Well, the jeans I got through Nordstrom indeed are too low in the rise. The are listed as 10" but are barely 9" which is pretty short on my BF's torso. That's the bad. The good is that I will only be out $6 for return shipping, as opposed to around $100 if bought off eBay and not returnable! This was one lightbulb moment put into action that has already paid off .
Indeed, buying retail can be cheaper in the long run, when you factor in the option to return.
(I can be a slow learner with some things . . . )

And so, I now went ahead with a new cashmere sweater to replace the one with tiny holes. It's a bit of a more fashion forward look but I hope the BF will love it. If not, I can always return it!! http://www.bluefly.com/Harriso.....detail.fly