Ask Angie: Jeans, Jeans, the Difficult Jeans

Hi Angie and Fabbers,

I've been on a frustrating search for jeans over the last month or so and it was suggested that I create an "Ask Angie" documenting my search. I don't wear jeans a lot but I would like to have one pair of great jeans in my closet. At this point in my search, I have honed in a bit and the one thing I know is that I want jeans that are capable of being worn at full length rather than limited to only cropped or ankle length (my ankles get so cold in air conditioning!). I'm on a non-premium jeans budget-- hoping to spend less than $100. Other than that, I hope to find something that is flattering or just flattering enough.

I've mostly been trying boyfriends, but at this point I'm open to any suggestions. Someone here (was it viva?) complained that boyfriends aren't great for casual Fridays at work-- that comment does have me thinking although it hasn't made me rule out boyfriends as an option. Another note in this vein: I'm not on team distressed.

I think part of my struggle might be due to the odd mismatch between my calves (which are super slim, measuring 13.25 inches) and my hips (decidedly not slim).

Here's the photographic record:

My existing bootcuts. It strikes me that these are the most flattering of the bunch, but I have long legs so the 32 inch inseam is too short for heels and can only be worn with flats
Lucky Sienna Cigarette. Ruled out now since they are so short, also, too body con.
H&M boyfriends. There was a funny bunching at the crotch when I moved that you can't see in the photo, so ruled out.
Lucky Sienna Tomboy. Consensus was that they were too wide at the leg opening
Eddie Bauer Boyfriends, bigger size. Some people liked these, others described them as Mom jeans which is NOT what I am going for.
Eddie Bauer Boyfriends, a size smaller. Never before seen on YLF.
Kut Catherine in a bigger size. I think this pair got one vote.
Kut Catherine in a smaller size. This pair got a couple of votes, but I received very few comments so I was unsure.

Also tried (but not documented in photos)

Levi's Boyfriend Skinnies. The very first pair I tried, maybe I should try these again.
Levi's 501. Leg opening looked too wide.
A couple other Lucky styles with too wide leg openings
Gap sexy boyfriends. I don't remember why but I didn't really like these.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts/tips/pointers/leads!

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12 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I feel your pain re: jean lengths!

Have you tried the Gap? They have long lengths. I just bought a pair of the Perfect Boot in a long length -- I have not measured the inseam, but it sounds like we have similar inseam requirements, and I can wear them with a 2.5" heel and they *just* touch the ground. The Sexy Boot and Curvy Boot also seemed to fit well (I have ample hip and thigh, so this is no small feat).

I think rolled hems look best on narrower leg openings -- straights or tapered boyfriends. I have some AG "Tomboy" jeans and they always show them in stock photos rolled, but I wear them full length. If you want to have the option of wearing your jeans rolled as well as full-length, I would try some straight cuts -- wider hems rolled always look a little stumpifying to me.

It's a shame the Luckys are too short (they're always too short for me too) -- they look really good on you. I like the smaller Kut Catherines too.

Jenny H

Janet, that's a good suggestion re: the Gap. I only tried their boyfriends during this search but it might be worth trying their bootcut styles. As far as leg openings, I'm getting feedback that they look too wide when I try some of the straight leg and tapered options and I was wondering if that was because my calves/ankles are so thin in relation to my hips. (For example, the Lucky Sienna Tomboy-- those are advertised as having a straight leg and I could see a slight taper but they still look too wide).

JAileen

1, 4, and 5 look great on you. However, I'm notoriously bad at picking jeans! Angie said I wear them too loose. I'm a pear also, and am very annoyed by waists that are too big. I bought boot cut from Eddie Bauer (curvy fit) and boyfriends from (Kut from the Kloth Catherine) Nordstrom. I also bought some bfs from Macy's but they got the thumbs down. I know having long legs is a problem for you, but they make you look great!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I like the KUTS best by far, and there is no doubt in my mind. I prefer the smaller size. I would go with those.

Wear nude knee-highs with booties to keep your ankles warm in A/C. I do that all the time, and it works.

Thanks everyone!

JAileen, thanks for the compliment regarding my legs! I should clarify... I LOVE having long legs. But I just wish it were easier to find jeans/pants that fit and length is just one of the many fit problems I frequently encounter.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

I actually like the Eddie Bauer ones, not rolled up like boyfriends but just worn as straight legs. Maybe that's because I'm a fan of their jeans in general. Have you tried any other cuts from them?

You can usually order long lengths via Lucky's website - they usually have a 34 inseam option (and they have free shipping). I have had good luck with the Sweet Jean and the Sofia cuts which are intended for curvier hips and thighs, which from the pics I think you have as well. The straighter cuts from Lucky I tend to have to size up on, and then wear them hip slung with a belt.

On the low end, I've had luck with both Old Navy and Target's Merona jeans recently - you can find talls in store and there are several cuts to try. Gap has not been good to me recently; I still snag some older models at the thrift store but I think they changed their fit model or something so it's not nearly as good as it used to be.

Diana

Hmm, so I think that most of the BF styles here look a bit too bulky at the bottom to roll nicely. I think you need a more tapered pair if you want to do the roll. The Luckys in pic 2 come the closest in terms of taper, but since you mention they have other problems I don't think they are the one. I do like the smaller KUTs as a full length, unrolled jean.

I wonder if you'd have more luck with a slouchy skinny type of style, like the AG Nikki. Unfortunately I don't really know of any more affordable options in that style. Maybe some others will chime in.

Have you also tried just going a couple of sizes up in a regular skinny jean? It doesn't work for me because the waist ends up way too big, but depending on your body shape it might work.

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