that you can get great deals on them on Ebay & at TJMaxx. If you got the Ebay route just make sure you have gone to a high end jeans store first and tried them on to get the sizing…sometimes their sizes are tricky. They also make great khaki jeans and denim capris.
Ok– maybe one of these posts should be about designer names. I am completely in the dark with a lot of these names!
Normally, I am an online shopaholic. But for jeans — they MUST be tried on! You never know how they’re going to fit.
Thanks for the info. Keep it coming.
Just read the comments and wanted to second the cabi recommendation. I bought some white jeans from one of their home shows last year and they are very flattering and not too low. Also, the comment about maintaining the original hem if you have to alter the length (especially on designer jeans that run long) is an important one!
thanks for the shout out big mama!
what an insightful post
i like all of your recommendations (planning a trip to Tar-jay as I type) and i completely agree with the GAP/Abercrombie comments. In fact, i can’t even ENTER Abercrombie b/c, frankly, it’s intimidating. the dark lighting, the skimpy tank tops on display, the topless teenage boy models…it’s all too much.
and re. Seven jeans. yes, they look fab. but alas, they don’t accomodate us “curvy” women.
not to imply that you are not curvy Big Mama, b/c someone named Big Mama should most certainly be more than curvy.
but i’ve seen your picture girlfriend.
incidentally, this weekend hubby and i are invited to a 30th birthday party and the dress code for the women is “Denim Sexy.” So after extensive research (though not as much as you, i must admit), I am off to Macy’s tomorrow to try on some PZI Jeans. They are supposed to cut for us thick gals.
I promise a full report on Monday.
Too bad you don’t live in Houston! My girlfriend is having a designer jean party tomorrow and there will be 7 for all man kind in stock for CHEAP! Yeah!
Thanks for the great denim info and also for answering my boot questions the other day! I’m going to try and hit Target tonight and look for the trouser jeans. My 7s are my favorites, too — I wear them all the time!
Any thoughts on jeans without back pockets?
And what about wearing jeans with a jean jacket? Was that only for 1988?? Because I love a cute *modern* jean jacket, but…. what to wear on the bottom? Thoughts?
Because, the thing is, most of us want to wear something *dark* on the bottom, because dark makes you look smaller, right? So if you wear dark jeans, that kinda rules out pairing a jean jacket with them, right? I don’t want to wear light bottoms with a dark jean jacket because I’m already shaped like a pear. But I love a cute jean jacket! Anyone else have this problem?
I have always been a fan of the find a pair you and buy at least 2!
My all time favorite, which literally fell apart from wearing sooo much, were actually from J. Crew.
Currently though my favs are Old Navy. I know that I can walk in grab my size and walk out and have a perfect fit. I was shocked that you experienced lower quality. Has anyone else seen that? I thought I was rough on my jeans, but maybe not!
Sounds to me like someone’s been watching TLC’s “What Not to Wear.” I have just this week been looking for what Stacy and Clinton call the dark trouser jean. You are saving the world, one pear and apple shape at a time, my friend.
Haven’t heard anyone mention these store brands, but they fit well and hold up well. J.Jill has 2 styles and they are good looking jeans. You can also get a nice tailored pair of jeans at Talbot’s.
Well, I am hideously out of the loop on jean brands apparently. I used to wear Eddie Bauer’s and LOVED them! But at $30/pair, I quit when I lost weight and became a single mom and could not afford them. I could probably afford them again, but I love my Faded Glory Classic fit and I haven’t found anything else I like as well. The other jeans I buy end up on the top shelf while I wear my Faded Glory’s out.
I, too, was very hesitant to spend the big bucks on a pair of jeans. However, 3 years ago, after we adopted our son, a few very generous folks gave me a gift certificate to a local dept. store that carries all the coolest jeans, including “Sevens” and “Citizens.” I’m sure they assumed I would use the gift card for a “baby purchase” in the store, seeing as it was a baby gift and all. Since our little guy had received numerous gifts since his arrival in the U.S., I felt it high time for a “Mommy” gift. So I treated myself to a pair of “Citizens.” (How selfish am I!!! But I justified my decision with the fact that I flew in an airplane with a 15 month old for about 14 hours, so I deserved it, right?!) Anyway, I wore these jeans for 2 solid years until I got pregnant and could no longer fit in them. They were definitely worth the price tag (or, rather, the gift card). Later, I opted to purchase a pair of “Sevens.” I liked them, too, but not quite as much as the “Citizens.” (I’m not certain, but I was told they’re both made by the same company.)
Anyway…just yesterday I decided it was time to find a new pair of jeans. Since I literally wear my jeans everyday, I also feel it’s o.k. to spend only 50 cents to do so. I went to a little shop that some of my friends had mentioned. They help you find the perfect fit and actually do the alterations for FREE WHILE YOU WAIT. And best of all, they charge about $20 less than most stores for these designer brand jeans.
The owner of the store not only helped me find the right pair, but he revealed the secret to finding the perfect fit. He suggested my body type needed the “Citizens” jean in the Inga Cut (I think that was the name of it.) He said that “Sevens” pockets sit lower on the bottom and tend to “make it look fuller.” Well, there are areas where I could use some extra fluff, but my bottom is not one of them. According to him, the “Citizens” pockets sit higher and tend to “trim up” the bottom. Ahhhh! Music to my ears. (And he was right!!!) One more cool thing he did….to find the perfect fit, he had me put on a pair that felt very snug. Then he sprayed a mist of water all over the jeans and had me sit in them for several minutes. Alas, when I stood, they were absolutely the perfect fit. His other recommendation: ALWAYS wear them 3 times before washing (of course, unless your baby spits up on them or your toddler pours juice all over you) and always wash them in cold water and lay flat to dry. He made me such a happy shopper. And I told him I think he might need to be on Oprah…he could help a lot of ladies deal with the denim crisis.
I walked out of that store with the biggest smile on my face…and it took me only 20 minutes to find the right pair of jeans and an extra 10 minutes to have them altered.
After buying several pairs of $30-40 jeans that I was never really made me happy, I’m thrilled to have this one pair that I love and can wear over and over for the next couple of years! THE KEY: FIND A GOOD LOCAL STORE THAT REALLY CARES ABOUT THE CLIENTS AND HOW THEY LOOK.
Now if I can just find me a pair with a fancy, satin ice cream cone on the pocket, I’ll be in business!
OK…you just provided our couch time entertainment. No Oprah today. Nope – it was Bigmama all the way, with (very) good jeans info for the wife. High fives from my bride to you right now.
Update – she just screeched out the driveway, heading to Target with a glazed look in her eyes.
I once found a very expensive high end pair of jeans at TJ Maxx, but I took them back!! What was I thinking? They were a bit too trendy for me. I have yet to shell out the big bucks for jeans, but even before you made the case for it, I had decided that it was worth it, because just as you said, I wear jeans. I like to dress them up if I need to dress up, I like to be casual and wear them. I probably wear them 5 – 7 days a week (when it’s cool, at least).
I had a pair of Luv-its or a similar type with purple pansies and purple stitching on a dark wash. I was in 4th grade, and I was coo-oool.
Great article! Although you left out my two favorites. I can’t say enough about my Lucky jeans. They fit like skin, and they are great for every day. For a dressy jean, because I believe that there is a jean for every occasion, David Kahn makes an awesome jean. But the price tag isn’t for the faint of heart.
I’ve tried Sevens, and couldn’t find any that fit me right. They were sosososo low-rise. Maybe I didn’t try enough different styles? I know most people who have tried them swear by them.
I’m lovin’ this expose series!!!!
Pardon the serial posting, but I’ve been browsing your comments, and I came across this gem:
“Then he sprayed a mist of water all over the jeans and had me sit in them for several minutes. Alas, when I stood, they were absolutely the perfect fit.”
Brilliant!! This may be the answer to all my problems!!!
Ok, truthfully, I couldn’t care less about jeans – or clothes. I know that’s absurdly abnormal. Oh, well…
…anyway, I am SO impressed by how knowledgable you are in this area of fashion. Really, it’s so nice to read someone’s opinions that are well-thought-out and reasonable.
Thanks for sharing your expertise in these matters.
Alesha
I love me some Old Navy jeans. How dare you even slightly speak bad about them??
Golly, did you ever waste your time peddling drugs to doctor’s offices. All that time —- you could have been doing fashion documentaries for big bucks or at least free jeans.
I really agree with you that jeans are the best part of anyone’s wardrobe—even old ladies, but they won’t allow them at the country club. They just don’t know what they are missing.
I loved the Target jeans- however, they were SOOOOO LOWWWWW on me that- well you could see my panties in the front and the back- I am short so I love Ann Taylor Loft petite jeans- They are really trendy looking too- and a good price around $54-
I LOVE these fashion posts. I think you and I dress a lot alike. I just bought my first pair of Seven jeans yesteray and I found them at Marshalls and they were the only pair and miraclously in my size (at least I am hoping they are not a tad too tight). Keep the posts coming!
Am i post #62 and no one has mentioned Zafu.com? Did I miss it? Please alert your readers. If you want to send me some bloggy love I also posted about what a great site it is (One of your commenters Tara should really check it out cause they do bras too.http://thediaperdiaries.wordpress.com/2007/07/22/jeans-and-bras-that-fit-alternately-titled-my-sad-looking-body-post-kids/
Sorry for the double post, but my first one got all jumbled.
Am i post #62 and no one has mentioned Zafu.com? Did I miss it? Please alert your readers. If you want to send me some bloggy love I also posted about what a great site it is (One of your commenters Tara should really check it out cause they do bras too.
http://thediaperdiaries.wordpress.com/2007/07/22/jeans-and-bras-that-fit-alternately-titled-my-sad-looking-body-post-kids/
Sorry here is the link
http://thediaperdiaries.wordpress.com/2007/07/22/jeans-and-bras-that-fit-alternately-titled-my-sad-looking-body-post-kids/
Ok, my computer is retarded and now I look like some sort of blog comment stalker. I promise I am not.
I interupt this jean talk to mention that Big Mama has another BFF in the music industry. Did ya’ll notice the post from Travis Cottrell?
You need to check out the jeans at Chicos!! Yea, maybe they are for a little older crowd, but the styles are great and many. The best part is the way they size them and the little bit of spandex that is woven into the cotton. For the “over” group of readers they are wonderful! The best part is that they run with a completely different size scheme which makes you feel smaller no matter what size you are!! If you sign up for the Passport Club you get coupons in the mail with every catalog. Go shopping!!
1. Amen on the skinny jeans.
2. Being 5′-2, I get most jeans hemmed. Hint: I tell them I want the bottom to be the same, and they fold it under and sew so you don’t lose the charming worn effect at the bottom of most jeans. And they use thread the exact same color as the jeans and sew right beside the original hemline. Therefore, you don’t have mismatched thread, cause I can’t handle that.
3. Buying 2 pairs of the same jeans in different lengths for different shoes is the most ingenious idea I have ever heard. Thank you.
4. I have to say, I still love Gap jeans. The ankle length is PERFECT for me, so they are the only jeans that I do not have to get hemmed.
5. I have given up on Old Navy jeans.
Clearly, I’m in need of a clothing allowance increase discussion with Big, since I am not paying enough for my jeans to look good. I’m sure it’s the jeans, and not my flabby belly.
I seriously had no idea their were so many denim options. Thanks for opening my eyes.
So, you’re saying my $16 jeans from Wal-Mart may not be making the diva statement?
I’m heading to Target tomorrow and will be on the hunt for those jean trousers. I just bought a pair from JCrew that I absolutely love…they are dark wash but not itchy like some and just have a hint of stretch. I am so excited about cooler weather so I can wear my jeans! Thanks for taking the time to do the reviews for us. It is like having your own personal shopper!
I have never found a better pair of jeans than Banana Republic’s traditional boot cut. I heart them.
I too love a good pair of jeans! Try Plato’s Closet. Good (current) consignment. My daughter & I left the other day w/5 (I SAID 5) prs of designer jeans for $80!!!! Heaven on earth!
I couldn’t make it through all the comments to see if anyone already mentioned my favorite jeans… They’re called “MEK” (www.mekdenim.com) and they are my newest discovery. Goodness sakes… they’re amazing. I found mine at Macy’s, but rumor has it that the buckle sells them as well.
Seriously. Worth every.single.penny. Also worth the guilt I felt after buying them. (
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I just did the jean shopping thing today. I ended up with a pair I like but don’t LOVE them. I have a long inseam and usually have to purchase my jeans from the mens dept. because they come in width and length. Can anyone recommend a good women’s brand that are sold that way?????
What do you wear if you don’t wear jeans??? My husband prefers i don’t wear pants so I am left with the dilemna of how to replace the basic goes with anythingness of a good pair of jeans. I’ve not found anything that makes my “mother curves” look as flattering as some good denim! Nor anything that so nicely goes from teaching home school, to the back yard, to the gorcery store, and than on our date night as jeans. Any suggestions?