https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 12 Apr 2026 21:27:19 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/3#post-826898 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 21:52:08 +0000 Isabel 826898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Regarding the fabric, I noticed this about 18 months ago when I had to start replacing my wardrobe. I found that jeans fabric were very lightweight ( I wrote about it here ). I bought replicas of jeans that I loved in the past, but a larger, and found that the denim was incredibly lighter. This was a problem for me in the NE because I always counted on my jeans to provide a little warmth in the late Fall and early Winter..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/3#post-826891 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 21:44:01 +0000 Aida 826891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YES!! I am soooo 100% on board with your rant Angie. This is part of why I had been wanting to move over to Team Trouser, because all of the denim is so flimsy and stretchy and I just want some structured, sturdy, denim! The few pairs that I have that are substantial were inexpensive (had to take 'em where I could find 'em!), so I've babied them heavily and they've lasted longer than they should... but will need replacing very soon. I do not relish that thought I wish you luck in your search!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/3#post-826439 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:02:32 +0000 Tortoise 826439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, yes, yes ! </p> <p>I'm pulling my hair out to find decent long, low-rise, slim-leg, *thick denim* jeans to replace the ones that are falling apart. I have some very stretchy skinnies, but they are not something to build your wardrobe on, as they only work with my longest sweaters.</p> <p>And all of them have only 2% spandex, so I don't know how come they are so stretchy. </p> <p>I usually have good luck with Zara pants, but this year I've stopped looking at them altogether. They're weirdly cut, and all casual ones are sorry too thin, too tight, too short excuses for pants.</p> <p>I wonder whether the growing price of cotton can explain this trend of short pants and thin denim. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/3#post-826382 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:51:17 +0000 Suz 826382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE those APC jeans. I am unsure what size to order. They don't give actual body measurements. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/3#post-826346 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 08:16:41 +0000 Scarlet 826346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha, I was meaning to go back to this thread and suggest APC since they are known for their raw denim. I feel so validated </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/3#post-826318 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 05:18:27 +0000 CocoLion 826318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, you might prefer Italian jeans like D Squared or R 13. </p> <p>I will also say my 3 True Religion boyfriend jeans are 100% cotton and have that solid feel. They do have distressing. Probably more than you want. And of course they have the pockets that are so prominent and not in style right now, but I love these jeans for the fabric, workmanship and artful distressing.</p> <p>I love that these 100% cotton jeans do not stretch out and then slide down the way almost all of my skinny and boot cut jeans with stretch in them do. They stay on my hips.</p> <p>ETA: <a href="http://www.revolveclothing.com/DisplayProduct.jsp?product=TRUE-WJ2131&#038;c=" rel="nofollow">http://www.revolveclothing.com.....31&#038;c=</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/3#post-825538 Tue, 22 Jan 2013 14:35:04 +0000 Jules 825538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I found another forum's thread where people were ranting about same, and someone mentionned Lucky brand as still having real denim, Lucky are my idea of premium ;)<br /> I have noticed that jeans now often contain polyester?!?!? But I do like the feel of the soft denim in some ways and it works for me in skinnies I guess. I do see how Judy's jeans have way nicer texture to them. I had some wide leg, 70s-ish jeans last spring that were thicker, I'm going to check the fabric content out of curiousity. But they were a Canadian low-end brand (Reitmans) and actually, I got them all on sale because it seems nobody else wanted them (tons of pairs in all the stores). I think they flatter me better in the hip/thigh because they are thick and skim over my bumpy bits rather than hugging them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/3#post-823473 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 20:39:29 +0000 judy 823473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, mine are the APC (unisex) petit standard. <a href="http://totokaelo.com/store/products/apc/ss12/petit-standard-denim/indigo" rel="nofollow">http://totokaelo.com/store/pro.....nim/indigo</a> </p> <p>I think what you want is perhaps the "hipster" version...I know, terrible name...here on the APC site of all their unwashed denim: <a href="http://www.apc.fr/wwuk/denim-td400.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.apc.fr/wwuk/denim-td400.html</a> and here are the hipster <a href="http://www.apc.fr/wwuk/women/jeans/hipster-jeans_pFV432685/colour-indigo_dBA00003082-BV00256400.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.apc.fr/wwuk/women/j.....56400.html</a> which says they are bascially a low rise version of the petit standard. I hadn't even remembered they did these low rise ones until you asked! These might be just the thing.</p> <p>They do stretch. And then shrink back if you wash them. I have two pair, the first I washed after six months, no dryer of course. But the color changes significantly and they shrink all over a bit. In a way, they fit better. But I missed the raw color and feel so I got another pair which I have never washed. I got 26's....I'm a 26 in acne, a 25 in 7's. </p> <p>Their quality control seems great, the two pair were exactly the same size. So now I have one that looks a tiny bit faded and soft and tighter...and one that is more raw and polished and a bit looser. </p> <p>Let me know if you need more pics or measurements, too. I also wonder if Jill at Totokaelo would order in some of the low rise hipster style if you asked her? But of course, don't know how long that might take.</p> <p>p.s. writing this has made me curious about the low rise version. I might have to try those next! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/3#post-823462 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 20:23:07 +0000 Angie 823462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JUDY!! The jeans that you are wearing in the photos a year ago are just what I want with a lower rise. Which brand are they? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/3#post-823441 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 19:52:50 +0000 judy 823441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's funny that you mentioned your nine year old jeans Angie...last weekend I was watching a DVD of a tv show filmed in 2003/ 2004...and one of the women characters was wearing this great pair of jeans. I noticed it looked like they were 7's or maybe AG, but of real denim fabric, no stretch, and only just very slightly bootcut....low rise, and not skin tight any where, yet totally figure flattering! </p> <p>Perhaps with the advent of skinny skinny, the denim has out of necessity gotten thinner and stretchier? We might not have been able to sit down :). I've noticed even Acne seems slimmer cut and thinner fabric. </p> <p>I also really have not liked this trend in denim. That's why in desperation I ended up going to the raw, stiff as cardboard in the beginning, APC's. I know it's not what you are looking for, Angie, I also think the rise is just a tad higher than you want, more like 9 than 7...and good luck with your search...but in case any one else is interested, just wanted to add my support. It's a labor of love, but it's been worth it for me.</p> <p>After I had mine for about four months, I found others in the same boat: <a href="http://grayzine.no/deadfleurette/category/raw-denim-journal/" rel="nofollow">http://grayzine.no/deadfleuret.....m-journal/</a> . The silhouette is a bit masculine for some, but not for my (I guess) tomboy, or perhaps just simple style. Here's a couple of pics of my first pair ( I have two now) in the thread about heavy sweaters: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-wear-heavy-sweaters/page/2" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ers/page/2</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/3#post-823315 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 17:32:04 +0000 Mochi 823315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hah, I had gone many years without wearing jeans (hard to believe, I know, but that was at my highest weight). So recently when I got back to shopping for them, I picked up a pair from Goodwill and was so excited to find out later that I must have LUCKED OUT. This particular pair of jeans had a nice little unexpected bit of stretch in them. Yay for me. I had no idea, LOL. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/3#post-823279 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 16:46:42 +0000 Angie 823279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the thoughts, ladies! I'll keep you posted.</p> <p> It's AMAZING that I have no trouble finding jeans for my clients because most want high rises, soft denim and stretch. That's precisely what is available so I'm SO pleased for them! (Hence my question about whether these jeans are selling well at retail). Gone are the days when we had fit challenges. I'm swimming against the tide wanting a different type of jean - low rise, hard, non-stretch and roomy. </p> <p>It's going to be a fun hunt! Now that I've had my rant I'm going to enjoy the process </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/3#post-823244 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 16:08:54 +0000 Mochi 823244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hope I'm nor repeating information. You're right, it IS a challenge. And I did get excited upon noting my husband's jeans (before I threw them into the laundry this morning, hah) being 100% cotton....before reading that the men's jeans won't work for you :(</p> <p>Anyway two more possibilities? </p> <p><a href="http://store.diesel.com/us/regular-straight_cod36348564pc.html" rel="nofollow">http://store.diesel.com/us/reg.....564pc.html</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.denimexpress.com/wrangler-womens-123.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.denimexpress.com/wr.....s-123.html</a> (bootcut, though)</p> <p>And just one example of Uniqlo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/us/store/made-for-all/men-wind-proof-regular-fit-jeans/073956-08-035" rel="nofollow">http://www.uniqlo.com/us/store.....956-08-035</a></p> <p>I thought Uniqlo might work since they are a Japanese company, so possibly make more slim and "boyish-sized" men's jeans?</p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/3#post-823114 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 13:21:52 +0000 Krista 823114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my, don't even get me started on the shortage of low rise styles. I'm so short-waisted that last week I tried on a pair of jeans that could also have served as a bra, if you know what I'm saying! :)</p> <p>I also put in a vote for Levis - mine are pretty stiff, but they are dark wash. Perhaps the lighter wash is not the same. I'm actually going jean shopping today so I'll let you know if I find anything! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/2#post-823108 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 13:10:53 +0000 krishnidoux 823108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I have been finding the same thing! That is why last fall when I found myself forced to renew my denim stock due to weight change, I was very discouraged. I found something that worked for me with substantially thicker denim, still a bit of stretch in it, but so far they have held well. (Talbot <a href="http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/category_landing_galleryview.jsp?rootCategory=cat70008&#038;id=cat1250051&#038;section=Regular" rel="nofollow">http://www.talbots.com/online/.....on=Regular</a>). Now these work for my shape, being very conservative, but I don't know if they are the trendiest! This thread has been very informative, with lots of great suggestions and eye-opening comments.</p> <p>Echo, LOL! Great comment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/2#post-823103 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 12:58:35 +0000 Kristine 823103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second Mona's recommendations for Levis. I just ordered a pair and they're definitely thick and slightly stiff. They remind me of the pairs you had as a kid where you had to wash them once or twice to loosen them up. </p> <p>For a while Levis was also making a higher end line, but unfortunately I don't see them on the site anymore. This is my first try with the curve ID (I ordered slight curve) and they do seem to fit better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/2#post-823042 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 05:15:34 +0000 Echo 823042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sadly, this is the nature of fashion and retail. What is not considered on trend is generally not made because most retail outlets won't stock it. When I was very young, virtually ALL jeans were raw. That's simply the way they were made, and every kid started school with cardboard stiff, deep indigo pants. Then people started putting them through the washer with bleach and rocks, until finally manufacturers caught on and did the distressing themselves. When I was in junior high, girls' and women's pants ALL had a high waist - most came up to my ribs. No one made women's pants with a lower rise, and it wasn't until younger women started buying and wearing men's jeans that they started making and selling "boyfriend" jeans. In college, they started making the legs on jeans narrower and narrower until almost all jeans had zippers at the ankle. It wasn't until alternative kids started sewing panels into the bottom of their jeans (this was all over college towns) that suddenly wide legs - REALLY wide legs - came to retail again. </p> <p>And every trend is taken to its ridiculous extreme before the tide starts to turn again. Distressed jeans became OTT in the 80's, with threadbare jeans being sold everywhere. Low rise went extreme to the point where people couldn't wear underwear without it showing. Wide legged jeans for young people looked more like skirts than pants. And now the little bit of stretch that made jeans more comfortable for a lot of people is being taken to the extreme and everything fits like "pajama jeans" *shudder*</p> <p>I don't know what the answer is, except time. The trend will change, but it seems that denim trends come after people want them and are sick of what's out there and never before. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/2#post-822986 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 02:23:45 +0000 Janet 822986@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How frustrating!</p> <p>Come to think of it, I have noticed that there don't seem to be many non-stretchy jeans out there. My two-year-old Paiges are stiff, but not really any since then.</p> <p>I am dreading the return of high-waisted jeans -- they truly do not work on my short-torsoed body. And count me as another who is very frustrated with the cropped lengths and short inseams -- a few years ago, you could find 34" inseams, but no more. I am sticking with straight and skinny jeans for as long as they're just not making the jeans long enough for me to have PPL with at least a little bit of a heel. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/2#post-822968 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 01:46:40 +0000 crazyone 822968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I was about to suggest Madewell too. I have a pair of skinnies that is made out of fairly rough, typical "jean" material. The contrast between that material and the material of my COH Ambers is pretty stark. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/2#post-822838 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 23:54:59 +0000 Angie 822838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, ladies! </p> <p>I do not want another pair of Gap jeans at this stage. I know their collection well because I am there frequently with clients, and things aren't tickling my fancy for now. </p> <p>Dana, most of my jeans are size 25. The MJ's are a 26. But I am sizing up on ALL my jeans these days because I'm being rebellious about things looking tight - so a 26 is better. Must be quite low rise. I've tried the entire Rag &amp; Bone collection (relaxed styles) and the fabric is unfortunately just the same. AG no better unless it's bootcut. </p> <p>Auburn, I will try Madewell. I haven't had those on for a while. I do like a low rise though. I tuck and belt into skinnies half the time, and low rises look much better on my body type to my eye when I style like that. </p> <p>I will keep you posted! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/2#post-822794 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 23:10:33 +0000 stitchywitch 822794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's funny how we are all different - the only reason I'm willing to wear jeans now is because they stretch. I think the old denim was so uncomfortable, and I hated how it shrank every wash. At the same time, I don't think the stretch fabric works for every style. I think they should offer both - funny how fashion is so black/white with this sort of thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/2#post-822792 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 23:10:12 +0000 NancyLee too 822792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you tried Wranglers? They're an official sponsor for the Calgary Stampede as well as other professional rodeos. You can bet those cowboys as well as the gal barrel racers aren't about to put any flimsy stretch denim on their hard-working, but good-looking backsides That's where I'm going to start my search for jeans this year. We're lucky to have several retailers that carry them around here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/2#post-822763 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 22:53:52 +0000 Carole 822763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How dissappointing, Angie! If it's that hard for you to find the right jeans, imagine how hard it is for us regular folk. I can see why you prefer the stiffer fabric of the older jeans, I wonder why they are so hard to come by. You are probably just ahead of the curve a little and perhaps they are just around the corner. I'll keep my fingers crossed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/2#post-822746 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 22:28:21 +0000 Suz 822746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tried the ones CF is talking about. I had hopes because they look super fab on her. But they didn't work for me. Too big. ;-( </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/2#post-822731 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 21:50:30 +0000 cinnamon fern 822731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have - and love - these:</p> <p><a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=78423&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=243791002" rel="nofollow">http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=243791002</a></p> <p>100% cotton! Cheap! Good fading! Comes with a 35 inch inseam for all you long-legged lasses. But not really low rise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/2#post-822718 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 21:31:06 +0000 Auburn 822718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie--I have a pair from Madewell that are far thicker and more structured than my other jeans and have no discernible stretch. They are higher rise, but I wonder if they offer various rise options. Plus, can't beat the price.</p> <p>However, I know you won't be TRULY happy with your denim until you get yourself a pair of custom made jeans from Imogene + Willie. I've yet to make the pilgrimage (to Nashville) but have long been obsessed with the story, the process, the product (they look VERY crisp/structured), the whole thing!<br /> Check it out: <a href="http://www.imogeneandwillie.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.imogeneandwillie.com/</a><br /> They do also have some pre-made/ready to wear options, though I'm not sure the cuts are what you want. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/2#post-822710 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 21:18:38 +0000 Tina.b 822710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I usually prefer my jeans on the softer side and like a bit of stretch assuming that they don't bag. But I also enjoy having a variety and sporting different looks, so I don't stick strictly to one type. I find J Brand has quite a bit of variation in types of denim. And I just bought a pair of Current and Elliot slouchy stilettos that feel like nothing else in my closet. More along the lines of what you are looking for maybe. Not much stretch, thicker but still able to slouch. They are interesting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/2#post-822644 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 20:08:07 +0000 ironkurtin 822644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OH!!! Vintage Helmut Langs, Angie! What is your waist size? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/2#post-822630 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 19:49:57 +0000 ironkurtin 822630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, try Barney's Coop, I've had good luck there. Rag and Bone and AG still do that stiff denim, too. And Acne, as AG mentioned. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rant-about-current-jeans/page/2#post-822627 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 19:43:34 +0000 Suz 822627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My DL 1961s are thick, too...but with a lot of stretch as they're a legging type jean. So not what you want. However, they're my very best for tucking with tall boots. SUPER sleek. Very polished looking. I have not seen their recent offerings but perhaps if they made a slouchy it would also be thicker fabric. </p>