Nearly every denim makeover I’ve done ends with the same conversation.
“I had no idea what a difference it would make – I thought I was safe with Gap jeans!”
Or,
“Oh my goodness why didn’t anyone tell me I was wearing Mom Jeans?? I thought that as long as I was shopping at Old Navy, I was fine!!”
Gap and Old Navy denim. A subject that I’ve long struggled over whether to address publicly or not. I’ve revealed the truth about them one-on-one for quite a while, but have feared the backlash of addressing it here.
I know it’s hard to swallow, because we’ve all worn them at one time or another.
But I must say it, because I am committed to being honest with you in all matters of denim.
So read it fast – like ripping off a band-aid.
Ready?
Gap and Old Navy sell Gateway Mom Jeans.
There. It’s out there now, so let’s look at why.
I embarked on a reconnaissance mission to both stores accompanied by my dedicated husband/photographer, where I tried on every style of denim available. I’ve gone through and analyzed the evidence collected, then matched them up with comparables in other brands.
But first, a few disclaimers:
1. Jeans can fit vastly differently depending on the body. What may look awful on me could look good on you. My points below are not blanket statements, just strong suggestions.
2. We tried to match camera angles as well as possible, but seeing as how we were on an intensely covert operation and there was an especially nosy associate working the dressing room during our mission, not everything could be perfected as we wished.
3. Some people buy Gap and Old Navy because they are inexpensive. Almost all of the jeans pictured can be attained for about the same price as a pair of Gap jeans. (My current favorite way to get designer jeans at half off or more is through Nordstrom Rack or their app, HauteLook.) Good fit does not have to be expensive.
Let’s start with Gap.
1. The first style I tried on was called Real Straight.
These jeans, on the surface, do not qualify for the number one definition of Mom Jeans: pockets ending before the lower curvature of the butt.
However, they do have some concerning areas that clearly qualify them as Gateway Mom Jeans. Specifically, they make an unattractive inverted heart betwixt the cheeks, and the pockets are SO DANG GIGANTIC that they could hold a small Llama.
Perhaps on their own, it’s not clear enough. For comparison, here they are as compared to an Antik straight leg:
Yes, that is the same butt. No, I didn’t starve myself between the two photos.
2. Next I tried on Gap’s Always Skinny.
Again, these aren’t terrible. But they’re not great. They give me an extremely wideset rear view, and repeat the Kangaroo Pouch Pockets.
Notice the width shrinkage when compared to a well-shaped pair of skinny jeans bought from a neighboring mall store:
You can see how the smaller pocket, in this case, gives the curve and lift to offer pep and life, rather than a flat, weighed down look. Also, specifically on a skinny jean, the smaller pocket helps lessen the inverted triangle issue by separating the butt from the thigh.
(You might remember that we discussed the flattering qualities of large pockets in a prior post. While this is true, when the pockets are disproportionately dinasauric, the effect is not nearly so ideal.)
3. The next pair I tried on was the Gap Original Fit.
Clearly, these are horrifying. Especially note how the pockets are so wide-set that it gives me a third butt cheek, and the tapered yet loose leg is classic Mom Jean.
Also? No one should EVER need a zipper THAT LONG.
If you desire something classic yet modern and flattering forgoodnesssake, by all means go with a nice, conservative 7 For All Mankind.
4. Let’s move on. Quickly. To Gap Perfect Boot.
I found these to be the least offensive. However, the pockets were still too wide-set and oversized, once again offering the appearance of a supersized caboose. Notice the immediate shrinking sensation when compared to a pair of Hudson Bootcut:
5. Next: the Gap Curvy Fit.
Oddly enough, the Curvy Fit seemed to take away all of my curves and conglomerate them into a giant pile of lumpishness.
If you have curves and need room for them to move and breathe, Miss Chic or LA Idol are awesome options with quite a bit more visual interest and flattering fit:
6. My next fitting was in Gap Long and Lean.
This pair was the only pair that qualified beyond Gateway and straight into Mom Jeans – at least on me, as the pockets ended significantly before the lower curvature of my butt:
However, one of my best friends wears Gap Long and Lean, and I’ve always been puzzled as to how they look so great on her – especially since we even wear the same size. So, in fairness, I present to you evidence that Gap jeans can look right on the exact right body:
Let me assure you, though – I have counseled many former Gap wearers, and the friend pictured above is the exception, not the rule.
So if you don’t have that rare Gap-flattered body and you want to look Long and Lean, might I suggest Rock and Republic – notice the immediate leg-lengthening effect:
7. The last Gap style that I found was highly ironically named…the Sexy Boyfriend.
OH NO THEY DIDN’T.
I SO wish I could have found these in my size to try on.
Pleats.
Darts.
Flap Inner-Only Pockets.
TAPERED. LEG.
Have you ever seen any man under 70 wearing jeans like this, let alone a sexy boyfriend??
I shudder to think.
But I did find one last treasure before I left Gap…
8. The Gap Denim Romper.
Yes. I was ashamed.
(And my cameraman didn’t like my visible bra strap.)
Just in case you missed it, the back waist actually qualifies this outfit as… Grandma Jeans.
I apologize to your retinas.
I rushed out of Gap and headed to Old Navy.
Which was somewhat akin to jumping out of the frying pan and into the nuclear incinerator.
I tried on every style that they had in both bootcut and skinny, but neither leg choice was better than the other. So, to summarize, here are all three of their major styles in bootcut.
The Diva was the least offensive, but still lacked style or a flattering cut.
The Dreamer copied Gap’s main problem of wide-set pockets and triple butt.
And the Sweetheart was unapologetically a hardcore Mom Jean.
Just in case you needed a healthy comparison, I offer them against 7 For All Mankind:
Lest you think that I have somehow doctored my photos (which I have not) or that this information is only applicable to my body type, here are a few examples of others who have been freed from the noose of Gateway Mom Jeans:
Subject A, a close friend who had no idea how flattering and comfortable great jeans could be:
Subject B, a blog reader and mom of four kids:
And Subject C, a new Mom and blog reader from the other side of the country who got a long-distance makeover via the following before-and-after butt-texts:
(Yes, I get butt-texts quite often, usually accompanied with the question, “Are these Mom Jeans?” If you need to butt-text me, just let me know and I’ll give you my number.)
After Subject C bought her jeans, she sent me a couple more full-length before and after photos (with an adorable baby leg included as a bonus):
But.
Even if you look great in Gap jeans – even if they fit you perfectly, the pockets are proportionately correct, and the style was made for your body type, here is my biggest argument against Gap and Old Navy Jeans:
They stretch out.
Ferociously.
Unforgivingly.
Ridiculously.
So even if they don’t look like Mom Jeans when you put them on, they will before the next episode of Dora the Explorer is over.
Looking for the rest of my denim posts? Here’s a list:
If you’re afraid you might have Long Butt, click here.
If you’re plus-sized, click here.
If you’re over 50 years old, click here.
If you want more specific tips and tricks to pick out the perfect jeans, click here.
If you want a list of every post I’ve ever written about denim, click here.
Other Posts That Might Interest You…
LOVE LOVE LOVE this post!!! I am soooo sharing this with all my Vault clients!!!
I can definitely see the difference in the jeans. I’m just wondering if there are any flattering jeans that don’t have all the frills on the pockets or such a contrast in the thread used to border them. While I don’t want to look like a mom, I don’t want to look like a teenager either.
I think that is in part why the comparisons vary so much…the camparisons aren’t all that much in the same in my opinion. Comparing a totally flat pocket jean to a flap pocket you are going to get a totally different look.
My thoughts exactly, Audra. I really dislike embellishment or bling or excess fading on jeans, but I think that’s what’s making all the difference. I think for me the answer is…skirts and dresses. Lol, I have one pair of jeans, I feel like I look good in them. I bought them here in Germany at the encouragement of the sales ladies. I have no idea how my arse looks in them, or what brand they are. Now that I now my butt may be looking flat and wide, I may just give up jeans altogether ;)
Express’ non ReRock brands are completely stitch-free now. Also, 7 For All Mankind and Citizens of Humanity tend to be frill-free.
This is a great post. I have very long legs, so I have to buy the jeans that cover them. I wish I had all of these options. I also have problems with them staying up-yikes. Belts don’t help. Does anyone else have that problem? I sure would like a nice pair of jeans that I didn’t have to keep tugging up all the time.
Thank you! There’s nothing quite like washing your jeans and having them fit perfect to…. end of day them sliding down the hip from just general movement. I have a pair that I have to roll at the waist sometimes just to keep them from falling off. *Sigh.
I really enjoyed this posting! I feel we need to post this in the fitting rooms to stop some future disasters!
Dear Grasping, I’m 45 and have worn Gap for years and have looked for another jean to wear for a few less years, and have not found anything that I like, 1. because the rise is way too low for me, or they simply don’t make my size! I couldn’t believe when I finallly decided to try on some designer jeans their largest size didn’t come close to fitting my size 12 body. What’s a mom to do?
Size 12 is right on the edge for the super high-end designer labels (34’s are the highest we get in and they usually fit like a 12). However, boutique jeans tend to go much higher. Also, Express is a great fit – the Stella and Eva come up higher. Vault parties are a great option, too, as you can tend to try on a bunch of stuff and find what you like.
THANK YOU for doing this! I thought I was going crazy when I would try on jeans at the Gap. Honestly, I thought it was me but now I feel better knowing it’s them. And yes, they always stretch out like crazy. Great post.
Love these comparisons! Next time my “budget” sister chastizes me for what i spend for my Silvers I will point her to this website and (as kindly as I can) point out how good my butt looks in my Suki bootcuts when compared to hers in her ON clearance rack jeans!
Just found this post on pinterest and wanted to thank you for your detail! It REALLY opened my eyes! I may need to butt text you!!!! Thanks for going into so much of a comparison!!
Feel free to email me photos to this address!
Ok, so wanting to shop and look around for better jeans I took your advice and went on the 7 FAM website. The lowest price range they have for jeans was starting at $100…..I have student loans, 2 young boys, and all other bills that comes with being a big girl and taking care of myself. There is no world I live in right now where I could justify spending that much on jeans, it’s just too much. That is why I’ve resorted to shopping at Old Navy. I can buy a pair of jeans on sale for $20. When they make good jeans in that price range (or I can figure out how to grow a money tree) then I will stop shopping there. Until then, I guess I’ll just have to live with my “mom” jeans. Designer jeans are just out of the question when the price range starts at $50 and above. Especially with how many different sizes I’ve been since I’ve started having kids. I started at a size 6 and have gone all the way to 12 and back again. Plus I concur with a lot of others on here, I HATE jeans shopping. I’ve tried designer jeans on before and absolutely hated them. They do not make them for women who have had children. They are always way too low, squeeze in all the wrong places, and in order to fit my stretched out stomach I end up with jeans that fit in the stomach and are too big and loose everywhere else to avoid the muffin top look. So if there are inexpensive jeans out there for a curvy woman I’m all for it, but I haven’t been able to find them.
Going jeans shopping next week – glad I stumbled upon this! thank you <3
This is awesome! My husband refuses to believe that you are the model in all the photos. I’m on a weight loss journey that has me swimming in all my current ON and LB jeans. Now I can’t wait to go out and buy some this fall that will celebrate my accomplishment rather than disguise it.
Congratulations!! New jeans are the BEST reward for weight loss – I should know – I did it last year!
I hope the shopping goes great!
That’s why I buy Lee Jeans or an off brand, because the GAP ones don’t fit right and the pockets hang down the back of your legs, which they shouldn’t.
I KNEW IT! I have been refusing to wear Gap and Old Navy jeans for a few years now. In addition to the ginormous pockets, jeans that fit my hips and thighs are several inches too big on my waist. So frustrating. I prefer American Eagle which are comparably priced and flatter my particular figure nicely.
All of that said, here is a viable use for Gap and Old Navy jeans: I am currently 19 weeks pregnant (with my fourth child). My maternity jeans are still too big for me, but a couple of pairs of Gap/Old Navy jeans in my normal size that I had stashed for this occasion fit me just about perfectly. Yep. That’s how bad they are.
Your comment about “why would anyone need a zipper that long?” was kind of annoying to me. I am a 31 mother of four kids, who is also a Zumba and spin instructor and marathon runner. I am in amazing shape, everywhere except my belly. Try as I might, that stretched out skin is never going to snap back into shape. All these low-rise jeans just make me look horrible because the extra skin just sags right over the top. Having a higher rise conceals that muffin top and actually makes me look and feel better. I also think that all the bling on the pockets makes a 30-something look like she is trying too hard to stay young.
I agree that low rise doesn’t work for the post-baby body – I’ve got it too, and I don’t think anything short of surgery can help it. I love a good medium rise – over the baby pooch, but still low enough to feel more comfortable.
This is fantastic. I have recently become conscious of my butt in jeans. Wondering when I got the mom butt and how to fix it. Now I know I don’t have to settle, I just have to buy the right pants. Thanks!
While I agree with most of what you have said, let me tell you why your last point is completely your fault. All jeans are going to stretch out, some in different amounts. The reason your Gap and Old Navy jeans have stretched out THAT much, is because you put them in the dryer. The heat of a dryer ruins the elastic in the jeans, and this is why they have stretched out on you as much as they have. DO NOT put your denim in the dryer. EVER.
I have really good quality jeans that don’t get stretched out even though I always dry them. You are right though, the spandex or elastic in fabric doesn’t last as long if exposed to heat. Like bras.
WOW!!! I am truly enlightened!!! I actually don’t even know where to buy these other hot jeans you have listed. Also, how much do they cost? As a single mom, I don’t have a lot of extra funds, but it would be nice to have a hot looking butt in order to get a date. ;)
Express jeans tend to run between $30-100, depending on whether you can get a coupon and a sale at the same time.
The others are $100-200 full price, but $48-92 at Vault Parties.
Hope that helps!
Where do I buy LA Idol and Express Rerock jeans? I am a 50 year old mom and have been wearing mom jeans for almost 30 years. Won’t my family be surprised to see me wearing appropriate jeans??
LA Idol is available at Boutiques or through Vault Denim. ReRock jeans can be bought at Express stores.
Great blog!!! So crazy how much younger and thinner a woman can look wearing an amazing pair of jeans. Great work & way to keep it real! :) No woman, no matter what age, should be wearing unflattering jeans!!! :) Keep up the good work!
I found your blog on a Pinterest link and was immediately drawn to it. I haven’t worn ON jeans in years and I’ve never worn Gap jeans. I used to wear American Eagle jeans all the time until 4 years ago when I discovered that Buckle jeans just look better. Now I wear mostly Rock Revival and Big Star, sometimes I wear BKE and Miss Me. I like decorative pockets a lot. I am in my early 30’s, have 2 young kids, and have lost almost 200 lbs in the last 10 years. It’s nice to be able to shop wherever I want and where the jeans that make me look good. I also, however, like 7FAM jeans a lot, too. The Jiselle flare and Dojo Trouser are my favorites.
Wow, this is SO true! I can’t ever find any jeans in those stores that look good on me… I thought it was just me! :)
My favorite jeans for the past 4 years has been a pair of Joe’s Jeans that I snagged on clearance… for $60. Still really expensive, but when one pair of jeans can serve all your jeans needs for 4 years, I’d do it again!
Now I just wish I could find that good of a deal on them again for when these wear out.
You should try American Eagle Jeans. Most people think they are just for teens, but they aren’t. They are really flattering for any body type. and they are one of the most popular jeans stores. Unlike Miss me jeans, you won’t go broke either.
Maybe it’s because I have a bigger buttocks than you, but Gap relaxed fit look good on me. Most department store denim hit me at an unflattering spot the hips, too. After seeing these, I’ll give these other brands a shot.
Here’s how Gap jeans look good on you: You have an ASS! I am short and curvy. 5″3, and 36-26-36 with significant junk in my trunk. The *only* jeans under $200 that I have found that fit me off the rack are Gap ankle length Long and Lean, and Sexy Boot Cut. As it is, I need to be careful to make sure I wear long tops so I don’t pop out the top when I sit down.
The rest of these jeans? Because trust me, I’ve tried them on. My ass muffin-tops out the top *if* I can zip them.
Skinny legs? Forget those. I have freakishly huge calves. Not only do I want to de-emphasize those, I can’t fit skinny calved jeans in my size over my calves!
I have trouble with Gap jeans because of my hips and waist too. I’m actually surprised the Long and Leans fit you — last time I tried them on (I’m bigger but have a similar curve ratio) I could remove them without unbuttoning them!
I miss the Essential Bootcut Gap jeans though.
Love this! I have a question and if someone can help me, I will buy new jeans tomorrow! Does anyone have any specific brands I should check out that are higher waisted so that blasted mommy pooch I am still carrying around is hidden? Low rise is a terrible look on this mama. I’m about 5’3 and a size 8 (in my old navy jeans) thanks in advance!
As you saw I am horribly behind in answering comments (and it’s really panicking me!!), but here are some to try:
Express Stella or Eva cuts
Citizens of Humanity high waisted
Joes Jeans high waisted.
I really recommend finding a medium rise. I have the double-c-section pooch myself and a medium rise keeps it under control without being too high. But the brands above may help.
Good luck! Let me know how it goes!
Everyone else: I WILL answer your questions, but it’s going to take a while to get to all of them! It’s quite overwhelming right now. Thanks for being patient!
I am impressed by how many you have answered! Kudos to you! Most of these questions could be answered if they read the comments anyways :) Thanks for the post! I am dying laughing! Can’t wait to reach my next size down to go jean shopping for not mom jeans!
Thanks!! Yes, answering comments has become a full-time job. :)
A good medium waist is prob what I need. I have express coupons for this month. I never shop there so perhaps it was divine intervention! ;) Thank you!
hi rachel! stumbled upon this post from pinterest… so great. informational and hilarious. i clicked on your “about me” and was thrilled to see you are in birmingham, as am i! i’m adding you to my reader asap!
Hi! Nice to meet you! I always love meeting other Alabama Bloggers. Hope we run into each other at some point!
no need to reply-found you thru pintrest link and all i can say is WOW!!! THANK YOU for taking time to put this “little” post together! i havent checked out the rest of your blog but i definately will hunt you down-lol before i go shopping! :) i hope youll be able to do other clothing items as well. so informative!
Thanks so much! Not sure about other clothing – jeans are a special obsession for me, and I don’t have the same eye for everything else. But who knows? Maybe one day!
…So where does modesty fit (pun intended) in this conversation? I’m wondering who defines these fashion rules and what the goal of them is, because when I see what’s out there (e.g. advertisements, hip stores/brands, etc.), it seems to be about showing off one’s body (hugging the butt just right and tight to make it sexy).
I feel that I am a fairly modest person (you should see my prudish swimsuits), but I think there is a good balance between looking attractive, being flattered by your clothes, and modesty. I don’t feel that these jeans are immodest, but if you do, I totally understand. I fit many people with looser jeans that can still be more flattering, but just making sure that the pockets are in the right place and the cut is right for their body.
Citizens of Humanity, Lucky Brand, AG, Hudson are all brands well over $100. Totally worth it, every penny. Find a good consignment store in your area that specializes in good current styles. And don’t ignore Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack. If you keep spending $30 on ill fitting jeans you’ll end up spending more in your search for the perfect pair than if you spend $100+ the first time.
I totally agree with you, DJ. Spending $100+ on the right pair beats spending $30 on multiple pairs of ill-fitting jeans that will just end up sitting in my closet because I won’t wear anything out in public that I’m not comfortable in. I had not thought about the AG Jeans, but I snagged a couple of them on Hautelook a couple of years ago and have gotten some really good wear out of them. They still look practically new now and I’ve worn them a lot. Same for the Paige jeans and Joe’s Jeans I snagged on Hautelook, Rue La La, Gilt, and at Nordstrom Rack.
Exactly! Thanks for the tips on Hautelook and Rue La La!
Oh my gosh, thank you for this. I laughed so hard while reading this blog! It’s great! and SO true!
BEST. BLOG. POST. EVER.
I Kind of felt guilty for not liking Gap or Old Navy jeans because I always felt like they fit strange, but not any more. Thank you for liberating me!!!!!!!!
I used to feel guilty, as well, for not liking the Old Navy jeans when all my friends would rave about them and go on about how they could buy “smaller sizes” in them. I felt that they fit strange, too. I can’t say anything about Gap because I never shopped there. I am glad to know that I’m not alone in this sentiment!
Wow – that’s a high compliment! Thanks so much!
I must be an exception! I love Gap and Banana Republic jeans. (But I’m also 5’9″ and a 2, so it helps that they are a longer cut). I highly suggest scouting places like TJ Maxx and Marshalls. I’ve gotten J Brand ($20), Joe’s (a total steal at $10), Lucky ($29), and other high priced stuff. Yes, it’s hit or miss, but serious discounts work wonders. I’m glad I read this so I know what to keep looking for. Also higher quality jeans come in higher rises and washes that look great – even hemmed for the petite. Also check out higher-end consignment stores. They’re picky about what they buy to sell, so you can end up with quality stuff. Thanks for posting! Hope this helps with those looking for discounted prices too.
Those are some amazing deals – good job!!
Saw this on pinterest and was horrified to discover that I actually LOOK FOR mom jeans. {gasp} That what my poor, sad sense of taste is drawn to. {hangs head in shame} Thanks for educating me. I shall steer clear of ONj eans henceforth.
No problem! Best of luck in shopping!
Oh my gosh! This is the most helpful blog post I have seen on the internet in YEARS! I have lost 75lbs and have had the most difficult time fitting clothes (jeans especially). I have had to depend on sales girls who don’t know HALF as much about fitting jeans as you. I’m a health coach now and I have so many clients who struggle with the same issue after having lost weight. I will be referring a gazillion women (and men ) here when they go for their big “reward myself shopping spree” after losing chunks of weight along the way to their goal. THANK YOU!
Awesome!! Let me know how it goes – I hope you get some great jeans!
Hii,
if you read the article about Patrick Robinson and he said he wanted to match up to jeans like abercrombie and hm, did you go to that store ? these are the kind of jeans you can find… I’m sorry to say but these jeans are fashion forward these kinds are the kinds teens and fashion people wear and yes they are 1969 fashion modified and arranged… Sorry to say it but I’m a teen and I love gap and old navy jeans… (:
Invaluable. I thought it was me, not possibly the jeans. My self esteem thanks you. Off to clean out the jean drawer!!!
Excellent! That’s what I like to hear. Have fun shopping!!
Love this post! My budget for jeans is under 20 bucks. Any thoughts?
That’s going to make it harder, because you just can’t get as good of fabrics at that price point. I recommend saving up and spending more on less items of clothing – it makes a huge difference! I used to be an endless bargain shopper, but was never pleased with how I looked or how they held up. Buying less with more really does pay off.
But try Express – you can get those on sale for around $30, or consignment stores – you can find great stuff there!
that was awesome. thank you!!!!
I LOVE this blog!! Thanks for the sharing, the laughs, and now the trip to my closet to throw out my mom jeans!!
I too really think you are on target about the pockets being too long and too wide-set. However – I’m not a fan of embellished back pockets. I think they should be left for the teens and tweens. Too me it says “trying too hard” and also reeks 2006. Any tips on brands with a great fit and plain pockets?
The only pair of GAP jeans I wear anymore are a pair of demin trousers I got years ago. They fit no matter how much I gain or lose and I constantly get compliments.
7 For All Mankind, Express (Not the ReRocks), Citizens of Humanity, and J Brand are great non-embellished jeans.
Wow. I had no idea. (found you via pinterest, so this is the first post I’ve seen/read). I knew there had to be a reason that people spent so much money on high-end designer jeans (not JUST the label) but now I know why. I’m sure you’d be appalled at my jeans.
Here’s my problem: I’m the mom of 2 small children, and I have a horrible body. No seriously. I’ve gained over 50 pounds since I was married in 2005 and of course, my body has changed with the pregnancies (including one miscarriage – I may not have put on the full pregnancy weight, but your body begins to change almost immediately if you’ve already had one pregnancy.) I’ve discovered WHY people wear mom jeans – it’s precisely BECAUE they are so high-waisted and help hold in their guts! SO they may look awful, but there is less chance of a muffin-top. Pathetic, yes? Trust me, I know.
Any advice on that? Yes, I’m trying to lose weight. I’ve lost 10 lbs in 8 weeks. And I struggle for every negative ounce. I want to look good, but it’s like my body fights me. Jeans are pretty much a staple in my wardrobe. I even wear them in the FL heat in the summer. Partially because they hide me.
I understand – here are things to look for:
1. Medium rise. Not low, not high.
2. A wide waistband – it really helps hold things in. Two button waistbands are the best!
3. A very stretchy waistband – some jeans have a lot more spandex in their waistbands than others. This prevents your jeans from cutting and creating muffintop.
Hope that helps!
I knew that Old Navy jeans were bad, but I thought it was just because they did not fit me. I think they have really struggled with where they are going stylistically in the last few (5-6) years, and it will not be long before they are just a footnote in fashion history. I have been getting better jeans at Target. I have to say, I like the fit of the alternative jeans you suggest, but hate all the crap on the rear pockets, that is why I don’t buy them. I will be looking on your site for more denim comparisons. Thanks for the info!!
Oh wow. I am nearly speechless! I have shopped at Old Navy for jeans for the longest time, mostly because I feel bad about some weight gain and wanted something that I could quickly pull on and not have to venture into the skinny jean dept in my size 12s. But I would get them home and hate them and feel fatter and more miserable, which leads to more eating, etc etc.. I’ve never taken a photo of my butt before, but now I’m sure if I did this is pretty much what I always looked like. And it’s horrifying! I never realized that out of my guilt and desire to not spend money on a “fat” butt since it won’t look good in jeans anyway. I’m making it worse. Oh my.
That sounds like a very valuable realization!! I agree – even if you’re not at the weight you want to be, if you spend money and get flattering things, you will absolutely feel better about yourself. And coming from experience (I lost 40 pounds last year), getting too small for nice clothes doesn’t feel TOO bad. At least there’s a win involved!
i HATE how my jeans stretch out like that! i have a pair from old navy that fit so nice in the AM and by the afternoon they’re totally saggy and make me look ridiculous. I have an EXTREMELY hard time finding jeans that fit as I am 5’3 and 150lb and need it bigger for my belly, then small in the hips and short in length. i have yet to find one that fits right
I am the same way, same height/but 7lbs more, size 31 or 10 usually. There are a few that I LOVE. My first love was David Kahn jeans, but I think the company or original designer sold the company or left or somehting and they are not the same as in 2009-2010. My 2nd love is Joe’s Honey or Joes’ Provacateur (sp?) great for not completely short inseam but not quite as tall as a regular inseam. You know when the short lengths are too short but the regular length is way too long, that’s where I am going here. And then when all else fails the Buckle Kate jean is pretty good too and a bit easier on the budget (under $100).
I am so glad that I saw this on Pinterest. I always thought it was just ME when shopping in Old Navy… I hated shopping for jeans because I just never felt good in them. Right now, I’m obsessed with Wallflower jeans from Kohls and it’s almost the only jeans that I feel right in. My problem is that I put holes in material too quickly. I’m definitely going to try out some of these that you mention here. I’m dumbly excited for this. ;-)
this is hilarious and awesome and i’m really glad you posted… i’ve never side-by-sided my butt but (HA) i will definitely put more thought into jeans now.
Thank you soooooo much I seriously just thought I had a strange body after haveing a baby, I wear old navy and by time I have gotten in the car drove somewhere and gotten out they are falling off. I have jeans I love from Macy’s but cost way to much and going back and forth in weight haveing babies I can’t afford to buy in so many sizes. Plus I never fit in old navy pants in my size but wear them a little bit and they fall off it’s crazy
Great blog post. I came here through Pinterest and found it fascinating!
For my body, I’ve found a style of jeans that fit and look GREAT. And they are ridiculously cheap ($20, though I’ve gotten them as low as $15) and available almost anywhere because they’re sold at Walmart! They’re the Levi’s Totally Slimming At-Waist Bootcut Jean. I know, you’re thinking, “AT WAIST!!??!”. Well, for me, its actually a smidge below my belly button which is the perfect spot to slim the unfortunate side effect of birthing 4 children in 6 years. They are super stretchy but don’t stretch out. I wore them at a size 14 and I now wear them in a size 4 and I still love ’em to death. They hold everything in and I swear, take 10 lbs off anybody. They also have a mid-rise version which I tried but it felt too low for me. I think I have long torso. I’ve also had really great luck with the Denizen jeans at Target. I love those.
I used to buy ON all the time but the sizing is ridiculous now… completely unreliable and even varies between colors. So sad. I used to love ON and Gap jeans but not anymore.
i wonder how these things hold for girls like me, that is to say, over a size 12. i’m losing weight, but whether i’m a 16 or a 14, old navy jeans seem to properly fit around my curves, and not always so low cut that i have to have a muffin top. and i have a BIG ol booty, regardless of waist size. but i hadn’t really ever noticed anything about pocket though, so i am curious. on another note, i was siked when i saw forever 21 had a plus size (i’m officially too small for it now! yay! but the follow point still stands) and was gonna try some brightly colored jeans…. until i saw for some reason they think the moment you are plus sized your zipper needs to be ten feet long! what is that about? ha. in any case, i’m totally sharing this article, and the one about mom jeans, AND the one about finding the right fit. these are great! you can share knowledge and be humorous, and that’s great.
Agreed – the plus size denim industry infuriates me with their inability to adjust the pocket sizes, and their overadjustment of the waist lengths! I really hope that someone realizes the market share they’re missing out on by not getting great jeans in those sizes.
As for a size 12, I think the rules still stand. If you have a larger butt, just make sure the pockets come slightly below the curve of it, and that they’re a wider pocket so you don’t have too much room between them.
Hope that helps!
So, how do I get your number to send you butt texts? Ha, I feel so funny typing that!
Emailing will probably work better (that way I can keep up with whose butts are whose), but if texting is easier, I’ll send you my number.
The reason why Gap and Old Navy are so much alike is that they are the same jeans. They are owned by the same company and made in the same foreign countries and factories. Banana Republic is the same company also. ON seriously is marketed for the Wal-Mart shopper.
Wow, what a difference! I do not want to wear mom jeans and I have a hard time finding jeans that fit me well. I only have 1 pair that I like right now. You look long and lean, so the right pair looks great on you. I have a pear shape. My waist to hip and butt ratio is way off. Do you have a brand you could recommend to someone with a larger butt and thinner waist?
Thanks
It’s hard to say exactly what would look good on your without being able to try you in and out of some pairs, especially without knowing what size you wear. But I feel like Express handles that particular shape fairly well – especially the Stella line. I fit my Aunt in those and she has a similar shape.
I found you on Pinterest and I’m so glad I did! My only pair of jeans are from Old Navy and they’re a little big. After reading your post, I don’t ever want to put them on again. I can’t spend more than $50 dollars on jeans. Do you know of any good brands that are a little less expensive? And what do you think about American Eagle? I love their dresses and shirts but have been afraid to try their jeans. Thanks so much!
I haven’t tried American Eagle in a while, but I remember them being good. Also try Express!
This is the most AWESOME blog post I have ever read. I cried from laughing so hard! Loved your attitude, style & fashion sense, pictures and words of choice. Thanks for being brave enough to do this and for taking the time to do it as well. LOVED IT! *Pinned!* :D
PS You so should have posted the astronomical amount of money that GAP wanted for the Romper!!! LOL
Thank you so much! I think it was $70 :)
Pants pockets just do not belong, in any way shape or form anywhere near your thigh, it belongs up high on your butt. That’s how jeans should fit. The pocket sits on your buns, not on your buns and your thighs! You should’t have to stand up to get something out of your rear pocket because it’s down on your thigh. You simply lean forward, grab your article and whip it out. wa-la!
nuf said … :)
Who sells LA Idol jeans that I could go and try them on? I love the look of them but I wear different sizes depending on the maker.
I get mine through Vault Denim because they’re cheaper, but you can also find them at small boutiques. And I agree – always try everything on! Sizes are so ridiculously different – even in the same brand!
Well now I’m depressed. I have 4 pairs of jeans all from old navy bought on sale for $25 at various times. Sigh. I’m 6 feet tall with a 35″ inseam blah and wear size 18-20. Big girl actively trying to get smaller. I thought jeans were my only clothe is actually looked okay in. Now I know otherwise. I’m going to go sit in a dark room and cry.
So sorry! The post was meant to be helpful, not depressing. And they may look great on you – remember the caveat that everything looks different on everyone.
If you feel great in the jeans, who cares?
Noooo!!! I bet you rock the crap out of those jeans!!! It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks!! It’s only you that counts only you.
Where can I buy the Antik jean? Thanks!
They’re available at various boutiques or department stores depending on where you are, but I get mine through Vault Denim.
Well thanks for bursting my happy little bubble! I stumbled upon this post from Pinterest and I was very upset as soon as I read the title.
“How dare she! My Gap jeans are super comfy, super affordable and I look good in them! Mom jeans!? No way! She is so full of crap!”
*Scrolls down to the pictures*
“Hmm, well, yeah that butt does look a lot better in those Express ones… Does my butt really look like that in my Perfect Boots!?”
*Runs to the mirror to look at butt*
“OMG, it does!! I’m wearing mom jeans!! Honey, we need to go to the mall! I need to make my butt look better!”
I went to Express and bought 2 pairs of jeans. They happened to be having a buy one get one for $30 sale, score! And I must say, my friend, you are correct! I stared at my butt for a solid 5 minutes in the dressing room. I put the jeans on as soon as I got into the car. And I pranced around all day running up to my husband sticking my butt out and asking “Doesn’t it look great!?” He confirmed it does.
Thanks for the tip!!
How fabulous!! That’s the kind of story I love to hear! Congratulations on your new butt!!
Here’s my problem – I’m tall (36 inseam), short waisted (ie low rise is above my natural waist) and plus size. Find THAT in anything…hell, I’ll settle for just not looking like I’m in a flood, let alone worrying about my butt…. :(
You’re right – that is a hard one to find!! I’m pretty infuriated in general about the lack of great plus sized jeans, let alone 36″ inseam as well! I’ll let you know if I run across anything.
This is so true! I hate to say it, (and I’m sure there are a few exceptions) to get a truly well fitting pair of jeans, you have spend money for quality. My faves are Miss Me..they fit so well!
Believe it or not, I’ve had really good luck with WalMart’s “Faded Glory” jeans in a bootcut. My husband prefers that I only wear them when I’m out with him because they make my rear look GOOD – and I’m currently 30 pounds overweight and in a size 12.
What a great post! I’m a size zero and still Gap jeans look horrendous on me. I’ve thought for years that they don’t look good on anyone and I’m so happy someone finally backed me up haha! I would recommend Lucky Brand and American Eagle jeans- I have several pairs from each that I LOVE and are super flattering :)
I wish you could go jean shopping with me. I lost a lot of weight and need new jeans!
If you’re ever near Alabama, look me up! :)
I actually just ordered a bunch of jeans and made my husband take picture so I could try to figure out which to keep :)
Feel free to send me the photos – I’ll be glad to help!
ALL of old navy’s jeans make me look super short and fat… And I’m a stick… I think it’s save to assume that everyone needs to steer clear of their jeans…
Great post! I mostly wear Loft jeans and Lucky Brand jeans. Do you have any feedback/opinions about those two brands?
Thanks!
I got my Mom some GREAT Ann Taylor jeans a few years ago, but the last time I went in there, I didn’t like any. I’m not sure about Loft – are they the same? And I do like Lucky.
So i am 5’3 & 192lbs…and i am in bad need of some good jeans. Do you know what brand would be good for me? I am still losing weight but it would be nice to have a great pair of jeans.
Unfortunately I don’t have any great recommendations right now. I desperately need to do some research, because I’ve had hundreds of people ask me about plus-sized jeans. Great ones are really hard to find! Keep an eye out on my blog and I’ll see what I can investigate in the future.
I couldn’t go through and read all the comments, but I will be taking a lot of this with me the next time I go jeans shopping. I just had my last baby and am losing weight and will DEFINITELY be looking for better jeans as my bottom isn’t as high and tight on it’s own as it used to be. I also totally agree on the stretching out and sagging of both the G and ON pants and jeans! And to the comment asking if this had changed…yes it has. I also worked at Gap in high school and this started becoming a problem the last year I worked there. All of the sudden all the new pants I bought there gave be saggy butt within an hour of putting them on (even freshly washed and dried). Not sure where I am going to find these other brand to try on though…
This is so funny I had tears. But are all the cute jeans only junior-sized? Because I can’t find those cute jeans anywhere in Misses sizes! I have found my best luck to be with Target’s Mossimo brand, believe it or not! I get compliments on those every time I wear them. The jeans get less and less cute the higher sizes you have to go! :)
They’re sized as junior sizes, but they fit like women’s jeans, definitely not like junior’s jeans.
So true on the stretching! It drives me NUTS! I have a couple pairs of Gap perfect boot, but other than the stretching issue, they also wear out in weird places – like along the front crotch seams and the belt guides. I went over to 7FAM and have been much happier, even though my husband teases me for spending so much on jeans. I will show him this! :)
I’ve always worn Gap Bootcut long because I’m 5′ 11″. I’d love to wear those cool jeans, but they don’t come in long as far as I can tell. Any advice there?
The premium brands (7 for All Mankind, Hudson, Rock and Republic) ONLY come in long – especially the Rock and Republic – they all have 36″ inseams.
So… I think maybe there are women who don’t look great in some jeans because I like my how my size 14 ass looks in most Gap jeans. And Target jeans, too. [Sure, not EVERY pair looks great, but they are made well. Old Navy, to me, are a bit tougher to find quality; If Targets are better then they have issues.] Full self-disclosure: I used to work at The Gap & sometimes I had to bounce around size-wise, but I think that’s typical.
Plus, um, are you biased because you ARE a consultant for Vault? Seems easy to say that these brands suck if you want others to buy from you. Just sayin’…
And, what’s with the weird periods everywhere (in the sentences of your post)? Just curious. They are distracting.
I agree that different jeans look great on different people. So if you look awesome as is, completely disregard me!
As far as my bias, that’s a totally fair question, but it’s the other way around. I’ve been writing about jeans here since 2009, and Vault found me because of it last year. I started doing Vault because I was giving people makeovers anyway, and this allowed me to have 200 pairs of blue jeans at my house with which to do it. I still recommend non-Vault jeans (like Express and Hudson). Plus, I don’t make anything off of promoting Vault unless someone happens to be local to me. A shame, really.
And the periods everywhere – thanks for letting me know. It has to do with what my hosting company had to do to keep my blog from crashing from all of the traffic this week. But I’ll see if they can fix it in the meantime.
Someday, in the not so distant future, I may be contacting you for your number to send you butt texts. haha. At 24, no kids, I have a terrible shape! I have a boy shape. And my legs are really skinny and my but may be a little small. Almost every pair of jeans are WAY too tight in the waistband, a little tight in the butt, and fit in the legs. If I go up a size, they’re a little big in the butt and look like bags over my legs. It’s ridiculous. I’ve found Citizens of Humanity, Express, and American Eagle are the worst for me! That said, I try to wear the first two anyway because I don’t want to be the 24 year old in Abercrombie and Fitch jeans like a 14 year old.
Hey – if A & F looks good on you, don’t worry about it! Wear what works for your body.
OMG, what a difference! I have to check into those expensive jeans. I always wondered how the Moms around here look so good! The jeans alone look so much prettier than the Old Navy and Gap jeans.
This post is hysterical. I was laughing out loud and I am sending it to all my girlfriends and my teen daughters. Jean shopping from now on is going to be very serious and I will be taking a camera. No more Mom jeans for me :) Of course I am six feet tall with ridiculously long legs…inexpensive jeans are not in my realm of possibility. Sadly, I used to have to wear the dreaded Rocky Mtn western jeans or mens wranglers to get them long enough! At least those days are over!!!
Do you have a similar post for men?? All the men’s jeans we’ve found for my husband are made for men with no butt unless he wants to look like a ghetto thug (he’s wanting to look classy but has a very round butt). We found him a pair of mark ecco pair secondhand that fit but we’re loathe to support any company that uses nudity to sell clothing (Esp female nudity for men’s clothing!). Any advice? Please??? :)
It’s on my list to do a Dad Jeans post, but I haven’t yet. You know my favorite place to get my husband’s jeans? The Guess outlet store near me. They have FABULOUS men’s jeans that aren’t baggy, look nice, and are shockingly cheap ($30 outlet prices).
This just made me laugh out loud, so happy I found you while cruising Pinterest!
Thank you!!! Why, oh why do I not have a brilliant and astute friend like you to take jeans shopping???
Aw, thanks! If you’re ever in Birmingham…
Ok, I completely H-A-T-E shopping for jeans. I’ve never had Gap or Old Navy jeans fit right. About the only brand I’ve fit into since having kids is Lee. Yup, the Queen/King of Mom jeans. :( I’ve never even considered trying on jeans at Express (or other stores) because I figured it’d be too depressing since I couldn’t even get a pair of Levi’s to fit right. May I ask what size you were wearing?? I mean in the Gap/Old Navy’s and then in the other brands…
I’m wearing a 2 in Gap, Old Navy, and Express, a 26 in Antik, 27 in Rock and Republic, 28 in 7 for all Mankind, and 5 in LA Idol. Which proves that the size number means very little!!
So, here is another question for you. Lots of those jeans make your butt look good but if your waist is your problem area (let’s say 4 kids and some loose skin around the middle) all of them give me a muffin top because they ride low. Is it better to have a cute butt with a muffin top or a flat butt without? My favorite jeans are H&M midrise skinny and straight. I just can’t deal with the roll around the middle, even if it means my zipper is too long :)
I am ALL ABOUT midrise. No low rise here!! After 2 C-Sections, I’d totally pooch out of a low rise.
First, thank you for having the gumption to say something…The jeans are made for either 1. mom-jean wearers, or 2. pre-pubescents with no fat whatsoever.Back before my three kids, I had two pairs of Gap Long & Leans…well before 2005, though…and they were the only jeans that anyone has ever yelled, “hey, fat ass,” at me. I’m 5’8″, and have never weighed more than 125 (except for those babies). Since that day, they have been painting pants, and nothing more. They are dead to me. I’ve always liked the fit of Express (I even patched some in college b/c they were my favorites…that may be a little overboard), but would pick up some cheap spares when I saw them (Gap). Express all the way, and nothing else now, and when they’re on clearance, they are no more than $20. Score.
Funny thing is, recently, a friend of mine had a baby and went to Gap to get jeans, and once the salesperson heard she just had a baby, she said, “oh, you’ll want these ones, then. They have a higher rise.” Long and Lean, baby. Long. And. Lean.
No excuse for floppy bottom!
Agreed! I hope you helped your friend see the light!
OMG girl! I think I wear some of those and I am so not sure if they are mom jeans. I have not been able to find any kind of Jean to fit me correctly and I do have a bigger rump than most. So it is hard to find a flattering pair.
Feel free to email me a picture here! I’ll be glad to help.
OMG girl! I didn’t realize that Old Navy and Gap are mommy jeans stores. Its hard to find a pair of jeans that actually fit me. I am only 5’3 but I wear at 14-16. I have a bigger rump and hips due to just having a baby a little over a year ago. I so need to send you butt pics to see if my new discovery in Capris is wrong. I always have to shop in juniors or petite to find pants/capris short enough for me.
I am so sad to say that I have never even heard of these other brands of jeans and wouldn’t know where to buy them. I thought I was splurging on Gap jeans. I am 6 feet tall so I can’t even wear Old Navy long jeans because they are not long enough. Help! I don’t want to wear mom jeans. I am not a fashion icon by any means but I do want to look nice. I am a mom and proud of it (mom to a five year old boy and three year old boy/girl twins) but I want to look good too. I don’t want to wear mom jeans. What should I do? Where should I go?
If you want to spend about the same that you’re spending on Gap, go to Express – they have longs too. I’m not sure if they’re long ENOUGH, but it’s worth a shot.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, try Rock and Republics – they come in SUPER long. These are at department stores, or I can hook you up with a Vault rep near you.
Love this. The last picture about how your jeans look after 30 minutes is exactly how I feel about American Eagle & JCPenny’s jeans. I was one skinny person before pregnancy (size 4) and stuck with the same brand – American Eagle. Now my hips are wider and I’m still strutting a size 13 and a muffin top and the perfect good-looking butt jeans (American Eagle) are now one saggy Mom Jeans.
I’m not an advocate for ON or Gap jeans, nor do I work for Gap, Inc. I too have noticed the quality declining. However, the reason most of those jeans didn’t work for you was because most of them were too small for you. In almost every picture, the jeans are being pulled, either the thigh or butt area. Anyone in the fashion industry (including myself) will tell you to buy a size up and have the bigger areas tailored, no matter what brand.
I love this blog!!! I’m curious to hear your opinion of American Eagle jeans…I absolutely love them and almost exclusively only purchase their jeans. Do you think you would be able to “test” them out?
It’s been a while since I’ve had any, but I remember liking them! I need to test some out and see if they still fit great. I haven’t heard anyone complain about changes in their quality like they do Gap and Old Navy, so I bet they’re still great.
Found your post on Pinterest…great job! I used to wear Gap jeans, long and lean, about 12 years ago and loved them. Tried the style again a couple of years ago, and hated what they changed into! I am a size 14, and quite square. I have found that Silver has worked well for me..my daughter has been my ‘voice of reason’ when jeans shopping. :) She reminds me that I too can look sexy!
I know that many don’t care for the bling and stitching on some of the brands, but I enjoy it..even at my age of 43! I feel younger and hipper! lol….
I am glad you recommended some brands..I think I’m gonna try some Rock and Republic next….and have tried Lucky with alot of success as well.
For many who are on a very tight budget..try on the jeans recommended…find out what you love, the size and style…..then look on Ebay! I do it all the time, and find many great deals on my favourite brands, and at often half the price of retail after shipping!
Thanks for this article…I loved it!
Great tip! I’ve actually been scouring Ebay for a pair I want really badly that isn’t made anymore…
I just bought a pair of Gap jeans because I have a 36 inch inseam and have a really hard time finding jeans that long that have any style at all. I definitely noticed the droop after wearing them for a bit. Any suggestions for long jeans? I used to buy Silver’s but found their quality also went really downhill recently. Help!
Rock and Republic and Brown Label come standard in 36″ inseam. I believe that Citizens of Humanity is right around in there also.
I always buy my jeans at Kohl’s. I shop in the juniors and the flare/boot cut work best for me. In stores they go up to usually a 17 or 19 and online there’s a junior plus section with sizes in the 20’s (the size chart is pretty accurate and returns are easy). I have only gotten my jeans there in the last 10 years. Pockets as flashy or discrete as you like and they don’t wear out ridiculously quickly (my job allows casual clothes so I’m in jeans 7 days a week. I get maybe 2-3 pairs of jeans per year). Not overly expensive, either.
Thank you so much for this post! I’ve never had either Gap or ON jeans and this just made me realize why. My back side is shaped much like yours and I never felt thry fit me quite right. I will not buy jeans if my butt doesn’t look cute in them! I have nightmares about my mom’s Chic brand tapered jeans with the saggy butt! I’m only 28 – not hanging it up yet!
I dont wear mom jeans thank heavens, good denim comes high on my list. I shared on facebook hoping some of my friends get the hint! hahahah THANK YOU
Could you suggest a pair of jeans for me? I just finished losing all my pregnancy weight and bought a cheap pair of jeans to see what my size might be now. My size 7 jeans (no-name brand) fit perfectly from the store, but within a week of wearing they were stretched out and didn’t bounce back even with washing (I don’t own a dryer, so maybe it’s because they are air dried that they don’t bounce back). I have curvy hips and big thighs, but a tiny waist. I like bootcut style the best, but usually if I buy to fit my waist, it is way too small on my hips/butt. If I buy to fit my hips, they gape horribly at my waist. Any suggestions for the shape of jean I’m looking for? Thanks!
Express or LA Idol do well with curves – try those!
What about dad jeans?
It’s definitely a sequel that I want to write!
I have to say that Gap long and lean are my favorite. I have a short torso long butt :) they do wonders for me. I live in the middle of knowhere Alaska so next trip to the lower 48 I am going to test some of these other jeans.
It was not the new lead designer change that set about the changes in fit. As you can see, the jeans are basically the same style and have the same names from years before. It is the pattern makers that are ruining the fit.
Also, I am sure you know, old navy and gap are the same company, which is why their fit is simar. A lot of fashion companies have 3 stores at different price levels. Old navy, gap and banana republic are all the same. Just like holster, Abercrombie and rue.
AHHH! I used to work for Old Navy for 3 years and I had soooo many pairs of their jeans. Let me tell you a few things from the inside! #1. The Sweetheart and Dreamer styles are most definitely mom-jean territory. According to ON, the Flirt and the Diva are not. But, after seeing the photo-graphic evidence above I can totally see why the author has decided that ALL Old Navy and Gap jeans are either mom jeans, or the gateway. Once, when I put on a pair of Sweetheart jeans my BF called them mom jeans. I didn’t know what qualified them as mom-jeans, besides the high rise waist, but I knew enough never to wear them again! Now, I’m wondering if all my Diva and Flirt styles were just as bad? I don’t wear them anymore, but still have them. I kind of feel like trying them on and taking butt shots to find out. . . Last thing– can you maybe do a similar post with Mossimo or Denizen jeans by Target and/or any of the brands carried by J.C. Penney? I’d really love to see how they stack up!
I definitely need to try these and see how they look. I’ll see what I can do!
I know that I am going to sound like the old maid, but I just can’t do the jeans with all the spunk on the trunk. What do you suggest for those of us who lean more towards the classic look? We are talking cigarette pants, dark plain denim, no fade, fabricated dirty look, or factory created wear?
7 For All Mankind,. J Brand, or Lucky Brand, I’d say.
Oh my goodness! I need someone to shop with me!! I had no idea (only that every pair of jeans I try on doesn’t seem to EVER fit!!) LOL!!
I work at Old Navy but, as a guy, I’m not very familiar with the fits of the women’s jeans past what I know from looking at them/ learning about them. With that being said, I am curious if you tried the Flirt or the Rockstars. I know the Flirt are low rise like the Diva, where as the Dreamer (which has been discontinued) and the Sweetheart are higher fit. The Rockstar are our “super” skinny jeans. I think those two fits might be more appealing if you’re trying to avoid Mom Jeans.
Other than that, all I can say in our defense is go with what fits. Our basic denim is cheap, but maybe not the most fashionable. We do have other styles and fits that go in and out of circulation depending on the time of year and what’s in style but you have to look harder for that. The basics (Flirt, Diva, and Sweetheart) is always in stock and will be available year-round. From my experience, the best advice I can give you is to try on everything in multiple sizes. Also, if you decide you don’t like it, don’t give up on the brand entirely because if you look at the stuff we had two years ago compared to what we have now, the quality has improved drastically. You can always come back in a year and maybe you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
I enjoyed reading this post, though. I always like to know what customers are thinking so I can help them out as much as possible (not that I can do much on the production side of things). If you have any questions for a long-time Old Navy employee, just let me know! I might be able to help.
My only pair of Gap Jeans are the Long and Lean ones and they are by far my FAVORITE pair or jeans I have ever owned. They look better on me then any other jean i’ve ever tried on! I guess I’m just one of those exceptions. Lol.
However, you are completely correct about how much they stretch out. I can only wear my Gap jeans for 2-3 hours before I have to start pulling them up every 5 minutes. Luckily, as a stay-at-home mom, I don’t usually get out of my pajamas and into real clothes until 2 or 3 in the afternoon anyway, so I don’t need to worry about all-day wear with my jeans. :)
Oh! Although I forgot to mention my second favorite pair from Delias! I have long legs and jeans are always too short, but you can choose your inseam length from Delias. I have one pair of Bailey’s style jeans with a 37 inch inseam and they fit BEAUTIFULLY! They aren’t quite as comfortable a my Gap jeans, but at least they don’t stretch out!
That is SO me! I wear pajamas, change to go out, immediately change back in my pajamas, change to go out again, then get back in my pajamas.
The denim dilemma is interesting, but I think a lot of it is finding what fits and works for your body type and height. You look like a petite woman and a lot of these jeans scrunched around your ankles. With good tailoring (or if you were taller) they’d look different. And the crease across the butt and the ripples along the thighs? That most often comes from a combination of ill-fitting undergarments and pants that are too small.
As a mom nearing 30, I’m happy to fashionably look my age, but the fading/bleaching with bedazzled butts looks more like an attempt to be high schooler or college girl than a woman. Just my 2 cents. I’d hate for women to read this and think they need a bedazzled butt and a $100 pair of jeans to look good (or fit in).
Huh, Gap jeans do have too big a pocket. Damn, i just bought a pair of bootcuts. I gotta say though, some if these butts look fine in both before and after, no improvement. I think you are simply partial to more bling on the pickets and to a darker wash!
E.g., the long and lean Gaps look fine on you (though perhaps the rise is no good but we can’t see that). Subject B and C butts look good in both before and after pucs. In fact the extra bling of the LA jeans looks downright weird to my eyes. It’s just the dark wash is more current and attractive. In subject C, the Express Rerock’s pockets look much too long, according to your earlier criteria. But they look fine on her. You should perhaps try actually measuring with a tape measure to eliminate your unconscious bling bias – i bet you’ll find the part about where the pocket end hits on the butt curve is generally irrelevent.
But thanks for the tip on the Gaps!
I’m so glad someone else took notice to how atrocious Old Navy jeans can truly be! What’s even worse are their so called “Long” jeans for us taller people. Not only are the zippers and crotches a foot long and made for someone who is AT LEAST 7 feet tall, they stretch out and bunch, only making matters worse. Not sure who can actually wear their Long jeans, but their Regular length are just too short for me, and I’m only 5’8..not that tall by ANY means! If someone who is 5’8, aka someone of an average height, can’t wear their Regular OR their Long jeans because of improper fit, inseam length, and bizarre crotch length, and just about everything else, something is terribly wrong with whoever designs their jeans! One or the other should at least fit somewhat and they don’t!
I’m 5’8 and I thought I just had to accept that high waters were now my life, haha. I have two pairs of Old Navy jeans that are Sweetheart regular length that fit pretty decently in the inseam/zipper area but I think they are from like 2006. I’ve tried on jeans since and I’ve had the exact same problem you have.
Wow…you must have some really long legs! I am 5’9″ (and my legs are pretty long) and wear Gap and Old Navy jeans specifically because their regular length jeans are the only ones that are long enough. They touch the bottom of my shoe in the back if I am in flats. The crotch on the Long jeans is absolutely ridiculous, for sure. I’m not sure who those are made for.
I have no idea how to pick out jeans for myself! :-D This was great! Thank you very much for the informative and at times hilarious info. I am shopping handicapped so I can use all the help I can get.
AHAHAHA! This post is hilarious, I got such good laughs out of your descriptions for the photos, and it’s all so true! I am WAY guilty of always choosing the least of the GAP and Old Navy offenders due to the low price compared to others. Though I have also forced myself (no twisting of my arm involved) to splurge on some “good” (ok, fantastic!) jeans from other stores and always LOVE them. My only problem lately is that I am not a size I care to be after the 3rd child and am working towards getting back to where I’d like to be, until then, I just can’t bring myself to pay for the good stuff when I know (or pray) they won’t fit for long. Any suggestions?? ;)
Buying stuff that looks good on you will help you feel better about yourself and further motivate you to lose weight – at least that’s how I feel! Feeling good about yourself in the meantime is important. But you could always try consignment stores to save a little money!
The moral of the story is: cheap jeans=ugly butt and expensive jeans=cute butt! Got it, thanks!
LOL. That sums it up.
The most important thing about looking good in jeans is having a decent figure. I you have a large rear end, if your waist spills out over the top band, and if you are generally chubby, it’s just about a guarantee you will NOT look good in jeans. Jeans are NOT necessary to every woman’s wardrobe. They showcase your rear like no other piece of clothing. DON’T expect to ever look good in them if you’re overweight. It won’t happen. I hate to sound the alarm, but it’s actually true. There. I’ve said it.
Great post — makes me a little nervous about my drawer full of Old Navy jeans. Actually, it makes me terrified to try them all on now. Must … resist …
The last pair of Gap jeans I bought were the Long and Lean, thinking they were the same quality/cut as they used to be about 10 years ago — SO not the case. They’re collecting dust in my closet after only a few wears. I actually had to go down THREE sizes to get them to fit right and not stretch out — so confusing and strange. Great post — you are hilarious!
This was not helpful for me at all for me. I faithfully wear sexy bootcut, size 6, from the Gap (which you didn’t review in this post), as they are literally the only jeans I can wear without tailoring. I have a hard to fit body- my thighs are very athletic (read: huge) and my waist, hips and butt are smallish. For me, I look fat and frumpy and my thighs look huge when the the cut comes in at the knee then flares out and the waist is always, always too big. This leads to a big ol’ saggy crotch and bulging thighs in most jeans. If I find jeans that fit on my body, I do not care in the slightest how my pockets are shaped because I’m ecstatic the crotch is where it should be and my thighs don’t look like sausages.
And I’ve also found that because my butt and hips are average but thighs large, when the pockets are small like you recommend, my thighs are outrageously large by comparison. So, the large pockets that you hate so much are MORE flattering on my body type because they look better with my big thighs and my butt still looks okay. This post focuses too much on specifics that don’t apply to other body types, whereas finding good jeans for noticeably different body types would be more helpful and relevant to more people.
Try American Eagle jeans. Cheaper than Gap, and those are the ONLY jeans I wear. I have plenty of friends and family that wear AE as well of all different shapes and sizes, and AE fits everyone perfectly.
AMAZING! I love it and it’s so eye opening. Thank you for this!
After reading this, later that week I tried on EVERY SINGLE pair of pants and jeans in my closet, checked out the rear view and fit overall. When I was done I had only TWO pairs of jeans I’d actually want to be seen in (and a few pairs of pants). I donated all of the discards and was able to find a few new pairs at Nordstrom Rack this week that look great (Paige and Joes). Thanks for the wakeup call! :)
That’s awesome! Congrats on your new denim wardrobe!
This is cute, but in comparing only the fit of jeans, you need to address that the majority of those other brands of denim you show have so much butt bling that they scream of 2007.
Also I wear teeny tiny Old Navy skinny jeans and they definitely DO NOT stretch out that much all day, much less after 30 minutes.
OMG! I came across this post b/c I thought there was an interesting caption on Pinterest! Though I don’t have any Old Navy jeans, I do have one pair of Gap Jeans, the Always Skinny, that I bought once on sale and thought they fit so nice (no need to hem or anything!). but oh.my.goodness. Your side by side comparisons are incredible! Thankfully I typically wear long tops, but your comprehensive back view comparisons are glaringly truthful! “Gateway Mom Jeans” indeed! :) Love it and your bravery for posting all these pics!
That was an awesome post! Really. SO funny and so sad because I wear some of those fits and thought I was doing good :( I have no butt AT ALL so I guess they would fit me differently. I have always wanted a jean that makes me look like I have a butt. Maybe I should try some of the ones you posted.
Also about the Dora episode.. Gap and Old Navy so stretch out SO badly. Thanks so much for the wake up call! :)
Great post!
BUT – I have a question….
Where does the waist hit on all the “Good” jeans?
For many jeans, I find that from the back, all is well, but from the front?
Well, lets just say that low riders and a c-section pooch (think Shar-pei) do not mix….
, so while I avoid the HIGH waisted Mom jeans, I do need something higher than the c-section scar….I’m just not built (anymore) for the low riders.
I’m all about Medium rise – I’m a double C-Section survivor too. Medium Rise on me comes right below my belly button, which gets me above the C-Section Pooch. If your pooch goes above your belly button, still do medium rise, but keep trying on until you find a waist that doesn’t cut into you and has stretch – this helps avoid muffintop.
OMG…this is FABULOUS!!!! Was posted on SoCal Lady Bloggers. Awesome. I just wish I had you around when I was jean shopping! ;)
I need somebody to help me buy jeans. I’m only 5’2″ and I cannot find anything unless it is MomJeans! I need you to shop with me!
If you’re ever in Birmingham, look me up! :)
I own not 1 but 3 pairs of ReRock jeans! I am short and curvy so it’s difficult to find jeans that fit well but these feel like they were made just for me. Also, I get compliments just about every time I wear them!
This is one of THE BEST posts I have ever seen! I found it on Pinterest and just LOVE it! Way to show off your business in a fun, comical way. I am ready to burn every pair of jeans I own and track down a Vault Denim Consultant. (Although I am just in Pensacola – maybe I need to drive up for one of your Open Houses!!) Well done Diva.
This post just changed my life. The only jeans I own are Old Navy and Gap. My mind has officially been blown.
Would you consider American Eagle mom jeans??
I am forwarding this to my wife asap.
This would be a great blog post for me………..if I didn’t have a 36″ inseam. My options for jans are EXTREMELY limited – Gap and ON are among the only places that carry jeans both long enough and the right size (I’m 6’1″ and slender). I try to only buy them when they’re on clearance, because then at least I don’t feel like I’m getting ripped off. I also have to buy them two sizes too small, and have to wash and dry them every time I wear them because they stretch too much.
It really, really sucks.
Rock and Republic and Brown Label come standard in 36″ inseam – they’re both great!
Wow, I need to go shop for new jeans, asap! Thanks so much for this!!!
Melissia, I am the same way — totally shopping handicapped. This was super informative. I spent one morning last fall at the mall, trying to find some good jeans and even looked at the $100 ones, hoping to find at least one pair of really cute jeans. I found nothing.
One problem I have (and maybe this qualifies me as a total mom jean wearer) is that the blogger here does not show what these jeans do to her stomach. If you have a little extra squish in front (I’m slightly curvy but after 2 kids, my stomach is definitely my worst attribute), the shorter-zippered jeans make a super awful muffin top. I prefer jeans with more rise to keep the muffin top under control, but they have to have a good cut to provide good tummy control (and that does not mean skin tight so all the rolls are accentuated). Add to that I’m short, and good petite jeans are just impossible to find. Then there are the idiotic retailers who insist they can just cut the bottom off the leg and that somehow makes the knee rise two inches and the rest of the cut just fall into place. Yeah. Not. Ok, off of my soapbox…
This was a great post, and I am interested to see if I can find these brands near where I live. But I would really love to see a blog post on a pair of jeans that makes the whole outfit look good, not just the butt. Muffin tops around the country would be forever grateful. :)
My muffintop advice is a good medium rise – that’s what I wear. And make sure that the waistband is stretchy and not too tight, so that it doesn’t create a spillover effect. Also, a wider waistband (two buttons) tends to help.
i literally just received a pair of gap jeans i had ordered in the mail today, and i thought i loved them. in fact, gap jeans are all i have worn for like 4-5 years! i am 5’10’, a size 4, and generally don’t feel like i have a hard time finding flattering jeans (except for length, which is why i like gap) but dang, you have me second guessing myself now! lol! i am gonna take a better look at my backside in my jeans from now on! i never really get a good look!!! thank you for the insight… i need to find a vault dealer!
Am I the only one who thinks you look cute as a button in the romper? Maybe it’s just not the style you are used to, but I think you pull it off! If I looked like that in it, I would totally wear it! But then again-I like more vintage styles. I recognize that all these other jeans you are posting look better on the booty, without a doubt-however why do they all have to have those gosh-awful designs on the pockets? And where are the well made dark denim skinny jeans…again, without the bedazzled pockets?
I’m willing to put up my plus sized booty too. I am 6′ and its hard to find pants that are long enough AND fit my booty and waist.
Sizes are also super difficult. Depending on the brand I wear anywhere between a size 7 (curvy) and a size 14. Why cant a size 7 be the same “size” across the board?
The current brand I’m wearing (Maurices) cant decide what size their clothes are at all. I’m in a size 7 curvy dark wash, but their size 7 light wash was too small. In their “original” fit I’m a 10, and their “straight fit” I’m a 14. wth?
also can I send you a butt text?
I thought I was just getting fat or something – turns out I’ve been wearing gateway Mom jeans! Can’t wait to try these other styles. Thank you!!!
This is an excellent post. Although I did think some of the jeans looked fine, I did see the distinction between looking fine and being mom jeans. I want to look good in my jeansdotcom. I’m going to invest in a pair of good jeans and def. trying out the jean vault. Thanks.
OMGosh…. those pictures…. For once, in my life, I am completely SPEECHLESS…
I just want to say that not only do i love old navy jeans ( I buy the fashion jeans and have had many great comments on them) but i also work for old navy. The begining of ur blog u say it was hard to get the pics maybe because its agains the rules to take pic of the items in the store. and the girl in the fitting room was not nosiey she was doing her JOB…that is how they r tained to do their job. I would say to all of u that r complaining everyone gets a customer feedback survey. take the 2min. it takes to go online and do it. Let the company know these thing. Belive it or not they do read them and that is how we get new things and things get changed!!
find your curve at Levis in their Curve ID line. they’re amazing. There are slight, demi, bold and supreme curves which depend on your curves..not size. I used to work there for 3 years, and now I won’t buy jeans anywhere else!
The above comment sounds kind of spammy but I suggest these too. I wear Bold Curve (size 29) and have just received my first-ever compliment on my jeans.
Found you via pinterest, great blog!
So glad I found this, now I know its not just me. I had baby #2 recently and tried going to Old Navy for new “Yay! I’m not preggo anymore!” jeans and thought by butt looked terrible in EVERYTHING they had! Nice to know maybe its THEM and there is still hope for my tush :D
I have absolutely no butt, so I feel like everything looks like mom jeans on me!
You wear your jeans SUPER tight. Probably one of the reasons you look bad in Gap jeans…just saying. You need to go up a size…or two. Also, I’m not a mom. Just a 24 year old girl who is very good with clothes and knowing when something is beyond tight.
Ok, so I totally see your point in the Gap and Old Navy jeans…I will have to try mine on later and see what I think…the only problem is…I can’t wear the jeans you are suggesting because, I am currently plus sized. I am a much smaller plus size than I was 2.5 years ago but still a plus size. I can just now fit into Gap and Old Navy size 18 but still can’t fit into 18 many other places. Also, I have a pretty lean budget and $100 for a pair of Express or 7 jeans is way out of my price range. What are your suggestions for those of us who are plus sized?
I know it’s hard – there aren’t many good choices out there! I’m hoping to work on a plus-sized sequel soon. In the meantime, try Maurices, Torrid, or Buckle.
Wait for Express sales! I signed up for their emails and I got an email that all jeans are $59.50, an extra 30% off all clearance, plus $30 off $90 purchase. After reading this I have been waiting for a sale and I got 2 pairs of ReRock for under $45, and 2 more pairs for under $30. (No I don’t work for them, was just excited about getting nice jeans for a great price!)
This was hysterical. And, sadly, true about some of my jeans. BUT (butt. Heh), I can’t just throw them away! Not only is it wasteful, but I don’t have the extra cash to just buy another pair of jeans all willy nilly… :( I am definitely liking those Rerock jeans, though. Where are they at? I have never heard of them before!
I agree about the Old Navy/Gap jeans. I do have a few pairs that are flattering though but of course they have discontinued them! The Flirt skinnies are one of my favorite skinny cuts, because I have a rather large rear and they fit but also do not stretch out throughout the day. I also have a pair of the Sweetheart skinnies, and those do unfortunately stretch out but I sized down to compensate. Everything else? De nada.
I personally LOVE my ON jeans. But I’ve never been able to find a good pair of Gap jeans. I can wear my ON jeans over and over again without them stretching out.
Wow! You have done a wonderful job of putting this together. However, as you stated, denim is personal. Not all styles look the same on different people, even if they are the same size. I am now 36 (and yes, a mother of three – so technically, I guess I qualify for ‘mom jeans’ as you put it), and have only worn denim/jeans a handful of times in my life. I am a petite person, at my smallest adult size I was barely 100lbs and only 5 feet tall. That said, I have always had a very large backside and tiny waist. Nothing too extreme, but noticeable (think Jennifer Lopez). If I did try on a pair of jeans, I needed the long zipper or a size way too big, just to accommodate my wide hips and large posterior. However, this would always result in jeans that were too loose in the waist and way too long (even the petite or short varieties). Admittedly, I am frugal, I don’t spend a lot of money on myself for clothing – never have. I have even tried jeans that sit below the waist to eliminate the waist issue all together, but I still was displeased with the fit (many of the same issues you presented) and disliked that my lower back was exposed when I sat down. I am not talking whale tail or crack attack here, just my lower back (and no, I don’t have a tattoo). Some people don’t mind showing a little lower back skin, but I do. It makes me feel uncomfortable. If you have any suggestions for my body type, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
I would try J Brand or 7 For All Mankind. They come in super tiny sizes, and typically come in a fair amount at the waist.
I agree with your disclaimer at the top – different styles and brands will look different on different body types. It is too big of a generalization to say Gap and Old Navy jeans are mom jeans. You mention Express jeans as better – I have NEVER been able to wear Express jeans because I am too short (5 feet 3 inches tall) with larger thighs. I am small enough to wear size 2 in most brands but often a size 0 waist in some styles would fit better if they were big enough in the thighs/butt. Also, Express jeans have always been WAY too low cut for my comfort.
I can’t wear Calvin Klein (too long and too skinny) or most any other jean because they don’t make them short enough. I can’t shop petites because they only go to a size 4. Can’t generally shop juniors because despite my small size I have also had 3 kids and am too curvy for juniors styles. But even before the 3 kid curviness I could not buy jeans from most stores because they don’t make them short enough. Silvers make them short enough but most stores don’t carry that short of an in-seam. When I finally bit the bullet in high school and decided I could spend $50 or more on a pair of Gap jeans my life changed forever. I finally had jeans that were short enough because they make them in the ankle or short lengths; and my butt looks great! Now I can wait for the demin sales at Gap and Old Navy and get a great looking jean for my body at $20 – $30.
I agree with some of the other comments that a lot of what makes a difference in the comparison photos is sizing. Try a couple different sizes in all the brand and you might find that the Old Navy or Gap look better and the other brands look worse. Also, the washes on the jeans in your comparison photos are often different (lighter wash is more akin to a “mom jean” no matter how well it fits; darker wash is more flattering), and also the difference in plain pocket vs. bling. I also think that what looks good is a matter of opinion. There were actually some of the “better jeans” pictures that I thought didn’t look any more flattering on you or the other butts hown than the Gap or Old Navy jean. And the friend you say has the right body type for the long and lean – uh, did not like how they looked on her at all!
Your post points out the importance of finding the right jean for your body because there are certainly some styles and brands out there that can make some of us not look great. However, I don’t think you can generalize on any specific brands being bad for most body types. Obviously Gap and Old Navy jeans are bad for some. And I will concede that it can be tricky shopping for jeans at Old Navy because you can try 2 pairs of the exact same style of jean in the exact same size and they can fit differently. Often the different washes in the Old Navy jeans are a different blend of materials so the fabrics stretch and fit differently. So Old Navy jeans have a lot of variance in fit even within the same style and size which is frustrating.
But that doesn’t mean that the vast majority of the world will not look good in any Old Navy jeans ever. I’m pretty sure that if you conducted another study on the brands you suggest that you would find just as many people look bad in those brands too. On flip side, I think a wider experiment would also show plenty of people that do look in Gap and Old Navy jeans, plenty that look good in the brands you suggest, and plenty that look good and bad in all of the above.
You hear from lots of people who have been helped by your Gap/Old Navy revelations. Well, those are the people who have the body type and taste preferences similar to your. There are probably at least as many people out there who you are not hearing from because your advice does not apply to them. So go ahead, help those with body types and preferences like you. But please, don’t generalize so matter-of-factly for or against specific brands. You have not performed nearly a valid enough experiment to be able to make those conclusions. (Remember the scientific process you learned about in elementary school? You haven’t used it. Anyone with critical scientific reasoning skills can look at your “evidence” and analyze the data you present and see that your conclusions are far from concrete enough to be made a scientific law or even a fashion rule for the world.) Post again in 5 to 10 years when you have been able to test this theory on a lot more butts with a lot more brands. Then I might be able to take your advice with more than a grain of salt.
is your comment a joke?
If her advice doesn’t appeal to you, you’re welcome to move right along. Do I stop at every cosmo article that tells me how to seduce my man with maple syrup and say, hey, you shouldn’t generalize, not every guy likes maple syrup!
The fact that you wasted probably 20 minutes writing that long ass comment just speaks volumes about you as a person (volumes filled with cranky, dusty old pages of annoying)
Ok, so how do we get a personal consultation??
If you’re in Alabama, then just schedule one with me! I have an open house on August 20th during which I’ll have private fitting appointments. I can also schedule other private fittings if that time doesn’t work.
Hi, I just saw this posted on Facebook and I am ASTOUNDED by the difference. And I’ll be going shopping, like, immediately. Because OMG.
I had no idea! I am sooooooo donating ALL my old navy and gap jeans TODAY. Thank you for the clue!
Thanks for posting this! I am sort of new to having a post-baby body (my oldest is two, but I have two kids, so a lot of his two years was spent in maternity jeans). I bought some Old Navy jeans after I was stating to lose the baby weight, and they looked good in the store, and the price was good for jeans I wasn’t sure I’d be wearing forever but the stretch factor kills me. No matter how good I look in the morning, by night-time I feel like I have yards of fabric hanging off the backs of my legs. I will definitely be trying some of the brands you recommend here.
I agree the jeans you show as “comparison” fit better but why is it that LA Idol, Express ReRock, etc has to put all that tacky bling and attention drawing stitching on the back of their jeans. No one my age (40) should wear rhinestones or bling on their backside! Years ago GAP made a fit called Curvy that was not the same as their current Curvy. When they changed I went out and bought 8 pairs in various washes and colors in my size 6 and I have just been lovingly caring for those so hopefully they will last a long time. I haven’t found another pair that fits my particular body type (small waist but junk in the trunk) as well. I recently have bought some jeans and pants from Tribal that I like pretty well.
This was very informative! I used to buy jeans based on price but now buy jeans only at Express. They have great Jean sales and if you sign up for their emails you get awesome coupon codes. The Rerock jeans are amazing! There are a few things I won’t scrimp on and great jeans are one of them.
I get my jeans from American Eagle…and so does my mom. Granted, I’m 18. But mom jeans have the same effects on teens!! Especially when you’ve got a big butt like myself. But my mom has a flat but and is almost 40 and American Eagle jeans never appear to be mom jeans!!
In addition, if you catch them during a sale, you can get extremely good prices–I just spent $60 on THREE PAIRS. Not bad for a college student with little extra money!!
How about Maurices jeans? I used to wear Old Navy jeans all the time and hated them because they stretched out so much. I recently stumbled upon Maurices jeans and they are so much better.
Yes, Maurices carries some great jeans!
Do you have to have a party to shop through vault denim? I’m in Northwest Indiana (outside of Chicago) and thought it might be neat to do but not into the whole party thing…
I do private fittings and open houses, but I’m not sure if all other Vault reps do. If you give me your city name and a few cities/suburbs around you, I can check to see if there’s a rep nearby!
Yes, yes, yes!! My biggest complaint with ON jeans is that they stretch out and look like crap after 30 mintues! They don’t have enough lycra in them, which means they went with a cheapy-cheap denim material. Booooo ON and GAP. I’ll happily head over to Kohls for a pair of Rock and Republic Jeans. They are fabulous!
You, my dear, are my hero! I absolutely hate to shop for jeans. Two babies in two years were not kind to my behind. But you have given me the information (and courage) to take on the denim-demon and give finding the “perfect jeans” one more try. I think I will ask a friend to bring along a camera and an honest opinion next time! Looks like my kids will be the only ones in Gap jeans!
Great post. Thank you!! I am a HUGE fan of nice, quality jeans. I will spend $ 0n one great fitting jean instead of 4 pair of the “others”. I am working to convert my mom friends. And what is up with O.N. stride…they are for…e…ver… long.
Oh. My. Gosh. I loved this post. I did a jeans blog once too. Not NEARLY as good as yours. I agree. Gap/Old Navy jeans are not good. I’m a Joe’s Jeans or Hudson Jeans gal myself. Worth every penny to have a fine looking butt!
Thank you for confirming what I have always felt was just me! I love 7 for all mankind and I also have a pair of Paige Jeans and I love them! It’s true with denim – you pay for what you get! A little more money gives you jeans that not only last longer but give you a nice butt too!
Great Blog. Why is it so hard to find a great fit? I like Ann Taylor Curvy Fit Boot Cut.
So, this blog is hilarious and also pretty interesting. The issue I seem to always come across these days is that most of the jean material has some stretch, if not a lot of stretch hence your before and after* pic! With a round shape booty (hi) they always start creeping down the back. I have had a heck of a time trying to find jeans with little to no stretch to them for this reason and also because I feel it holds in the thighs nice and tight giving a better look. My favorite were Lucky Lil Maggies but I was told they stopped making them. Any thoughts/suggestions there? Anyways, nice blog. Your husband is also a trooper!
Check out Antik – their jeans have very little stretch and fit much more “traditionally.”
Wow, this is disheartening… I just lost 50 pounds, went from a size 12 to a size 6, and bought ALL new jeans… 5 pairs from the Gap. They seemed to fit so well and be flattering, but, they do stretch out a LOT, and I hope my new-and-improved butt doesn’t look like these Gap pics… it deserves better. (No offense to the blogger, your butt looks amazing in the “good” jeans)…
I’m going to return all my Gap jeans, and buy a pair or two of perfect fitting Hudsons… TODAY! :)
BTW, this article is hysterical and so well-written! Can I send you butt-texts?
Do you have any recommendations for jeans that are petite? I find that for most jeans that come in petite sizes, they’re ALL mom jeans. You can seldom find any of the new/trendy styles… just classics and boot cuts. Any thoughts?
I always tell people to buy regulars and have them hemmed. It’s so worth it! Unless you’re super super petite, this usually works.
For anyone who had not noticed, skinny jeans look TERRIBLE on just about all women. The narrow ankle visually exaggerates the widest point of your body (hips) that 99% of women are trying to minimize.
Wake up and don’t be a slave to fashion trends. If you are not 17 and a size 0, DON’T BUY SKINNY JEANS!!!
I was wondering why my “Sweetheart” jeans from old navy made me feel like I weigh 250 lbs every time I put them on. I’m not a small woman…5’9″ and a size 14, but good grief! can’t I find some decent jeans?! Also, I totally agree with the they really super stretch out part. My question is don’t all those 7 for mankind, etc. go by waist size? Like a 29 is the biggest? Where do larger women like me go if that is true? (I wouldn’t know because i’ve been shopping at Old navy.)
Yes, they do go by waist size, and they typically go up to a 34, which is approximately a 12 or 14. What size are you trying to find?
Thanks for this! I have had three kids in three years, and now I’m not sure how to dress my “new body.” I never had a problem before, but my how hips have changed! I get depressed trying on jeans, but you have stirred up some excitement in me! It IS possible to look good and be a mom! I might need to text you some bum pictures. You’ll be way more helpful than my husband ( who did talk me into some mom jeans and I never wear them because I hate them.)
Really liked this article…jeans are always so difficult, and I do recommend paying more money for good jeans. One thing I would’ve liked to see though is these women bending down. Picking my 2 year old up in public and getting plumbers crack is one of the worst things ever. NYDJs are perfect for this, I can do a cartwheel in those things! They seem very ‘momish’ but they have a great fit, are classy without all the doodads on the butt (something I think is more for the teenage variety), and I NEVER EVER get the plumbers crack.
I have to go try on all my Gap Jeans now! oh no!! :) THanks for the post. It was hilarious…and helpful! I just saw it on Pinterest :)
You are freaking funny! I’m trying to get my ass out of mom jeans. I just hate how the jeans these days are so low cut…bend down on the playground and plumber’s crack…not good for anyone!! So agree that cheap jeans stretch out. Lucky jeans are big time offenders here but they aren’t even cheap! My friends have been giving me grief for years to get into jeans that fit well…I also wear them too big . Seems that they have to be skin tight for others to think I’m in the correct size. I’m 5’3 and 125 lbs but still stuck in my mom jeans! :(
To quote Crazy Stupid Love, “be better than the GAP. Be BETTER than the GAP.” :) awesome post. I will never buy my jeans there again after this! Does it work the same way for guys? (I always buy my husband’s jeans from GAP… :/ )
Thank you for that. I laughed so hard reading that (because I love Gap jeans), you’re right though. Definitely time to move on.
Signed,
A mom who doesn’t want to wear mom jeans :)
wow…great blog. and now i’m looking at all my jeans and feeling insecure. lol. while i only actually own 1 pair of gap jeans, i’m sure everything i have wouldn’t meet your standard. when i buy jeans i mostly just try to find something that’s comfortable and doesn’t have a low rise like almost everything does anymore. i rarely even think about what the pockets and such look like. =( so….can you give me some ideas of what a good brand would be for me? i’m 5’7″, 140 lbs. i wear a size 8. my butt is sorta wide and flat i’d say. i cannot STAND having to worry about my butt crack showing when i bend over, so any jeans i buy HAVE to have a high enough waist to cover everything at all times. thanks for any advice you may have for me!!!
Try Express, 7 For All Mankind, or Citizens of Humanity. And be willing to try a midrise – not high, not low – just right!
Thank you for your investigative work! Cannot wait to show this article to my husband, he thinks I’m making a big deal when shopping for jeans, bra or a swimsuit. I know I’m not alone.
That was awesome!
So, sadly I moved from a large town (DFW Metroplex) to a small town (Missoula,MT) where can I find these non-mom jeans?!? We don’t have an Express. Can I find the others at a Department store? Please email me.
Yes – most of the ones I mentioned are in department stores, not Express. But I checked, and there’s actually a Vault rep in Missoula, which is a far better way to get them, since you get them at half price AND a consultation.
Glad to know I’m not insane. My husband, who is a dear for loving me no matter what I might wear, thinks I’m being to nitpicky with the excessive pockets and stretchy fabrics on said jeans.
A majority of these problems could be fixed with a proper fitting and a correct style for body shape. It is indeed a shame that none of the employees at this store seemed knowledgable enough to give you that specified attention.
Alas, if having a bedazzled ass is a sign of a youthful one, I’ll take my chances.
I HATE Gap and Old Navy Jeans! (Love the “worn for 30mins” pic btw) If you just spend a little extra you can get a quality pair that will make you look and feel like a million bucks! And not to add too blatant of a plug here but if your readers want a good deal on amazing jeans, we have ridiculous sales at http://www.minkandmanure.ca
This was my first time reading your blog but I loved it…thank you for enlightening the world :)
I, Jennifer McLucas, hereby do swear to never buy jeans from Gap or Old Navy ever again! This post was as hysterical as it was informational. I’m so excited I found your blog (via a share on Facebook by MomsToolbox)! My mom and sister are super fashion forward, so I don’t usually have to worry about these things- they dress me. I am super curious about your opinion on colored jeans, which they tell me is the new thing. Colored jeans make me nervous… Like I’m dressing like my 10 year old.
I’m torn about them. But I think they’re just a trend, so I don’t worry too much about them. They’re not my style, but they look good on some people.
Thank you SOOO much for this post!!! I was actually going to go to Gap tomorrow to look for jeans. I haven’t been there in years for jeans, so I thought I’d check them out. But you have averted a dire mistake. Thank you!
Oh..my.goodness. Why did I not know all this? I’m a Levi’s girl myself and only 1 or 2 specific cuts. I’m heading to the closet for a look see. I may need a jean makeover. And where do you buy those brands you mentioned?
The ReRocks from Express, and the rest I got through Vault Denim. But they can also be found at department stores and boutiques (they’re just more expensive there).
I haven’t read ALL of the comments, because, well i have other things to do this morning…lol. But i loved this post and i would love to find some jeans that look great on me all around.
First things first, is that i have a lower belly pooch. So when I try on jeans with a higher waistline (God forbid) they just fall down below my belly. Therefore I usually go for the lower rise. However, that just creates more of a muffin top because it needs to be tight enough to stay on. And if it doesn’t make my belly look worse, then they fall off, as i have no hips or butt. (i have lost some inches off my belly and hoping to lose more, but for now, this is what I’m dealing with.) What do you suggest for me?
I did evaluate my jean-butt after reading, and i do have some that aren’t great, but there are also a couple pairs that are good. Don’t laugh but actually some Lee jeans from k-mart with an elastic waistband make my butt look good, my belly look good, stay where they are supposed to, dont get streched out quickly, and are my most comfortable pair. (I cant believe I even admitted to all of that online, but I will send you pictures for proof!)
Secondly, This Vault that you speak of, must be one in the same store that I have seen in Downtown Disney in Anaheim, CA. I live a few hours away and have Disneyland yearly memberships. I’ve passed by the Vault several times, thinking I a.) couldnt find anything in my size 11/12, or b.) be able to afford them, not knowing those are discounted clothes.
Next time I’m near, I will go in and try on.
Are there people that do this, like finding an Avon lady? How can i find someone close to me?
Thanks for your post and your response.
I always recommend a mid rise with enough room in the waist to not cut through and make a muffin top.
I can help you find a Vault rep near you – just email me with your city and some cities near you.
This makes it all clear now! Ages ago (pre-baby who is now 4) I loved ON jeans. I have gone many times to get a new pair and they all suck on me! I need to go elsewhere now! I just thought my body shape went bizerk or something.
Loved this post!
Nevermind my comment about the store in Anaheim. There is a store called Disney Vault, and a different store that sells designer jeans. I was mixing them up.
Le sigh. I am a plus size gal who often resorts to Old Navy jeans simply because they seem to get my waist-hip ratio correct, even above other premium denim lines that are available up to 24, such as JAG, Not Your Daughters Jeans, Michael Kors, Seven7, and now Lucky Denim. They do stretch out though and I always end up with dumpy butt halfway through the day. Apparently they have a new “premium denim” line coming out at Old Navy that’s available for pre-sale and is noted to specifically NOT stretch out. I’ll believe it when I see it.
I’ve never liked Gap or Old Navy jeans. They always gape in the back on the waistline. My faves: Rock and Republic (always fit and look good), Big Star and 7FAM. I’m a bargain shopper, so I’d never pay full price for name brand jeans. I always shop thrift stores which allows me to pay the Gap/ON price but get a pair of ‘designer’ jeans.
Wow! I have lots of Gap Jeans and I call them my running around jeans because they bag out on me so fast!! I am a big fan of BKE Jeans but I am going to try LA Idol and Express Rerock! Thanks!
Wow, so informative! Thanks for providing the helpful pics. I am going straight to the closet, pulling out my Old Navy jeans, and checking my butt in the mirror!
I think I love you!
I was a Jean selling FREAK in my previous life… it was all about selling the sexy. Do you have any idea how stuck women are on their mom jeans? Gah… keep spreading the good word!
Do you have any recommendations for someone who would like to avoid the “awesome” muffin top that often comes with low rise jeans yet has a 36″ inseam?
Rock and Republic or Brown Label – they have a super long inseam, but a mid rise and very forgiving waistbands.
How do I get in on this long distance denim makeover business? I just bought some news jeans and you would have gotten a good laugh watching me try and take pictures of my own butt to compare to your photos. :)
Okay, so you seem to know about some really great jeans, so I pose a question to you: I have a pretty round “bubble butt” and as much as my boyfriend loves it, my jeans do not. They always flatten it out, there’s never enough room in the rump area when they fit my thighs and waist perfectly. I currently wear the Gap Curvy ones or a pair of Lucky Jeans. Do you know where I might be able to find a pair that have some extra room for my butt?
Hmm. Express Stella Cut has some extra butt room, as does LA Idol. Try those!
Thanks!
Great post!! I NEVER look good in any of my jeans. I am overweight and working on losing the weight, so I never want to spend a lot of money on clothing, using he excuse “I don’t want to waste money on a size I am only going to be temporarily”. My question is, do all of these good jeans still work / look good on bigger sizes? Like size 16?
It’s hard to say – what you’re looking for is a jean where the pockets are also proportionally larger, so that they come down on the right place on your butt. I’m hoping to do some research and post a plus sized sequel post soon!
This was great and proof of what I already suspected after catching glimpses of myself in GAP jeans recently….shudder! 10+ years ago, I became a 7 for all Mankind devotee….only Citizens for Humanity were acceptable after I found 7s! My original 7s have FINALLY worn through in the thighs over the last year and I went back to replace them. I have tried on and returned probably a dozen pairs of 7s or Citizens…. WTF?! Did THEY change their design too? These are NOT the same jeans as my originals and they suck! I know I don’t have the exact same body as I used to, but the cut and more importantly, the weight of the fabric, or completely different. It seems like all jeans have gotten a lighter weight makeover and I am NOT a fan. Any advice on a better brand? I’m currently living in my Joe’s Jeans and after a recent trip to the Nordstrom Rack where I tried on no less than 30 pairs of jeans and walked out with ZERO, I have all but sworn off trying. :-(
If you like a thicker weave fabric, try Lucky or Antik – they still have a more traditional feel.
Though I agree with you that Old Navy jeans are all awful, you obviously just don’t have the right butt for any of Gap’s jeans. Gap curvy jeans make my ass look fabulous! I always get complements when I wear them. My sister looks great in their Long & Lean. The fact is that we all look better in different brand’s jeans. You have to find the brands that look good on you but that doesn’t mean you have to dis on the brands that don’t.
I too am jean shopping challenged. My BIGGEST problem jean shopping is finding something that fits, let alone looks right. I can only buy a petite curvy fit. My hips are a good 10 inches wider than my waist and I am 5ft ….errr tall? LOL….What jeans would you recommend for a gal with a booty? Jessica :-)
Try Express! They tend to have room for a butt.