How are jeans supposed to fit?--Photos added to original post - YouLookFab Forum

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How are jeans supposed to fit?--Photos added to original post

qfbrenda

Veteran

Maybe a silly question, but I haven't worn jeans for at least 7 years and I've never worn bootcuts until now. Here's the deal: I can get into the Old Navy 2s without a lot of effort, but they are snug and there is some puckering below my bum. The 4s are comfy though a bit loose in the waist. I can either sew small darts in the back of the waistband and/or use a belt. Does it sound like the 2s are too small?

I bought both size 4s and 2s during their jeans sale and have taken the tags off the 4s, so I'm committed to keeping those. My quandary is whether to keep a couple of 2s for skinnier days or to take them all back.

Pics:

1/2 size 2 after worn for a couple of hours

3/4 size 4 after being worn all day yesterday

The 4s are more comfy and it's easier to tuck things in. Which fit better?

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Dressing

23 replies

Latest reply was from catgirl

Cilleena

Veteran

Brenda, it does sound like the 2s may be a little too small. However, a picture of you in both is the only way to say if the 2s or 4s are a good fit. You may even need a different brand or style. It's always preferable to take them in in the waist rather than have to wear a belt.

Dani

Veteran

I agree that a picture would be the best way to determine. You always have to take into consideration the amount of stretch a pair of jeans has as well. For example, I always buy my jeans at the GAP very snug because they will stretch out (not horribly, but enough) once I wear them. If I buy the pair that fits comfortably at checkout, I find they grow too much on me throughout a day and they sit unworn in my closet. That being said, with premium denim, I don't get much stretch so I buy what fits the nicest.

Depending on your body type, alterations may be required to get the best fit in the waist.

Queen Mum

Veteran

Brenda.... Dani is right. they will stretch. Wear the 2s around the house for half a day and see how they fit then.

Diana

Veteran

Dani and QM are absolutely right - in my experience almost ALL jeans will stretch some with wear. It's true that the premium ones tend to stretch less, particularly in the waist, but they will still stretch a little. I generally buy my jeans on the tight side, so long as I can still get them on and buttoned up, because they will stretch out over the day.

The rise on the jeans will affect the fit too - you might need to try on several different styles with different rises to get a good fit. Be aware also that both front rise and back rise are important, and that different brands/fits have varying amounts of difference between front and back rise.

Barbara

Veteran

I always buy my denim a bit snug and prefer 2% spandex, which seems to prevent massive stretch-out in the knees and fanny.

I have several different brands and styles; no two fit the same. But they ALL fit perfectly!

Try as many as you need to in order to achieve perfect fit. It's worth the time and effort.

qfbrenda

Veteran

Could jeans still be returned after wearing them for half a day?

Laura B.

I buy jeans from old navy too and I found that there are major differences in individual jeans of the same size try on a few different 2s and a few different 4s!

I'm not sure about the return policy though, good luck

qfbrenda

Veteran

I also found the sizing to be inconsistent though for $20 a pair on sale I'm not complaining too much. LOL

Queen Mum

Veteran

Brenda- yes, I have returned jeans after wearing them for half or full day. I leave the tags on, of course. My philosophy is that I have no way of knowing how they are going to wear in the 5 minutes I have them on in the dressing room, so I don't feel bad at all with this practice.

qfbrenda

Veteran

I added photos for more help.

Queen Mum

Veteran

I vote for the 2s. The 4's are way too baggy in the back.

Steph

Veteran

Brenda, I'm going to be honest: I don't love either pair of jeans on you. Personally, I don't love it when jeans seem to hug the underside of my butt cheeks to the point that I feel like they are highlighting the butt crack (I'm sorry if that sounds crass, but I couldn't think of a more delicate way to put it). I know this is somewhat of a personal preference, because I do see women wearing jeans like that and others seem to think it is fine. I feel like that's a bit what it looks like with the size 2s.

However, even though they appear too tight on the bottom of the butt, they also seem to bag out at the thighs, so the combination doesn't work. I could definitely imagine that they might stretch on your butt as you wear them, but if that happens they will just end up even bigger in the thighs. Additionally, it might be the angle of the photos, but they don't really look bootcut to me. Maybe it's because the thighs are baggy, but they seem to resemble the dreaded relaxed fit with the bigger cut thigh that tapers below the thigh--they actually give me a little of a mom jeans vibe.

The 4s definitely look too baggy, especially in the thigh. So if it were me, I would keep looking--you have a great figure and I think you could do a lot better.

catgirl

Veteran

I agree with Steph. And I see TONS of stretched out ON jeans at the thrift stores, which tells you something about the quality. I would splurge on a better pair, like Kut From the Kloth or even Gap.

Queen Mum

Veteran

you know, now that steph and una have spoken up I need to be honest and say that while I think the 2's do fit better, they are not a fab fit.
I know the price is tempting, but do look into Gap, or Kut from Kloth. The last time I was in Nordstrom, they had a whole rack of Kut jeans on clearance. While they aren't premium, they sure do hold up well.
I have a pair similar to these and they have served me very well for a year now.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ku.....sultback=0
with jeans though, you really do have to hunt for just the right pair. what works for one gal might be disaster on another.

qfbrenda

Veteran

Sigh. Why didn't I think to post pictures before I took some tags off? [bangs head on keyboard]

Anonymous

Hey, I'm new, but thought I could put in some advice as well. I like how the 2's fit on you. A lot of people kill to have it fit so well on the butt! That is the epitomy of what guys like to see. The 4's have a little too much baggage around the zipper region, and are a little baggy on the thighs like others have mentioned. I generally like Old Navy clothes, but have had a lot of success with brands like Mossimo at Target because ON runs a little small in some of the pant styles. That can make it hard to find the absolute perfect pants. I enjoy the 'boyfriend pant' available at Target, guilty of them being found in the juniors section, but they are sooo comfy on my waist, butt, and thighs. Stick with the 2s, they will stretch but still look fabulous.

FoolOfATook

Brenda, I think if you still have the receipt, they will take back the jeans even if the tags are cut.

Elly

Veteran

4's look like you are packing "boy parts" -- I hate it when jeans stretch and do this, but if it was up to me the would be NEVER-worn-in-public jeans unless I had something that would cover the crotch.

2s-- if this is them after they stretch a bit, they are too tight in the booty, creating "double butt." You have a very nice rear end though-- it deserves better jeans.

qfbrenda

Veteran

FoolofaTook (great name, by the way), you are right. I called and asked and I can still take some of them back. I have the 2 size 4s I've worn in the washer on hot... we'll see what happens. Hopefully they will shrink enough to be usable, and if nothing else I can wear them at home. At least I like how the skinnies fit so I don't need to figure those out.

Thanks for the input so far. I'm still open to more if anyone has an opinion.

qfbrenda

Veteran

Elly LOL how funny. I'm blushing here and see the same thing, now that you mention it.

Steph

Veteran

Brenda, I looked at the photos again, and I think I was wrong when I said the 2s are too baggy in the thigh (I might have been conflating the 2s and 4s when I wrote). Having said that, I still feel the same way about the 2s--I just don't think they do justice to you, and I still get a bit of the mom jean vibe with them. I would love to see you in a bootcut with a larger leg opening at the bottom.

Auburn

Veteran

I'm glad I'm not alone in thinking that neither of these are the right jeans for making your maiden voyage into the world of denim. Perhaps it's the pictures, but I feel like they "dump-ify" you (new word I just made up) and I don't like the size of the rear pockets--big and bulky, to my eye.

When I'm jean shopping, I often find many pairs that FIT but it's the rare pair indeed that fit beautifully--you know what I mean: lay nice and smooth across the crotch area (no lines, baggage or other issues), don't gab at the waist but don't make my thighs feel like sausages in casing, do nice things for my rear, etc. You may have your own list. All I can tell you is that it's worth waiting and experimenting with more brands, cuts, washes and styles in deciding what to purchase. This is probably all the more true for you given your recent weight loss and the fact that you haven't worn denim in so long.
So, chin up--you have a fab shape and I have no doubt you'll find something great soon. Maybe start with your local Gap--take 3 sizes each of at least 4-5 styles into the dressing room and see where that gets you!

catgirl

Veteran

To echo what Auburn said, I would also bring a friend with you whom you trust to give kind but honest feedback along YLF lines. I have to rely on the little voice of Angie in my head, but that voice is often drowned out by the demon-voice of instant gratification to my later regret.