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…
This is absolutely astonishing to me. I am a HUGE Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic fan and own almost every single pair of jeans you have mentioned here in this post. My ass has never looked as terrible as these, and aside from the sweetheart jean from Old Navy I have never had an issue with them stretching out so grotesquely. Did you know every style jean at Old Navy is now revamped and made of a more premium quality? I’m falling in love all over again. Also, after looking at these pictures, I went through and looked at all my gap jeans and I’m honestly confused. None of my pockets are as huge as yours appear to be or set so far apart. It’s actually quite surprising.
Anyways, I just wanted to be a gap supporter for I’ve gotten quite a few of my friends and family to also fall in love with Gap and Old Navy jeans and none have looked back since. Not to mention my favorite pair of jeans are from gap and I’ve had them for years and they still fit as perfectly as the day I got them. No complaints here!
I just have one objection to this post. While I can clearly see the improvement in many of the “after” pairs of jeans, they all (ALL!) look like they were designed for 17-year-olds. Embroidered pockets? Embellishments? I don’t want to wear mom-jeans, but I don’t want to look like a cougar, either, thank you. There has to be a happy medium.
This is amazing my husband has always told me certain jeans were MOM jeans but unless I had a picture like these I never could see it. My aunt owns a horse ranch and the old navy jeans are a nice feature of the stretch for getting on and off horses, but I never wore them out for good jeans. I saw all the different style but you never hit on buckle jeans or American Eagle, how do they measure up? I wear AE jeans most. Thanks for your great site!
Buckle and AE are great, as long as they fit you correctly! Every pair of jeans looks different on everybody.
Omg! I bought a pair of curvy jeans after my son was born and nothing fit! And yes they grew 4 sizes after wearing them for half and hour or sitting down once! I have found and pair that fit amazingly (jbrand) just wish I could afford a new pair since my pair right now are looking a little sad.
*Sob* I actually have 2 pairs of ON sweetheart cut jeans- skinny and bootcut… They were my post baby jeans. (well and we had like No money at the time). They do stretch out ridiculously. I do have to say, the pockets end much lower on my backside than the pictures above (in my defense). I definitely need new jeans!
I’ve tried on Gap jeans a handful of times expecting them to look good, because, you know they’re the Gap… but I never bough any of them because for some explicable reason they just didn’t look good. Now I know what that inexpliable reason is.
I’ve always had a problem with there being a big gap at the back of the waist band. I’ve found American Eagle “Artist” jeans work the best for my body type: big hips, small waist.
I have to agree about the AE Artist jeans. They fit wonderfully on small waist, big hipped people. The back pockets are well proportioned and well placed. I discovered them a few years ago when I dropped twenty pounds and needed a new wardrobe. The others I buy from AE are the Favorite Boyfriend. I have to buy them a size smaller than the Artist jean but they are also very comfortable and make my tush look good.
This is a life-changing post!!!! Thank you for all of the examples and detailed info!! I used to think the jeans with all of the stuff on the pockets and high-contrast topstitching were too junior looking for me, but I am ready to go shopping! Headed into my closet NOW to make sure my current jeans don’t fall into that Gateway category!
You’re welcome! Have fun shopping!
I read this, looked in the mirror and i’m severely horrified because all i own are gap jeans! Oh my! I never realized the difference. looks like a shopping trip is in order for me! Thanks for the side by side comparisons!
I currently work at Old Navy and have for the last 6 years. I personally hated our denim and did not buy a single pair until recently when the company introduced the Rockstar Denim. This denim comes in 4 or 5 shades of a denim wash as well as black (my personal fav.) many colors of denim (reds, blues, greens, purples, pastels, neons etc.) as well as colored corduroy. I know corduroy?.. but trust me they are worth trying on.
This fit is supposed to be universally flattering for all. It comes in BOOTCUT leg (only denim washes available, no colored denim or corduroy.. yet) as well as SKINNY leg. That is an awesome alternative because working there I try to get women to just try them on and tell them they will not be disappointed but the “skinny” leg scares them. If that is the case try on the bootcut. I’m not trying to prove anyone wrong or sell the companies clothing. We DO NOT MAKE COMMISSION on anything a customer buys. I’m just simply trying to help women find denim they may actually enjoy buying and feel comfortable in at a decent price. I realize how difficult buying denim can be.. trust me I have a discount working there and couldn’t bring myself to buy the denim for 6 years because I hated it, until I found the Rockstar Denim. I’m also not saying these jeans will last you forever… they may not last for years and years because they do have “stretch” in them. However, sometime soon this month (September, 2012) there is going to be a Rockstar Denim SALE… $19.00 for one pair.. normally $34.50 (not sure if the prices are different in different areas) but that is a STEAL.
With that said I will warn you before you try them on. They do run about 1-2 sizes SMALL. Do not let this scare you because EVERYONE GOES UP AT LEAST ONE SIZE…EVERYONE!!! (ex: In the diva and flirt fits I can wear a size 4 short- in the Rockstar I wear a size 8). That scares a lot of women.. but everyone goes up at least one size! Petite and Tall sizes/lengths are available online.. not in any stores that I know of. I hope this helps at least one women having troubles with denim. Now go try them on and find out exactly when that sale is !!!!
(also this is my point of view.. A pretty darn good one if you ask me considering I’ve watched the company change just about every item in the last 6 years…. And it is encouraged we try on new items to understand the fits to help the customers. I’ve participated in special events throughout the company specifically designating entire 9 hour shifts to just helping customers with denim styles and fits).
Again I really hope this helps :)
This is my question. Where are all the flattering jeans without junk all over the pockets? I like Old Navy jeans because they don’t have tattoo designs or six pounds of shimmery thread or a freaking mosaic stitched onto the back of my behind. All the jeans you posted that were the more flattering ones all had a ton of stuff on the pockets and it kind of looks like 14-year-olds should be wearing them, not me at 23. :(
7 For all Mankind (pictured in the post), J Brand, and Citizens of Humanity are all nicely undecorated. Also, Express’ Stella cut doesn’t have anything on the pockets.
Oh no… I own only Gap and Old Navy jeans… OH NO. I’m only 23. Not even a mom! I seriously hope my butt is the exception to all of these jeans! I’m going to go look at my butt in them right now and hope for the best.
What was the verdict? My apologies to your 23 year old butt.
I personally love my Old Navy Flirt jeans. :)
I love this!! I have a hard time finding jeans that are attractive right now (simple because I have baby weight I haven’t gotten rid of yet and moving up a size makes me sad :-P) – but I have been able to find some cute ones at Walmart for under $20…I don’t agree that $200 on jeans is a good thing – I had a friend pay $300 for a pair of True Religion jeans that ripped the first time she wore them!! (and she was a skinny little thing, so it was totally on the jeans, not her!)
Love the pics, thanks for the humor in an “everyday mom” situation! :-)
I agree that ON jeans are very mom-ish, but I buy them because they have good coverage (yes, I have a big butt). Any other suggestions for this issue, without having the mom look?
Look for a great midrise jean. LA Idol, Joe’s Jeans Honey Curvy cut, Citizens of Humanity Midrise – all great choices!
where do you buy la idol jeans
They can be bought at boutiques or through Vault Denim.
I am utterly shocked!!! I actually am a Denim Advisor at GAP and I can tell you from your pictures that you were trying on the wrong sizes!!! If you came to my location I would have sized you down in Always Skinny and Curvy. You have a high bum and pocket placement is waaaay to low on your backside. Low pocket placement in GAP jeans tells me wrong size/wrong fit. Fabrication also has tons to do with the fit of our jean, as well. I’d be more than happy to find you the perfect GAP jean and I guarantee you’ll love them :)
P.S. I don’t work on commission, I get no clothing allowance, I am a single mother with 3 kids and understand the importance of a dollar and I counsel women for free when they come in , meaning most women have to size down 1-2 sizes in our jean.
Can you come out to Salt Lake???!!! I need a jean fitting and personal jean shopper :). Thank you for this post! I am printing it out and putting it in my style smash book!!!
A little far to travel!! But I can get you in contact with a Vault Denim rep out there if you’d ever like one!
Oh my goodness. I am an offender! and I HATE how ON jeans stretch out! I’m a SAHM of 1 and I’m almost 25, and I swear I wear mom jeans but never realized it :'( AH! Lately I’ve been feeling really blah about fashion etc since I’m not back to pre pregnancy weight and feel huge in everything. But I’m so tempted to just go buy a cute pair of jeans that actually look cute. Maybe then I’d want to look better haha. And my hubby is a total butt guy.
Do it! It will make you feel better about yourself now. Just buy some with a lot of stretch, because they will shrink with you.
I am a strong advocate for Gap jeans because they fit my body style well. I have a 36 waist, but 44 around the fullest part of my butt…. my butt is not wide, but a ‘bubble’ and gap is one of the nicest fits that I have found… Express is great for dress pants, but their jeans, like many other manufacturers, are made for girls with not butts/flat butts… the pocket placement on gap is not as low on me because I fill out the whole back side of my size 12… Just like w/ everything, you really need to find things that work well for your body type…
This was pathetic and a waste of time. Get a life. I am a mom. If you dont want a mom butt then find a pair of jeans that fit correctly…thats a no brianer, I wouldnt spend THAT much time getting that point across. Good Grief.
I really like the idea of this post but I’m unsure about the execution. I’m a curvier girl who only wears GAP jeans because they are the only jeans that hug my larger booty and I cannot fit into my beloved JBrands right now.
Some of the GAP jeans seem unfairly photographed from a downward angle. Some of the alternatives are not so bad but some, honestly just look cheap. I’d rather have a slightly droopy bottom than an overly embellished pocket that makes me look like an extra on Jersey Shore.
Great idea, though. I’d just like to see some chicer alternative options.
This post was fabulous! I’ve bought the bulk of my jeans from ON & Gap, although I have some that I like better from Banana Republic. Still – they’re all the same company, so they’re all similar.
I’d love to find some jeans that fit better and make my butt look better than the GAP jeans, but my problem is that at 42, no matter how young I feel, wearing a bunch of rhinestones or a big design on the pocket isn’t my idea of fashion. Any jeans that don’t have that on them?
Thanks for the great post! I’m passing it onto friends! And nobody should EVER wear that romper. Ever. lol
Where can you buy these other jeans that are amazing? I really dislike online shopping – I always try on clothes before I buy them – and I have no idea where I could find any of these brands in person. (I didn’t read through all the comments, sorry if someone already asked!)
The ReRocks are available at Express, The LA Idols are available at boutiques or through Vault Denim, and the rest are available at Department Stores or through Vault Denim. And I agree – never buy online – at least jeans!
I’m almost 19 years old and next week I will have a 2 year old.. Prior to having a kid I used to have nice jeans that fit great, but while I was pregnant all my friends took off with them because they didn’t fit me… Thanks to this, it has been brought to my attention that I wear MOM JEANS!! Well Almost, mostly the Diva fit from old navy.. But still!! I’m 18 years old!! Ha! My husband never even told me I was slipping into the horrible world of gateway mom jeans! :(
Well go shopping then – and enjoy it!!
So funny! I love it!! I thought I was all alone. Since I wear bigger sizes than most of my mom friends I just figured it was me and my body. This makes my day!
Excellent! So glad to help.
I have always found Old Navy & Gap clothes awful! So happy to see people finally recognizing that a cheap price tag is not worth it when it comes to good fitting clothing.
I have a couple pairs of ON bootcut that I bought 5-6 years ago, back when the denim was good quality and the cut was nicer. I gained a whole bunch of weight and put them away, but they fit again (yay!) and I’m so glad I kept them. I haven’t had luck with ON jeans for several years. Or shirts. Or ANY of their plus-size clothes. I like their stuff for boys but I’m done shopping there for me. However, it does seem like even a not-so-flattering cut is at least slightly improved by getting them in the darkest wash available. Since I’m still losing a lot of weight, I’ll be sticking with the cheaper jeans for now, but this is really great comparisons for when I hit that ideal and want to treat myself to some rockin’ jeans!
So true about Gap jeans stretching out after 30 minutes. I made the mistake of buying a pair of the Always Skinny jeans. They looked good in the store (despite the massive pockets) then I wore them once and they stretched out like crazy. I tried shrinking them in the dryer, which only worked temporarily – after another wear they were all stretched out again. Such a waste of money!
After that I went to American Eagle and bought three pairs of Jeggings. They’ve recently changed all their cuts too, but for the better. The Jeggings style used to be made of thin stretchy fabric with fake front pockets, but now they’re actual skinny-cut jeans with nice sturdy denim and real pockets. I wore one pair for four days straight and they still held their shape and my butt looked awesome. They also come in three different lengths, so they’re great for short girls.
Before all this, I had tried on many different brands of jeans – Levis, J Brand, Seven, Paige, BDG, Big Blue, J.Crew, Top Shop, and none of them fit me properly. I’m short and skinny but with an… um, “athletic” butt, and everything I tried on flattened my butt into a pancake except the Gap and American Eagle jeans. In the end American Eagle was the big winner, and their jeans go on sale all the time for as little as $30. I also know that they last forever, because I have several pairs from previous years, including one straight-leg pair I’ve been wearing for 6 years. I will cry when those jeans rip.
This blog has helped me see the difference in well fitting jeans and ones that don’t fit your body. I have a lot of trouble with jeans because I have a small waist and upper body but I have a big butt and thighs. I wear a 5 in Hollister flare jeans but I look so short. (I’m 5’4). I was wondering if you would post a blog about jeans for different shaped people…
Thanks!
Hi Jacey! This post has a lot of information for different shapes: http://www.graspingforobjectivity.com/2012/02/jeans.html
Hope that helps!
What about advice for plus sized women. While I dream about higher end jeans, until I lose enough weight, I’m left with Gap/ON/Lane Bryant (whose jeans are by far the most horrific ever) in most regular retail options. I’m an hourglass through and through, and definitely curious.
I’m working on it now, and it should be up within the next two weeks!
I am loving this post!!!! Just curious about American Eagle jeans?? I am now going on the hunt for LA Idol jeans!!! Thanks for the visuals:)
American Eagle tend to be fairly good!
I would love to see you review plus-sized jeans. I am a curvy size 18. So many plus sized jeans don’t fit curvy women. They are snug around the thighs, but gaping around the waist. And I have never found anything BUT mom and granny jeans in the plus size section.
I’ve been researching for the past month, and should have the post up in a couple of weeks. We’ve found some really great plus-sized jeans!
Rachel,
I almost cried (tears of j0y) by the fact that my butt could look sweet instead of I’m 50 with 18 kids!! After having only 2 kiddos, I hate spending money on myself but it would be well worth it to maybe even look like a hot mama! Luckily my “neice” works at Express. Thanks to you and your hubs for taking the time with the pictures and the posts. THANK YOU!!!
Excellent! Let me know how shopping goes!
OMG… i am sending this on to all of my mommy friends right now! Eeeek. I have always had a hard time shopping for pants at gap and old navy but could never pin point why, thank you for illustrating this!
Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic are all owned by the same corporation. That is probably why the pockets look similar, the jean’s designs have changed in the last few years and the cut looks the same.
How awesome is this??? I always thought that I was the problem because I can’t buy jeans at Gap and ON. They fit me weird. Now I don’t WANT to buy jeans at Gap and ON. I don’t need mom jeans! I’m not even a mom!
I’ve worked for Gap Inc for four years and the only problem I’ve had with them was how different ON jeans fit on me in comparison to the Gap. I was in between sizes at ON and of course I can’t get a 10.5. I worked at a Gap Outlet and I found that the jeans there fit better than the retail jeans. I only had one problem with the pockets of a pair of super skinnies that were just poorly made (I think the company realized this since they were 70% off at one point.) I agree with the stretching out of the jeans. I usually can wear mine three times before washing. Lighter washes stretch out more than dark washes. I always warned my customers about that when they couldn’t decide between a smaller or bigger size.
What do you recommend for plus size brands for Jeans? I often feel limited to old navy because they go up to my size. I’ve fluctuated between a 22 and 28 in recent years and have yet to find a brand of Jeans I truly adore and look good in. Any suggestions?
I’ve got about 20 hours of research into this and will be publishing a sequel next week (hopefully!!) – we found some really great brands at Maurices, Torrid, and through Vault. I’ll be showing a bunch of pictures in my sequel post.
I’ve had such a hard time finding jeans the last 10 yrs. I’ve had Gap, Ann Taylor, Cabi, Levis and Loft. The best luck I have ever had was with Levis 501 and Loft. These were 100% cotton! Had no lycra in them. I am still wearing them!!! Can’t find 100% cotton jeans anymore unless they are mens!!! The jeans stretch out but don’t get baggy like some I’ve had. I don’t like my jeans to look tight.
Thanks for the pictures of all the jeans. I do think mirrors in some Gap stores are “skinny mirrors too since you come home and try them on then look in your mirror and say “what was I thinking???”
I’ve written a whole blog post about Express’ skinny mirrors, but I’ve never noticed it at Gap – but I wouldn’t put it past any store!
THANK YOU, i thought it was just me! I couldnt figure out what was the matter and know I know its not me, its them! Thanks
Aaahhh, why aren’t you in New England?!
The only ON jeans I have I wear for my deli work, they’re that bad. Right out of the dryer, they seem to stretch. And plus size jeans are hard to find for an inexpensive price. I may not be a mom, but I’m paying all my college bills & want to find great looking jeans for less than $30 per pair, if even possible.
The best “oh-em-gee” jeans I’ve found have been at Deb Shops. Their “Amethyst” line is a favorite of mine. They’re simple, but they feel great and always stay on.
I’m not a huge straight leg/skinny jeans kind of girl, only because I’ve danced all my life so my calf muscles are majorly huge (another HUGE problem when shopping for jeans…)
i will most definetly have to take a better look in the mirror, of the back side, from now on. i too thought the GAP had the “good” jeans. when i finally owned a pair of 7 for all mankind, joe jeans, and citizens of humanity…i realized how they are flattering. who knows what i looked like before! eeeeek! i may need your number to send a butt text.
Sure! Feel free to email butt pics to this address!
Here’s my dilemma. I am super skinny, but I have a belly. (Air, not fat) and NO hips or butt. ON jeans look great on my tiny behind and do not stretch out on me. They fit me well when I am not moving. BUT….I am always hiking them up because they are too low, even though they are slightly midrise…Because I have no butt or hips to keep them up. (I don’t like lowrise jeans anyway because I don’t like showing the world my butt crack…or a muffin top!) So….which jeans are for me? I don’t want expensive jeans like Lucky or Loft or any of the ones you mentioned because I can’t afford that luxury. I also don’t like jeans with fancy pockets that are made for teenagers…..
Look for jeans with a really stretchy waistband that you can then size down to fit your hips and butt. I had a model for my upcoming sequel post that had this issue, and we found that LA Idol worked great for her, because the waist was stretchy (so it didn’t create muffintop), so we went down from a 16 to an 11 on her – then it looked great on her legs!
However, LA Idol has stitching on their pockets, so you may not like those. Vault also has a brand called Code Denim that I think would work well for you – midrise, stretchy waist, but a little slimmer in the legs.
Also – I would definitely try a skinny jean if I were you – they’ve been really flattering on people that carry their weight in other places besides their butt and hips.
This surprised me. I absolutely LOVE Gap jeans. They have lasted forever for me (including new ones) and they are the only ones that fit me. I am 5’2″ and size 4, and all other brands are either too hippy or too long. I cant wear ON, but I have never really been able to. I used to wear Express jeans about 10 years ago, but I hate the look of the pockets now (just give me no bling please! Especially for everyday jeans). I also have to agree that spending $100 for jeans is ridiculous! All those brands listed are in speciality stores and I hate those.
I never used to like wearing jeans for the reasons that I never liked how it fit me. A few months after I had my son, sans baby weight but still (and to this day) have the mommy pooch, I walked into an Ann Taylor LOFT store (and no I am not a paid commenter lol) I swear to god their jeans/pants are so flattering that I get all my jeans from there. Try em out! (i also advice getting them on sale although they are worth it full price, but I’m a bargain shopper)
I have a problem that you might be able to help with. I’m 22 and I love the cute miss me jeans and rock religion jeans and all the ones like them. . . but I’m 5’2” and that’s more torso then leg. I would love to wear more pants like these but they are always at least a foot too long!!! When I alter them myself they never really look right either. Any suggestions on how to get the supper cute/flattering jeans that will fit my lacking in leg length!!!
I tell everyone to not be afraid to get jeans professionally hemmed. I have two pairs at the shop right now! It usually costs $10-20, and it is so worth it to get jeans that fit everywhere else.
You know, I was feeling quite badly about myself the last time I went shopping for jeans. I should have have known better than to go try on every pair that I could find at Old Navy. I was truly angry and depressed when I left that store that day. Thank you so much for showing me that I’m not destined to a life of MOM JEANS and a FLAT BUTT and for offering some great brands to check out. I think I love you.
Glad to help! I hope you have a great shopping trip – let me know how it goes!
I can’t believe I just now came across your site. I JUST 2 pair of ON jeans two weeks ago. I did not love them in the store but bought them anyway. I blamed it on the fact that I am getting older and things are changing. Every time I wear them I feel frumpy, I am so made that I wasted my money. I can’t wait to try some of the other jeans you suggested. No wonder why I kept going back to some older ones in my closet, they just fit better. Thank you for the time you put into this and for calling things like they are.
I’m so happy it helped, albeit a couple of weeks late!! Best of luck finding great jeans – let me know how it goes!
If I could find jeans that fit, I might pay $30 for them, at the most. I have 10 children, 9 still at home. Even with 2 paychecks, we have no extra money. I telework, so could wear jeans everyday, if I had some that fit. No idea what size I wear. Size 14 is too tight, some 16 fit me, others are too loose. I’m 5 ft 8 1/2 inches tall. I’ll never get rid of the baby gut. I don’t wish to exercise in my limited me time, those 15 minutes or so at night when the kids are in bed before I pass out.
I must say, I like Gap jeans. I also have designer jeans like True Religion, Marciano, and Hudson which I paid A LOT of money for, but love just as much as my Gap jeans. I do agree with a previous poster who commented on the fact that all the comparable jeans you showed have a lot of contrasting stitching and flare on them, which I highly dislike, it makes them look very juvenile. My husband has never complained about my Gap jeans, and believe me he would. He asctually loves my butt in them more than my Hudsons, which were $200 compared to my on sale $5 Gap jeans. I will agree with Old Navy jeans being awful, and I’m not saying ALL Gap jeans are good, but you just have to find what looks good on you.
I just found this, and I must say awesome job on giving great visual comparisons. I have the hardest time finding jeans that fit because I have gone from a juniors size 3 (i know please don’t hate me) to a size 11-13 ish. I add the ‘ish’ because i am tall 5’8″ and my waist and legs are very slender but I have very curvy tummy, hips thighs and butt. I have found some really really great jeans for my weird shape. They are the Curvy jeans from Rue 21. I very often find these on sale or clearance for $10, but full price they are less than 30. The think the thing I love about these jeans is that they are super flattering on my butt the legs are actually long enough they don’t stretch out of shape, are comfortable and last a long time suprisingly for such inexpensive jeans.
I bought a couple of pairs from Gap right before they brought out the new line. They had all of their OLD jeans for $20. I LOVE my old gap jeans and sad to say they are ripping like crazy. You are so right about ON and their gateway mom jeans. I got 2 pairs from White House/Black Market and WOW what a difference it was. I will have to take pics. I’m almost 37 and mom to cute toddler and I still want to feel sexy sometimes. Not frumpy Mom. I also grabbed a few pairs from Aeropostle. Their jeans are nice and tight, SO not Mom jeans. Also yes Gap and ON jeans do stretch out quite a bit after wearing them. UGH!
Wait a minute… tapered legs on a guy is a bad thing? Since when?
oh my gosh!!!! love this post. I have a constant problem with mom jeans. and my mother (bless her heart) will go out and buy the most atrocious jeans on the planet!!!! i am amazed at how there seems to be no consistency in the cut and sizing!!!! Thank you for the blog….love it!!!
I was emailed a link to this blog because my sister knows me and she knows how strongly I feel about this subject :) Good jeans have improved my life. I feel they are a need more than a want LOL. I went from ON and Gap jeans to well made jeans a few years back and have since been sharing the good news to everyone I can. I like Big Star and MEK jeans, Buckle brand BKE are also very good jeans. Almost all of those brands are more affordable than the 7 all mankind or Rock and Republic jeans (but people love the R and R jeans) I am not a fan of 7 AMK. Joe’s jeans are good for a less curvy person, Hudson are great for a simple jean. I was at Aeropostle yesterday and they had buy one get one free. I didnt’ like all their jeans on me, but I did find a straight leg pair that I really liked where you can make a big cuff at the bottom- two pair for $40 (got a pair for my daughter). So althought some places make a pair or two right out of lots of pairs that aren’t as cute. Just try them on peeps. And rarely a need to buy full price. Nordstrom Rack or other discount stores online and I have some near me.
That’s great! And I agree – NEVER pay full price for jeans!
I worked at Gap one summer, and thier jeans looked so terrible on me they told me I didn’t have to wear them to work. whew. Have you ever tried Buckle jeans? They have a million fits and their curvy fits aren’t just a bigger fit…they actually flatter the curvy figure…. what a concept, huh? :)
Buckle does have some great jeans!
Thank you!! Great information!! Pictures were super!
I have loved jeans since I was little. I have had hand me down guess jeans, buckle back bell bottoms, raw Levi’s that had to be washed 30 times and drug behind the truck on a gravel road. In high school Levi’s were pre-shrunk and softer, we would lay them in the bathtub in an inch of bleach to get them white and if you did it right they would have a blue strip on the seams. And then the would rip out in the middle of the high school pep assembly while rolling an egg down the gym floor with your nose! I almost forgot the punk jeans dyed black torn up and safety pinned back together. Oh and peg legged jeans with Levi’s pinned or sewed up the calf seams. So now I am 40 and I run a couple miles a week to keep the muffin top from busting out and try to do lunges and squats to keep my butt from sagging to my knees and darn if I have been sabotaging myself with the wrong jeans! I am gonna search my second hand stores and sales racks with my mom the coupon queen! She’s 60 and still has a bubble butt, we are gonna go on a quest for a great pair of jeans! Thanks again!
Thanks for the walk through history – great recap!! :)
Thanks so much for this! I’ve been wearing Gap Always Skinny because I find them super comfy for my pear shape, but every time I saw myself in a full length mirror, something just looked off. My bum always looked a little flattened out and lacking in definition. Now I see why. Yikes! Think it’s time to stop being cheap and start investing in a more flattering pair.
You look like a teenage rock star in the LA Idol jeans! SO WANT! I’m 18 tomorrow. :p Looking up that brand. I get most of my cute butt jeans at Kohl’s since I don’t live close to any major cities and don’t buy online. :’c
OMG, this post was FUNNY and INFORMATIVE. I am guilty as charged of buying jeans at places like ON and JCPenney because they are cheap. I have a shape similar to yours, so when I saw the sad butt/happy butt comparison, I was quite surprised. I guess good jeans really are an investment- one which I will be making in the future!
MIND.BLOWN.
Hi there…
I’m just wondering if you have a rough comparison between the LA Idol jean and a Miss Me jean. I had tried on a Miss Me in a size 34 and they run large because I generally take a size 16. Just wondering if you can offer any insight for comparison ?
I don’t – I haven’t tried Miss Me personally, so I’m not sure how their sizing runs. I’ll try to remember to try them on next time I see them, though!
Hey! Have you tried american eagle jeans? What is your view on them?
They’re typically fairly good on the right body!
I think I need a butt text buddy.
If you can’t find one, I’m always available! :)
OMW… I found your blog via pinterest and I am ENTHRALLED. I can never find jeans that fit and look good. I splurged last year and bought a pair of the levi’s curve id, but am not totally in love. Plus, I lost weight (yea!) which has lead to a gap in the back. Again. Which was the total point of the purchase originally. Do you ever make your way to Nashville?
Very rarely. If you ever come to Birmingham, though, let me know!
So, what’s a plus size girl to do? Has this question been addressed yet? I can’t wear 7 For All Mankind, Express, or really any of the brands mentioned. It’s enough to make me cry for 8 straight days. I hate jeans, jean shopping and clothes for fat girls in general. Except, I love clothes. I’d love to have a store I could walk into and find a pair of jeans that fit. I have one pair of Seven jeans. They mostly fit, but are “trouser” cut. What about those kinds of pockets? They are probably bad and I should just throw them all away and never get out of my sweatpants again….
I’ve got about 30 hours of research into this, and will be posting the sequel later this week or early next week!
I love your blog! I laughed the whole way through the mom jeans pictures. My question is budget. I am on a very tight budget and would love to find great jeans without breaking the bank! Suggestions? Oh and I don’t think junior sizes look good on me, too tight. I wear anything from a 10 to a 14 depending on the store.
Express has the least expensive nice looking jeans. They have great sales and coupons, and when you combine them, you can get jeans for around $30.
I used to work for GAP, and they are the same company as Old Navy! Hence, all their jeans look exactly the same (with different stitching on the pocket). Same thing with all of GAP dress pants compared to Banana Republic’s dress pants. The only people that really ever look good in GAP jeans are the ones that can wear a 0 or 00…. otherwise you’re just begging for a saggy mom-butt by buying jeans there.
what are your thoughts on american eagle jeans?
They’re typically pretty good on the right body!
What do you suggest for plus size girls? I’m 5’10, weight pretty evenly distributed, size 18
I just posted my plus-sized sequel – a long time in the making – this morning! Here you go: http://www.graspingforobjectivity.com/2012/10/plus-sized-denim.html
So true! I always bought old navy jeans because they were cheap, but (long story short) my granny owned a high botique and gifted me a few pairs of Rock Revival jeans, and the difference always shocks me at how much better they look, and using your guidelines i can now see why they look better! thanks!!
I loved this post! I haven’t bought Old Navy or Gap jeans in at least 10 years, and now you have helped me to realize why. I’ve found happiness in Express Rerocks, and I’m glad to see those made the non-mom-jeans list!
THANK YOU! Now, with great power comes great responsibility. Please gain 30 pounds and illustrate to the world the challenges of larger sizes. kidding of course, but I commend you for this post. Amazing.
Done. Kinda. I posted my plus-sized sequel today: http://www.graspingforobjectivity.com/2012/10/plus-sized-denim.html
I hope it helps!
I had a pair of gap jeans I loved (I believe they were always skinny ankle length, I’m 5’3″, they followed the shape of my legs but were not skinny-skinny) but I had to go down a full size because they ran so much larger than anything else I’ve worn. Then they stretched out much more than I expected but I was still pretty happy with them. I lost weight do to an illness and went to buy the same pair in a smaller size. I found in GAP sizes I now wore a 0 or 00, and that they don’t even make those sizes in “ankle” (but do make them in “long” which makes absolutely no sense).
I definitely recommend Express for high quality jeans in the same price range. I have some beautiful colored denim jeans from there. For cheap but pretty amazing for the price jeans I found some great ones at forever 21 (I am definitely older than their target). At first I thought they would be ridiculously too low, but I tried a size bigger than I usually wear and they came up much higher. Flattering, comfy, and cheap ($11!). And they came in 29″ inseems. Being short I’ve found anything baggy at all tends to make my legs look even more stubby.
Yes, you can have jeans hemmed, but it is a hassle, adding $10 to the price of your jeans is not completely nominal, and if the jeans are supposed to taper in or flare out a little it really messes with the cut, so I don’t do it often.
Love!! <3
WOW! Totally blown away and super excited to look good in jeans again. My only issue is that I took a look at LA IDOL jeans . . . they don’t come in Longs or Talls! What other brands would you recommend? I need at least a 34 inch inseam . . . thank you
Red Engine, Rock N Republic, 7 For All Mankind, and Citizens of Humanity definitely come in really longs – around 36″! I think that LA Idol is standard 34″, but no longer.
I’m pretty sure you are my conscience when I was trying to pick out jeans. I’ve always hated Gap and Old Navy jeans b/c they make my outstanding rear end look less standing. Your wonderful! ^_^
Oh my gosh! I’m so glad I’m not the only one who has had problems with Old Navy jeans. I had a pair and they would fit when I put them on, but within a few hours I was SWIMMING in them. Ugh. I just thought I was a problem child, so thanks for helping me! :)
I am, sadly, over 3 hours away from Birmingham, but it would appear that I need a SERIOUS butt makeover. Do you know if the customer service personnel in the stores would be willing to give HONEST feedback on denim fitting? I’m only 37 and I cannot bear the thought of dressing like a frumpy old lady :(
~Mae
Honesty is hard to come by. But feel free to email me pictures!
I am 6 feet tall, and not only do I need a long inseam, but a low rise jean is REALLY low on me…Like terrifying. I’m not exaggerating. :) So the only jeans I’ve been able to find that are a) long enough, and b) have a long enough rise are ON tall sized divas. Any suggestions? I don’t LOVE the way they make my butt look, but I have basically no rear so it doesn’t have the affects of giving me a third butt cheek, etc. Just makes it look long, and flat…which it kind of is anyway, because, let’s face it, at 6 feet tall, my butt has to be a little longer than the average woman’s! Any suggestions? Oh, and I’m a poor college student, so expensive jeans aren’t really an option. Ready, go! :)
I would check out Red Engine (albeit a bit more pricy), Express Long (I don’t know if they’re long enough), or Rock N Republic (they just moved to Kohl’s and are cheaper, but the fabric of their new jeans is also cheaper).
In general, the longest of jeans are designer jeans, and so they tend to be more expensive. But they’re worth it!
Thank you so much for taking the time to post this! I am the mom of twin girls, and now that I have a “mom” figure, I feel like giving up when it comes to fashion in general, especially when it comes to the hell that is trying on pants. Of course I plan on being the best me, by getting into healthier shape, but it takes time, and requires jeans to be purchased in the long run. I am so appreciative of the heads up, as we don’t all have time to do this for ourselves…even though it’s lifechanging! Thank you!!!
Wow! Thank you for opening my eyes. I am almost 40 and hate the way I look in jeans. I just realized why. I thought it was horrible body and nothing I have done has changed how jeans look. Now I know how drastically different jeans are. I am the typical mom jean disaster, shopping at JCP and Kohls. No more of that. Although I am older I don’t feel like it and now I don’t have to look like it. Thank you for doing this, I am on my quest for new jeans. :-)
These are all fabulous and it’s true, the ON and Gap jeans are just failing me lately. And they are made so cheaply now compared to how they used to be. here is my problem, all these people are cute, normal-ish size women. I go looking for the cute jeans in one of the brands like Rockin Republic and there are NONE in my size 16 that look cute. My problem is a have a J-lo huge booty AND the gross little pooch in front from having two c-sections. I feel like the best pair of jeans instantly becomes mom-a-licious with that. :( Help!
I think your comment came in time for me to include in my email announcing my plus-sized post last week, but just in case, here’s the link: http://www.graspingforobjectivity.com/2012/10/plus-sized-denim.html
Hope it helps!
Is there a size chart? I went to the website and couldn’t figure out if I should order plus size or what? I’m usually a size 12…I love the LA brand jeans but it looks like the size 13 is the closest to a 12, but it worries me that is Junior sizing, like at Target. If that’s the case, I’m more of a 15 or 17 in Juniors…does that mean I go to Plus size?
They typically it truer to a woman’s size. But I don’t recommend ever ordering online – every pair of jeans looks so differently on every body!
I think you just saved my life! I’ve been wearing Old Navy and Charlotte Russe jeans forever only because they’re inexpensive, but my butt always looks saggy after that 30-minute mark out of the dryer. I’m going jeans shopping TODAY. I am only 25 years old, I should not have a saggy butt yet!
I <3 Maurice's jeans…at least I did before I got preggers. My old jeans don't fit anymore and there's not a Maurice's close by so I haven't gotten any new ones, but before my baby, they were the only jeans I'd wear.
Wow, beyond helpful and eye opening! I will never buy Gap or ON jeans again! And when I do buy another pair of jeans, I will be staring at my butt much more!
I am a firm believer in Gap Jeans. I have a hard time finding jeans that fit my waist and my thighs. Ever since gap has revamped their jeans (I want to say the summer of 2009?) I haven’t worn anything since. I love all the new legging jeans and skinny jeans they are coming out with. I am a mother, and I do not think that they make me look like a mom. I see plenty of stylish moms shopping in the store. They have sales associates at the store that are “denim experts”. They will tell you everything you need to know about the denim. The Perfect Boot fit is the most flattering fit I have ever owned. Every time I wear my gap jeans my husband always mentions how awesome my butt looks. Judging by the pictures and how some of the Gap jeans you are wearing flatten your butt instead of lift. You may not be wearing the correct size.
New reader here, and I wanted to say that I loved this post! Not only funny but very informative. I never buy gap/ON jeans…anymore. I bought a pair of ON jeans about 6 years ago and they were AHmazing. My absolute favs. My best friend had them as well ( she is 5’2′ and I am 5’8′) she got them in the short length and I got them in long and we both wore them all of the time. They looked great on both of us. We have never been able to buy jeans from ON since. They all have the wide pockets making you appear to have a fat ass even when you don’t. It’s sad. I have yet to find their perfect replacement…
Thanks so much! Glad it was helpful. Great jeans are out there – it just takes a lot of trying on!!
I am a larger woman myself (5’11”) and I will ONLY wear Silver jeans from the Buckle, Maurices, etc… I might add that my height is ALL leg (35″ inseam) These are the only jeans to fit me and I am a jean whore lol I have a “shelf” butt and slimmer legs yet also have a very short straddle! So, I cannot wear a midrise without my butt looking funky. Solution? Buy a Yummy Tummy tank or other very tight tank that is long and will tuck inside your jeans and stay there. Crack coverage + muffin top assistance if your jeans are tight the first hour or so you wear them!!! In my slimmer days I did wear some BKE and MISS ME brands, but sadly, my mom belly (aka Freddy Krueger canvas) doesn’t fit inside their smaller sizes anymore. :)
I’m not sure where you are from, but if you can find a Gordmans near you, they carry Silver jeans for $39.99.
You have changed my life! Went to Nordstrom and put myself in the capable hands of their denim consultant. What a difference! My butt now looks awesome and I look at least two sizes smaller. My husband summed it up best by saying, “I don’t know where you found those jeans, but I’m sure glad you did.”. Goodbye Gap & ON…I will never buy jeans from you again!
That’s excellent!! I’m so happy. Congratulations!
All this time I’ve thought my office butt was to blame for the awful view back there!! I’m so happy to see the photos for comparison to see that if I spend a little more and take a little more time in finding a good fit for my mom-of-3, yet petite body type, that I would look so much better. I really like how your butt looks in the Express Rerock Skinny jeans – so much better than the Gap ones. Perhaps I can send you a few texts of my butt in various jeans to get your objective insight? :) I won’t be able to make it to Alabama any time soon. :(
I will be reposting this most excellent post on my blog too for fellow sufferers of ignorance.
Elle @ SeeMomWorkBlog.com
All work and no play makes mommy a dull chick.
I just found your blog through Pinterest and this post is fantastic!!! Thanks for all the research and comparisons! I love the LA Idol jeans in the pictures… as far as size-wise how do they tend to run? I’m thinking of trying to find some! I’ll probably forget to get back on here and look so if you could e-mail me that would be great! Thanks! clar9841@gmail.com
They tend to run true to size. But if you’re using Gap or Express for comparison, they’re 1-2 sizes bigger. Gap and Express size very flatteringly!
I love this! It’s soo true. I worked fror Gap Inc. (Banana Republic) a decade ago and hated all their jeans. I knew then they were unflattering, but never could quite pinpoint why. I think more women need to see this blog!
Have you tried comparing against AE Jeans?
AE jeans are typically fairly good. I haven’t done any photographical studies with them yet, though.
Oh I so appreciate this! I’ve been wearing ON Denim because yup, it’s affordable and for the most part works okay. Aside from the gatewayness of the jeans I
‘ have to comment and harp on the inconsistency of their sizing. I had a 14 Sweetheart that worked but got sloppy big on me so I went and tried on a 12 and they were a smidge big so I bought two pair knowing there was no way I would squeeze into a 10. When I got home, I wore the pair I tried on and was disappointed in their looseness but they were less loose so I put up with it. When it came to wearing the second pair, I could not get them up over my thighs. Same style, same size. So I went back and tried on many more and found them all tooo tight. Then I tried the 14 again and found them all TOO TIGHT. What the? Sigh. I need to take the time to find a really good pair. Strangely enough I found a pair at the Goodwill that has the fading and fancy pockets I dislike but damn if I don’t get compliments on them all the time. Your’e a gem, thank you for your hard research!
Saw this on Pinterest… my favorite jeans are Big Stars but I’m going to try on some of your lower-priced suggestions! And next time someone asks me for jean shopping advice I will send them over to your site!
Ok, so I just clicked from Pinterest, and I have to admit that I put on a cartoon so I could read this post! I’ve NEVER liked the way Gap jeans fit me. Last year in an act of desperation, I bought Old Navy Jeans b/c they are so cheap, but I rarely wear them b/c of the butt!
This post couldn’t be more timely b/c I desperately need new jeans. But, 4.5 years in to motherhood, and I am TOTALLY out of the style loop. I don’t even know the names of the “good” brands of jeans. Help? What’s your all-around fave brand? I want comfort but I def want them to look good too!
Oh I have lots of favorites!! But really what you’re trying to find is jeans that look perfect on YOUR body – they look different on everyone. Some good places to start: Express, Buckle, and Department Stores. At Department Stores or boutiques, look for LA Idol, Miss Chic, or if you’re willing to spend more, Hudson, 7 For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, or Joe’s Jeans.
Hope that helps!
Love these denim posts! Totally agree with the stretching factor on newer GAP jeans, but it came in really handy in their maternity jeans which I was able to wear in the same size through all 9 months and +40lbs of my preganancy. I think you should do a maternity jeans post too!
I posted about maternity jeans a few times during my last pregnancy, but the problem is, there aren’t many good alternatives out there!
My biggest problem with jeans is that they never fit around my waist because my waist is disproportionately small compared to my butt/thighs. J.Crew jeans are the only ones that fit right. I know they’re pricey, but for the quality, it’s worth it. All of Old Navy and GAP’s clothes are so cheaply made. That’s why the can sell a winter coat for $15, because it only took them $2 to make. It’s sad. Old Navy was one of my favorites as a kid.
I’m 25 and a fit and toned clothes freak. Gap jeans fit great when you don’t try to squeeze into jeans that are two sizes too small. BUY BIGGER JEANS.
I LOVE the info about the jeans! Finally a guide…a couple problems for me…
1. I am cheap…like early 90’s cheap when my mom wouldn’t let me spend more than $20 on a pair of jeans…I sweat spending $30 so shopping at Express or buying Name Brand Jeans gives me a heart attack (honestly, I don’t shop Gap b/c they are “too expensive”)
2. I have a “sway back”… nice term for bubble butt…therefore my pants ALWAYS stick out about an inch off my waist.
3. Low rise/sits at the hip = Do you like looking at my panties?
4. Pants are nearly always too tight all the way down to my knees (I don’t like my knees)
Any suggestions?I need help. My youngest is 4 my oldest is 10. I wore maternity clothes forever. I need a whole new wardrobe. I am tempted to send you photos so that you can help me. I only own 2 pair of jeans. I shrunk out of my favorite 2 pairs sz 16 (costco levi’s) and now have my 2 sz 14 Costco Calvin Klines (my first pair of CK’s ever. sad I know) to get me through the week. I rely heavily on comfy pants and the fact that in Fresno, CA we only have 2 seasons…and Summer is the longest.
Thanks for your hard hitting investigation!
Evelyn
Feel free to send me pics! But I’m going to recommend spending a little more. It’s worth it to get jeans that make you look good, feel good, and that last longer.
For years, I struggled with finding the right pair of jeans. I would buy a pair from a department store thinking the jeans were great. Then I would take them home and eventually wear them. After, about a few hours my jeans would stretch out. I hated it! Waste of money! My sister would spend money on expensive jeans and her butt looked amazing! I was jealous for sure but knew I could not afford $100 pair of jeans. About two years ago I found a cute little boutique in my town. They happened to sell these skinny jeans called KanKan Premium Jeans which were made in the US. I decided to try them on. These jeans were $43. The boutique sells affordable fashion. It’s also a nice consignment store too. Well after trying on these jeans, I was in love. They made my butt look so good! The price I could afford. I bought dark was denim because thats all store was selling. The dark wash jeans don’t bleed, and don’t fade. They are confirmable to wear. I have about three pairs now. They don’t really stretch out a lot either. I love that! My butt looks so amazing in these jeans. I feel great wearing them! I will never go back to wasting money and buying department store cheap jeans made in some country that does everything cheap. The boutique also came out with their own line of jeans made here in the US for $43. I bought a pair of those too because the fit was amazing! At thirty-three years old, I want my butt to look good, especially around my husband. Now, I always go into the boutique and buy jeans when I’m downtown. I have bought jeans on clearance from a high end boutique once. I got these straight leg jeans for $25 and they were originally $100 and something dollars made in Brazil. When I tried on the jeans my butt looked amazing! Well worth the find! I was in a consignment store recently and found another pair of high end jeans for $10. They made my butt look amazing as well. It really pays to buy nice jeans. If you hunt, you can find good quality jeans made here in the US for a really good price. I’m so happy to have a happy butt! I feel so good now in every pair of jeans I own. My old jeans now I wear as painting clothes or for out door adventures. My good jeans, I taker care of. I turn them inside out when I wash them. I hang them to dry. I don’t use a lof soup when washing them. If I’m just hanging out at night on the couch, I take them off and wear lounge around pants. Love my jeans! Thank you for the blog!!! :)
I just had to comment. I never comment on these things, but this review was so thorough and just hilarious I had to thank the lady who went through the trouble of taking all these pictures so I don’t go try on these jeans!!!! I apologize to your retina’s is beyond the best line Iv’e read. Still reading, N E how thanks for posting!
This is a great article. I am 5’8 and size 8. I always have a heck of a time finding jeans. Since I am in college, I can only afford jeans in the $20 range. A year ago I started working at a Gordmans in Des Moines, Iowa. They carry a brand of jeans called Amethist. I love them. I own two pair (and the only two I ever wear). The first pair are actually a size too big on me now because I lost weight, but they still fit pretty decently. No saggy butt even with being a size too big. My new pair fit like a glove and make my almost square shaped butt perfectly rounded. Plus, the jeans range from $19.99-26.99 at Gordmans. They have them in both juniors and misses. I have not tried a womens pair, but I have heard lots of great things about them. I know other stores carry them as well for around the same prices.
OMG. Im from Colombia and Im travelling to Orlando next week, Just this Sunday I was telling my mother in law that I cant buy jeans in the States, they never fit and they give me a mom butt. Reading this I realized that I always try to buy jeans at The Gap or Old Navy…. It all makes sense now!!! and just before my trip, thanks !!!
What if I hate the stand out stitching and the washout look. Can I still find other jeans thaat will look good?
Absolutely! Try 7 For All Mankind, Joe’s Jeans, Citizens of Humanity, or Express Stella Cut.
While I’m sure some of this has been stated above, I will admit I’m not going to read 1200+ comments to weed out which points. So, I’ll just throw it all out there!
One problem I have with Gap jeans are the sizing inconsistency. I grabbed 5 pairs of jeans in my normal size (and currently own a pair in). Pair one – poor fit, baggy in front around the zipper. Pair two – WAY too small. Pair three – also small (and I had recently lost a little weight so I was wondering if I would need to DROP a size at some places). Pair four- HUGE. HUGE, HUGE, HUGE. The salesperson got a size smaller and even that had a few spare inches around my waist. Pair five – awful fit with tightish thighs but really loose top. This one could come down to body shape. So one person, one (okay two) sizes and vastly different fits.
I will say, while most of your post fits with my experience, I have also encountered the rare pair of well fitting Gap jeans (don’t touch Old Navy). I actually found them on the clearance rack on the 50% clearance items sale. They not only fit and give a decent booty (not fantastic, but good) but this particular pair doesn’t stretch out. It’s like the mystical pair of Gap jeans that is actually just posing as Gap.
I am curious…did you even try to get a sales associate to properly fit you at Gap?
Excellent! Thank you!
Where can I find LA idol jeans? This article meant the works to ms! I bawl every time I jean shop! There are so many unflattering styles for us gals with booty!!! I’m glad it’s not just me hallucinating !
Either through a Vault Denim rep or at a boutique. Hope that helps!
Thanks for posting this – bought a few pairs of ON jeans and thought I was going bonkers – they never fit from the get go, but I was desperate to get some jeans that fit after my divorce in a no-bungee-cord kind of way!
I’m 5’11 size 6/8… and I’ve tried “hip” jeans from places like Buckle, Rock and Republic ect.. they don’t fit me correctly. They’re always baggy in the wrong places, and make me look cheap and ‘trying to be young’. Even when I was 16 they didn’t fit right. I’m looking at these pics and the ‘good’ pictures do make her body look better but they’re classless.. I’d rather look like a mom than a mom trying to be 15.
Really great product comparison and I couldn’t agree more on the importance of investing in well cut jeans. I am guilty of thinking, in my delusional state, that the Old Navy Jeans were the only jeans that looked good on me. Having lost a tremendous amount of weight recently I tried on my 13 year old daughter’s LA Idols . Not only did they fit, even a little too big, but I was shocked at how cute my butt looked! Mind you I’m 47, but I ain’t going down without a fight, and I used to think Miss Me and LA Idol would look ridiculous on a woman my age. Not any more though! Now I’m obsessed with LA Idol and will not blink twice at purchasing a pair of Miss Me Jeans! Also, I second the comment about Buckle; that store is top notch, very attentive and, being only 5’0 myself, not only offers a variety of Miss Me jeans in different inseams but also offers in store alterations! For a busy Mom that drives her daughter to 1.5 hours to Birmingham 1-3 times a week for cheer practice, that kind of service really counts!
That’s awesome! I’m so glad you found some great jeans (through your daughter!) :)
Ok So I’m so happy that this year when i needed to replenish my jeans I didn’t buy from Old Navy… The Gap too small for my big butt… But I was able to find the best jeans thsi season at The Dress Barn wierd place I know but really I’m so happy with my stitched pocket jeans. Thanks for the info I enjyed it emensley!
Excellent! Dress Barn does carry some good brands of denim, including Seven7. I’m glad you found some!
Great post!!! Jeans are always difficult to find! I am getting ready to go back to work and would love a post on dress pants/khakis! Wish you were closer to me so you could help me shop!!!
Dress Pants and Khakis are a whole different challenge! My absolute favorites come from Express, though – they have excellent dress pants.
I LOVE THIS. I recently married, and its to a man who doesn’t quite understand why I spend the money I do on a nice pair of jeans. I have plans to show him this. Maybe he’ll understand. Heck, maybe he’ll buy some FOR ME. :)
As many different butts as my husband has had to look at, he’s a believer. Best of luck on your husband!
S0rry but I truly don’t understand the Express jeans love. I order all my work pants from there which is fine because they last a long time and are sensibly cut. The jeans however are a different story. I have a pair but I really don’t wear them because I don’t enjoy the rise being like 2 inches above my hoo-hah! I am constantly tugging them up to get some coverage. Maybe being on the verge of exposing yourself works for other people, but I think you can look youthful without looking sporting an obnoxious (and nearly non existent) rise.
OMGoodness. This post horrified me and made me laugh at the same time. I know you probably don’t realize that your ability to determine the right style/size for a body type is actually a gift. I so need a stylist. Wish I knew you in person and you lived close to me…I would have you help me redo my entire wardrobe…if you were up for a gig that big and exhausting.
Ha! My “gift” only applies to jeans, so I couldn’t do much for your entire wardrobe.
I respect your point of view and think you put the article very well. I do however it depends completely on each individuals body type. I own Gap jeans and they fit great. Especially the curvy and perfect boot fit.
I have always hated ON and Gap jeans. I’ll give benefit to the doubt that I was a teen in the early 2000’s and would rather be shot dead than shop at ON or Gap at that point of my life (I was way too cool to wear normal clothing hah), but now that im in my mid 20s I’ve spent the last 5-6 years occasionally giving either one of those stores a jean try on in the dressing room and every time wound up a disaster. No other store left me leaving the dressing room a healthy size 7 feeling fat and miserable. Those jeans just make any shape look horrible and I feel for our bigger girls who even attempt them. There is no way that those jeans make anyone look good and not to be a huge meanie but your friend in my opinion is a slim exception. Sure she looks better in them than most of us, but I bet if she wore a different brand of the same style her butt would still look 100x better. I really don’t like either store period, atleast not lately, as everything is so horribly made and flimsy with mostly ugly design patterns and the sizing period anymore is horrendous. I wear a size M-L in tops and if I buy either one of those sizes they practically fall off.
Thank you!! I thought I was the only one who didn’t look good in those ridiculous Gap jeans. Always felt not good about myself when I would try and get into a pair of so called “long and leans” I have from them. Looks like it’s not just me, it’s an actual phenomenon!! Luckily I have Hudson jeans and Seven’s that always make me feel pretty good when I put them on! I should get rid of the one lingering Gap pair for once and for all!
You’re welcome! Yes, Hudson’s and Seven For All Mankind are both great jeans.
Great Post BUT I haven’t shopped at either in years because of these changes but there are other culprits of lower their quality, buffalo jeans, and even American Eagle (I have to scour the mall for non skinny jeans now…)
A great brand I’ve found in terms of quality and style (i get nothing but compliments) are LMV, (La Mode Est a Vous) I stumbled upon them in france and got hooked. They have awesome textures, and they fit the larger thighs, kinda big bum that’s not very round, and the smaller waist really really well. I now have 4 pairs of them. Their website is very truthful in sizing and they’re upfront about if things are smaller or larger than normal.
Also in terms of girls who have larger chests with tiny waists that are frustrated with not finding flattering dresses they have amazing and unique dresses. This store along with Desigual restored my faith in being able to buy nice flattering gorgeous clothing that I like again.
Thanks for the info! I’ll have to check that brand out!
Gap and Old Navy jeans are the same company. They are manufactured together with just a slightly different design per the tag of which line they are going to. I have a few pair of the Gap Long and Lean that look AMAZING on me! I bought them 3 years ago. I went to get a new pair and they don’t look the same nor do they fit the same so something there has changed also. I don’t buy a pair of jeans anymore just because of the name. I buy them by how they make me look and how AMAZING I feel when I wear them. I’m 33, mom of 6 and still look 23 and refuse to wear “mom jeans” that make me look old. I applaud your blog!
Both my daughter and I had a freak out the other night after reading this post. I have been a GAP girl forever, as I am tall 5’9 (I’ve started shrinking from 5’10). I never had to pay extra for the tall inseam at the GAP. My daughter who is 16 has my husbands build short, and curvy. As we are both blessed with booty we both would shop at GAP. Well not anymore…but now we are left struggling to find jeans that work for both of us. Any suggestions? I am 36 so I am not really one for the bedazzling, but may have to do some since jeans seem to be going that way, also I am a size 10/12 long. My daughter is 5’3 and is also a 10/12 short-regular. Great visual, I will now always photograph my butt when trying jeans on. :)
A lot of designer jeans come in REALLY long lengths, so they would work well for you – especially Rock and Republic, LA Idol (nice on curvy bodies especially) and Joe’s Jeans. If you’re looking for something less expensive, try Express Stella or Eva cut.
Hope that helps!
Oh dear, I shudder to think what my Target and TJ Max $15 jeans are doing to my butt…I do love a pair of Miss Me’s I got for $50 on sale at Macy’s though, I would recommend that brand! (Nice thick material, beige stitching, dark rinse, interesting but classic pocket design, and some good feathering).
I just stumbled on to this article via Pinterest and I really did have high hopes for having some of my jean problems answered. The advice on what to look for concerning back pockets is very helpful. Unfortunately, everything pair of jeans shown falls into bootcut, skinny or otherwise. I have a very narrow waist (at least 1.5 sizes smaller than the hip) muscular thighs and cantaloupe calves. I couldn’t get any of these past my knees if I tried. Nor would I want to.
Call me hopelessly out of style but I hate tight jeans. I hated them when I was a teenager and I hate them even more as a thirty-something. I’d much rather go for a trouser cut or wide leg jean that doesn’t expose my butt-crack and gape from being cut so large through the waist. It’s been my experience that jeans are definitely cut with women who carry weight in the middle in mind. And true wide-leg jeans are exceptionally hard to find.
There’s a lot of opinions of what the right price (or what price you are willing to pay) is. I recently bought the most expensive pair of jeans I’ve ever purchased. The wide leg Fusion from Anthropologie. Even deeply discounted it was still a huge chunk out of my pocket. I took a chance with them because there were so many positive reviews from other pear-shaped women. And they’re a winner, roomy in the thigh and just right in the waist but I can’t afford to buy another pair anytime soon. Talk about a double-edged sword.
Miss Me jeans are the BEST!
About a year ago I bought a pair of jeans from a Levi outlet store. They have a new way of fitting. I’m the “bold curve ” in a size 5. They look custom made and I feel sexy in them. Wear them very often and so far no holes or problems. I recommend them!! I think they were about $40.
AWESTRUCK. I’m completely blown away. Because of this article, which I found through Pinterest, I went to Express for the first time in about 15 years. Recently I lost about 20 lbs (yay!!) so I was literally falling out of my Ann Taylor and Old Navy jeans, which didn’t even fit that well when I was heavier. I tried on some Size 12’s at Express and was SHOCKED at how well they fit me and how well they “lifted” me. So THANK YOU for this! No more mom jeans for me. I’m completely sold. Although I’ve never paid this much for jeans before, it’s totally worth the investment. To those who might not have enough to pay for $80 or $100 jeans, SAVE UP to get them if you have to. It’s worth it.
Excellent!! Congratulations, and enjoy your new butt!!
FABULOUS ARTICLE DAHLING!!! I too used to be a victim of Gap & ON thank goodness I saw the light early on…I took my money elsewhere—- Lucky Brand Jeans Baby!!! If you can’t fork over the $99 for a pair that will never let you down hit up their outlet to save some $$$ or try your luck at TJMAXX …..each pair that I have has lasted at least 2-4 years and still looks presentable! They get washed every week & air dried fluffed in the dryer on low to get the crunchies out…if I am in a pinch I throw them in the dryer…but air drying on my $19 Walmart rack extends their life. Die mom jeans die lol!!!
that last picture – out of the dryer and 30 minutes later… look like different pairs of jeans
I just left a scathing review of the GAP “premium” (not sexy) boyfriend jeans I just purchased. Mom jeans or not, they fit in the dressing room. I am 5′, weigh between 115-125, and average a 2-4. The twos were perfect. An hour into my first day wearing them I had to LITERALLY go home and change pants because they were falling off my teeny tiny little butt. Sadly, I had no hips to help them stay up. FAIL ON GAP JEANS. Thank you for this enlightening butt blog. Off to Express I go…
What retailers carry these jeans; La Idol, Hudson Boot, Antik and Express Rerock? I’d like to check them out and see if I can find a better fitting jean.
LA Idol can be found at boutiques – not usually at major department stores.
Hudson and Antik are usually at higher end department stores like Nordstrom and Saks
Express ReRock are sold at Express stores.
OMG. Thank you for this blog. After 5 kids my butt can use all the help it can get. I have gotten down to 2 or 4 size in Gap/ Old Navy but still felt like they gave me mom butt. Now I know I was not crazy.
I’ve was lucky enough to have great friends who introduced me to better jeans early in my adult life, but I didn’t realize just how much of a difference they made until I scrolled through your pics with eyes wide and mouth hanging open in disbelief. Thank you for your research and reporting. Since January I’ve lost 60 pounds of baby weight and I’m finally down to a size I’m almost comfortable with. I’ll be giving my wardrobe a makeover in a few weeks and I’m going to keep this info on hand when I shop. No mom jeans for this mommy!
Absolutely loved this post! I swear by Express ReRock jeans. They fit fantastic and hold their shape throughout the day! Thanks for this! I’m sending it to all of my friends.
Where can you buy the LA Idol jeans?
A lot of boutiques have them, or you can buy them through a Vault Denim rep.
AMEN from a fellow Rachel!! Your post was both hilarious and reassuring…I thought I was taking CRAZY pills, but you confirmed my suspicions: GAP has changed their jeans, and they now have awkwardly HUGE ass pockets. Why must they turn my happy butt into a drooping, depressed derriere? I have some Sexy Boot jeans from a couple years ago, and they look great on me. But the new jeans? Yowzers. Preponderous pockets. Ick.
May I ask what size jeans you wear to get an idea of what we are seeing?? :)
Sure! I think I was wearing a 4 in Gap and Old Navy. In waist sizes, I wear between 26-28, depending on the jeans.
Hi! I love your post. Would u send me an email with your number. I’m terrible at this and I need some good jeans! Lol. I have three kids but I don’t want to look like it. Lol! God bless!
Sure! Actually, the best way to send me pics is at this email address – let me know if that doesn’t work, though!
I wear Gap Long And Lean but I’m so tired of them falling off by the end of the day. My issue is I have long legs and a big round butt and hips that are insane. I have 42″ hips but a 30″ waist so it’s hard to find anything that fits well. Any ideas?
Try Express Stella Cut, Joe’s Jeans Honey Curves, or LA Idol.
Hope that helps!
Wow! I always noticed how awful the fit and look was in gap/ON jeans! Great to know it wasn’t just my body! I have two toddlers, it’s very aggravating to have your jeans get saggy and loose, then spend the day tugging, pulling and readjusting my jeans all day! Especially when my hands are already busy! I love this blog, it’s funny and very informative, women should stick together and help each other out. On a different note, you should make a blog about jeans for men. My husband has a 34 waste but legs the size of tree trunks, it’s impossible to find jeans that fit right. And guys having their butts hang out is not attractive! :)
Thanks! And Dad Jeans is next on my agenda – I’m just taking a bit of a break first!
Wow. What a fantastic blog post. The post is informative, witty, and well researched. For my person denim shopping story, I had the most difficult time finding anything that looked good. I think I have a normal waist:hip ratio, but with large thighs and massive calves. I don’t like the way skinny jeans look and it was hard to find something that was comfortable and looked good. Until Levis Curve ID. I’m a bold curve. And since then, I’ve recognized that I need a curvy cut and subsequent jean shopping trips have been much more successful.
That’s great! I’m glad you found the perfect jean for you.
So what about short legs? I’m short, 5′ tall, but my legs are short, even for a 5′ tall person. I think the inseam on my favorite jeans (Mavi Molly-don’t think they make them anymore) is about 27″. Yes, they’ve been hemmed. Many jeans lose their shape if you just lop off 6-8 inches of the bottom. Petite jeans are impossible and still 4″ too long at a minimum…grr.
I always recommend hemming, but I understand what you mean about jeans losing their shape. I don’t know of any that are super short, but I’ll let you know if I run across any!
can you please tell me your measurements and height? I’m 5’1 and I am a bit big right now. I weigh about 140. my hips are 41 , my waist is 37. I’ve been hiding under leggings and long shirts, I want to wear jeans so i’ve been trying to find a good pair. I know I need to lose some weight and Im planning to sign up at the gym soon when I get my tax refund.
I’m 5’5″ and weigh 130 pounds. But there are great jeans out there for every size – I promise!
Oh, my. I have been stuck in Gap for YEARS. I truly thought the problem was my butt. Just ordered a few pairs of Rerocks. Thanks for the eye-opener.
I just found this on pinterest–I always knew it! Even 10 years ago when I was in HS they looked awful on me. (Full disclosure, I do have one pair of old navy jeans I like, but I was beyond amazed when they actually looked good.)
Just hit the gym.
I use On and gap jeans and sometimes depending of the factories where they are made they have different cuts but mostly they fit good. You can find this issue with all kind of jeans you just need to try until you find one is kind to your body shape. Of course if you are toned and in shape it is easier to find one that fits ( this is actually true with all kind of clothes) I just don’t Ike when people think they have the true about something I have the feeling you trying to sell “brand jeans” o something like that. Judging by the pictures my questions is are the pockets to low or is the butt? Because if you have something to fill the jean with those pockets will come right up. On the other hand the ones you like will no do a favor to a shaped and sticking up butt (besides covering only half of it) which takes me to my first point that everybody is different and you can find a good fit in any brand depending on you shape.
Holy Smokes!!!! I need to go test this out! Also you’re right about the stretching!!! I constantly need to wash mine to shrink it back to size!
LOL this post is hilarious!!! I have to wait to read the rest of it at home because I’m laughing out loud and trying to be discrete while I sit here looking at butts at work!
This is soooo true. After having my second child I bought my first pair of Old Navy jeans (I’ve never bought Gap) to use as a transition pair while I lose my baby weight. I HATE them. Your “exaggerated” photo of how they loosen is sosoooooso true. I’ve already vowed to NEVER buy them again! But now I feel like there is hope for my butt. Thank you for your post, because I totally felt like I was stuck wearing mom jeans and that maybe now that I have had two kids… maybe I’m stuck with a mom butt.
THANKS!!!!!
I like your article. I buy GAP jeans because it is all I can find that fit me. Do you have any suggestions for a woman size 14/16 with a 35 in inseam?
35″ is hard to find – it seems like 34″ is the standard long. I’ll keep my eyes out, though!!
This entry was awesome!!! And sadly so true!!
I agree the Express Rerock looks great on almost anyone!!
Thanks for your incite!!
Sara
This is such a great post! Thank you for your work you put into this!
What do you recommend for us tall moms? I’m six feet tall, and have new local brick and mortar shopping options. Gap is one of the few stores that sells Tall and Extra Tall. How do we have a hot butt and no high waters? I’m generally a 36″ inseam.
36″ is the standard for many designer jeans (like 7 For All Mankind, Rock and Republic, Red Engine, and Brown Label), which all look fabulous, but they are also more expensive. Express has talls, but I think they may only go up to 34″ – but it’s worth checking!
I am sooo glad to have someone point his out to me. For 20 years I have been a religious GAP/Old Navy wearer. When I put on my jeans in the morning they are snug and sassy and by the end of the day I am falling over them. So it’s not just me? It really is the brand?
It’s definitely not you! It’s the jeans.
you don’t have anything against my beloved Holister boot cut jeans do you??? I only get them once every 4 yrs. My last 4 pairs are hitting that time line and I was going to buy some more.
I have yet to test Hollister! I need to make that one of my next stops.
i totally agree with your post, but it’s hard to trust your advice when you recommend jeans that have those awful over-decorated back pockets. the gap and old navy have been frustrating me for years. every once in awhile they’ll come out with the perfect jean for my body type, only for it to be quickly discontinued in favor of these horrible, unflattering, quasi-mom jeans. i’ve resorted to buying their skinny jeans to wear with long shirts and tunics to cover up the unflattering back-view!
Just wanna say- my ON jeans are horrid. I am a size 0. And have the “diva boot cut” the only place that I will only buy jeans is American eagle (gives me a butt)and our local boutique who carries LA Idols, which btw the quality will make you want to where them every day.
I have always had issues finding the right fit with jeans. My issues are that I’mjust ashy of 6 Dr tall, so the usual inseam of 32 or even 34 is too short for me, I’m very thin with an almost non existent butt. Stretch jeans seem to stretch right over my tiny rear making it look like a unabutt. And of course with the first wash they loose their shape and I end up looking like my butt is sagging. Price is also an issue. I have a hard time coming up with $80 + to buy one pair of jeans! Any suggestions?
Thank you : )
Unfortunately, a little more money goes a LONG way in the tall jeans world. A lot of the designer brands come standard with a 36″ inseam (Rock and Republic, 7 For All Mankind, Red Engine, Brown Label, JBrand), but they’re not cheap. I would try Express Skyscraper though – they may do the trick, and they’re cheaper – especially with coupons and sales.
what do you find in the size difference in buying the two different kinds of jeans like would a 10 at gap be a 10 in the other brands?
Gap Jeans are typically sized one to two sizes smaller than most other jeans. So a 10 in gap would be a 12 or 14 in most other brands.
I work at ON and I totally agree about MOST of our jeans. I don’t know if you have tried our rockstar fit but those fit great! And they fit a ton of different body types too! I am short and curvy, my friend is tall and lean and we both look mmmmazing in them! ;)
OMG! I so need your help lol! I am a plus size girl and have yet to find a flattering pair of jeans for my pancake butt! I live in Montgomery and would love some affordable ideas to try on :)
I’d be glad to help you if you’re ever in Birmingham – I do private fittings once a month!
You are amazing! I don’t (think) I personally have a problem wearing Mom Jeans, but this is a great service you are doing to the whole world. I’m just so happy that this exists…. Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you soooo much for this! I bought Express Rerocks in 1 size higher than my trouser size and my bf kept saying ” turn around again! “.
That’s great! I’m so glad to hear it. Congratulations on your new butt!
Wow, this was very enlightening. I have yet to purchase an Express jean, or try them on for that matter, but that is about to change – amazing difference! I had a pair of GAP long and leans that I loved so much that they are in the trash – worn out :) My new faves are Silver ‘s – check out my raves: http://kelskraze.blogspot.com/2012/10/kraze-of-day-silver-jeans.html
I am skinny by no means size 12 on the average…love to return to an 8…work in progress :)
Yes, Silver jeans can be really great. In fact, I featured them in my last denim post.
Um this was the best blog post EVER! I wear Target jeans because Gap giant pockets make my flat butt look horrid and Jcrew doesn’t make clothes bigger than size 8 so we broke up and well…I am just not sure where to shop for them I guess. But I am determined to find at least one pair of jeans that looks decent on me this year!!
KK
I myself would recommend Levi’s Curve ID jeans. They’re an absolute dream.
Rachel, I would LOVE to see some jean comparisons for us big booty girls – different rules apply for us (ie: shorter zippers=butt cleavage, pocket embellishment=hello big ass!, straight leg=upside down pear….) – I actually have good luck with the Old Navy Sweetheart jean although I ALWAYS need the back taken in as I have a small waist…….which=…..yep, you guessed it, butt cleavage! Alterations get a little pricey!
Hi Janice! Here’s a follow-up post I did – let me know if this answers your questions: http://www.graspingforobjectivity.com/2012/10/plus-sized-denim.html
It is really hard for me to find jeans because I am extremely lacking in the butt department and I have a belly, so to get jeans in my size that fit usually the it makes me look like my butt is a deflated balloon lol. I sometimes luck out but no matter what I can not find a jean that can hug my butt and that fit good.
Is there a way to private message you? I seriously need help picking out jeans!!!
hillarious, true, and awesome.
I find it odd you keep pushing Express jeans when they, ON, and GAP have the same manufacturers and factories now. I used to work for Express and it’s a really similar quality and wear and fit lately between those three honestly. And yes, even with the ReRocks (if you have any sort of curve to your hips though they do not fit.)
OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!! this is just so incredibly AWESOME!! I have no idea why I haven’t found you sooner! I am a classic mom-jeans wearer (i say with deep embarrassment! I really had NO Idea it would make that much of a difference! You would think these other stores would catch on and make some necessary changes!!! SO sharing this post! thanks! <3
This is such a ridiculously good post – I always wondered if I was the only person who tried on Gap jeans and wondered what the heck happened to my butt! I seriously thought it must just be me….
Just curious if you have any suggestions for finding tall jeans? I am 6 feet tall, and need a 36 inch inseam, which is incredibly hard to find. Then when you do, they are not always the most flattering things in the world, especially considering the price. Gap does some in that length, and some styles work, some don’t. But I just can’t find a brand or a style that I love. I currently have some from DownEast, but they stretch to high heaven, and I just am not a fan. Yet they are the only ones I have, because I can’t find any others. So any direction or ideas would be awesome!
Any ideas for tall jeans? I am 6 feet tall and need a 36 inch inseam. Which is surprisingly hard to find, and don’t always fit the best.
I have giftcard Kohls what brand…what would you recommend for pear shaped woman, small waist with bigger hips…would like boot cut or even better skinny jeans for long sweater and boots…normally size 10-12 5’7…thx in advance!
I have kohls gift card and tight budget…what y
Would you recommend, Rachel for pear shaped 47 yo, 5’7 size 10-12 and pair shaped (smaller waist, bigger hips)’ what brand of jeans would be better to try there? I will look at Express too but would like Kohls as I have GC there now…thx in advance!!
Kohl’s is carrying Rock and Republic now – try those!! Otherwise, I’m not exactly sure what all they carry.
I do most of my shopping at Maurice’s. I love all the selections they have and you can always find good sales. Have you ever tried their jeans? If so what do you think?
Yes – they have some great jeans! In fact, I featured several in my sequel post.
Thanks for the info. Just received GC for Christmas to “purchase new jeans”. I work where jeans are a no no. So I don’t spend money on them, but have not bought new ones since our first child was born in 2008. I live in a smaller town with stores like JC Penny, Macy’s, and Kohls. Can I find any of these jeans to try on at those stores?
I would definitely try Macy’s and Kohl’s!
I love wearing women’s jeans. I’m 6’1″ and finding long women’s jeans are hard to find. Even jeans with a 32″ inseam are too short for me. I like Old Navy jeans for that reason. The tall Rock Star Skinny Jeans are long enough for me, even though I have to order them online.
Another Jean brand I like are Mossimo brand jeans that you can find at Target. They sell them in a long size that works great for me :)
I would like to add that I bought a pair of Victoria’s Secret jeans because they were on sale for $15 or something ridiculously cheap, and they too make my butt look odd and wide… and they stretch out after about 10 minutes. Sad. Very sad.
Thanks so much for the denim suggestions! I’ve never head of these brands until now!
Wow. Super helpful. I am going to edit all my jeans and share this on FB.
Half of this is true….I actually work at Gap and spend 50% of my time fitting jeans on women that wear HORRIBLE jeans. Mainly because they are wearing the WRONG SIZE and/or wrong style. There are SOOOOOO many different shaped women out there that it would be impossible for one store or brand to have something for everyone. And some of your pics are really dead on, but some of them….the “other” jean brought more attention to your rear instead of less. Gap denim is plain on pocket, but sometimes that is a good thing. Agree that no one looks good in the original. Not seen anyone yet.. And maybe a handful in Sexy boyfriend. I know what look they are going for….but honestly Gap Outlets version is much better. Called Premium boyfriend..
Nothing at Old Navy fits good anymore. There best jean … they took away. BUT I recently purchased a pair of straight leg jeans from ON off the clearance rack and they were AWESOME. Strange…
1. Long and Lean are only online now…. BUT, this is the jean that fits the most women and looks good AND they feel comfortable in it. The dark wash can be dressed up. I consider this to be almost a denim trouser. If you need to have your tummy concealed….these are great. And they are not for long and lean people. They help you look longer and leaner….they make your legs look longer/slimmer on the majority of people. NOT EVERYONE.
2. Curvy – I can’t really comment bc they either fit you GREAT or they just don’t!
3. Always Skinny – you can find a skinny denim jean anywhere, but your colored ones are really nice….
4. You left out our best ones – Sexy Bootcut – just came out in 2 new washes. Our best non mom jean! Check it out!!!!! These are the only ones I love.
5. Real Straight. These are really a great jean for women that do not want to wear a skinny jean. They will still go into a boot. BUT…they run smaller in the waist than any of our other jeans. So if you struggle with the gap in the waist in back…try these. I have to go up a size in them…..
6. Legging jeans – my favorite over the Always Skinny – a tad higher rise and very comfy. Make sure they fit very snug bc they will stretch!!!! Lots of cute colors…
7. Perfect Boot – basic mid rise boot cut…it is okay. mom jeanish…
***In all of our jeans – the key is to make sure they fit as snug as possible in the fitting room. If they fit perfect in FR….they do NOT fit. They will stretch within an hour and you will look like you have a saggy booty. No good for any of us! ****
No in saying this….I will say that I am a hard to fit gal bc I have no curves….and a certain premium denim that is pricey fits me the best! Hands down. I have 2 pair. I even wear them to work. But, don’t give up on Gap. You need to find a really good sales person in your local store. I really hope there is one in yours. Most women are too scared to ask for help and opinions. I have had several occasions when women came out of the fitting room looking like a completely new person in a great fitting pair of jeans. I fit/sell jeans to tweens – grandmothers….. I am all about having a couple of pair of nice designer jeans if you can afford them and they fit GREAT! But, for everyday jeans – we have a lot to offer at a great price for the quality. I would much rather pay $60 for a pair of jeans that last than $30 for some bling on my pocket from the local dept store. And ladies…..if you are 35-40 and up….there is a limit on how much bling we should be wearing on our rears! Go too far…..and you are only drawing attention to your possible “problem” area. And now that girls in 4th and 5th grade are wearing Miss Me jeans…..I think I will just leave those off my try on list. hahahahaha!!!
Great post….in that so many ladies are wearing dang UGLY jeans! But, half of the time it is because the fit is wrong. And I have about 5% that I really don’t feel I get a good fit with and I tell them….they should try some other places OR purchase but know you might need to invest in a belt. ;)
Great blog! I can’t wait to try on some jeans. Could you email me so I could text you some pictures. Thanks for your help