Where Have All the Good Jeans Gone?
March 9, 2018 12:54 PM Subscribe
Plus Size Jeans, 2018 Edition.
I want jeans that are actually made of denim, that will hold up to thigh rub in the crotch. Boot or straight-leg, and not skin-tight. It seems like more and more everything is going skinny stretch, which I super don't want.
I want classic styling, not bedazzled, overly embroidered, heavily distressed, or ripped. I don't mind a little embellishment. I don't need elastic slimming panels. I just want plain old medium-dark wash denim jeans, with real pockets.
If Clint and Stacy would recommend it, that's the style I'm looking for.
I'm 5'2, and between a 20-24 and have resigned myself to never finding petite length pants in my size so I'm willing to roll or have them hemmed. I'm also apple shaped, so the "curvy" style doesn't work on me. I used to buy men's jeans, but to fit my waist the rest of the pant is now wildly out of proportion. I'm certainly open to going back to men's if my options are better.
The most recent relevant question is this, from last year, except I do not want stretchy at all. I mean, sure, a little give, but if they could be used as jeggings, or yoga pants, no. So much of me already looks like a sausage, straining against its casing, I hate that feeling. There is also this, from 2015. There were a lot of recommendations for Talbots there, but they no longer seem to have any non-skinny plus jeans. I could splurge for NYDJ, but their quality seems to have gone down as well (or at least the quality of the jeans they make for Nordstrom Rack).
I accept that these are gonna be expensive, as painful as it is to my wallet. $150/pair is probably too much for me.
I want jeans that are actually made of denim, that will hold up to thigh rub in the crotch. Boot or straight-leg, and not skin-tight. It seems like more and more everything is going skinny stretch, which I super don't want.
I want classic styling, not bedazzled, overly embroidered, heavily distressed, or ripped. I don't mind a little embellishment. I don't need elastic slimming panels. I just want plain old medium-dark wash denim jeans, with real pockets.
If Clint and Stacy would recommend it, that's the style I'm looking for.
I'm 5'2, and between a 20-24 and have resigned myself to never finding petite length pants in my size so I'm willing to roll or have them hemmed. I'm also apple shaped, so the "curvy" style doesn't work on me. I used to buy men's jeans, but to fit my waist the rest of the pant is now wildly out of proportion. I'm certainly open to going back to men's if my options are better.
The most recent relevant question is this, from last year, except I do not want stretchy at all. I mean, sure, a little give, but if they could be used as jeggings, or yoga pants, no. So much of me already looks like a sausage, straining against its casing, I hate that feeling. There is also this, from 2015. There were a lot of recommendations for Talbots there, but they no longer seem to have any non-skinny plus jeans. I could splurge for NYDJ, but their quality seems to have gone down as well (or at least the quality of the jeans they make for Nordstrom Rack).
I accept that these are gonna be expensive, as painful as it is to my wallet. $150/pair is probably too much for me.
I also favor bootcut, dark wash jeans without a bunch of geegaws and have been happy with Lucky Brand. I usually find them at better prices at Macy’s instead of directly from Lucky.
These Ginger Bootcut Jeans might have some stretch, but maybe they’re worth a look? (Currently on sale, too!)
posted by kittydelsol at 1:22 PM on March 9, 2018 [2 favorites]
These Ginger Bootcut Jeans might have some stretch, but maybe they’re worth a look? (Currently on sale, too!)
posted by kittydelsol at 1:22 PM on March 9, 2018 [2 favorites]
I haven’t ordered for a while as I am in the UK and delivery is $$$ but I was surprised at how good Old Navy were for plus sized jeans that also didn’t need to be taken up and fit my apple shape.
posted by ozgirlabroad at 1:24 PM on March 9, 2018
posted by ozgirlabroad at 1:24 PM on March 9, 2018
Universal Standard jeans are not cheap but they have been amazing for apple-shaped me. They run about one size large, in my experience--elsewhere I'd most likely be in a 22, with them I'm wearing a 20. I am much taller than you so not sure if the shorter length would be right for you but they do at least have a shorter length available. All I wanted was to find somewhere that was selling Just Jeans, and these are definitely them.
posted by Sequence at 1:31 PM on March 9, 2018 [8 favorites]
posted by Sequence at 1:31 PM on March 9, 2018 [8 favorites]
I was also going to recommend Kut from the Kloth. They are great.
posted by unknowncommand at 1:32 PM on March 9, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by unknowncommand at 1:32 PM on March 9, 2018 [2 favorites]
I have just the link for you! Wardrobe Oxygen's Where to buy jeans when you're short and plus size. Allie is a great resource on all things short/plus size. Happy hunting!
posted by widdershins at 1:35 PM on March 9, 2018 [5 favorites]
posted by widdershins at 1:35 PM on March 9, 2018 [5 favorites]
Is there a Christopher and Banks in your local shopping center? I ask because I just walked into one today surprised at how cute and well made (looking anyway) clothes they had. They also have all sizes of the design in one spot, straight sizes and plus, so that was really convenient. I tend to need a bit more structure on my torso than some of their styles, but I am more pear shaped. I think apple shapes will find a lot of good stuff there. (If you check my twitter linked through my profile, I totally bought the top parts of an outfit there today) Here is a link to some jeans.
Additionally, last year I had a pair of jeans made for me by a tailor in Washington state (MeMail me if you want her info) and they were EXCELLENT and I wear them ALL THE TIME and it is so fantastic to have a pair of pants that fit perfectly. I think they were between $150 and $200 (I forget), but they were well made, excellent quality, and worth it.
posted by jillithd at 1:43 PM on March 9, 2018 [2 favorites]
Additionally, last year I had a pair of jeans made for me by a tailor in Washington state (MeMail me if you want her info) and they were EXCELLENT and I wear them ALL THE TIME and it is so fantastic to have a pair of pants that fit perfectly. I think they were between $150 and $200 (I forget), but they were well made, excellent quality, and worth it.
posted by jillithd at 1:43 PM on March 9, 2018 [2 favorites]
My favorite jeans are from Universal Standard. I have worn them almost every single day since I bought them about a month ago, they fit me SO WELL and stay up and are just totally perfect. They were $90 which is the most I’ve ever spent on jeans, and it was so worth it.
They have two inseam options - 32in (which I bought) and a 27in length, which would probably work for you. The only thing is that they might be too slim cut in the legs for your preference - they’re sort of between skinny and straight leg jeans on me. They do have stretch, but not in leggings way - they’re substantial denim with just enough stretch to be really comfortable. I’m sure I’ll eventually end up with a thigh hole in them but I think that’s inevitable if your thighs rub together when you walk. Based on the denim quality, I’m sure these will last much longer than most of my jeans.
The company has free shipping and free returns plus a reputation for great customer service, so no risk to try them out. I emailed them with my measurements for help deciding between two sizes and they were correct about the one I should buy. There is also a feature where you can see the jeans on women of five different sizes (12, 16, 20, 24, 28) to get a better idea of how they’ll look on someone approximately your sizes, which I really appreciate!
posted by insectosaurus at 1:57 PM on March 9, 2018 [1 favorite]
They have two inseam options - 32in (which I bought) and a 27in length, which would probably work for you. The only thing is that they might be too slim cut in the legs for your preference - they’re sort of between skinny and straight leg jeans on me. They do have stretch, but not in leggings way - they’re substantial denim with just enough stretch to be really comfortable. I’m sure I’ll eventually end up with a thigh hole in them but I think that’s inevitable if your thighs rub together when you walk. Based on the denim quality, I’m sure these will last much longer than most of my jeans.
The company has free shipping and free returns plus a reputation for great customer service, so no risk to try them out. I emailed them with my measurements for help deciding between two sizes and they were correct about the one I should buy. There is also a feature where you can see the jeans on women of five different sizes (12, 16, 20, 24, 28) to get a better idea of how they’ll look on someone approximately your sizes, which I really appreciate!
posted by insectosaurus at 1:57 PM on March 9, 2018 [1 favorite]
Thirding Kut from the Kloth.
Also, you might be interested in Duluth Trading Co jeans. Inseam length starts at 29 and they contain 92% cotton/7% polyester/1% spandex.
posted by loveandhappiness at 2:49 PM on March 9, 2018
Also, you might be interested in Duluth Trading Co jeans. Inseam length starts at 29 and they contain 92% cotton/7% polyester/1% spandex.
posted by loveandhappiness at 2:49 PM on March 9, 2018
I wear mostly Target women's stretch jeans at this point so that is out for you but I often buy men's twill or khaki pants in a slim or skinny cut. I am short and profoundly apple shaped and at some point I figured out I could game the sizing by picking my waist size in a skinny men's cut from Old Navy, which in a size 44 waist can in no way actually be described as skinny on me but instead fits like a slim cut in the butt/leg area which is where I usually have handfuls of fabric in women's plus size pants.
posted by crankylex at 3:37 PM on March 9, 2018
posted by crankylex at 3:37 PM on March 9, 2018
I could have written most of your question, except for the height.
Take a look at the Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda jeans. They have classic styling, a great fit, and just a little bit of give (like stretch, but it doesn't feel stretchy.)
I have several pairs and rarely buy anything else now.
posted by SLC Mom at 4:49 PM on March 9, 2018 [2 favorites]
Take a look at the Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda jeans. They have classic styling, a great fit, and just a little bit of give (like stretch, but it doesn't feel stretchy.)
I have several pairs and rarely buy anything else now.
posted by SLC Mom at 4:49 PM on March 9, 2018 [2 favorites]
I've had good luck with used Avenue Denim Bootcut from Ebay and Poshmark in their petite or small sizes. They have some stretch but aren't ridiculous like Avenue's Butter Denim. Sadly, I can only buy them used because they no longer make them.
posted by Issithe at 4:55 PM on March 9, 2018
posted by Issithe at 4:55 PM on March 9, 2018
The Lucky Brand Ginger bootcut that kittydelsol recommended above are $61 on 6pm.com and they have your size:
https://m.6pm.com/p/lucky-brand-plus-size-ginger-bootcut-jeans-in-twilight-blue-twilight-blue/product/8968702/color/137544
I like 6pm’s filters and sort and have good luck finding jeans that meet my criteria (my requirements are similar to yours).
posted by valeries at 5:41 PM on March 9, 2018
https://m.6pm.com/p/lucky-brand-plus-size-ginger-bootcut-jeans-in-twilight-blue-twilight-blue/product/8968702/color/137544
I like 6pm’s filters and sort and have good luck finding jeans that meet my criteria (my requirements are similar to yours).
posted by valeries at 5:41 PM on March 9, 2018
Old Navy jeans have been good for me, if you can get to the store try on a bunch of styles and sizes and see what you like.
posted by starlybri at 8:28 PM on March 9, 2018
posted by starlybri at 8:28 PM on March 9, 2018
I've just learned about Universal Standard and am excited, but I only see jeans that look very tight and form-fitting. Am I missing something? (I hope so!)
posted by wintersweet at 11:31 PM on March 9, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by wintersweet at 11:31 PM on March 9, 2018 [1 favorite]
Hopping back in to say Kut from the Kloth has some styles on Zulily today!
posted by assenav at 6:39 AM on March 10, 2018
posted by assenav at 6:39 AM on March 10, 2018
All of those Universal Standard jeans are skinny and tight. They are NOT straight-leg or bootcut so I fail to see how they answer the question. They're also only 70-something percent cotton.
posted by Squeak Attack at 1:55 PM on March 10, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Squeak Attack at 1:55 PM on March 10, 2018 [1 favorite]
Discussion with a friend suggests that Universal Standard's cut might have changed since I got mine or else that the fit may be body-dependent. Mine definitely fit like straight legs and not at all like my previous "skinny" jeans. They're definitely not boot-cut, but they aren't very snug through the calf--I can put on knee-high socks without taking my jeans off which is not something I've ever been able to do with any pair of skinny jeans I've ever owned. I may have narrower calves than expected for my size? Not sure. (I do still have wide calves for the purposes of buying the aforementioned knee socks.) Curious to see what anybody else thinks, if they've changed recently then I'm going to have to look elsewhere, too.
posted by Sequence at 8:56 PM on March 10, 2018
posted by Sequence at 8:56 PM on March 10, 2018
Stay with me: Levi's. I know. I've tried so many plus size jeans but really: Levi's. They do have skinny and "shaping" styles but they also have regular straight and boot cut and relaxed fit styles. No embellishment. In plus. They last. They keep their shape. They have Short, Medium and Long lengths. I buy them for about $35 at either Kohls or online on sale. Yup. Regular old Levi's.
posted by marylynn at 8:38 PM on March 11, 2018
posted by marylynn at 8:38 PM on March 11, 2018
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posted by assenav at 1:07 PM on March 9, 2018 [4 favorites]