Last year, (during season ONE of Covid) we put together this list of our favorite jeans because let’s face it, buying jeans online is not easy. When we realized we all had at least one go-to pair we wanted to share the wealth so perhaps you could find a GREAT pair of jeans too. And since these are jeans we truly stand by and still love, we’re bringing this post back in case you are in need of a solid pair of jeans for fall/winter. Enjoy!
In my experience, jeans shopping was never/still isn’t a “stress-free” endeavor. It wasn’t necessarily always a self-conscious issue about my size. Sometimes it was say, that the shape of my hip bones were too rounded for the jeans to also look good around the waist, or that my inability to reach my 5’6″ height potential (which was promised but my pediatrician) created an annoying puddle of denim at my feet. It was always SOMETHING. But to be fair, can anyone really try on any ole pair of jeans and they just fit like some Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants sorcery? Side note: Was anyone else devasted when they decided to WRITE and DRAW on that magical garment????????? Like, ladies, LADIES! I will happily take them off of your hands if you are done with them. No need to deface them with your beautiful memories.
Now to answer my own question, I don’t think there’s anyone on this earth that has never had at least one jean shopping issue. Why do I think that? Well, we’ve had A LOT of requests asking what our favorite jeans were. Of course, we were happy to oblige to hopefully make the process a little easier for you. Well some of us did this more willing than others (I “forced” Albie to break a long jeans free streak:)) but we all took “real life” photos for you to get a “real” idea of how our go-tos might look on you. So yes, today we have both Albie and Ajai joining in:) Thanks, ladies!
Emily
Jeans | Suede Boots (no longer available) | Top (similar)
Height: 5’5″
Average Pant Size: 4
Why I Love Them: I really love how they look and I feel VERY hip as soon as I slip them on! Speaking of being able to “slip them on,” SIZE UP. My normal size made me feel like food couldn’t enter my mouth without serious consequences. But once I sized up, they were awesome. I’ve had them for three years (?) and I get compliments every time I wear them, not because they are super flattering but because they are “cool”. They are the jeans that 28 year-olds wear.
SORRY, NO PICTURE!
Why I Love Them: I love the Dre cut of these jeans (I’ve had two pairs for over two years that I still wear often)). They fit low and slouchy in the crotch, but then more fitted in legs – not full drop crotch, but just a really good cut.
Mallory
Height: 5’7″
Average Pant Size: 26-27
Why I Love Them: These are my blue jean babies. A classic Levi 501, guys. It never goes out of style (literally). These have been in my life for about 2 years now and I wear them ALL THE TIME. They take a second to break in but once they do boy oh boy it’s magic. Plus I love this wash. OH and by the way I cut the bottoms of these because I thought it would fit better with a boot (I highly recommend doing this)
Why I Love Them: These black jeans have been with me for even longer than the blue jeans. Probably 4 years now? We really do go way back. Madewell does black jeans SO WELL YOU GUYS. These go with everything and I love the way they fit (they’re stretchy AND high-waisted…what more could a gal want??) If you’re interested here’s the link.
Caitlin
Height: 5’8″
Average Pant Size: 30
Why I Love Them: These were a best-seller in September, so I think it’s safe to say that we all agree that it’s time for the return of the flare!!! As you can see, I’ve got some hips, so I was very excited to add a more balanced bottom to my closet. Plus, the rise is so high (above my belly button!) which makes me feel super supported AND I also feel like they don’t give me the stereotypical “mom jean flat butt” thing. Tops look so cute tucked in, they’re the perfect length with my mules, and they’ll be so good with boots headed into fall. HOW ARE THEY ONLY $63 DOLLARS?
Why I Love Them: EHD is responsible for getting me into the demi-boot cut pant! (I am now a loyalist for demi-boot jeans AND corduroys.) Again, I find that this style that flares out a bit at the ankle is way more flattering on my hips and legs than a standard skinny jean. It’s still pretty warm out here so I’m still pairing these with slides, but the model on the site wears them with boots and they look super cute — I’m excited for it to cool down! These are also SO COMFY (high praise from someone who only wears leggings), they have an awesome high-ish rise, and they’re a dream for slipping into on the weekend when you feel like wearing sweats but want to look like you have it at least a little
Albie
Height: 5’5″
Average Pant Size: 12
Why I Love Them: I’ve had these jeans for about 5 years & through every season, body change, move…they’ve been here. For me, it’s the high-waist button fly that makes em my fav. So unfortunately these exact ones aren’t available. The closest I could find in terms of cut but without the button fly were these Super Skinny High Jeans.
Ryann
Jeans | Top (similar) | Sweater (similar)
Height: 5’8
Average pant size: 29-30
Why I love them: These are it. These are THE pants for my body type and I don’t know how or why but I just know they are so so flattering. I love the wash, the length, and the cut. I wear a size 30 because they are non-stretch jeans and they feel best after a few days of wear after a wash. They are the most expensive jeans I own (but I did get them second hand for half off) but they really are worth it because I wear them almost every day and they go with everything.
Ajai
Jeans | Top | Shoes (no longer available)
Height: 5’7″
Average Pant Size: I’m 33 weeks pregnant. I normally wear a size 4 in pants (when I’m not pregnant) and my maternity pant size (in these jeans) is also 4.
Why I Love Them: These jeans are my favorite because they still provide a “skinny” jean fit while compensating for my baby bump. Which allows for me to still feel fashionable throughout my pregnancy. I also love how the crossover Panel provides back support for my belly (even as it grows in size). I’ve been wearing these jeans for about three months and they still fit well. The rear of the jeans have a low back design, which helps to keep me cool while I’m in motion. They are hands down my favorite maternity jeans, and only $30!
Jess
Jeans | Top | Shoes (Here they are in Black and 60% off!)
Height: 5’3 3/4″
Average Pant Size: 30
Why I Love Them: Madewell has been my go-to jean for at least five years now and these have top billing in my closet. While I am VERY tempted to buy Caitlin’s cute new flares, skinny jeans and I have been in a solid 12-year relationship and of those 12, this pair is probably my favorite ever. First off, for me personally, a 10-inch rise is the max for my body (otherwise I’m pretty uncomfortable). They are also the perfect amount of “skinny”. You know, tight but not jegging wannabes. I like some breathing room around my calves:) And lastly, I love that classic Madewell tummy support and the light stretch in this pair. Oh and it’s SO nice that at almost 5’4″ I don’t have to get theses hemmed (and they aren’t even the petite size). Although I want to try that sizing next to just see what the difference is;) But in conclusion, these are the most comfortable and confidence-inducing jeans I own.
P.S. Ignore the strange tiny art placement! There was a hook there from my Christmas “wreath” and I just hung that little beauty temporarily there:) Also, I finally got my hair done for the first time since March. For those that haven’t but have a safe way to do it, DO IT. It was almost annoying how much it helped my overall personal moral… well after it stopped feeling like a wig since it had been so long:)
So did you find a pair that might work for you?? Maybe lessen the chances of the mail-in return saga? Well, we hope so. Putting on the right pair of jeans really does something good for your mood (even when sweatpants are begging you to put them on). Happy Saturday and see you all tomorrow.
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credit: Photo by Veronica Crawford | From: My Favorite Current Clogs – A Review ( + Are Clogs My New Mule?)
Hahaha 🤣
I bought some jeans on Thursday and Emily was in my head, because my exact words were “But, I don’t love them!” LOL
I’m still not sure about them. I still haven’t even tried them on at home.
In Jess’s words, they’re probably skinny jeans that are wannabe jeggings!
Issue? I’ve lost a LOT of weight! Poor health + chemo + zero appetite, (but I’m eating because I know I need to) = my eyes haven’t caught up to what my body shape is … yet.
So many people have said “Ooh, wish I didn’t have an appetite!”
NO! You don’t wanna wish this on yourself. Be happy in the body you have, especially if it’s healthy!
For real. Appreciate your body!
You do that, and I’ll wear my skinny-jeans-wannabe-jeggings!
Rusty xx
Aaaaand …. Caitlin! Cool hair cut! Whoo hoo! (Cute kitty, too!)
I have replaced nearly all my jeans with NYDJ jeans whenever there was a good sale. For years, I bought jeans that I mostly liked except they weren’t quite “it”. I spent a lot of $$$ over the years on “so so” jeans. Finally decided I was going to find my perfect jean and pay what it cost. So I did. For me it was NYDJ and on sale, not much more than I had been spending.
I re-homed all my other jeans and now just have what I really love. Except I lost 17 lb during the quarantine (I did a lot of walking and gave up desserts) and they’re a little loose. May have to try them in a smaller size…
Awesome post! But it’s unclear what Emily’s 1st jeans choice is? Both jean links go to the Dre jeans…
I have to say, I also bought the Em’s favorite Dre jeans on sale based on a prior post.
Are they awesome? yes.
Are they flattering? Probably not…
but like the lady says, I feel cool in them. So there. Also my son hates them, so there’s that.
Caitlin, your haircut is awesome!
Man, I’ve given up on jeans shopping. I am in a forever search for jeans to replace my amazing black LL Bean signature skinnys that aren’t too skinny, have more of a cigarette cut ankle, aren’t cropped, are mid-rise, don’t stretch out ridiculously after a few wears…. Sigh. LL Bean discontinued them. I’ve bought SO many pairs of black jeans over the years in hopes that the ankle will fit the same, and they never do. Lesson learned – when you find the perfect jean, GO BUY ANOTHER PAIR TO KEEP ON DECK FOR WHEN THESE WEAR THROUGH, BEFORE THEY’RE DISCONTINUED.
Anyone have a suggestion for a mid-rise, not cropped (I’m not a high rise or cropped fan, and everything is high rise and cropped these days) skinny jean where the ankle is looser, more like a cigarette cut, and cuff-able?
These sound like the perfect jeans!
They WERE the perfect jeans. Sigh. I may have just gone on another rabbit hole unicorn hunt for them and bought another pair from Poshmark to try and see if it’s really them. LL Bean Signature Skinny Favorite Fit, if you can find them. LL Bean has something else with that name now on their website, but they’re different. Tighter ankle, shorter inseam. Blurg.
Seconding this! I’m short and high rise jeans feel like they go up to my cleavage and I hate how they feel when I sit down. I also hate when jeans pull on my lower legs, so it’s been impossible to find a slim cut that feels and looks good. Hopefully someone’s found our unicorn jean!
I have a short torso and look awful in highrise, so I really like the American Eagle Skinny Jeans. They are mid-rise, not super skinny, come in 3 lengths and have the right amount of stretch for me.
check out the Dakota Skinny from American Giant.
hi, I am late to this, but I had some american eagle “skinny kick” jeans a litle while ago that had that sort of ankle? I have bigger calves compared to the rest of me, and skinny jeans were too tight for me in that area, but I found the AE stretchy skinny kicks to be oddly forgiving, and to look almost straight legged when on. I had them in a low rise black and they were super cute, but I just checked the website, and they have them in mid/ high rises now. hope this helps.
I’m considering classic 501s again after Mallory’s recommendation. I also love Albie’s jeans with exposed button fly. My favorite jeans have long been Citizens of Humanity’s Emerson jeans. I have them in a few washes. Two pair I’ve had over eight years and have worn hundreds of times. I may also want to try Caitlyn’s demi-boot cut jeans. I think I had something similar that I donated years ago. I’m regretting it now, but they probably weren’t a good fit anymore. Oh, and Caitlin, I love your haircut!
AGolde Riley every day for me, too!
Ok, but what about the pair Emily’s wearing in the instastory teaser? I mean, 😍.
Same! You can’t use an image to advertise a story and then never mention it! We need these.
They’re from Rent the Runway!
https://www.lee.com/shop/women%E2%80%99s-sculpting-slim-fit-skinny-pull-on-jean-plus-31820W.html?dwvar_31820W_color=3182124
I discovered these on Amazon and I will never wear any other jeans again as long as I live.
I have tried so many jeans over the years–Agolde, Levi’s, Anine Bing, Everlane, to name a few–but I keep coming back to Madewell. I have their high-rise skinnies, Perfect Vintage, and Classic Straight jeans and they always seem to just fit. Still, I continue to search for the perfect jeans, which is probably silly. But after going such a long time not wearing jeans I have gotten to the point where I kind of never want to wear them again, especially since all my jeans are high-waisted and therefore not too comfy. I want to make flowy minidresses with tights and boots my new jeans-free winter wardrobe.
What are the jeans Emily is wearing in the swipe up picture with the really great, unique waistband?
Anyone know what those are??? I am confused if they are the picture on the link but not in the blog post? They are so cute!
Have you ever thought about including clothes for people who are a tad bit bigger than just size 12? Like size 20 or 22? Yes, you look very cute — and so do the ladies pictured here. but there’s a whole world of us out there who weigh a lot more. And we would love to have some nice-fitting jeans, too.
Exactly! When you click an article that says 7 different sized women and they’re all the same…. Except a couple are even skinnier? Super misleading
Agreeee. I was drawn in by the title/subtitle. Most US women are size 14 or above.
Seconded. “7 different bodies”, but they’re all about 5’6″ and wear either size 4 or size 10/12… I understand they want to share the jeans that they, personally, wear. I get that; that’s totally fine! Just avoid the false advertisement in the title, please.
I loooooove the old navy boyfriend jean. Ripped knee, no ripper knee, cuffed, not cuffed… into them for people who want a looser, boyfriend look. Worn in they’re so soft I prefer them to sweatpants (sacrilege!) And they happen to be super price conscious. Who knew?
I am frustrated because either I somehow missed something or they would talk about their Jean’s and the fit but never said which jeans they were. Therefore, sadky, this wasn’t a lot of help for me.
7 different bodies?? Really?? Size 12 was the biggest person you could possibly get to participate??? HUGH FAIL.
Jess, I’m with you 100% and own two pairs of those exact Madewell jeans!! FYI, I’m 5’5 and usually have to hem my Madewells by a couple inches, so I eventually tried a petite pair and found them to be too short! They come up just a bit too high over my ankles, so I decided to stick with the regular length and get them hemmed.
I’m also 18 weeks pregnant so I super appreciate the maternity jeans rec from Ajai!! Girl you look amazing, and I’m glad to know not all cute maternity clothes cost an arm and a leg!
I wish you would list the brand of the jean in the text because most of the links are broken. Very frustrating.
I love Gap High Rise Cheeky Straight Jeans. Great price & fit. I am short but long torso, so high waisted is good for me. It helps my legs look longer. I’m another big fan of Madewell & JCrew demi boot cut. Another great but more expensive demi boot cut are Mother jeans -the Insider Crop or Hustler Frayed Ankle.