Jeans Advice, Please! Pic Heavy!

I followed Goldenpig's lead and went out to the Gap sale yesterday. Now I need help to decide!

I brought home Long and Leans and Always Skinnies.

# 1-5 First the skinnies. For comparison, these first pics are my favourite Ann Taylor Modern Fit Skinnies, with flats and heels. ALREADY OWN.

# 6-12 Always Skinny dark wash in size 2 regular. I tried on a size 0 and it was quite tight on my calf, and they only had one in stock so I couldn't try others to compare. (I know the sizing can vary a bit.) Also, they did not have the ankle length; the regulars would have to be hemmed a bit; I don't think the scrunch looks bad but I am stepping on them a bit inside the back of my shoe.

My concerns: My daughter said these make my butt look big. And my husband did not like the placement and size of the pockets. From the side I can really see his point; it's not just that they seem rather long and big for my backside, but they also come around to the side quite a bit.

Another issue: the rise feels a bit too short for me. It is short on the Ann Taylor's too but the 4 way stretchiness of that fabric makes it comfortable; with these, I'm not sure how it would feel over time. Also, these feel quite loose on the waist and I worry that I would soon have a sort of diaper crotch (despite the short rise); they seem as if they might fall down on me if they stretch much at all.

I just measured to compare the AT and these: the rise is in fact the very same (8.5") and the waist is also roughly the same. Yet the Gap ones feel as if they are at risk of drooping. Should I have the waist adjusted or size down?

I don't know if petite sizes fit differently in the Gap or if it is just a question of length; it's a moot point for me because they don't sell the petite versions in Canada. (Ankle length, yes; petite size, no.)

Top is also from the Gap sale - is it okay as a transitional piece from summer to fall? Obviously I have not styled this in any way. Excuse the hair. We are getting the tail end of the hurricane here today!

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14 years ago

HeleenH

Veteran

I think you should return these and try some more jeans. You don't sound completely happy with them. For me a too low rise would be a dealbreaker. On top of that the pockets seem too large, I think smaller pockets would suit your nice bottom better.
I looooove the top!

Samar

Active Member

I like the fit of the new jeans but I agree there's something odd about the pockets. I think if the rise isnt comfortable, you should return--for me, an uncomfortable rise is a deal breaker because I hate the way it feels! But I can't tell by looking at it if it's too low.

Anonymous

These just aren't your perfect jeans. Next! : )

goldenpig

(website)

OK that's weird because I also got Always Skinnies (size 4) and those got the thumbs up from Angie on me. But I am much bigger than you if size 0 L&L's are too big for you. So maybe you just need smaller sizes? If you don't feel happy/comfortable in them, they are not the right jeans for you. I know what you mean about the pockets being big on the AS. I think you look fine in the first jeans that you already own. What are you looking for--another pair of the same style? If you want to stick with Gap, I think you would need sub-0 and petite if possible. Otherwise, stick with what you've got and buy another pair!

Polly (thunalata)

When I tried the Always Skinny I had the same worry about the rise.

Angie suggested trying the Real Straight instead. I didn't as I'd found something else in the meantime, but might be worth a try...

I vote for the ones you already own! They look softer and the stitching seems darker, hence the pockets on the bum don't stand out. Is this brand and style still available? I would go back for more, since you look fantastic in them!

The Gap ones seem stiff, the gold stitching on the pockets draws attention to the "iffy" placement and if you get that feeling in your crotch that they are going to be sliders, then your're probably right.

The top is lovely and looks to be very versatile. I don't think you can go wrong with that one!

tarzy

I agree that the pockets look huge on tiny, little you! They look out of proportion.

I would say pass. I know that the price is tempting, but I don't think these are your best option.

There's just something about GAP jeans that always feels very young/trendy to me. Have you tried any premium denim? My premium denim (in a nice, dark wash) seems to take every outfit up a notch, and fits so much better. I have found there really is a difference. (I tried on a bunch, found the style that worked for me, and am always stalking them on sale. Have not paid full price yet for premium!) Just my opinion, of course!

Suz

Thanks, all. I think you are confirming what I suspected...

Rats. It sure would be great at the price.

@Claire, I love my Ann Taylors but I got them on a rare visit to the U.S. Ann Taylor is not in Canada and does not ship to Canada. So, to buy more, I need to make a trip to the states, something I don't often do, as a rule.

@ Tarzy, I think you are right; I need to move to premium denim and try them on. During my intro a bunch of people made great suggestions about brands to try; I am going to write down the names and take them with me on my next trip to Toronto. There is precious little premium denim to be found in my small city; mostly Not Your Daughters and Jessica Simpson, neither of which were my "it" jean.

@Goldenpig - Angie's a fan of the Always Skinny and it looks great on her (and on you!) If she checks in she might have a different opinion about them on me (and for sure I would listen to that...I have 30 days to return!), but if not, I'll bet she can give some good reasons why. I guess NO jean is perfect for everybody!

Your husband and daughter are right about those back pockets. Try other styles. Did you try the denim leggings (leans) at Gap?

@Anne - yes, I tried the leggings. They were okay, but they didn't have my size (or what I thought was my size) in a wash/fabric that I liked. Also, the leg opening at the bottom is very small and I have muscular calves, so I wasn't sure how I'd like that, in the long run. But I can certainly try them again. Thank you for the suggestion.

CocoLion

Everything looks so great on lean you so it's hard to say. But those pockets seem larger than usual and far apart. It wouldn't matter if the stitching weren't so contrasty.

My main concern for you is the fit, not the pockets however. If they already feel as if they might bag, and if the rise feels short, then you should pass. I have pants that feel as if the rise is too short, I hate the way they pinch so I am getting rid of them.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Ahem...I don't have Gap's Always Skinny jeans :). I wear their legging jeans and their "Real Skinny" black trousers. Gap's Always Skinny jeans do not fit my body type. I wear J.Brand and Diesel skinny jeans.

I do think that the pockets are a little bigger than normal, but that does not worry me one bit. You wear your tops un-tucked don't you, Suz? If so, the pocket placement is of little consequence. I am NOT a Riveting Rearsider. The Gap jeans look fantastic from the front, which to me, is a million times more important. Looks like waist adjustment is in order though.

Oops! Thanks for the correction, Angie! And I am very glad to know which jeans you actually wear!

I actually wear a lot of my tops tucked, so I'm still not sure about these. I think I might hold out for a pair of premium skinnies that I really love vs. the sale Gap ones, especially since they just don't feel that great. I do agree the front view is good in the pics, but it is weirdly better in the pics than IRL, if that is possible. Thanks for your thoughts on this; SO helpful!

*chuckle* (the benefits of having a small wardrobe)

If you wear a lot of your tops un-tucked Suz, I can understand that you want to look for another pair. If you are not opposed to premium denim - try Diesel and J. Brand.

Lisa

I have both of the jeans you are looking at too. The AT skinnies you already own look great and fit you the same as me. The pockets are positioned and sized just right for the bum. The gap skinnies, I've had mine for a while now and I do not care for them. The material is not as soft as the AT jeans, the pockets are a LOT bigger, and they make the bum look flat. I vote return. I've already worn my Gap jeans, so I plan to wear them only with longer tops to cover the pockets.

Freckles

Good luck Suz, kuddos to you for finding the right pair of jeans search.

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