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Ask Angie (and all): denim advice

viva

Veteran

Most of my denim right now is about 1/2-size too snug -- I can still wear but with some strain, which is really not fun. Here's what I have right now that is working:

I have one pair of "daily" jeans that fits me really comfortably (dark rinse Madewell straights that I hacked to the ankle). I can wear my favorite AG stilts but they feel small (am wearing them now). I do have my Gap BF jeans but they are still quite oversized and quite distressed; I wear them pretty much only at home. And my birthday "sailor" wide leg jeans fit but aren't a daily item for me. Most others are in a holding pattern, or I wear and grudgingly accept the tightness.

What brand/shape would you suggest that I consider? Keep in mind I wear jeans almost every day, and although I would love to start wearing dresses, winter is still very much here: 16 inches of snow are due on Tuesday.

Should I get a pair of favorite AG stilts a size up? Or should I get something trendier/different? I don't have released hem and am not dying for a pair but am open to them. (I don't have denim culottes but I have have two pairs in other casual fabrications, so I don't think I really need/want them.)

ETA: Thoughts about Gap GF jeans? They look interesting, and they are inexpensive.

Would love advice.

AUTHENTIC 1969 best girlfriend jeans

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Shopping

23 replies

Latest reply was from karen13

Anonymous

You have had success with Pilcro, correct? They are also nice and soft and somewhat stretchy - at least the pair I have is - which could be a good thing for an interim pair of jeans. I bought a cropped released hem mini flare Pilcro a few months ago and have worn them a few times this winter. They are super comfortable - even a little too soft - and are shorter than I had thought they were (which is why I'm not wearing them much this winter.....no boots high enough to close the gap) but I can see you in something like this. They look good under a dress too.

That's the only higher-end brand I have any experience with - so take my limited knowledge of good jeans with a grain of snow. 16 inches? Yuck.

viva

Veteran

Lisap: Winter: ugh. I know. I had thought of Pilcro. Also wondering about Gap Girlfriend jeans? They look like a possibility?

Anonymous

Right - when in doubt, buy Gap Perfect price-point for something to wear while you sort things out size-wise. A few of my friends and I are onto this brand of jeans called Jag. They are sold in indie boutiques and stores here - not sure about the US. - Oh, a quick google shows them at Nordstrom , ha. I at first resisted them (as I do ) because they look mom-ish sitting on a shelf , but once I tried on a pair, I was hooked. They are comfort jeans, not stiff hipster jeans , if you know what I mean. But they look great and are flattering and made in a way that works on a less than "perfect" body. And while I'm at it - what IS perfect, anyways??

Anonymous

I would get the AG stilts a half size up, if they are an essential.

minimalist

Veteran

Ditto Smittie.

[Deleted explanation, because I'm wearing men's Diesel jeans that were marked $0.01 at NR, so it's hypocritical of me to wax on about the wisdom of spending big on solid essentials.]

Anonymous

I have gap girlfriend jeans in white, and I do like them. Mine are pretty loose through the waist, and you will probably need in the smaller of the sizes you may be between.

I can sing this same song, and I got a pair of lucky jeans in a larger size that fit the bill of not feeling squeezed. I will take a look at the style, but I went into the store and tried on a bunch from their sale section. I've worn the brand for years, and they can be found on sale for pretty good prices.

I have had a pair of jag jeans in the past, and they are comfy, although the ones I had were not particularly trendy looking.

Teresa

I have a pair of the GAP girlfriend jeans--I like them, but they aren't a great fit for me--large in the waist and tight in the calves. I have fairly muscle-y calves, though.

Anonymous

Teresa - I have the same issue with being snug through my muscular calves.

tulle

Veteran

I agree with lisap: when in doubt, try the Gap. I have the Girlfriends in gray--stretchy and comfortable, not too heavy--and have gotten a lot of use out of them. Also have denim Real Straights in various sizes, including a thrifted pair of Talls (and I am short) that, once hacked, ended up an oddly flattering and modern high-waisted shape. I keep a pair of right-sized dark wash straights for dressier casual stuff, and a pair of one-size-too-big medium wash straights for wearing over long underwear and days when I can't stand any pressure on my waist. I guess this is just a long-winded way of encouraging you to play with different sizes of less expensive jeans if you're in that in-between state. Thrift shops can yield a lot of denim that you won't feel bad about cropping!

kkards

Veteran

Yup--the gap is always my "fall back" denim resource. And the pair you've "found" are my everyday not a lot of thought needed kind of jeans. If I was looking to add some trendy jeans for spring these are what I'd be looking at

Madewell Cali Demi Boot Jeans (Fenton Wash)

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Madewell High Waist Skinny Jeans: Button-Through Edition (Rizzo Wash)

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4

Topshop Embroidered Mom Jeans

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1

Banana Republic

Daisy Embroidered Girlfriend Jean

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4

Embroidered Straight Crop Jeans

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2

Greyscale

Veteran

Oh wow, never thought of buying talls and hacking them. I should try that.

I agree with everyone that the Gap is a great place for interim jeans while you're sorting out your needs. Sometimes my Gap jeans turn out to be amazing essentials, and sometimes I pass them on later, but Gap fits my body well.

viva

Veteran

Thanks everyone! I ordered the Gap girlfriends and also (just because, and on sale for $70) the JCrew vintage crop (in two sizes).

It's hard being at this place with my body, but I am actually in a good place generally, feeling more energetic and positive. I don't want to ruin that momentum by feeling bad about being squeezed into my clothing. So, I think a pair or two of well-fitting jeans will help me through the next couple of months while I work to see if this weight gain was momentary or something I have to accept. But either way, I know I can do better with food and exercise than I have been.

ANYWAY .... I'll let you know how the jeans work out. Thanks for your help!

xxx Vivian

Vintage crop jean in Leopold wash

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AUTHENTIC 1969 best girlfriend jeans

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lisaflex

Veteran

i have the girlfriends and they are awesome. so soft and comfy! lightweight too

pilcro hyphen are a go to also. i know some people dislike them but they are my fave

i had 2 pairs of jag - they stretched out waaaayyyy tooooo much and be falling down in an hour. so they went to goodwill.

Style Fan

Veteran

I had a pair of jag jeans. I think they were okay for knock around jeans. It was a long time ago. I find the Gap GF jeans too tight on my calves. Good Luck with your order.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm glad you ordered the J.Crew vintage crops.

I LOVED the Gap Girlfriends from 2 years ago - stiff and rigid denim - and I wear those all the time. The current style is soft and stretchy - which is not my cuppa for jeans. But if it's yours - you'll like them.

I think you need to get trendy jeans, Viv. Like the Jodi Crops that are in the holding zone.

The culottes below are VERY soft and stretchy. Forgiving and on trend. Good price too. Then perhaps try some Madewell jeans.

Liverpool Layla Wide Leg Crop with Released Hem on Silky Soft Denim in Havasu Deep Blue

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Madewell Cruiser Crop Straight Leg Jeans (Shane Wash)

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Gigi

Veteran

Last year I got frustrated with not being able to find denim that fit well (I'm curvy on the bottom, plus short), and I settled on a pair of jeans made by Mavi, a company I hadn't heard of. They are very stretchy and comfortable. The material is lightweight but not cheap feeling. I really like them. I am fluctuating in weight right now, and the Mavi jeans always look good.

Mavi Jeans 'Adriana' Stretch Skinny Jeans

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viva

Veteran

Thanks Gigi. I am keep track of all of these ideas!

And thanks for chiming in, Angie. I'm keeping an eye on those Liverpool culottes. I'm wearing drapey raw edge olive wide leg culottes from Anthro (last year clearance) that I just LOVE. I think these Liverpool jeans would have a similar feel, and I am tempted. Let's see how the JCrew and Gap ones go, and then I may jump.

Also appreciate your use of the word "forgiving." YES. That is what I need in a waistband right now.

But, funny enough, I had a physical today and my doctor told me I am actually two pounds lighter than I was one year ago. So I probably just need to relax, dress comfortably, eat well, and keep moving. It will all be fine.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My pleasure, Viv. YES. IT'S ALL FINE. You are blessed with good health. Rock on.

lpr200

Veteran

I second Pilcro, but also I got some BF jeans at AE Outfitter when shopping with my daughter-- they feel like sweats, I love them for those "need a half size up" days.

anchie

Veteran

During my recent business trip, my beloved J Brand jeans developed a hole and I had to do emergency jeans shopping. Since I didn't have a lot of time to experiment and did not want to spend a lot of money on this I went to a Gap and tried a couple of different models . I liked girlfriend pair the best. But there is a difference between washes. Blue ones that you ordered are soft and stretchy and maybe need a size down. Black ones are more stiff and rigid, and they feel smaller in the same size. I decided on a black pair. They don't stretch much and keep their shape during the day.

AUTHENTIC 1969 best girlfriend jeans

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viva

Veteran

Thanks Anchie, so helpful.

Staysfit

Veteran

No additional suggestions, but I believe I have seen Jag jeans in stores other than Nordstrom here in the United States, I just don't recall where, if it comes to me I will post again. They sell them locally and we don't have a Nordies.

karen13

Veteran

Macy's has Jag Jeans.