Interesting, Bonnie. I tried the Hoxtons but Nordstrom's sent the wrong version (without the interesting hems) and I actively loathed the way they felt! They may have been the wrong size, mind you. And, admittedly, I rarely enjoy wearing a super stretchy jean. Having said that, I just bought a very stretchy pair in leopard and love how they feel on the legs (very cozy and sleek without feeling too tight) .Alas, in the torso they make me feel like I have a distinct tummy pooch...and I don't, not really, or at least not a significant one!! To the point where I need to wear them with a longer untucked top and I keep wanting to tug at the waistband to make it bigger...
Meanwhile, I really like the Rayners and they are one of the few high-waisted pants I've been able to tolerate! Horses for courses, as Angie would say.
OTOH, I got those Gap pants (or similar) and sent them straight back for the exact reason you mention! They failed the sit test instantly!