jean shopping woes & what's your favorite skinny/straight jean brand?

First off, a bit of a rant. I attempted to find a pair of skinny or straight jeans this week. Nothing fancy... just dark wash... no rhinestones on my behind or elsewhere, no major fading or creases... and found nothing. Even if there was a pair available I'm betting I wouldn't have found it.

Gap has everything arranged so well. You just find the type you want, look down to scan the stickers for the right size, and the world is your oyster. At least it is if they fit your behind. Since their straights and skinnies don't fit me well, I moved on.

Both Macy's and Penney's had the same basic problem: NO organization. They had racks and piles of jeans, but no clear signs showing which type was where. And sizes?? You got to pick through each pair one by one to attempt to find your size. I left Penneys in frustration. An associate helped me in Macy's and while I didn't find any I absolutely loved, at least she knew how to find things.

I don't have a Nordstrom local to me, so that wasn't an option.

I attempted TJ Maxx but didn't find anything that worked.

So moving on to begging for recommendations! The best pair I tried were Lucky skinnies and I might go back and get them soon. They are about $100 and that is my absolute TOP price limit. I can hardly believe I'm considering that price but I'm lost with what to do since Gap ones won't work and there don't seem to be much out there around that price point or lower that fit well. If I'm wrong on that, I would love to get ideas.

So what's your favorite brand for skinnies or straights?

13 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I used to get DKNY Soho jeans from Macy's that worked really well. I have a couple pair of dark wash skinnies of that brand (they aren't all that tight but I like it that way).

velvetychocolate

I still quite like my Kut from the Kloth brand "skinny" jeans - they fit more like a straight leg on me though.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ku.....sultback=0

Not sure of your size - in the past, I would have said "size down" for these particular jeans as they are cut on the larger side, imo, but these days - if you wanted a slightly slouchier look, you could go with your normal size.

I have bought these at either Nordstrom (free shipping and free returns) and also at Amazon dot com (also free shipping and free returns). I think Nordstrom has the edge on service though - nicely packaged, not such a rush to get returns sent back in a limited time frame (I think the return time for Amazon is 30 days).

That said, I'm on the hunt for something new this season too, so am looking forward to hearing the responses you get here. Good question!

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kellygirl

Have you tried American Eagle? I think their jeans fit a straight figure pretty well. The rise is a little on the low side but not outrageously so. There are many different cuts and washes. I would probably buy these if DD's didn't wear them.

Jean fit is such a personalized thing, but many of us listed specific brands/cuts in this thread. You might find it helpful! http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....s-of-denim

Emily

I've had good luck with Silver, American Eagle and Guess for jeans. Like you, I prefer a dark wash without distressing or rhinestones.

Thistle

I know this is not a "cool" brand, but have you tried Levis? They make them in all sorts of fits now.

I bought a pair last week that my sister approved but not YLF - so well will see when I post a WiW. They had all different rises, and different hip to waist ratios. I actually found a pair that fit my hips and did not gap at the waist!!

K. Period.

QFB: What is your shape? What is your fit challenge? What didn't work about the Gap ones?

I've had great luck at the Gap, but I'm a rectangle and so their cuts generally work well for me, other than some of their curvier cuts. If we aren't similar shapes, I can probably at least tell you what likely won't work for you!

Thistle, I think Levis are very cool. Lots of gals on the forum wear them. I can't anymore--they just don't fit me the same. However, they are a stand-by classic for sure. I can't wait to see yours!

deb

Check out Talbot's. They have several styles for several body types. Their curvy cut fits me better than any jean I have owned. I noticed Eddie Bauer now has several cuts for different body types.

cheryle (Dianthus)

I like the Kut from the Kloth Diana but understand from a previous thread that there are two different fabrics with different lycra content. I am pretty sure the ones I have are 98% cotton.

I know a lot of people love the J Brand skinnies too. I bought a pair just before I gained weight so have never worn them but they are a nice fabric. I am hoping to get into them in spring.

Marley

I think it all depends on your body type and what exactly you are looking for. For me, I can usually count on the Paige brand to fit me the best - no matter what style I am looking for - but then again, its because my body-type works with the cut and rise of Paige. I can't wear the Lucky jeans - they are always too tight in the hips - which is weird because I dont' really have hips - again, it all goes back to body-type. In my experience, you've got to try on practically hundreds of jeans before you find the ones that work for you - and then once you find "your" brand, you can count on them for pretty much any style that you want! Good luck - and don't get discouraged. "Your" jeans are out there!
Also - I think Levis are very cool jeans!

ClaraT

Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft skinnies work for me; I also have a pair of JAGs I love. BR has some skinnies now, too. AT, ATL, and BR are smallish and well-organized, so you will be able to easily tell whether it is a yes or a no.

(I share your frustration with Macys. I am not an MBA, but even I could do a better job organizing their stores.)

qfbrenda

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm taking notes.

For those who asked, Gap Perfect Boot fit me perfectly. But their skinnies and straight jeans don't fit my waist. I get that dreaded gap at the back of the waist.

I'm a relatively straight IT but I still tend to get back gaping with jeans. I don't know why. I have a 30 in. waist and 35 in. hips so I'm not what I would consider curvy.

QFB, I'm a rectangle verging toward IT like you. Do you have a JCrew near you? I was absolutely wowed by their mid-rise toothpicks. I hated their toothpick jeans every other time that I tried them on, but the SA kept hounding me to try the mid-rise on each time that I visited and finally I succumbed. Much to my delight (and chagrin!), they looked fantastic. I think the mid-rise might help take care of the waist gap for you. Also, for a more attractive price point, I know that Tiny recommended Urban Outfitters jeans---cigarette high-rise--for us gals who aren't particularly curvy. I've been itching to try them on.

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_fe...../12453.jsp

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com....._APP_JEANS

Thanks for the suggestions, K! Neither of those stores are anywhere near me. I might have to try some online.

Mo, thanks for the thread link. I somehow missed that one.

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