I would pay $400 for the perfect fitting jeans. Luckily for me, the two pairs that work the best are both reasonably priced. When I turned 13 (I think…) my mom took me to the mall to get designer jeans. This was a big deal, but nothing fit and I ended up with a few pairs of American Eagle jeans that ended up fitting so much better than any of the expensive jeans.
Jean fit is SO personal. Every year it seems like I would have to get new jeans because they just didn’t fit right. I’ve remained the same size and prefer the same styles (versus trends), but my body type growing up would shift every eighteen months or so. (Anyone else like this?!) It seems like my hips are what they’re gonna be and my butt is what it’s gonna be for good.
I’m sharing my two (kind of three….) favorite pairs of jeans that I wear over and over again. Again, I think jeans are super personal so they might not work for you. But if you have a favorite pair, definitely share in a comment– I’d love to hear them and I know other readers will too… and include some kind of body type/why you love them. Maybe you’re petite and never have to alter them, maybe you’ve got a great butt and a smaller waist and don’t have to wear a belt, maybe you’re straight up and down and don’t have to yank the waistline up every five minutes… Share away!
So you know what I’m working with when buying jeans: I’m 5’6″ but my legs are on the shorter side. I would consider my curves normal and not noteworthy. My legs really taper off after my calves and jeans can look baggy and too big around my ankles.
MADEWELL | The hype about Madewell jeans is not just talk… it’s legitimate. I don’t know what kind of magic they worked into their denim, but I’ve never had an issue with my jeans stretching out. Jeans. That. Don’t. Stretch. Out. Almost too good to be true.
Some notes on the jeans:
– Madewell tends to have trendier jeans (great options if that’s what you want though!), but the Skinny Skinny Skinny Jeans in Waterfall Wash have a great classic look.
– They alter in the stores for free. (Insert praising hands emoji.)
– The waistband is kind of itchy for the first three days. I think it has something to do with the no-stretching-out, but it definitely softens up. Worth getting through those first days!
– Fits very true to size every pair/every style. I wear a 25 at Madewell. When bought my first pair I didn’t try them on in the store and they fit perfectly at home.
GAP | This is where the two-kind-of-three thing comes into play. I love Gap jeans and think you get a lot of bang for your buck. I’ve been wearing the Always Skinny for about a year now and recently bought the Legging Jean. If you want a more casual weekend jean, the Always Skinny is great. For a more skinny jean, tuck into boots during the fall, go with the Legging.
Some notes on the jeans:
– I only buy them when they’re on sale. They’re almost always excluded from store-wide sales… but occasionally they have separate denim sales. #score
– The sizing is hit or miss and can vary even between the same style. The key here is to try on like 10 pairs, even if they’re the same style/color/size. They’ll all likely fit differently. Also, on the same token, the sizing online is different than the sizing in stores. I’m a 0 if I order online and a 24 or 25 or 26 if I buy in the store. (In the Legging Jean, I went for the “short” hemline.)
– They stretch out quickly. So buy a size that’s slightly uncomfortable at first knowing it’ll stretch out to perfection.
– The jeans wash amazingly well! Definitely get better with time and every wash.
Okay, your turn! Share your favorite brands/styles and why in a comment!
xoxo
I love Gap jeans! I have the skinny and boyfriend, but I want to try the straight, too!
Such great points! I don't know how anyone buys jeans online unless they have an exact brand, style, and size that they know and love. My favorites are Lucky Brand jeans, which just seem to work well with my body type. They have some super cute boyfriend jeans and skinny jeans that I always buy.
Cat
http://oddlylovely.com
I agree with the Madewell Jeans. I get the Skinny Skinny Jeans. I am 5'2. I have no bottom. I wear a 24. The jeans are long on me for sure (I did not know they altered in the store? That's awesome) but I am able to roll them up and add my own flare to them.
I completely agree about Gap jeans! I love my Gap jeans – they're my favorite, but I own 3 different styles of their jeans and each pair is a different size! It's so difficult to find jeans that fit perfectly – the fact that Madewell offers in store alterations is really intriguing and now I want to try a pair!
I really like American Eagle jeans, but I tend to get the jeggings because the fit me better. I also like J.Crew Factory's toothpick jeans!
I always wear Banana Republic denim. I'm 5'7" and have fuller hips and they fit me perfectly. Just enough stretch and a high rise (which I need since I have a booty). They do run a little long, so I like to get the short ankle jeans, especially for summer. I've always wanted to try out the J Brand Maria skinnies, Levi's curve and the Madewell skinny skinny jeans too.
I have one pair of J.Crew jeans that I'm obsessed with and wish they could be recreated in every wash. They are unlike any other J.Crew pair I've owned – they don't stretch too much, make my butt and legs look amazing, and are the perfect ankle length.
I also wear Gap jeans, but I don't buy unless on sale as well, which isn't tough with Gap! There's a sale almost every day!
I am addicted to my GAP jeggings! I just love how soft they are and how the waistband isn't too low. I still love classic AE jeans as well, but I hate how low waistbands have gotten!?! haha
I love American Eagle's jeggings–they're so comfy, but they look like jeans. Score! 😀
I've got some Levi's straight leg jeans that I bought a few years ago for horseback riding thinking they'd be perfect since they had loose enough legs to move around and a waist and butt that fit well. And I was right! It just wasn't my style back then, but thank god I kept them until now! I also scored a pair of black skinny jeans from Walmart that fit like a glove. And it was such a steal. They were $3!! I usually stick to super cheap jeans, but I'm wanting to invest in some really nice looking, nice fitting jeans that aren't just all the same plain blue.
I always wear American Eagle jeans. They always fit me perfectly and are the only brand that no matter what style or cut I am always the same size. I've yet to find another brand that fits me the way American Eagle jeans do. And their jeggings are amazing!
I bought a dark denim pair of Rock & Republic skinny jeans at an outlet a few years ago for $30, and I love them! They are stretchy, but don't stretch out.
I also love the colored skinny denim at White House | Black Market. I have short, muscular legs that taper down to tiny ankles with an average size butt/hips and a slimmer waist. Definitely recommend WHBM!
XX, SS || A Little Seersucker Sass
Hey Carly! I know you are going to take this post the wrong way, but whatever I am just trying to ask a serious question. How does your size help this post at all? You could have conveyed the same message without mentioning your size. Most of your readers are in high school and it is unrealistic and unhealthy for them to think that at age 25 they will be the same. (No offense ladies, it happens to everyone). Mentioning your tiny size also doesn't align with the whole #myrealselfie campaign because you are setting high standards for people that not everyone can naturally acheive. Yes, you MIGHT be a size 0 naturally, but other people can only do that by starving themselves. You may think I am overreacting, but I have had food issues since a teenager so I understand the struggle to look like the people you look up to. And just for everyone reading… There is nothing wrong with being bigger than a size 0… boys actually like it more.
Hi! I completely agree. So I mentioned my size and shape because it's just that… a size and shape. Says absolutely nothing about me! I also don't know how these jeans fit for other sizes other than my own– I included my size to give a reference point for how the jeans fit me with my body type.
I belong to the camp that size is just a number and health is what matters!
Just as there's fat shaming, there's also skinny shaming… I don't buy it. I'm the size that I am and I could be a 0 or 10 or 20 and it wouldn't change who I am.
EVERY body is different. My body has absolutely changed since high school, curve wise and height wise… but I'm technically the same size and weight. For me… that's realistic. That's just how I am built and how I've personally grown.
I don't think someone should be made to feel ashamed for being a size 0 or ANY size for that matter. Bodies are bodies and everyone is unique in their own way/shape/size.
Just to echo what Carly said here (and I hate getting involved in these kind of comment wars, but this one bothered me). I see where you were going with your comment, however just like Carly mentioned above there is such a thing as skinny shaming and everyone is different! Saying "boys actually like it more" at the end of the post completely contradicts everything I think you were trying to accomplish as its telling naturally thin girls that their body type isn't ideal. I don't think that's what you were trying to convey, but that's how the comment read to me. Remember, we have all had our struggles and the important thing is that we all stick together to lift each other up!
Really, in posts like this it can be helpful to get an idea of what size someone wears for a reference point.
Anyways, I really enjoyed this post Carly as I am denim obsessed (not in a Brittany Spears circa 2000 way, a good way I swear!) and I am always on the look-out for new jean brands (personal fave is 7 for All Mankind).
Hi Kathryn —
I think what is most important is that Carly did not mention weight at all. She gave her size number according to that store.
My sister & I were at Target today. She tried on her "normal" size in a pair of pants, size 2, but ended up buying the pants in size 8. She was so happy she bought 3 pairs and called my mom to tell her she found pants long enough! Fit is always most imporant and stores all have very interesting ways in sizing, so I appreciate the context of knowing how one store may size compared to another.
In highschool, number was so important to me and I was a size 0. Now, 10 years later, I am a size 6 or 8 but am happy and healthy, which is what's most important!
Best of luck xo!
May I just say, that as a 15 year old struggling with body issues, having Carly mention her size only made me more self conscious. It's not possible for me, at a healthy weight for 5'9", to ever be a zero. However, that doesn't mean I'm not magically going to stop wishing that I am. Size may be just a number for you, but to so many of us, it's a validation of our worth to the world. One day I hope for things to be different, for me to accept my body for what it is, but that day has yet to come.
Please Carly, for all the other girls out there like me, don't mention your size (of anything! That includes height, weight, bra size, etc.) ever again. It really can do a lot of damage.
Also, please don't take this comment the wrong way… I love your blog! You inspire me to be me every day, and you've helped me in many other ways. I just wanted to point something out you may not have thought of before.
Sorry, the comment was a little choppy, typing on one's phone is never easy!
Actually Carly, DIDN'T have to mention her size. See the post below with the information taken out and it just as "effective". And yes I know size is just a number, that is why I wrote this comment (I am Miss Kathryn B). But honestly, a constructive comment on this blog doesn't mean anything anymore. I guess I'm just a hater.
So you know what I'm working with when buying jeans: I'm 5'6" but my legs are on the shorter side. I would consider my curves normal and not noteworthy. My legs really taper off after my calves and jeans can look baggy and too big around my ankles.
MADEWELL | The hype about Madewell jeans is not just talk… it's legitimate. I don't know what kind of magic they worked into their denim, but I've never had an issue with my jeans stretching out. Jeans. That. Don't. Stretch. Out. Almost too good to be true.
Some notes on the jeans:
– Madewell tends to have trendier jeans (great options if that's what you want though!), but the Skinny Skinny Skinny Jeans in Waterfall Wash have a great classic look.
– They alter in the stores for free. (Insert praising hands emoji.)
– The waistband is kind of itchy for the first three days. I think it has something to do with the no-stretching-out, but it definitely softens up. Worth getting through those first days!
– Fits very true to size every pair/every style. When bought my first pair I didn't try them on in the store and they fit perfectly at home.
GAP | This is where the two-kind-of-three thing comes into play. I love Gap jeans and think you get a lot of bang for your buck. I've been wearing the Always Skinny for about a year now and recently bought the Legging Jean. If you want a more casual weekend jean, the Always Skinny is great. For a more skinny jean, tuck into boots during the fall, go with the Legging.
Some notes on the jeans:
– I only buy them when they're on sale. They're almost always excluded from store-wide sales… but occasionally they have separate denim sales. #score
– The sizing is hit or miss and can vary even between the same style. The key here is to try on like 10 pairs, even if they're the same style/color/size. They'll all likely fit differently. Also, on the same token, the sizing online is different than the sizing in stores. If the store has numerical sizes (0-20), I order online and I buy in the store if the sizes are done in inches (such as 25, 27, 30). (In the Legging Jean, I went for the "short" hemline.)
– They stretch out quickly. So buy a size that's slightly uncomfortable at first knowing it'll stretch out to perfection.
– The jeans wash amazingly well! Definitely get better with time and every wash.
Just to clarify, I don't think you're a "hater." I just disagreed with your comment (as you disagreed with my post). I have nothing wrong with differences of opinion… but just as you want to clarify why you believe your statement to be true… I wanted to address why I believe mine is.
I was contributing to the conversation that you posed and I thought you also brought up some interesting points that should be addressed regarding body size. I reframed it as why the issue isn't body SIZE, but people's issue with body IMAGE.
Hi Carly! I am a long time reader, first time commenter (is that still cheesy to say?). I really enjoy your blog and have always stayed out of the comments section, but this conversation about size/number sharing prompted me to contribute my 2 cents.
Having grown up with a sister who suffered from a debilitating eating disorder for the majority of her teenage years, I am acutely aware of the impact number sharing can have on someones perceived self-worth. I completely agree with you that size has no correlation to value as a human being, but for someone struggling with body image, seeing these numbers can be very damaging. Please do not interpret this comment as any variation of "skinny shaming", as I believe wholeheartedly that people of any size can feel public shame about their body and absolutely no one should be made to feel that way.
When you addressed KXB's original comment, I wish you had simply acknowledged her feelings as valid and taken the constructive criticism into consideration when writing future posts as opposed to defending your number share and reframing the discussion to be about your personal size and how that impacts your personal worth. As much as I wish all women were able to sever the tie between body size and intrinsic value, many are unable to do so and seeing someone who they consider to be a role model share those numbers can be unintentionally detrimental.
Perhaps moving forward you could create a "carly size guide" of sorts that includes a list of your favorite brands and the size you wear in those brands, for readers reference, should they choose to take a look. This guide could even live on its own page inside your blog, allowing you to leave exact size numbers out of your post content and link readers to the "size guide"when you feel its appropriate.
Thanks for always taking the time to engage with your readers and I hope you take my thoughts into consideration!
Meg, you took the words right out of my mouth. That is what I was trying to convey but I couldn't find the words. Thank you.
Looked like to me that she was just saying so we could have a idea of which stores ran bigger or smaller. I’m definitely not a size 0 but I appreciated the fact that she gave something to go by. If someone saying what size they are bothers you then those are your issues. That is her size. It is not her fault that she is her size. Placing too much value in what you look like is not a good thing for anyone to do, looks fade and what you do and who you are does matter. But if someone saying what size they are bothers people then that is a really petty problem of their own and they need to deal with it.
I'm 5'3" and petite, but I play field hockey so I have muscular thighs and a big butt. A few years ago, I went to J Crew and got the toothpick jeans, and have been hooked ever since! I have them in white and a few other colors, too. LOVE them and totally recommend them! Also, I went to a Lucky Brand Jeans outlet a few weeks ago and got some great ones that were marked down a lot since it was an outlet. They're super comfortable, pre-washed so they don't shrink, and they fit very well. I think both J Crew and Lucky do a good job of fitting their jeans to all body types.
Thanks Carly, this post was super helpful, and I think you mentioning your size DOES put things into perspective for your readers. I don't think it should impact anyone in a negative way, especially since you are such a big advocate for people loving themselves regardless of size. You are fantastic! 🙂
I'm 6'1 (I row, Carly!)- so for all the other tall ladies that read this blog and struggle to find jeans, I swear by Second Denim. They make the comfiest jeans ever. They're actually called yoga denim because they're so comfy you can do yoga in them (it's true, you can). They're the only jeans that are legitimately long enough! They also make different lengths too I think, not that I ever needed to look.
I absolutely love J Brand jeans! They are the perfect amount of constricting denim feel with a bit of stretch and give. They do not stretch out at all though!! My favorite style is the Maria because it is high waisted and sucks in my stomach which is my biggest insecurity.
Annie Belle
Citizens of Humanity jeans are always so wonderful because they have just the right amount of stretch and hit a little higher (since I'm not–and never was a fan of the super low-rise jean). I'm also a huge fan of jcrew jeans. I'm pretty much straight up and down with no curves so they work perfectly and look so clean cut–if they are paired with a crisp white button down and cute flats, they even work for the office.
I have the same waist size as you, but am a few inches taller than you, so Madewell jeans tend to run a bit short on me (they don't even hit my ankles!) I tried every brand of jeans and finally found that 7 For All Mankind has the best fit for me! They run a bit longer with a 34 inch inseam and have a high-rise waist. They are so worth the price since they fit great without any tailoring!!
-Renee
gimmeglamour.blogspot.com
I've tried all brands, jcrew, lucky brand, joe's jeans, and my favorite really is H&M. For $20, you can get so many options. I love their skinny jeans as they don't require a belt (for me), aren't too long (and I'm only 5'3), and they aren't too tight around my muscular calves. I don't have hips but a decent butt/thigh. I think they have long ones too for the taller girls.
Madewell jeans are my go-to!!! I love them. And you're absolutely right, they don't stretch at all. I'm so glad I found them a couple of years ago.
Ellen | A Pop of Pink
rag & bone jeans are a great investment! I would consider myself on the taller, thinner side (5'10) and I purchased a 28. I am typically a 27 but I highly advise to go up a size because they tend to run small! They have the perfect amount of stretch to them and are overall a great pair of denim!
I live in my Gap jeans! I also love Talbots jeans and Banana Republic! I'm curvy and have big thighs. I take a size 12- it's often very hard to find a jean that will fit my thighs but still fit my small waist and Gap does that in all there styles. I tend to stick to the skinny styles and the legging jean I also love there chords, I have them in every color!
Girl, I feel you! I'm a mix of curvy and athletic legs (but with big thighs, ugh) with a waist that's smaller than "normal"…so hard finding jeans! I found a pair of 12 Gap always skinny jeans at a thrift store and I LOVED them, just need to make the waist a little smaller. Hopefully they don't stretch!
Girl, I feel you! I'm a mix of curvy and athletic legs (but with big thighs, ugh) with a waist that's smaller than "normal"…so hard finding jeans! I found a pair of 12 Gap always skinny jeans at a thrift store and I LOVED them, just need to make the waist a little smaller. Hopefully they don't stretch!
It took me for-ev-er to find the perfect pair of jeans, it's so hard when fit differs between and within brands. My favorite is the Levi's Curve ID skinny jean in Slight Curve (for those of us with flat behinds) but the other curve options fit so many body types! A wise salesperson informed me that the skinnies run a size smaller than other Levis styles so I've always bought one size up which works out perfectly. The outlet stores are always less expensive, I've never paid more than $20 for a pair. I've always been curious about Gap jeans and will definitely try them per your reccommendation!
I work at the Gap and like you, love the Always Skinny and Legging Jean. The Legging Jean is definitely my favorite – I have a butt, but no hips, so I like that it's a higher rise, and won't fall down as easily.
Totally agree about Gap jeans. I just picked up new ones for fall (Always Skinny) and they are perfect.
thegradventurer.blogspot.com
jeans and bra shopping are always my nightmare situations! xo
http://www.hikinginheels.co.uk
Finding good quality jeans is a struggle! Thanks for letting us know about some of your favorites! I think the best pair I ever bought was some jeggings from American Eagle. Such a sweet little surprise :]
Im so glad you mentioned Madewell Jeans!! I just bought my first pair of nice jeans last week- the Madewell Alley Straight (a new style) and I love them so much! Unfortunately its still blazing hot back here in Florida, so I havent had a chance to wear them yet, but I plan on wearing them a lot throughout my senior year!
Allison
The legging jeans are my favorite jeans. I own 4 pairs of them. One of the pairs seems to fit me awkwardly but the other 3 pairs are flawless and they do was amazingly, and if they stretch to much just pop them in a dryer on steam refresh and they're suddenly perfect again. And I love Madewell jeans. I didn't buy them because they were too expensive at the time, but the rail straight jeans fit me like a dream and look amazing cuffed.
Mana
Fashion and Happy Things
Love my gap jeans…so comfy. I will have to try Madwell!
xo, Taylor
I will always be a jegging girl! Regular jeans are too uncomfortable for me after so many years in pixie pants! my favorite are from j brand and american eagle!
Makeshift Munch
I know this sounds absolutely ridiculous, but I have an obsession with the Rockstar skinny jeans from Old Navy. They come in so many washes and are perfect for cuffing in the summer with wedges/sandals and even better for wearing underneath socks and boots in the fall and winter.
Also, my go-to jean when wearing anything else is the American Eagle kick-boot, although they tend to stretch out and I can only air dry them to try to prevent it.
I'll definitely be trying the Madewell jeans though, they sound like a winner!
xoxo, Jordyn
http://www.TheSouthernStylista.Blogspot.Com
Jeans are the eternal struggle for every woman. I think it has to do with wanting them to be skin tight but everyone is such different shapes that it's hard to design a pant that fits everyone perfectly. My favorites are the Gap super skinny jeans and Old navy Pixi Pant because they're like formal pants but feel like leggings. I have been loving ankle length pants lately because I feel like they really show off whatever shoes I wear. 🙂
Natalie
pugsandpink.weebly.com
I love Gap's legging jean and the sexy boyfriend jean! I have a few pairs of each (I literally wear my jeans until they actually wear out before buying new ones… oops!). Gap's denim is most often excluded from promotions online but I've found that in store will often have the promotions applied to jeans! I stopped by my store today and saw tons of different styles for 40% off!
I also LOVE the new denim from J.Crew! The denim line was revamped at the start of 2014 but for fall J.Crew has gone above and beyond. There are so many new styles and washes, and the new Cone Denim stretch fabric is amazing. I love the Toothpick jean in the medium Miller wash and the (just a little bit) destroyed Miller, as well as the Lookout High Rise Skinny (basically the high rise version of the Toothpick) in Kirk wash! Give them a try – especially later next week after the new collection comes out!
xx, Amy @ leopardspot (the blog)
Hi, wanted your advice about the gap legging jeans. I was in between sizes, small and medium- loved how the small was on my legs but tight around the waist. Do you think they will stretch? my first time buying them so any help would be appreciated!
Hi – I found your blog because I was searching for info about Madewell jeans. I just bought my first pair from them – the "Skinny Skinny" ones. I'm loving the general fit and the way they make my butt and thighs look. They told me they would stretch out in the right places after wearing them for a few days and then stay there. I'm on my third day of wearing them but getting a little concerned. They feel pretty great when I'm standing up but when I sit they are a little tighter right at my hips than I would like them to be. I'm kind of sensitive to this stuff though (I hate pants digging into me when I sit), so I'm wondering if I actually need to size up or if they will continue to form to me more as I wear them and I'm just not used to wearing jeans like this yet. It's just the spot right at my hip bone that seems a little snugger than I would like it to be. Everywhere else fits like a dream, so I think sizing up would probably give me a gap in the back and be too baggy in places. Do you have any insight for me since you've been wearing these for a while? Sorry to bombard you with this, haha, but it sounded like you might be able to help me out and easy my mind. Thanks!
I love skinny jeans ! Especially budget friendly multiple options that create more fabulous fashion moments!
Finding the perfect jeans is an issue no matter what size you are. I found a pair of Madewell jeans at a Consignment shop and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. They are literally the best fitting jeans I have ever owned. Now I am on the hunt for more. I rarely wear jeans because because I am so hard to fit. Then when I find a pair they seem to discontinue the style. I am so happy to hear that the Madewell brand is consistent in their sizing and can't wait to get another pair!!
Preach! I live to find designer jeans at consignment stores- I found a pair of 7 for all mankind flares at goodwill for $5!! Two sizes over my usual but they're amazing! Minimal stretch and very dlayteromf = LOVE
I wrote flattering…idk why that wasn't posted lol
All of these comments asking Carly not to mention her size… that's crazy! Yes, I am a larger than a size 0. However, knowing that she is a typical size 0 (or her measurements) actually helps us as readers identify if what works for her would work for us as well. I find a lot of brands that simply don't match my body shape. Some brands are fantastic and make different kinds of denim that work for different body shapes. Mind you, if someone is a different size than I am is not going to make me assume that what they like won't automatically suit me as well. I'm glad that she said "I'm normally a size zero but my size will be anywhere in this range for this brand" because I know that I should take three or four sizes in the fitting room with me when I go try them on. I think if you're running a fashion blog/ writing a fashion post it is very helpful to include details about your own body in order for the reader to get a proper idea of how this style/brand will work for her. Re-reading the post, I don't see anything that seems like bragging on Carly's part. So, thanks Carly for this informative post. You are a smaller size than I am so I will keep that in mind if I try out some of the brands and styles you recommend. And please keep doing what you're doing! Have a great day! 🙂