I realized after I posted the pic they the tag was in plain view, I had DH take it in the motel room so I could see the picket placement. The pockets are set a bit lower than usual but I’m okay with that.
They actually had these in a 30 as well! I searched high and low for more in a similar cut and wash. They have a button fly but I am so pleased with the quality of the denim! They are like the genuine Levi’s from days gone by.

More commiseration from me. I tried on jeans at Madewell this weekend and none of them worked on me. I tried all they had that weren’t skinnies. Sizing is all over the place and that is driving me crazy. I usually just order online but I was hoping to get a new pair in rotation right away so I popped in the store on a whim. No such luck. I’m going to try Levi’s next.

But, I have a pair of Gap Modern Bootcuts from my personal vintage collection that I pulled out of storage and hacked off. They have a higher waist and light wash, 99% cotton. I’ll be wearing these until I find something else.

It’s crazy, I looked in Nordstrom yesterday and every single pair of jeans in there were skinnies. Madewell the other day, all skinnies except for that Summer Jean. And most of them high-waisted and cropped. Anthro had all skinnies except for the Pilcro Slim Boyfriend and some high waisted bootcuts. I have to say, for a time when suppposedly we have more options than ever, the b&m retail stores (at least around here) are awfully single-minded in favor of cropped skinnies. So no wonder we’re having a hard time finding something that looks different from what we already have!

I have to put in a plug for these AG jeans. They are worth a try-on, at least. Mid-rise, super-soft denim (98% cotton), and very forgiving of weight fluctuations (they fit very well even though I am up 5-7 pounds from last year). They will likely be on sale as the weather warms up. I have three pairs now, two bought on sale. I prefer straight legs over skinnies, and these are comfy but do not bag out at all. True to size.

Janet: right?? Same situation here where I am. The SA all tell me "High waist skinnies are all the rage now, they're all what younger women want" (so insulting!).

Lisa, just found these, size 8 still available, 99% cotton.

and on for less than $30 today!

ETA... I see Janet already mentioned these, and maybe you've already tried them.

Hi Lisa,
THIS problem is so universal. I just purchased a pair of Calvin Klein slim boyfriends from Costco. Do you have a Costco where you are and a friend with a membership? Or maybe can find elsewhere if not made especially for Costco. The wash here is darker than you want, but they also have a medium wash. Whiskering is ever so slight. I personally would have liked a slightly higher rise and I do have to belt them, but what jeans are perfect?

I think I'll pop into Old Navy today and see if those jeans are there - although how anyone finds anything in that place is beyond me. Not sure I'd fit into an 8 but worth trying. I need the spandex and stretch to help hold me in, but I don't want the skinny tight look that goes along with it.

Does anyone have experience with Eileen Fisher jeans?

Cins - those are cute, and yes, I have a Costco membership. Thanks for the tip!

Lisa, I share your trepidation about ON. It's always a disaster, like a tornado went through, but maybe they're stepping up their game (or at least the one near me), because the one I went into the other day was better than I remember.

I wore the ON boyfriend jeans yesterday. Warning: they do stretch out a bit with wear, so if you try them, do not size up! The good thing is that means they acquire that loose look after an hour or so of wear, if that's what you're after. The rear view is less than riveting, but that may just be *my* rear view. I'm betting you could wear the 8 if I can (for reference point in denim, I'm running a size 30 or 31 in premium denim these days or maybe bigger because some lines top out there, but a 29 in Anthro's Pilcro line and in 8 or 10 at most mid-range retailers).

I noticed the Anthro mid-rise slim went on sale, so I ordered a pair of those to try, and they came yesterday. I'm considering keeping them. They have a couple of spots of distressing, which I didn't notice in the photos and would prefer didn't exist, but they are quite comfortable and have a bit easier vibe than the ubiquitous skinnies. They have a little stretch but don't seem overly stretchy (98% cotton). They do not fit me like the model, but nothing does. I tried on a size up in store to see if they provided a bit more of that easy look, and that doesn't work for me at all -- it merely means the waist and upper hip are too big, with no noticeable additional ease in the thigh. That is always my trouble with trying to size up for a looser fit -- it only gets looser in the very top of the jeans and the thighs never seem to be cut much differently. But that's my rant for my fit issue. Just wanted to share those jeans with you in case there's any appeal to them. They might be a little too distressed for what you want.

Lisa p, you should go to Anthropolgie and try on Pilcro jeans that aren't skinny. I know they are premium, but no harm in trying. I have been VERY happy with my new pairs of Pilcro jeans. Granted I had them altered to fit on the waist and hips, but they are absolutely perfect, stunning quality, and workhorses.

I would order KUT next, and then go for Boden. I'll be surprised if you like the stretchy jeans you ordered on Gaylene's suggestion since that was not what you were looking for. But it's good to TRY LOTS OF JEANS. It's the only way to know.

I think you would have liked the fits of these jeans too - GORGEOUS fabric and slimming. They look chic. I know you aren't looking for white....

Janet, yes, this: I tried on a size up in store to see if they provided a bit more of that easy look, and that doesn't work for me at all -- it merely means the waist and upper hip are too big, with no noticeable additional ease in the thigh. That is always my trouble with trying to size up for a looser fit -- it only gets looser in the very top of the jeans and the thighs never seem to be cut much differently. But that's my rant for my fit issue.

I have the exact same issue. I often try on 3-4 different sizes and find that the legs are too tight on all of them (for me it's usually my calves that are the literal sticking point) while the waists are universally too big. I know some people have skinny legs but lots of us don't, and it drives me nuts that so many jeans advertised as "loose" or "relaxed" for women really aren't -- they're just ill-fitting skinnies.

La P - this happens to me with every.single.pair .of.pants I try on. And my legs are fairly slim compared to the rest of me .

Angie - in fact I will be looking for white too. A recent edit and closet clean out revealed old white jeans are not looking good anymore. Need to start fresh . Thanks for these . CoH are pretty $$ here though. I need GAP pricing And re: Pilcro: I have two pair from a few summers ago - both cropped flares - and one is actually 98% polyester and 2% other. The other pair is cotton/spandex. I do pop into Anthro regularly and all that is showing in plain denim are skinnies, and your novelty jeans. Anyways - I'll start trying on when I can - or maybe skip straight to white jeans . I'm almost sorry I started this project . It takes time and energy and $$ to get the perfect pieces .

Janet - Thank you again The sizing up thing doesn't work for me either. It sounds like you and I are exactly the same size - good to know. I'm so confused I don't know what I want anymore. Maybe no jeans and homemade dirndl skirts?

I found out about Mott & Bow from a fashion blogger. I am always looking for jeans that are not skinnies.

LOL Lisa, somehow we manage to get dressed most days, huh?

I did try on a pair of wide leg pants at Anthro yesterday, and in the mirror I kind of loved them, except for the high-waisted part, which just makes me look thick because it emphasizes how short my torso is. But then I took pics and wondered why something can look so different in photos vs in the mirror. One of them is lying!

I've been there, too, and finally found some comfortable, non-stretchy, reasonably priced jeans last year when I bought Gap's Real Straight jeans in a size up from my regular size. Easy in the thighs, without looking baggy. They have kept me going, and are now a pretty, lightly faded color. I wear them rolled, and they resemble the first picture you show. Gap is changeable, so the fabric may be different by now, but you might try them. I also realized that truly high-waisted jeans will never work for my short torso. I measured the rise of my best-fitting jeans (9-10") and now I look for that measurement before even trying a new pair. Have you tried measuring (flat) pants that fit you comfortably for rise (front & back), waist, inseam and thigh width? Then you can take a measuring tape to the store and only have to try on jeans that more or less fit those criteria. Bodies are idiosyncratic, and changing bodies (grrr) are impossible!

LisaP...EF jeans don’t work for me at all. The butt and hips are always too baggy for a comfortable fit in my waist, and the rise is still too low for my liking. Their fit model just doesn’t work for my body type unless the fabric is the Ponte Knit etc.

if you have a more defined waist, they might just work for you. Jeans shopping is right up there with bra shopping IMHO....although I did just find the perfect bra LOL.

Another thought after I stopped in a couple of places today in between post office and yoga — do you have TJMaxx or the like up there? I combed through the jeans section in ours today, and there was some good stuff from seasons past — some slim straights by Paige, Hudson, Kut, Lucky, etc. And of course the prices were right. You might have more luck at the discount retailers!

Janet - you’re exhausting me ! I don’t know how you do all this shopping ! We have Winners here - like TJMaxx- but it’s totally hit and miss .

My problem is : I am not willing to put in the time , expense and effort to find the perfect pieces for my wardrobe , and my wardrobe reflects that . I have to come to terms with this choice - and expect less . I really do not like looking for clothes anymore , and like even less the process of trying stuff on . I don’t have that kind of time and energy . I think I’m on the wrong forum

That being said , I cannot believe the amount of help you all have provided , the suggestions , commiseration, and ideas . I really do appreciate it , and hope to find some great jeans one day soon .

Not that you need any more suggestions, but Burberry boyfriend jeans might be worth trying. I rarely have second doubts about returns once they leave my possession, but I confess to feeling some regret over returning a pair of white button-up boyfriend jeans last winter. They were slim without being tight, fit TTS, and very substantial and structured. Mid-rise. They also went on the sale at the end of the season.

I got the same jeans as Cins at Costco. Mine had a chemical smell that I hope washes out.

I wanted to recommend Marks as they have a large selection of Levi’s and silver jeans.

Lisa, take heart: although Angie, like Mary Poppins, is Practically Perfect in Every Way, most of us here are mere humans, lumping along in good-enough jeans with a few serendipitous moments of fabness here and there. But re-reading this post gave me a forehead-slapping moment when I remembered a certain exercise I used to do that magically turned my very round thighs into a different shape, with flat-planed sides, that made all my pants fit and look better. I intend to start doing it again now, everyday, because it made my stomach muscles stronger, too. It takes very little time to do, requires no equipment, and the results appear quickly. Here it is, for what it's worth:
Stand facing your kitchen sink, holding on lightly to the edge like a ballerina at the barre, feet turned out, heels together (1st position). Tightening your belly and gluteal muscles, rise up on the balls of your feet, heels still together, and tilting your pelvis up slightly to the front, bend your knees, lowering your body an inch or so, keeping your back straight and your chin up. Tilt your pelvis up a bit more and lower your body another inch. Tilt and lower once more, then reverse the series, going up an inch each time, still with heels elevated and together, until you are standing straight again. Staying in this position, do 10 shallow knees bends, then slowly lower your heels to the floor. That's it. I've made it sound more complicated than it is, and the position will feel less awkward with time. As you become comfortable with them, increase the depth of the knee bends from 1 to 3 inches with each bend.

If you're looking for white I just got these Gap Girlfriends and I'm very happy with them. Description says off white but they are white. I went down one size from my usual Gap size for a more straight leg/less slouchy fit.

I have these Vintage Indigo on order to try.

Currently on sale. I know we have different body types but Gap is always low risk with free shipping and returns.

And, as much as I love clothes I really don't like shopping either. I think it's mostly body type for me......trying to find things that work as a petite in Canada is a pain in the *ss. It feels like a lot of work.

LOL Lisa, I know what you mean. But I do *like* shopping (well, I don't love shopping for pants, bras, and swimsuits, but otherwise...). I tend to hit stores in the vicinity of places where I run errands or have appointments, to kill a half hour or an hour and see what's out there. That can be dangerous, but at least I'm usually in bargain-hunting mode when I do that.

And here's an update: Those Pilcro jeans? They're pretty good. I ordered a 29 and a 29 tall to see if I could get full-length out of them, and I'm kind of split -- I like them both. The 29 talls fit pretty darn close to the look in the stock photo (they seem to be cut a little more generously all over, and I have the crazy thought that I might even be able to take a 28 tall, but I do like the looser fit for summer). I'm wearing them as I work at home right now, with tags on, to see how much they stretch. The talls are cut with a little extra in the rise, as well as the inseam, fyi. The distressing on the talls is a little more subtle too, so apparently the distressing pattern varies between various jeans. I don't know how readily available these are for you in Canada but I thought I'd let you know, as this is the closest I've found to that easy straight-leg look.

Thanks Janet - these look really good, and I'll check out the Cdn website to see if they are availalble. The last few times I've been in our b&m store , it's been all skinnies. I think Wpg is seen as a conservative, bargain-hunting market, which doesn't help those of us looking for more.

Thanks Marilyn, I actually have a pair of the Gap GF jeans, but they fit as if they were slim straights or skinnies. I'll have to hunt down the white ones and size up .

Too bad you guys don’t have Esprit anymore, they always have a huge range of good quality jeans at decent prices.