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Need higher rise jeans!

chelle

I may be giving up jeans! I spent a huge part of my day shopping for jeans. I decided that with my fairly casual life (I don't have a job in my new location yet) jeans would be the best place start when replacing my pants.

I tried on as many fits as possible to compare and contrast these jeans: Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, J Crew, Joe's jeans (several cuts), DKNY (Soho), Lucky(Sweet and Low), 7 for all mankind, Goldsign, Cambio. I know from past experience that I have the same issues with Gap and Old Navy.

The pants at Ann Taylor and Banana Republic fit but they seem to drop the rise on the demin cuts.

Many fit okay but all were way too low waisted! Even brands that are labeled midrise hit me low and make my belly hang over the waistband. I look like an ice cream cone in these. I measured a pair of pants that I love and the rise is 9.5! I have purchased NYDJ but those measure a whopping 11". Too high.

I've read a couple of postings on this topic and know that a few of you have had this problem. I just wasn't quite sure how you resolved it. Please let me know if you found a solution!

I didn't have a chance to try Express, Citizens of Humanity, or Paige. Think I'll have better luck with those? I just don't think the 8.5" rise that is mentioned with some of these is going to be high enough.

I realized that this is why I had been shopping at stores geared towards more mature figures. At least they had waistbands that were only 1" below my belly button.

I'm sorry that this is so long - I'm sure you have been fashion frustrated like this too! I'm going to go put on sweats and put up my Christmas tree now!

Shopping

31 replies

Latest reply was from shiny

Anonymous

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....5&P=2

You might like the COH Amber highrise jeans, or one of their other styles. If you look at the Nordstom's denim site you can read the measurements on the rise, front and back. Maybe that will help you decide what will work for you.

shiny

Veteran

Having tried on all the jean brands you listed, and found them unflattering/uncomfortable/ill-fitting myself, I heartily second COH!!

Try the Ambers (bootcut), the Elson's (identical to the Ambers, but with a straight leg) and the Huttons (flair leg - which you may or may not like - but with higher waistband and in darkest wash, plus soft and cozy as wearing sweatpants). I started with the Huttons, which come up to about 9 inches (hit just a smidge below my belly button) and then graduated to Ambers and Elson's, which are 1/2 inch shorter.

Like you, I thought my ideal rise was 9 to 9.5 inches. However, I find that the COH rise works just fine on me. I think that is because when it comes to jeans it's not just about the rise only; it's also about the waistband.

COH are cut more generously around the waist, and therefore, they don't constrict you like a sausage casing, causing your gut to spill over. What's more, the fabric does stretch out with wear - conforming to your body. So even if the waistband is a tad tight when you buy, no worries; it will give over time, especially if you never put them in the dryer.

How I figured this out, that it wasn't so much the rise length: my Earnest Sewn skinnies have an even LOWER rise... closer to 7.5 inches... but somehow, they work just fine, because the waistband is roomier.

Finally, if you still have a tad of a tummy spillover, wear a cami with stretch. That helps smooth over lumps and bumps underneath a blouse or sweater. Also handy for tummy disguise (I am the Master, LOL):

1) Choose patterned blouses and knits - anything but stripes. Fools the eye.

2) Choose knits and blouses that skim away from the body and aren't too form-fitting.

3) If the top is too loose and makes you look like you're wearing maternity gear (!), simply layer a cardi and button at the smallest part of your figure - just under the breasts - to form an X for more tummy disguise - draws attention up to your waist, not your tummy area.

4) Blazers with lots of structure are another good tactic for tummy disguise.

Maya

Veteran

I think I am the spokesperson for higher rises here on YLF. Your post is almost identical to a few that I made.

The rise you need is a skosh shorter than what I prefer (a whopping 10"). I know you've tried Gold Sign. In general, their fit runs small and are very low rise, but the Treo jeans are higher and I absolutely adore them. They are my favorite jeans. They're 10" though so that might be too high for you.

http://www.truejeans.com/jeans...../487?w=874

Is there a specific leg opening you're looking for? Here are a bunch from Tobi:

http://www.tobi.com/women/home.....gh-waisted

What is your budget like? I know when I was shopping around, my biggest peeve was that all the "true" high waisted jeans were premium or otherwise out of my budget.

I also recommend these jeans from Boden:

http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/.....Jeans.html

I wanted to get the black ones but they ran out of my size I already have the dark wash and love them to bits. Rise is nice and high and the stitch detailing is sweet. At $51, they're a steal.

I also regularly hear good things about Joe's Jeans Muse cut. I wouldn't get my hopes up about Paige. Their high rise Hidden Hills cut is only 8.5. I found it too low.

My other high rise jeans come from 7FAM. The style is called Jagger. I don't think they make them anymore, but there might be an alternative that's worth looking into.

tarzy

Veteran

I also have a horrible time with jeans! (The ones at the GAP are ridiculous on me.) The ones that work best for me so far are the DKNY SOHO, but you say they didn't work for you!

I have tried on the JOE'S MUSE and the COH AMBER but I felt both of them were a little bit low on me, and for that price I want them to be pretty near perfect. However, I have bigger hips/thighs than you, so maybe they would work better for you.

I hesitate to recommend these, but I have to say I do like Eddie Bauer jeans. I realize that they are not as spiffy as the premium jeans, but they do seem to have a good rise for me. I just bought the curvy cut trousers and the fit is pretty good. They also have a cut that's not curvy, but with just about the same rise - the "Classic" cut.

http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/Women/Jeans/index.cat

I've also had luck in the past with JAG jeans from Nordstrom's, although this last time I tried them on I didn't like them as much. Good luck!

chelle

Wow! I just finished the Christmas tree, but this is like getting a present - logging on and getting all of this great advice and these wonderful suggestions. I'm a little teary. All afternoon I have felt like the only woman in the world who can't find jeans, but I realize you just have to have experts to guide you.

I'm going to start trying out the brands you suggested. It is good to know that Shiny has found that COH denim stretches and conforms to your waist a bit. I'll keep that in mind as try things on. San, I love being able to check the website to find the rise measurements. I can compare the things that I've already tried to those that I haven't. Wow, Maya...so many brand suggestions. And I thought I had exhausted most of the possiblities.

I can't say that I'm anxious to get back out there, but at least I'm hopeful now! Thank you ladies : )

chelle

Tarzy, just saw your post. I would have to say that the Sohos weren't perfect but came closer to a good fit than most. I just had this weird sensation that they were slowly falling down. Muse was low on me too! I'll recheck Eddie Bauer - I haven't been in in a while. Angie thought their curvy fit was too curvy for me so I'll check out the classic. Thanks!

judy

Veteran

Hi Chelle,

I sympathize with your exhaustive search!

Just wanted to add that another good site for researching jeans is Revolve...
http://www.revolveclothing.com/index.jsp

I like how many views and details they provide. The pics of the wash seem fairly accurate too. I've ordered from them also and have found their service to be excellent.

I have some high waist seven straight/slightly skinny leg jeans called "high waist joyce" but I don't think they make them any more...? But I notice that they make a high waist boot cut now too!

Tanya

Veteran

Another option might be Rich&Skinny, they have some beautiful denim with 9-10" rise ( I have two different pairs and am in love). For example:

http://www.shopbop.com/high-je.....2005012216

Kyle

Veteran

Chelle:
I have to forego many of the premium jeans due to low rises. I find that David Kahn jeans are the very best for me. You can find them at Nordstrom.

Anonymous

I second the love for David Kahn jeans. I just saw them in dark wash. They look great and fit great.

chelle

I went jeans shopping again and tried on as many recommended brands as possible. Again, I am so appreciative of you help!

The COH Ambers and dark wash David Kahns were my favorites at Nordstrom. The fit was mostly great but they both still hit me so that I had tummy spillover (as Shiny so gently terms it!). I was okay and deciding that I could live with it until I sat down. The spillover just really bugged me and I decided to walk around and think about it. I also had to really think about paying that much for the COHs and waiting for the waistband to conform to me.

I ran into Macy's and something told me to try DKNY again. I loved the rise and fit but had the same feeling that they were sliding off of me. I went down one more size and wow! They seemed to fit perfectly. Even the waist was the right size. They are an inch or so below my navel and the band goes right across the bulge.

I'm still developing my eye, so I would rather have some feedback before I decide to keep them. Oh, when I took them to the register, the salesperson kept pulling out and scanning coupons and they ended up being $27!

Here is the plain DKNY Soho in a little bit lighter wash (some slight fading). I hate tucking in shirts, but wanted to show the fit. Also they need to be hemmed if I wear them with flats. They are bunchy at the bottom.

http://i703.photobucket.com/al.....s001-1.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/al.....s002-1.jpg

Here is a darker wash with big back pockets. What do you think of the pockets? Too much?

http://i703.photobucket.com/al.....s004-1.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/al.....s005-1.jpg

tarzy

Veteran

I hope some of the others chime in, because they have a much better eye than I do - but - I like these on you! However - are you sure you still can't go down a size? You really are slender. Maybe you don't realize how slender you are? Or is the next size down too tight? (They will give a little, as all jeans do.)

I really like the dark wash. I don't mind the big back pocket on you at all! I think it's a nice detail. I think the darker ones are a great smart casual jean for you. I could see them dressed up with a heel or just for a nice every day look.

The lighter wash looks good too. They are much more casual looking, but for that price it might be nice to have a pair for casual weekends, the park, etc. (Do they have a little faded spot on the front between the snap and the first belt hole or is that just something in the picture?)

Antje

Veteran

Hi Chelle, I'm following your journey towards higher rise jeans with great interest - I might get some good tips as well I haven't really found "the perfect jeans" yet myself, and I am also a higher rise fan. It sure takes endurance, doesn't it?
Regarding the DKNY Soho: Honestly, I'd keep looking. I think they still look big on you, and they just look a bit baggy rather than perfect for your body. Note that, based on my own experience and that of many other DKNY Soho owners on the forum, this brand stretches significantly. I think you should be able to find slimmer fitting jeans that will look truly awesome. Hang in there.

cinncali

I think the dark wash jeans look great on you. They don't look too big to me but you might want to try a size smaller just to see how that feels. I know from personal experience that this brand stretches out A LOT. They may fit perfectly now, but chances are that they will feel baggy after you wear them a while. At least you are getting them at a great price!

I wish I had bought my DKNYs a size smaller. They stretched out so much that I don't wear them at all anymore. And of course I paid full price for them. Grrrr.

Maya

Veteran

Chelle, if you don't mind my asking, what size did you get? I ask because you seem pretty slim and my concern is that if you got the smallest size (2), you might end up disappointed (I know how much it hurts to hear that). I say this from personal experience: The others are right that the jeans do end up stretching a whole lot over time. If you wear the smallest size, you're out of luck, but if you don't, you might be able to go down even more. Even if they feel tight, believe me, they will grow.

However, having said all that, I also think I agree with Antje. These look quite baggy on you, so even going down one more size might not be enough.

judy

Veteran

Chelle, the dark wash looks the best to me. But I agree with the other posts that they look a tad big...that you are more shapely than these jeans show! Lots of good input here on how the brand wears...have you considered a skinny or a straighter leg? Here's one I googled, same brand and the rise is high too: http://www.dkny.com/nshop/prod.....sWjeansALL

chelle

Tarzy- thanks for the input. That faded spot on the jeans is actually a big smudge on the mirror!! Guess I need to clean a bit between shopping! I think you are right...I wasn't realizing how slim I was. I had always thought I was about a size 8 and pear shaped. I never really thought I had a distorted body image - just thought I'd gotten bigger and more matronly after having kids. I've always liked my body and never really worried about fit. Now I'm starting to pay attention and trying to develop my eye.

Antje- I'll keep you posted on the search and hope that we both find our perfect fit! I do see the bagginess in the jeans. I'm so focused on fit through the rise that I tend to ignore the rest. I'm wondering if I need a slimmer leg line. The wide bootcut might just be too overwhelming for my frame.

Cinncali - I remember reading about all of the frustrations of stretching out with this brand. This pair feels quite snug to me through the belly and upper hips. I thought I would wear them for a bit and see If I need to go down a size.

Maya - I'm wearing a size 4. That is down from my original size 8!! If these stretch horribly, I do have the option of checking out the size 2.

Judy - I actually tried on the skinny leg on these. They seemed to fit well (but I don't trust my eye yet) but the skinny leg is a big leap for me! I think you are right that I need less fabric. I could see that when you mentioned it.

Thanks for all of the honest opinions. I'm going to keep searching and working on my eye! I just discovered that there is a National Jeans Company fairly close by. That might be the place to look for those other brands that all you have recommended.

Kellee

Chelle

I just posted a new jean source at J.Jill that I found.
Seeing your picture I think you might want to take
a look at them.
It is their new -Authentic -jean line.
Tarzy said they also come in boot cut.
I just tried on the slim leg and they felt great.
Measurements are on the post- Jeans for curvy ladies.

chelle

Kellee - Just read your post and am very excited! I'm so happy that you found jeans that you love.

These sound great and I love the rise measurements. Thank you so much for thinking about me. Can't wait to try these out.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I just bought a pair of the COH Elsons and love them. I have no issues with muffin top. I have found they do not stretch out at all, like many other jeans do. Did you try a size up? Usually, with most jeans, I will go down a size and have a bit of muffin top at the beginning, but then the jeans stretch and it goes away. The COH are not like this. I bought the same size I do in non denim pants, and they have been great.

chelle

Ana - Nordstrom did not have the next size up in the store. I tried a 27 and they did not have a 28. I wear a size 6 in most stores. I'll have to hunt down a pair of 28s.

shiny

Veteran

I'm with Ana and think you should give the COH another try! But the Elsons are - in my experience- exactly the same cut as the Ambers, except Elsons are straight leg and Ambers are bootcut. Still, maybe you should try a size up in the COH?

I find the COH do give a little in the waistband - but if you are having major muffin top in the dressing room and aren't comfortable sitting, then definetly go up a size, especially because they will shrink if you run them through the dryer (I know you're not supposed to put premiums in the dryer, but I always do dry them - *twice* - before hemming - just in case someone else does the laundry and forgets).

Also, please try and find the COH Huttons and give them a try. I have a suspicion that these will be just the ticket for you. The rise is higher. The fabric (Japanese denim) is incredibly comfortable and soft - different than the Ambers and Elsons (also a darker wash). If you like the comfortability of the Soho's, you will love the Hutton's even more. You could sleep in these jeans; they are that comfortable. Yes, they are more of a flare cut but I think once you try them on, you will fall in love with them. Higher rise, form fitting to the knee, where they flare out, and look particularly cute with heels, or with Converses.

For what it's worth, I really liked the SoHo's too. I fit in the 2p's, but ultimately 1) they shrunk horribly and became floods and 2) they stretched out within an hour and bagged terribly. There was no going down in size. From the Soho's I moved to the Jcrew matchsticks, which also bagged too much and were just wrong proportions for me. Then I found the COH Huttons! Which was like my "gateway" premium jeans... hee hee... because from there I went to the Ambers and then to the Elsons... but, I still wear the Hutton's often. I wear them when 1) comfort is utmost priority (like traveling) and 2) when I want a dressier look (these are like the denim version of dress pants).

Meanwhile, I have to say this: Chelle, I'm really disheartened to read your jeans odessey! There is NOTHING wrong with your figure - you have an adorable, slim figure. Why is it that it is so hard for some of us to find jeans we like??? Won't the jeans manufacturers ever get a clue??

P.s. Maya, if you like 7's then you should also love COH: I am told that they are by the same manufacturer; except the 7's target a younger figure and the COH a more mature one.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Chelle, I wear a 6 bottoms in most stores, and I got a 29 in the COH. I tried on the Ambers too, and those are great! I was just looking for a straight leg vs. a bootcut. But I was a 29 in the Ambers as well.

chelle

Sounds like I need to get back out and size up in the COHs!

I'm with Shiny - why in the world does it have to be so difficult to find jeans? Lately I've found myself staring at other ladies thinking...her jeans look great - should I ask about the brand : )

I do like my figure, quirks and all! I start to not like it when I'm squeezed into jeans and sporting a muffin top. Then I start having horrible thoughts about having to give up chocolate. Yikes!

Eva

Chelle, I'm not sure if you have are done trying on jeans. In my search for straight leg jeans for curvy gals, I tried Levi's 505. http://us.levi.com/product/ind.....84.3146904. They were not advertised as being high waisted, but they came almost up to my belly button. (I have a short rise). They also have a page specifically for hi rise. http://us.levi.com/family/inde.....79.3146880

Oh, and never give up chocolate. Life is too good.

NicNac

Hey ladies! Chelle, I am not sure if you have found your perfect pair but I recently found the "Not your daughter" jeans. I saw a commercial somewhere and I didn't pay much attention until I saw them again on http://www.kjordan.com. I took a chance and ordered them. They fit perfectly and have a panel that hides my little "pooch". I wear them with flats & heels. FYI

Good luck!

tarzy

Veteran

Eva - I recently bought some Levi's and loved the fit, but unfortunately they stretched out like crazy after the first washing. I was very upset because they really fit well at first and were inexpensive. Big disappointment.

tarzy

Veteran

Shiny - "gateway to premium jeans." Too funny! I'm sure once I find my gateway to premium I'll never go back. I'm still searching for that first pair, though.

Eva

Thanks Tarzy! That is good to know. I was tempted since they are on sale right now, but jeans that stretch too much are not worth it.

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