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Need new jeans advice (graphic warning: muffin top!)

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I have 3 pairs of jeans that are about 10 years old, and thanks to YLF I now realize that they are too short unless I wear them with flats. And they're all really faded since I have always washed and dried them with the regular laundry. And plus I need some skinnier jeans for tucking into boots. So I went to Nordstrom to try on new jeans and ended up with two skinny jeans in blue and black and a bootcut with a longer hem. Just wondering what you thought about style, and whether they seem like the right fit. I initially thought I would need a bigger size than my prepregnancy jeans (I previously had a size 29) because of my muffin top, but the SA recommended I actually size down because the 29 jeans I tried on were "too comfortable" (she said they would stretch out too much after wearing) and a bit loose at the small of my back.

Please help advise me keep or return on each of the new jeans, because I am new to premium jeans and I haven't bought any jeans in a long while so I don't know what looks good. I'm including pictures of my old jeans for comparison...let me know if they look OK too or if I should get rid of any of them (if they look too frumpy). And so sorry about the exposed muffin top...but I wanted to show the fit up close. Despite having lost all my prepregnancy weight, I seem to have gained this muffin top since having kids. I don't really know how else to get rid of the muffin top unless I go completely over the belly like my old jeans (but then I worry that the high waisted ones look too mom jean-like, I think). I am 5'5" and 128 lb if that helps.

Thanks for any comments (or suggestions for different jeans if you don't like them)! I am keeping the tags on till you weigh in!

New jeans
1-5. Paige Skyline bootcut stretch jeans (Fountain wash) size 28, inseam 34.5--are these too long? I am wearing them with 2 inch heels.
6-10. J Brand skinny stretch jeans (Hewson wash) in black size 29, inseam 29--are these too short? Skinny jeans are supposed to be shorter, right?
11-15. Citizens of Humanity Ava straight leg stretch jeans (Faith wash) size 28, inseam 33.5. These are for tucking into boots and wearing with heels.

Old jeans:
16-19. Banana Republic Classic boot cut size 6/S.
20-23. Earl Jeans size 29
24-27. Ann Taylor Loft size 6.

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Shopping

25 replies

Latest reply was from Vix

Deborah

Veteran

Firstly, if that's a muffin top then I'm a muffin:)

Now to the jeans and keep in mind I'm no expert. Bootlegs seem too long unless you are going to wear serious heels. Otherwise I think the fit looks good.

Black skinny jeans look great, however I am noticing the scrunching just below the knee. Can you smooth the leg out a bit?

Jeans in 11-15 look too long to me and maybe that's causing the scrunching below the knee again, otherwise I think they look good.

I think your old jeans could end their journey in your wardrobe. They don't look to fit that well and are perhaps a bit dated.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Thanks. I was wondering if the jeans are too long. Maybe I should try on petite jeans? Or else get them hemmed? What inseam length should I be looking for?

I agree my old jeans look kind of tired, but I can't really put my finger on what makes them look dated...short length? more faded? high waisted? If I knew what to fix it would make it easier to find the right replacement jeans.

I may also go try on some jeans at Gap tomorrow so if you have any pointers on what to look for, let me know.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Check out Angie's recommended Gap Long and Leans (try to size down). The Jeggings at the gap are an absolute wardrobe must have, they are your basic skinny staple that you will tuck into tall boots and wear with flats year round. They are great jeans and very reasonably priced. I don't think you should need petite jeans at 5'5". Premium denim is always cut very long. I like Joe's Jeans and others have had good luck with Paige Hidden Hills.

I'm sorry to say I think it's time to retire your old jeans to household chores.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Gap is running a promotion now if you have their card.

Use GC1 for an additional 30% off.

The Jeggings turn out to be $48.96

Nicky1234

I have the exact same problem with jeans. If they fit correctly in the seat and legs, then I get a muffin top. It's very frustrating. One shopping trip, I tried on no less than 50 pairs of jeans, and I walked out of the store with two pairs that were flattering. I have found that jeans that have a little bit higher rise helps. I'm not talking very high rise, mom jeans, but more of a medium rise. I have had luck with the Paige Hidden Hills (per Angie's recommendations,) and with Lucky Brand, Sweet n Low, although I think you just have to try different ones on to get what's just right for you. If I were you, I would take back your new ones, and keep on looking. If you ever wear a fitted top, I think you will be bothered by the fit. Premium denim is too expensive to be anything less than fabulous.
You will also probably have to get most premium jeans hemmed. At 5'5", I think petites might fit a little funny. Also, petites usually isn't just about hem length, they are often different in the rise and fit overall, so they may not fit right. But once again, maybe try a couple petite pairs, and see how they fit. Also, make sure to wash the jeans before you take them to the seamstress for hemming, otherwise they could shrink, and your perfectly hemmed pants will now be too short.
Lastly, I would retire the old jeans.

Anonymous

If muffin top bothers you (either sitting or standing), I recommend higher-waisted styles. I always liked the Rising Glen style in Paige Premium Denim. It was bootcut, but a higher waist that held things in more. Rising Glen seems more difficult to find in the stores these days, but you can find them online, I think. Here are some on sale at 6pm.com:

http://www.6pm.com/paige-premi.....-authentic

Also, consider checking out Nordstrom Rack. Once I discovered the Rack, I never paid full price for premium denim.

Anonymous

By the way, no "mom jean" fears with the Rising Glen style, either, despite the 9" inseam!

Have you looked at Gap's Long and Lean and Skinny styles? Those are YLF favorites, too, and far less pricey. I just remember when I first got into premium denim ... the money I spent ... now I wear Gap again.

Isis

Veteran

I am not an expert, but recommend that you keep looking. These won't work for tucking, and might be uncomfortable (? ) You'll find the perfect pair!

GAP is having a 50% sale on women's things today (Saturday) according to their Facebook page. They have a lot of different fits---go try a bunch on! The sizes are a little uneven, so be sure to try on each pair. Good luck!

Also, if the butt and thighs fit, but the waistband gaps, it's easy to get the waistband taken in.....So I recommend trying to get the butt, thighs, and rise correct, and then getting the waistband taken in.....

Take this with a grain of salt, as I have not ventured into premium jeans yet, I'm still in GAP-land!

krishnidoux

Veteran

Dear Goldenpig,

First off: you have a very pretty body, especially for a young mom. You do not have a muffin, top or bottom, attached to it. This muffin is imaginary. Our bodies change with age and pregnancy. That is a normal part. It just means you have to change the cuts of the clothes you buy, including jeans. You can now wear styles that would not have looked so great on your pre-pregnancy, younger body.

Second: Skinnies are in and can be cute but are VERY hard to pull off. For anyone. What Nicky1234 describe is the problem with a normal, sexy woman's body. What she says about the higher rise is very true. High end skinnies (such as Guess etc) will actually cut the jeans a slightly bit higher in the back (not noticeable) which makes all the difference in the world. It will showcase a perky but instead of cutting it in half.

Re: new jeans: yes, keep looking. The back is simply not flattering. With your great shape, you can get a much much better look. Try different cuts.
RE: old jeans: the problem is that they are out of style, and too baggy in the legs.

Queen Mum

Veteran

The paige look very nice on you.. I"d keep those. Wash them a couple times before hemming. You then want to decide what shoes to wear them with and hem them to touch the floor.

I also really like the J-Brand.. those are a perfect length as is.

I'm not as sold on the Ava on you. Something about the fit through the mid leg isn't as sleek as I'd like to see. Perhaps if you hem them an inch or they might lay better though. Try folding them up and lets see.

None of your old jeans fit you as well as any of your new jeans. They all seem to bag in the butt. I'd keep the most comfortable pair or 2 for household wear.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

krishnidoux (and the rest of you too), thank you, you are so sweet. Your kind words really mean a lot to me!

modgrl & Isis, I did see that Gap sale which is why I was planning to go today to try some on, but thanks for letting me know it's for in-store too (I thought it was online only)!

I will make sure to try on the Long & Lean and Skinny and the Jeggings...any other ones I should try? If these regular lengths are too long for me, should I be getting the ankle length in the regular fit? It looks like the regular inseam is 33 inches and the ankle length is 30 inches. I'll make sure to bring some heels and flats but I am confused as to what length I need...maybe I am in between? This is so confusing & intimidating. I wish I could have you guys with me to go shopping!

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I am 5' tall so my sizing is all off for inseams. Maybe someone closer to average height can comment. I buy my gap jeans in petite lengths. The jeggings are perfect with a tiny bit of scrunch at the bottom. The L&L's are a long inseam even in petite, 31" is long for me. I have to wear them with 4" platform wedges.

Anonymous

The Gap usually has both "ankle" and "regular" lengths in the store to try on. I doubt you'll need a "long!"

With skinnies, a little scrunch at the bottom is nice, but not so much that you look as though you could be wearing leg warmers.

Size down in the Long and Leans .... they run large! If they're loose or NOT a bit tight when you try them on, they'll be falling off you within hours. Size down, size down!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You have a super bod and I like you in all jeans silhouettes!

May I make a suggestion? Try: -

- Page Premium "Hidden Hills"

- Hudson jeans (try a few of their styles)

- Kut from the Kloth skinnies

- CoH "Amber cuts

- Gap high rise skinny jeans

I suspect that these styles will fit a little better than the ones you have proactively tried here. I love your energy and motivation, Goldie

And! I love your specs!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I am just half inch shy of your height and I buy regular length jeans and then hem. They all come so long these days. I ended up hemming to roughly 32" inseams, which is perfect on straightlegs but found that can be too short on a more bootcut style and too long on very very skinny openings - because of where they 'break' on the shoe.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Angie & everyone for the specific brand/cut recommendations. I will start with Gap and then if needed, another trip to Nordstrom (if I have time) to try on more premium denim. I am determined to find the perfect pair of jeans for me! No more baggy butt!

It is so easy to blame ourselves and think "What is wrong with my body that these clothes don't fit me?", rather than "What is wrong with these clothes that they don't fit my perfectly nice body?" That's why I've avoided this for so long, but now that I have you all to help me I am willing to forge ahead! Thanks for lifting my spirits!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Goldie, you are delightful and I am thrilled that you have joined the community.

You might like to read this post. None of us have figure flaws. We all just *are*:

http://youlookfab.com/2011/06/.....to-expose/

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Jeans shopping is for the brave, and you are forging a path out there! Way to go! We will look forward to your new pics; I am sure you will find something that flatters you brilliantly! I have yet to try premium denim so am reading along with interest. Also, I'm close to your height (actually a bit shorter, and sometimes can wear petite pants with success); I find Gap jeans are generally too short at "ankle" length; they might seem right at first but usually can't be worn with a heel and tend to shrink or simply "wear" a bit shorter than in the fitting room. So beware of the ankle length! It MIGHT work, but probably only for flats.

bj1111

Veteran

goldie,

if you run out of time, just order on line and try them on t home. or you can contact a sales assoc, make an appt and let her know which jeans you'd like to try on in what sizes. when you come in, the room is set up for you to just try on the jeans. much more time efficient.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I spent a couple hours at the Gap today and tried on practically every jean in the store...see fitting room pic (and that was only round 1!). Whew! I think I'd rather shop for bikinis than jeans...this is hard work!

A few revelations:
1. O.M.G. I think I'm a size 2. WTH??? By my waist measurement (31 inches) I should be a 10 or 12 by the size chart. I typically wear a 6, but thought maybe I might be an 8 because of my mommy belly. Grabbed a bunch of 6 and 8s. I was swimming in the 8 and even the 6 was way too big! So I got a bunch of 4's. Felt comfy, but a little too comfy in the stretch jeans and the waist was too loose and stretchy. So I sized down to 2 for the thinner/stretchier jeans (stayed in 4 for the thicker/stiffer jeans because I really could not zip up the 2's in those styles), and they were definitely snug, but I could still move around and fit my hand into the waist. So this makes NO sense at all to me...I've never been a 2 in my life, but I'll let you judge and see if I sized correctly or not. (Thanks Anne for the warning to size down, because I would have never ever thought to try 2's!).
2. Yay for your suggestions! Long and lean and high waist skinnies...awesome! Goodbye muffin top! I would never have picked "long and lean" on my own...I definitely do not consider myself tall! But the length actually seemed correct and it doesn't look like it needs to be hemmed if I wear it with my 2 inch clogs or heels. There's a bit of extra length/scrunch at the ankle of the high waist skinnies, but I picked that over the legging jeans because it's a higher rise and a bit thicker/more substantial feeling.
3. Yay for the 50% off Gap one-day sale! Even with buying a whole huge pile of clothes--blue and black bootcuts & skinnies, trouser jeans, black & grey work trousers, trouser shorts, denim jacket, scarves, belts, tanks, T-shirt, socks, tights (even the SA was shocked at how much I ended up buying)--all of that cost about as much as those three full-price premium jeans. Each of the jeans was about $35. I never did end up going to Nordstrom's after--I was totally denim'ed out--but I hope these meet your approval so I can just return those premium jeans and be done with it. What a deal!

Please let me know what you think of these on me. I have a few duplicate styles because I couldn't decide which cut was best, so let me know which ones you think work better. Here are the finalists (be glad I'm not posting pics of every one I tried on, because I think the computer would crash!). And definitely let me know if they don't look good or you prefer the other ones I posted in the original post because I've already come this far...I can keep looking if needed!

I'll start with the Long & Leans, and will post the skinnies in another post so it doesn't get confusing.

1. Me: I can't believe how many jeans I just tried on!
2-7. Long & Lean in black/dark grey wash. Size 2 regular. I think this is my favorite of all of them...it feels like it fits the best and seems to be the right length for me. It's pretty snug but not constricting.
8-13. Long & Lean in dark blue, size 4 reg. You can see the difference in fit between size 2 and 4. Unfortunately they didn't have a blue in size 2 in the store so I just bought the 4, but I think it's a bit too big, what do you think? It fits very comfortably now but I feel like it may stretch out. There's a fairly large gap if I pull on the waistband. I need both blue & black jeans, so if you think I should size down, I'll try to order a blue 2 online.
14-18. Long & Lean lightweight size 2. This seems to be more of a "trouser-style" jean than the one prior, which has a more casual feel. I could potentially wear this to work if you think it looks classy enough.
19-23. Perfect Boot Cut mid weight size 2. Another trouser style. Trying to decide between this one and the one above. Even though they have the same specs/inseam, this one seems like it's a bit too long for me, I think.

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goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Now onto the skinnies:
1-5. Textural high rise skinny in black size 4. It's a bit stiffer than the legging jeans and is a bit longer so there's more scrunching (not as smooth of a line). I don't remember but I think I didn't buy a pair of black legging jeans because the rise felt a bit low so I felt a bit muffiny in those.
6-8. Same textural high rise in a gray wash size 4. T shirt and cardigan also bought at Gap..what do you think...keep or return?
9-13. Mid weight high rise legging jean size 2. This is a higher rise than the lightweight black legging jeans that were available in the store, so less muffiny. Feels pretty stretchy/lightweight to me.
14-18 Always skinny size 4 dark wash. For my blue skinny jeans it would be between this one and the high rise legging jeans above it. The pockets have more prominent stitching and the jeans are darker than the legging jeans. Feels somewhat like the Citizens of Humanity Ava that I tried on yesterday, but a better length.

So there you have it! I hope you enjoy, and thanks for any feedback you can give me on which ones are keepers. I've learned a lot about jeans in the last couple of days and am totally surprised at what I ended up buying! Hope you like them!

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goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

OMG, can I just point out the contrast between these two pictures? I can't believe it's the same me! I've gone from Mom Jeans to Hot Mama Jeans. LOL! I think I am going to start a Before and After YLF Challenge!

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Goldie, I love the Long and Leans on you. I believe the 4s are too big but I eagerly await others and hope those with experience will weigh in.

As for the skinnies, it is a bit hard for me to tell by the photos. Which ones felt the best to you?

Tshirt looks comfy and the colours are soft and autumnal...a good transition piece for weekends. Sweater - it's a bit hard for me to tell. Would you wear it like this, or belted, or how? Maybe if you style them for us we'll get a better sense. On the whole I think it is a keeper because I know you got a great price on these and you are in "replace the closet" mode; it is good to have new, more stylish pieces even if you only keep for one season as you continue to refine your style. (Or at least that's my own motto!)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The L&L's look killer!

And the last pair of skinnies are best!

Well done

Vix

Veteran

You're right about the before and after shots -- nice work! Ditto for your no-holds-barred photos.

[I find the cut of jeans can actually give/accentuate ye olde MT -- so nice to find a pair that doesn't add fuel to the fire....]

Bootcut: For me it's the dark grey wash (2-7) and the ones in 14-18. In pic 4 you can see how they live up to their name.

IME L&Ls stretch out in the waist and caboose very quickly, so I would stick with the 2s and return the 4.

Skinnies: It's not as clear-cut since I have a bias toward dark-dark washes, but I think the last pair (14-18) if you like the dark wash.