100% cotton jean sizing and stretch factor

I'm considering a pair of AG high waisted jeans that are 100% cotton. In my standard jean size, the waist and hip area are fitted, if not slightly constricted. One size up, the jeans are very comfortable, with room to spare in waist and perhaps in the pelvic area. How much should I expect the jeans to retain their shape after a wear, or even several?

6 years ago

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5 replies

Latest reply was from Runcarla

3style

Veteran

Nearly a decade ago my husband got several different pairs of all cotton jeans in a range of sizes from a little tight to a little loose from a store called Martin+Osa when they were going out of business, because they were unusual for having a shape which was generally flattering. Ten years later, he says that all of the jeans have become the same size as they have molded to him. "Shrink to fit" like in the old Levi's commercials, really does work for rugged all-cotton jeans. So basically, you can't go wrong. Personally, I find that when denim pants are loose they tend to chafe. I prefer to have them be tighter but not to the point of exaggerated "muffin top."

6 years ago

binkle

Veteran

Not knowing the weight of AG jeans, I can only speak from experience with traditional Levis-type of denim. If they are snug, they do stretch out as you wear them, and since there is only heavy weave cotton, they don't snap back after wearing - unless you wash them (and definitely if they go in the dryer). Which means, if the knees bag out, they'll stay that way, unless washed. So, if they already have room to spare, they'll just get even roomier.

In ye olden days of 1970's, pre-Gloria Vanderbilt, we would put on our 501's (and you had to do the math to convert the standard men's sizing to female), sit in the bathtub, and then walk around in wet jeans for a few hours (turning indigo blue in the process).

6 years ago

Bijou

Veteran

I have two pairs of AG jeans and I went with a size larger than my usual jeans because I find AG to run small. I have not found them to stretch too much at all and they wash and retain their shape well. I have the Jodie crops and Prima Cigarette Leg skinny jeans (shown in finds below). Both of these do have some stretch, so not 100% cotton.

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AG Prima Cigarette Leg Skinny Jeans

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6 years ago

LaPed

Veteran

If you want them to retain their high waisted vibe, go with your normal size. They'll stretch. The more rigid the denim, the longer it will take. (3style's anecdote is consistent with my experience -- all-cotton jeans are superb right before they start to disintegrate!) Of course if what you're going for is "boyfriend" style -- loose everywhere, sit at your hips -- than one size up is probably fine, but the longer rise might prove annoying.

6 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

Not familiar with AG, but I don’t like high stretch jeans at all! Mine are 100% cotton or 98% at the minimum. I go for a good, but not constraining fit at purchase. I do wash and put in the dryer, which snugs them in. I’ll wear them several times before putting in the wash and do not find they grow overly loose over time.

6 years ago

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