Madewell Jeans Review: 4 Styles on a 55-Year-Old Woman
TL;DR
Madewell Jeans Review at a Glance:
Reviewer: 55 years old, 5'3″
Usual jeans size: 6/28 in many other brands
Madewell size tested: Mostly 27
Favorite Madewell length: Usually Short
Jeans tested: Barrel leg, straight leg, low-rise loose, and wide leg
Biggest surprise: The Darted Barrel-Leg Jeans were comfortable enough to lounge in
Tried-and-true favorite: Perfect Vintage Wide Leg (she already owns multiple pairs)
Didn't work: Lowrise Loose Jeans; she'd size up if trying them again
I have reviewed a lot of jeans over the years, but my body can only tell you so much about how a pair of jeans will fit another grown woman. That's one reason I love also sharing reviews from members of the Wardrobe Oxygen community.
When I received an opportunity from Madewell to try pieces from its current collection, I offered it to Andrea, a longtime Wardrobe Oxygen reader and longtime Madewell denim wearer. She chose four very different jean silhouettes: a barrel leg, a straight leg, a low-rise loose jean, and a wide leg, along with a couple of pieces to complete her outfits.
Andrea is 55 and 5'3″, typically wears a size 6/28 in jeans from brands like J.Crew, Old Navy, and Ann Taylor, and usually wears a 4/27 at Madewell. She also has real-life experience with Madewell's Short sizing and rigid denim, making her review especially helpful for anyone trying to decipher the brand's various fits and lengths.
Below, Andrea shares how each pair fit, what she would change about the sizing, which trendy silhouette surprised her, and which pair simply didn't work for her. Photos were taken by Bridget Solan.
This article was originally published as a Madewell denim review in 2021. In 2026, I completely updated it with a Wardrobe Oxygen community member testing Madewell's current denim collection.
Meet Our Madewell Denim Reviewer
When Alison put out a call for someone to review a Madewell denim haul, it was like she was reaching out directly to me. As someone who, if given the choice, would spend forever in blue jeans (money talks, but it don’t sing and dance and it don’t walk…), the jeans that work best for me usually come from Madewell.
I’m a 55-year old grown woman. I am 5’3″ on a good day, and I have spent my adult years sliding up and down the BMI chart. No matter my size, I’ve always felt comfortable and confident in Madewell clothing.
I spend most of my working hours at home. When I do go to the office, I frequently wear jeans in a “put together” rather than super casual way. In addition, the nonprofit I work for has frequent in-person events that require a more polished look.
How Does Madewell Jeans Sizing Run?
Madewell’s sizing is generous, bordering on vanity. In most other brands (J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, Old Navy, Ann Taylor) I currently wear a size 6/28 in jeans and pants. In Madewell, the size 4/27 was the right call (with one exception). I’ve been a huge fan of Madewell’s Perfect Vintage Wide Leg styles, favoring the minimal stretch of the fabric, but was eager to expand into some of the “in” styles of the season.
Editor's Note:
One detail I found particularly useful in this review is Andrea's preference for Madewell's Short jeans rather than Petite. Madewell currently describes its Short jeans as its standard fit with a shorter inseam, while Petite jeans also have a proportionally adjusted rise. At 5'3″, Andrea often prefers Short because she likes the rise of Madewell's standard jeans but needs less length.
As someone who is also 5'3″ but a different size and shape, I too often prefer Short over Petite. I too have found Madewell jeans to run larger than other popular denim brands and often sized down from what I wear elsewhere.
Madewell Jeans Sizing: What She Tried
| Denim Style | Size Reviewed | Length Reviewed | Fabric/Stretch | Fit Feedback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darted Barrel Leg | 27 | Regular | 100% cotton, rigid | Roomiest; consider sizing down if between sizes |
| Longline Straight | 27 | Short | Stretch | True to her expected Madewell size |
| Lowrise Loose | 27 | Short | 100% cotton, rigid | She wishes she'd sized up |
| Perfect Vintage Wide Leg | 27 | Short | Zero stretch | Her established size; owns three pairs |
Madewell Darted Barrel-Leg Jeans Review
My first, and most anticipated pick, was the Darted Barrel Leg Jean in the shade Washed Black. These jeans are slouchy and comfortable in all the right ways. Although I generally prefer Madewell’s “short” length in denim (I appreciate that the rise is the same as their regular pants), for this pair I chose the regular length in size 27, as I wanted them to hit the tops of my feet.
They are 100% cotton with zero stretch and have a button fly—a closure I haven’t worn since rocking my 501s in high school! The darts hit me slightly above the knee, and the resulting curve of the lower leg was flattering and not exaggerated.
At the end of photographing all of my Madewell selections, this is the pair I put back on for lounging around the house—they are that comfortable.
One note: these barrel jeans are the only ones that felt larger than the indicated size, so keep that in mind if between sizes.
Madewell Longline Straight Jeans Review
It’s been a hot minute since I had straight jeans in my wardrobe, so I was eager to give the Longline Straight Jean a try. I ordered a size 27 Short in the shade Midnight Waters.
Madewell describes these as combining “the holds-you-in structure of rigid jeans with a touch of stretch for day-one comfort,” and I think that’s an accurate description. I generally shy away from jeans with stretch because they often stretch too much. But I’ve found with the Longline and other Madewell stretch jeans that they don’t get too big after a day of wear and, if line dried, maintain their touch of stretch.
I paired the Longline with a previously purchased Shirred Balloon-Sleeve Top in crimson, and I think the structure of the straight jeans was a perfect balance to a flowy blouse.
Madewell Mylie Ballet Flats Review
For this outfit I also wore the Mylie Ballet Flats, which I chose in the shade True Black, size 7.5. I had read online reviews saying that these shoes stretch out, so I went smaller than my typical size 8. The upper and lining of these shoes are 100% imported leather. They are soft and remind me of nice leather gloves.
I am optimistic that with a couple wears around the house they will fit me nicely. Even though a little bit snug, these flats don’t rub on my bunion and don’t feel overly constrictive to my flat feet. They were the perfect addition to the straight-leg jeans and will also look great with nicer work pants.
Madewell Lowrise Loose Jeans Review
I was a little more hesitant with my next pick, the Lowrise Loose Jean. I’m scarred by the memory of the early 2000s, when lowrise jeans painfully dug into my postpartum midsection. That said, this was my chance to expand my horizons, and I do like to stay current, so I selected size 27 Short in Solstice Wash.
Made of 100% cotton denim with zero stretch, I definitely wish I had sized up in these jeans because the waist hits at a wider point due to the low rise. I think the larger size would have not only provided more “slouch” around the waist, it would have helped with the draping of the legs as well.
Honestly, though, I do wonder if this is a cut and style better suited for someone taller. After wearing them for a full day, they did loosen up but remained uncomfortable, so it’s a no for me on the lowrise.
Madewell Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jeans Review
The Perfect Vintage Wide Leg Jean in size 27 Short, Bedford Wash, is now my third pair of this style. I knew what to expect and was not disappointed. Made of zero-stretch denim (65% cotton/35% lyocell), these pants start off feeling a little snug—but not uncomfortably so—but loosen to a perfect feel after a couple wears.
Bedford Wash is a nice shade for fall and winter, dark but not so dark that it’s hard to see the details of the fabric. Although I paired these jeans with an already owned pair of ballet flats, I feel like the wide legs would look better with a more substantial loafer or low-rise sneakers.
Looking for more options? See the most popular jeans for women over 40 according to the Wardrobe Oxygen community.
Madewell Nolita Cutaway Blazer Review
I paired the Wide Leg Jeans with the Nolita Cutaway Blazer in size 6. My work wardrobe was in need of some basics, and I loved the curved detailing on the front and that this wasn’t just a standard black blazer. This is a beautifully made, versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, but it was too big for me.
I often buy Petite sizes for tops and jackets because I am short-waisted. I think this would have been better in a Petite, as the hem hangs just a bit lower than I would like, and the sleeves are a tad too long. That said, I like this enough that I may visit the tailor and have this adjusted to fit me correctly.
Which Madewell Jeans Did She Like Best?
What I love about Andrea's review is that there isn't one simple answer to “How do Madewell jeans fit?” My own experience with Madewell jeans is similar, even though we have very different body shapes and sizes.
Her longtime Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jeans remained a favorite, while the Darted Barrel-Leg Jeans, a much more directional silhouette, ended up comfortable enough that she wore them for lounging. The Longline Straight Jeans gave her a confident step back into straight-leg denim.
The Lowrise Loose Jeans were another story. While sizing up may have improved the fit, Andrea also questioned whether the proportions of this particular style worked for her 5'3″ frame. This is a prime example of how it may not be the size, it may be just that a certain silhouette or style of jean is not right for you and that is okay.
That's also why I value having different members of the Wardrobe Oxygen community review clothing. Two women can have the same clothing size and completely different proportions, fit preferences, lifestyles, and definitions of comfort. I hope Andrea's review can help you better navigate Madewell's denim collection and choose which style is right for you!
Madewell Jeans FAQ
Do Madewell jeans run big or small?
For this reviewer, Madewell generally runs larger than several other brands she wears. She typically wears a size 6/28 in jeans and pants from J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, Old Navy, and Ann Taylor but usually wears a 4/27 at Madewell. However, sizing varied among the four styles she tested, so don't assume every Madewell jean will fit the same way.
What is a size 27 in Madewell jeans?
According to Madewell's current denim size chart, a size 27 corresponds to a 28-inch waist and 38-inch hip measurement. Madewell notes that fit can vary by style and personal preference, so the size chart should be a starting point rather than a guarantee of fit.
Should I buy Madewell jeans in Short or Petite?
Madewell describes Short jeans as its standard fit with a shorter inseam. Petite jeans have a shorter inseam and a proportionally adjusted rise. This distinction matters for shorter women who like the proportions or rise of Madewell's standard jeans but need less length.
Are Madewell jeans good for women over 50?
This 55-year-old reviewer found several current Madewell denim silhouettes comfortable and wearable, including wide-leg, barrel-leg, and straight-leg jeans. The low-rise style wasn't successful for her. Age itself doesn't determine which jeans will work; rise, proportions, fabric, personal style, and comfort preferences matter far more.
Do 100% cotton Madewell jeans stretch out?
Rigid 100% cotton denim doesn't contain elastane, but it can relax and conform somewhat with wear. In this review, our tester found that some of her rigid Madewell jeans loosened as she wore them, though that wasn't enough to make the Lowrise Loose Jeans comfortable for her. Different Madewell fits and washes use different fabrics, so check the composition of the specific pair you're considering.
Madewell provided the clothing in this review through ShopMy. I offered my gifting opportunity to a member of the Wardrobe Oxygen community, who chose the pieces and provided her honest, unedited opinions. Madewell did not review or approve this article prior to publication.
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Really good review—thanks for this! The barrel jeans sound especially good. I’m another fan of the “short” option with Madewell’s jeans and pants. At 5’4”, I often struggle with inseams that are too long but petite sizing doesn’t fit right. The Airy denim that Madewell sells has become a favorite of mine—but as someone who’s dealing with with my menopause-stomach area, I’ve found that I need to go up a size with the airy denim because there’s no give in the waist & stomach area. So far, doing that & ordering the short option has led me to 4 pairs of jeans that I just love! The chocolate brown option is probably going to be a favorite of mine this fall & winter.
For what it’s worth, my Airy denim jeans in a traditional blue denim remind me very much of a similar pair of AG jeans, but the Madewell pair cost much less (glad I sent the AG’s back)!
Great review with very thoughtful comments. I love this series of having readers review clothes too!
One question I have in general – as we all know, it is challenging to pick the right size online given how inconsistent brands are within their lines and with each other. When someone gets an item gifted from a brand that is definitely the wrong size, isn’t it possible to exchange it for a different size? I often see reviews where the reviewer says – I should have got this in size X instead – why is it that the exchange isn’t allowed by the brand?
What an excellent question! Nine times out of ten, exchanges can’t happen and they are for a few reasons:
1. There is no time. The item arrives and the campaign ends in a week so you make do with what you get.
2. Brands aren’t always the best with follow-up communication. You can email them or message them in the influencer platform and may not get a response quickly or at all.
3. Often the product comes from the brand but the communication is with an agency. So you’re chatting with Amy in Texas, but the company is in Ohio and the clothes are shipped from California. So it’s a game of telephone to try to ask for new sizes, return the old ones, etc. and this also factors into #1. By the time you get it resolved the item is sold out.
I am actually dealing with this right now with a bag brand. It was supposed to send 2 bags to one reviewer and 2 to the other, but instead sent all 4 to one. It has been weeks and they keep saying they’re trying to resolve it with a return label for the one person to mail them to the other person, but they haven’t. And I know if I pay for it I will not be reimbursed and honestly I don’t think my readers should have to do all this work for their clerical error. Essentially, things aren’t as “clean” as they are for regular customers.
Thanks for this behind the scenes intel!
Late to seeing this post as I followed a link from your Chico’s denim post, but wow was this a great and satisfying read! In addition to the rise and phantom penis issue, I find Madewell to have very strange low back pocket placement. I’ve tried several styles and they’re all terrible – the top of the pocket hits at the bottom of my ass cheek. And that’s before diaper butt. Now I’m wondering if it’s all connected to the wrong rise that you discuss in the front. Either way, I’ve moved on.
Pre-pandemic I started buying SLINK jeans and found them to be the pairs I still reach for. Zero muffin top or waist discomfort, which has always been my issue (5’7 apple shape size 16/18). They have some high rises, but they’re not terrible, and many of my pairs are mid-rise and around 58% cotton, which you’d think would lead to more stretching out and greater wear, but they hold their shape beautifully and are still in good condition 3-4+ years later. Size range is mostly mid-range to plus (10-24) and I don’t think there are petites. If you’re interested in seeing if they work for you, I highly recommend purchasing from Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack and not the brand website which used to be horrible to navigate (maybe it’s since improved) with a truly outdated/difficult returns process (you need permission first??). Good luck, and thanks for this post – even a whole year later.
thank you for this! I just recently tried Madewell jeans for the first time and ordered a bunch of different styles. I had to size way up and way down based on the style because it was so inconsistent. I ended up keeping 3 pairs of jeans (mom jean, cargo joggers, and slim boyfriend) and they are all different sizes. As to to the fit, I tried like 8 different styles I was starting to blame myself and COVID weight but now I feel better about saying those jeans just weren’t for me. Also really digging the comment on what’s “flattering”. My husband hates all the jeans I’m keeping because he is so used to seeing me in only skinny jeans. I like jeans and am going to wear them without hesitation. Thank you for being real and showing us what real women look like and documenting the struggle to find the right jeans for OUR SPECIFIC BODIES.
This article is amazing – thank you for all your work, your honesty and most of all for showing your vulnerability! You are wonderful and you are right!
I especially love seeing these photos of pants on you because I also have very full thighs (as in: actually curve outwards at the front). I now buy a size up even from my hip (which needs a size or two up from my waist…) just to avoid that awful squeezy-sausage look that haunted my teens! (This is also why I, for one, am very wary at the return of the bootcut!)
The phantom penis comment was spot-on! For you, it seems it has to do with length of rise. I habe an absurdly long rise (thank god for high-waist Jeans, they fit me like a regular rise!), but I get the same crotch bulge. For me, it’s because designers plan around more front room, ie a bulging belly, whereas I carry all my weight in thighs and butt. Maybe this is something to think about for other readers as well.
As an older woman I want to say that this comment “ flattering is focusing on achieving a patriarchal ideal and is about appearing slimmer.” blew my mind Wow, wow, wow!!!! You said it ALL! I follow a couple of bloggers who have a readership of ( mostly) 55+. The fixation on’flattering’ is mind boggling. Maybe it’s our generation that feels we have to be flattering to the men folk’s eyes? I don’t know but I sure am happy to see younger women challenging the archetype of the female who dresses for the pleasure of others and not herself. One women wrote ‘My husband doesn’t approve of me wearing jeans’ or ‘ I starting wearing X and my husband is complimenting me so much now’ I thought lady, your husband is a jerk if he only compliments you on what pleases HIM….what about before? No compliments??
Background here: I am 65+, just retired health care professional, grandmother, married for 45 years. If my husband wants to compliment me that’s fine and he’s offered up a few helpful critiques when asked but he doesn’t get to veto my choices nor do I his. If I feel good and comfortable wearing a garment and it’s appropriate to the occasion that’s all that counts. I wore a full length black jersey dress with kitten heel, red pointy toed ankle boots and red black and gold pashmina to a wedding last year ( pre pandemic) I loved the look, boho, edgy, suitable for the occasion,I felt great and upon final mirror inspection I felt that I looked pretty darn good too. That’s all that matters to me.
You are fantastic to try on all these jeans and point out the pros and cons and are gracious enough to comment how they might work on another body along with ideas on how to style them.
This is also one of the only fashion blogs I read where the comments are really helpful as well.
…and ‘phantom penis’ best critique ever of a pair of jeans! All of us under 5’3”’s have been there. My son (was 12 at the time)once commented” Mom, in those jeans you look like you have a big penis” and his brother chimed in “ Yeah with an erection!” Never wore those again!!! The rise was ridiculous, I stick with mid rise for my short waist.. hate having the waist band under my boobs.
You put in a lot of work with this post. You ordered so many fits and sizes. You tried them all on. You got all of the pictures taken. RESPECT. I really appreciate your honest review and your ability to work through why a cut isn’t right for you. Some people are unable to make the observations you do. Your facial expressions in some of the shots had me giggling. I always appreciate how real you are. Thank you for this very thorough post. The balloon jeans have caught my eye too and I’m considering your experience as I think about them. After I read your post about spring jeans, I came across a pair at Banana Republic that checked many of the boxes. They are available in sizes up to 35 and have petite, regular and tall sizes. I ordered them and find the to be a fun addition to my closet. I’ve included a link. https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=668447002&cid=1137957&pcid=5030&vid=1&nav=meganav%3AWomen%3AWomen%27s%20Clothing%3ADenim&grid=pds_41_126_1#pdp-page-content
OMG I saw these jeans and wanted them, but they didn’t have my size. I will be stalking them!
“phantom penis” (you) = “polterwang” (fuggirls)
Your facial expressions and “phantom denim penis” made my day! No wonder you have so many fans!!! [plus the honesty about the jeans you’re reviewing….]
I think I’ve commented on Madewell jeans at least a few times before on this blog as a Madewell fan. Still even as a fan, not every pair of Madewell jeans has fit me well either and I’ve returned a few pairs. The last time I bought Madewell jeans was in 2019 and I’m still wearing all the jeans I’ve kept from that year and 2018 and maybe even 2017. I usually buy a mid-rise vs high-rise, and they are typically skinny or slim styles, though I have tried straight and stovepipe as well. I can’t compare the jeans you’ve tried in this recent batch, as most of them are not styles or washes I’m personally into. Style-wise, I’m more risk-averse to wearing super light washes and ripped jeans. I totally get your experience here — absolutely, not every brand works for everyone and even within those brands, not every style or cut works for every fan of those brands. I have definitely gone through some phases myself. I had a Gap-only jeans phase that went for several years (early aughts), and then Old Navy seemed better for some years (and still does, except for its horrible durability), and most recently, Madewell has worked for me. I also love that all 3 brands have offered short or petite inseams. However, I could see Madewell suddenly stopping working for me, esp. with the wide leg and balloon jeans styles that I’m not as into. I’ve tried Everlane and I actually have had that issue with their crotch drop (denim penis) more than with Madewell — also exacerbated by the heavier and thicker denim fabric (ostensibly better quality! so I was disappointed that it didn’t work for me). I loved the Universal Standard Seine you recommended, so I may try more of theirs later when I need new jeans again.
Anyway, you’ve really demonstrated that one should always just listen to one’s own perspective of what works and what doesn’t work. Don’t be pressured by others’ good opinions of that same brand, etc.
Agreed – I’ve ordered the same exact jeans (double checked the fabric components even) and found the fit to be inconsistent. The pair that fits the best just had the zipper break (purchased in Dec 2018, so almost 4 years old now). Brought them into the store and was told they only expect their denim to last 12 months.
Thanks for validating the inconsistency I was perceiving. I don’t have time to order multiple pairs of the same size and style every time I need jeans, much less if the store won’t stand behind the quality for more than 12 months.
Ok I guess that’s not ‘all’ after all lol, because I’d like to recommend the brand SeaSalt (Cornwall) for petite & curvy jeans. They’re a bit more ‘mumsy’ (for want of a better word) so their styles are often cut better for curves & stomachs, & are a bit more classic but with a twist (think high waisted but more dark wash/ indigo rinse denim). They do free worldwide shipping above a certain amount (depends on your country).
Their Millcombe trousers have a more ballooned silhouette, whereas the Hallworthy jeans are more of a relaxed yet straight leg & the Waterdance trousers (in indigo rinse) have a high waisted, side button opening (so you’d probably get less of the ‘phantom denim penis’).
I am also around 5ft3 & a size UK12 in tops (due to my waist) but a UK14 in bottoms (due to my thighs & butt). The 14 petite fits me great in the Hallworthy jeans – they come with one pressed cuff that hits just above my ankles (rather than a double roll) & can be unrolled (no stitching) to full length. The single cuff is in the same dark rinse material, whereas the double cuff is when you start getting the contrastingly light lining showing. The back patch pockets look surprisingly flattering on my butt (some styles come with welt pockets instead) & the mid-to-high rise works great on my short-to-average torso (especially with a belt).
Thanks for that recommendation! These sound like they might work for me!
I think ‘phantom denim penis’ is the best thing I’ve read on the internet today (& it’s not even afternoon yet!) That is all.
I LOVE this! This is why I’ve been reading WO2 for years now. Thank you for showing what the jeans really look like. I’ve had the same experience, especially as someone needing a 14P like yourself, only I’m shorter (5′). I’ve only found one style of Madewell jeans that fit me and they’re from about 3-4 years ago, the Slim Boyfriend in 30P which they mistakenly sent me. I ordered 31P, which was on the bag but all the tags on the jeans said 30P. I haven’t bought jeans since. Anywhere. These high rises are killing me. They cut me off at an uncomfortable place on my stomach where I end up getting bad indigestion. Also, I’m not willing to keep pulling down the waist to sit and hiking it up when I stand. Or playing the button/unbutton game. I’m too old for that stuff.
Honestly, the only pair of jeans I’ve had that fit me perfectly and I mean like a glove, were a pair I ordered from an online site called makeyourownjeans.com. I entered all my measurements but when it came time for the rise and waist measurements (my problem areas) I specifically indicated a 9.5″ rise, a 36.25″ waist, and a 26.5″ inseam. The jeans were 3% spandex and at the time (about 8-10 years ago now) I got skinny jeans. When I pulled them out of the bag I was sure I just wasted $50, but I knew I was taking that chance going in. They looked like they’d never fit. Overall they were way smaller than any jeans I had, but when I put them on they fit like the proverbial glove. I could not believe it and I received many compliments. I miss those jeans. I may have to visit them again as my menopause body has changed quite a bit now. Anyhow, thanks for letting me go on and on. Wonderful work, as usual, Allie
Yes to all of this and thank you for sticking with it to complete the review. I would have given up. I have a pair of Madewell High Rise Slim Boyjeans and I kept them because they were exactly what I was looking for in terms of the fit of through the legs, the wash, and the length but, yeah…I definitely should have returned them. The crotch is way too long and has way too much fabric. They don’t make me feel great. It’s so hard when it *seems like* everyone raves about something and it doesn’t work for you. I appreciate your message and will try to keep that in mind with future purchases.
Thank you for your hard work, this was such a great post. I’d love to get some jeans but have been dealing with abdominal swelling due to illness. My body has been super unpredictable, and sometimes it’s uncomfortable wearing stretchy denim. Thinking more and more that I might make some elastic pants out of non stretch denim. Why not, right?
I have a pair of Madewell demi-boot 32 petite jeans from last summer that I like. They don’t start off with the baggy crotch, but as the day goes on, if I don’t have a belt on, they slide a tad. This is the first and only pair of jeans I have from Madewell. I am immensely grateful for the jeans reviews, as I’ve felt dumpy in every straight leg style I’ve tried and have been dreading picking up the search again this spring.
I’d like to have pictures from behind on those models to see what tricks they are using for the photos, because the shape of the jeans in the Madewell pictures are often not the same shape as the jeans you tried on.
First, thanks for the hard work involved in this. The unpacking, the changing, the repacking and returns. Exhausting. Now that you mention the phantom penis, I see how long the crotch is in some of the model shots. I have one pair of Madewell I kept but sold another pair on eBay because their high rise was ridiculous on my 5’4″ shortwaisted, apple body. I usually wear a 31 and the pair I kept are a 29!
You had someone on your last post chiding you for not using the “size guide” before ordering. your review shows the folly of any sizing guide with dozens of cuts/washes/fits. Hang in there, I have faith you’ll find your perfect pair!
Thanks for doing the work – the super long crotch is all I needed to see here! Not being able to make a proper crotch is my #1 disqualification on jeans, and it seems like all the sizes and styles that you tried on all have the same crotch flaw. I’m around your size, just taller, and I went on a “perfect jeans are out there” mission last winter. I ended up buying some basic Gap curvy skinnies and gave up. Trying on multiple pairs of denim at different stores and having the same disappointment is the hottest, most frustrating thing you’ll ever do!
Again, I love it when you do try ons and honest reviews!
I’m so relieved to see you had the same problem with too much fabric in the crotch. I keep trying various Madewell jeans and sending them back because of that problem. I’ve been so confused and frustrated because so many people love and recommend their jeans.
I thought the mini-boot cut looked fabulous and couldn’t understand why you didn’t like them. Until you showed the side angle and I could see the weirdness with the length. It’s odd that there is a break in the front but then the back manages to look too short. So thank you for doing thorough reviews and multiple photos. Like you, I’m crushing on that Perfect Vintage in that wash, but I too would need a petite and it isn’t available in my size (also, likely, a 32). Maybe that just saves me a lot of trouble!
I JUST LOVE YOU! Thank you for your honest comments and pictures. It really helps to see the pictures along with the review. BTW- your faces in the pictures are priceless. Keep trying on and reviewing and I’ll keep reading!
Hugs!
This is a great post and I salute you for putting yourself through that!! I have a pair of Eileen Fisher jeans that are easily 10 years old. I wear them when nothing else will do, at most a handful of times a year. I’m pretty sure I haven’t had them on since fall of 2019. I treat them with kid gloves because when they’re gone I doubt I’ll even try to find another. I’ve tried and the puffy crotch/phantom penis thing and waistband up under my boobs…just not for me.
I’ve been trying to find a pair of straight leg jeans that aren’t baggy in the knees. They never appear baggy on models, and looking at your try-on haul, they don’t seem nearly as baggy as the styles I’ve tried on. Is this a fit thing? Are they too big? Too small? Too short? My weight also fluctuated over the pandemic and I struggle with sizing and fit. I’m 5’1” and roughly a size 14. I thought maybe they were too long and weren’t hanging right, but they seemed to bag even when I put on heels, just to check. What do you think about baggy knees?
Honestly if you like the balloon silhouette, I would try the Universal Standard Bae Boyfriend jeans in full length. I have very thick thighs and calves and they fit me like the model. They hit at my low ankle and I’m 5′ 6”. They are ever-so-slightly tapered at the bottom, but in a way that looks good with birks or canvass sneakers. I have the dark indigo and the faded wash–I don’t like the dark denim feel but I love the faded denim–it looks a lot like the washes you featured.
Thanks for taking one for the team! I would’ve been done after the second pair and would’ve blamed it entirely on myself.
Thanks so much for this post! I recognized the issues you were experiencing in my own travails with finding jeans that don’t slide down. Even NYDJ Jeans leave room in the crotch on me, and definitely don’t make me look 10 lbs thinner! I especially appreciate the fashionable vs flattering part. I struggle with body image and a light bulb went off for me when I read it. I’ll keep trying to find a good fit: meantime, I’d love to have white jeans that don’t show cellulite on my heavy thighs. Just a pipe dream?
I’m taller and a smaller number size, but I have a lot of the same physical characteristics: solid thighs & calves, a mighty, muscular booty, and otherwise straight up and down. And I have the same difficulty in jeans. I can’t get over how much excess fabric there is in the belly and thighs — and my upper thighs are, ahem, plentiful. I was bummed out this past weekend after trying on jeans, so I needed this post. I’ve decided not to be ashamed that I need to unbutton high waisted jeans if I’m going to sit down for any length of time. It’s not my fault jean makers can’t figure out my (very low) waist-to-hip ratio.
You made me feel so much better. My butt is non-existent and my belly takes up most of the the room. By the end of the day I have to unbutton the waist too.
This article cements my dislike of jeans. I won’t even try on a pair that is sized 31, 33, etc. out of sheer protest. If that number represents something, I’m baffled, as measuring the waist or the hips or trying to figure out the ratio between the two does not yield anything resembling those numbers. In fact, as I think about it, I’d like to see jeans offered in a range of fit ratios — waist to hip — to accommodate apples vs. pears vs. straight up and down. There’s just no way a size 31 jean can fit a pear-shaped woman and an apple-shaped woman, even if both have the same size waist.
Kudos to you for braving the jeans world and for showing photos, as well.
I am so glad you shared this, and all the photos so we can see for ourselves that it’s not just us. I would have been in tears. If this was a try-on session I”d done, I”d have given up on any jeans this year, wondering what on earth had happened to my body during quarantine and been really truly depressed. Thank you for letting us see it’s the clothes, not always us. This actually gives me hope – it’s empowering, to know we need to just keep our chins up and looking. Looking forward to seeing more jean brands that DO fit and flatter in coming sessions. Thanks Alison!
Alison, you have done us all a service by trying on all these jeans. It takes a lot to not want to throw the whole pile out the window. I haven’t bought jeans in at least four years, it is too daunting. I 100% believe it’s not us, it’s the clothes.
OH MY GOD the phantom denim penis! Ever since high rise denim became a thing this has been a problem for me, especially with shorts for some reason. My phantom denim penis and I feel less alone now!
You and i have very different body types, but I’ve never been able to make Madewell jeans work for me. in the last couple of years I’ve wasted time and money trying until i finally realized it was them (the jeans) and not me, and to just walk away. Not every brand is for every body, and this one is definitely not for me.
I have a completely different body shape, love the Madewell quality, but only one style of theirs works for me. I used to wear a couple of other styles, but as I have gotten older(I have been buying from them since they opened), I have gravitated to just the one . I also order online mostly for apparel, but find that you just need to go try on jeans there, as a discrepancy in sizing is common. J Crew Vintage Straight Jean ticks a lot of the boxes for a new spring jean, and sizes listed on their website range from 23-37 waist and 3 lengths. They have become my favorite jean other that the Madewell ones.
I just can’t stop giggling about the ‘phantom penis’