Today I got put on my new Everlane Barrel Utility jeans, which had finished line-drying from their initial wash, and I went out shopping. Inspired by Angie's post and the discussion on Keeping Items that Don't Fit I thought I would look for some new jeans to replace other ill-fitting ones.

The ones I had in mind this time were black. I have dark black and faded black jeans that no longer fit well--3 pairs in all: Banana Republic Ranger Straight (faded black), Levis Wedgie Straight, and Madewell Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg (both dark black).

I looked at Madewell first, because they have a deal right now for $30 off a new pair of jeans if you bring in an old pair (any brand) to recycle. Usually they offer this deal at $20 off. So I carried along an old pair. I considered their Darted Barrel-Leg style in washed black. I wasn't sold on them. I liked the mid-rise fit (once I sized down enough--3 down from my Perfect Vintage Wide-Legs, which I think are about one size too large for me now). But I was unsure about the slight bow-legged effect of the style on me. (No pics.)

Next stop: the Levis store. I had in mind just getting a size down in the Wedgie Straights. I tried on the dark black wash like my old ones, and a gray wash that would be more like my BR Rangers. I tried both the Wedgie style and 501. Oddly enough, the Wedgies a size down felt too small and didn't give the look I was after. The 501s, on the other hand, were just right, and they come in longer lengths, so I could get them full length. Score!

Next stop: back to Everlane to see what they had in black. I tried the Mid-Way Jean, which I tried in dark blue the other day but had passed over for the barrel jeans. I tried a size up, but decided the same size as the barrel jeans was the right choice. I also tried the Way-High version (too high for me) and the Cheeky (a better fit), but the wider leg on the Mid-Way won me over. Another score!

Photos from the day. Apologies for the poor quality, but I think even with the bad lighting and focus, the difference in fit may be discernible.

1-2: WIW shopping. New Everlane Barrel Utility jeans, with olive cashmere pullover (Madewell); olive suede booties (LaCanadienne); olive rain jacket (Lauren Ralph Lauren); olive cross-body bag (AllSaints).
3-4: old Levis Wedgie jeans.
5-6: new Levis 501s.
7-8: old Madewell wide-legs.
9-10: new Everlane wide-legs.

I'm feeling good to have these well-fitting basics in my jeans wardrobe!
Jeans are such a staple for my style. I will probably hang on to the
old Levis Wedgie jeans for a while longer, in a holding area in my
closet, where they don't interfere with my current wardrobe. It has been
about a year since my size changed from a nutrition and workout
overhaul. The other 2 pairs have enough fit issues it's not worth
keeping them.

I think the 2 new pairs are keepers. Just had to share my excitement, and a look at these styles in case others are considering them.

This post has 10 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.