Did you get an email from J.Crew with the subject announcing "the fall guide to denim"? It includes link to J.Crew denim collection and encourages you to "upgrade your denim'.
Well, I was rather skeptical about the "upgrade" since I always thought
J.Crew jeans are overpriced, use mediocre fabrics (despite lofty claims
in the copies), and the fit is barely OK. Even though my closet is dominated by J.Crew, I only own one pair of J.Crew jeans: the destroyed matchsticks and I only bought them because the price was $13.99.
But on my recent visit to the store, I decided to try on the high-waisted skinny
and the midrise toothpick.
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| Size 27 |
But there was no surprise with the fit. They are just OK.
They are difinitely high rise, they go up to my navel. It feels a little constricting because of the sausage-stuffing effect and I did not see a benefit of it . I would not dare to wear them with the top tucked in
The length is as expected. I don't usually like the bunching at the ankles, so I would probably wear them cuffed.
Overall, I think they are not bad for the current sale price plus discount, but I was not wowed enough to pull out my wallet.
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| Midrise toothpick jean in carbon |
I have tried the toothpick cords in the past and did not like the
fit. They were too tapered, too short, too low rise and they had extra
fabric sticking out in the hips while giving me a muffin top at the same
time.
But these got my attention by being strategically located on the table in the middle of the store, near the entrance. I liked the wash and I decided I would give them a try, without having much hope.
But these got my attention by being strategically located on the table in the middle of the store, near the entrance. I liked the wash and I decided I would give them a try, without having much hope.
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| Size 28 |
These again are listed as online/catalog only, but they were definitely
stocked in my store, so you can check in yours, if you are interested. To my surprise, they fitted quite well.
No extra fabric in the hips. Maybe I finally accumulated some fat
tissue there? I would not mind, actually. But I think it has something
to do with being midrise, somehow the proportion changes and it works
better for my body type. At least this is my theory, what do you think?
They are perfect ankle length on me, I am 5'6. I think they wooul look great with booties and heels (and with boots of course) but you can also try them with oxfords and loafers. It might be that I have warmed up to the idea of ankle length pants, they don't elongate the leg as much as longer pants but I like how they show the ankle bones.
I have to admit, I like the rear view, this is about the best I can get. If they were any cheaper I probably would have bought them already but I am still tempted.
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I usually take 28 in toothpicks, but just in case, I decided to try the 27 as well, thinking that they may stretch.
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| Size 27 |
So they fit about the same, just a little tighter. They were not awfully uncomfortable so they might be good if they do stretch. What is your experience? Do you size down to account for stretching?
For some reason they seemed longer, is it possible?
Also, the pocket placement seem a little different and my butt looks flatter, but maybe it is an angle of the picture? Do they look like the same jeans to you?
Overall, I really liked the toothpicks. Looking at the pictures, I like the 28 better, but probably would have to try them on again to compare.I don;t need them now but I will reconsider if they go on sale.
Overall, I really liked the toothpicks. Looking at the pictures, I like the 28 better, but probably would have to try them on again to compare.I don;t need them now but I will reconsider if they go on sale.
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What do you think?
Have you tried any mid or high rise denim from J.Crew and if so, do you like the fit?
Do they stretch in your experience? Should I get the 27 or 28?
Please share, it would be no fun without you!!!
I had a pair of high waist J Brand, jeans, they were incredible on and made my legs look so long but with my belly they were utter agony to wear, the pain when I sat down in them was awful, so after 4 wears they went to Oxfam. I need my belly to hang freely over my jeans!
ReplyDeleteLol Tabitha! I agree that those high waisted jeans can be extremely uncomfortable.
DeleteI bought a pair of regular toothpicks and midrise toothpicks in size 27 online a couple months back. I definitely found that the midrise toothpicks fit a little tighter than the regular toothpicks (and the other toothpicks I already had). I ended up keeping the midrise ones because it's nice to have a variety of rises for different purposes.
ReplyDeleteI love the midrise toothpicks on you. You look great in jeans!
I think the midrise is good for holding stuff in while not stuffing your guts into sausage casing.
DeleteThe midrise looks fantastic on you! You look so slim and they are the perfect length. They especially look great from the back! (Is that weird to say?!). I bought the midrise toothpick cords this year and just love the fit. I haven't worn them yet, but I've never had a pair of jeans not stretch as I wear them--mainly in the waist. The 27s do look tighter in the rear, having a bit of a flattening effect, but I wonder if that would stretch out some after you had them on awhile. If they aren't hurting you at the waist in the 27s, I would maybe try those. Maybe you could wear them around the house for a few hours with the tags on, so you could get a sense if they will stretch enough. Good luck! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Kittywitty, I'll do anything for a good rear view, so no it is not weird to say :) I usually go for a bigger size but sometimes I end up with saggy butt.
DeleteDo they have any spandex in them? I can't wear the Toothpicks, they are too tight in the calves, and if there is no spandex there is no hope for me. I don't care for the Toothpick's proportions on me normally, although if they had spandex I would try on this pair with the mid-rise because you said it changes the proportion a bit. Overall the Toothpicks frustrate me because I really like the look of them but they don't work on me. I always have to size up in Toothpicks just to get them on. I never size down in denim to account for them stretching out, but I don't like the feeling of tight jeans so that's why.
ReplyDeleteOf these two pair, I don't care for the high-waisted skinny, but the toothpicks look good. Thanks for the reviews!
I not sure about spandex but rembering how they felt I'd say yes. They seem to have more room in calves than other (cord) toothpicks I tried. Ikwym, I don't have muscular calves but I guess they think that when you are size 27 your calves are skinny and I think mine are thicker in comparison to my tights and hips. Even cafe capris are often restricting and tend to ride up in the calves.
DeleteI like the midrise toothpick on you better. I am looking for a pair and was looking at the factory versions on the weekend. Wonder if they would fit remotely similar?
ReplyDeleteI don't know but I would be curious. Please report if you try them !
DeleteI have the midrise toothpick (in a different size), after multiple washes and wear I don't think they stretch out a lot. I'd recommend you stick with the first pair you tried (I think the 28), whenever I wear them people often think they're from JBrand (a compliment I think?). JCrew jeans are not the best but if you find one that fits BUY IT! The midrise toothpick looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Joelle! I will probably try them again but I am leaning toward 28.
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ReplyDeleteI've tried to make J.Crew's regular toothpicks work on my figure since they come in so many great colors, but I think it's a lost cause. The rise is just too low, and I don't have a butt to stop them from drooping in the seat area. You look good in the midrise toothpicks - I just ordered a pair of the midrise toothpick cords to see if they're a better fit on me. Neon fuchsia on sale. They might be waaay too bright, but they weren't FS so I can send them back if I don't like them. I wish I had advice about the "size down for stretch" theory, but every pair of jeans I've ever owned behaves differently - no way for me to tell until the second day of wear whether or not I'll have to turn them into jean shorts come summer (too loose) or give them to Goodwill (too tight) :p
ReplyDeleteWhitney I'd be very curious to know how these midrise cords fit, it would be easier for me to justify. You are right, it is such a pain with jeans, you never know how they will behave until it is too late:(
DeleteOk, I got those midrise cords and they made me remember why I stopped buying denim and cords from J.Crew. Not made for my body AT ALL. I'm going back to the Gap or Madewell, they understand my shortwaisted no-waisted flass body much better. Color wasn't too bad, though.
DeleteOMG! This post and the response made me laugh!
ReplyDeleteFirst - AJC - you look awesome in these - SO thin!
Second - I am like Tabs - all of my weight sits in my chest and my middle and I am THISCLOSE to wearing spanx with everything - but darn it - spanx is uncomfortable.. sigh...
I digress - you look great!
Thank you WMM, you just made my day. I actually don't mind Spandex but it is so unsexy, worst than granny panties from Bridget Jones Diaries ;)
DeleteI gave up on J.Crew denim, it just seems so cheap compared to other brands. The matchsticks I had were saggy after an hour of wear and developed what looked to be nicks on the front of the thighs, which soon turned into holes. My tailor said it was due to flaws in the fabric.
ReplyDeleteThe caution with high-waisted jeans is that many women trade in a muffin top for a camel toe.
I had bad opinion of JC denim and I was convinced that this is one of their worst value category but these toothpicks were really nice, I was surprised. Could not judge the quality until you wear them for a while but they did not feel cheap. Actually I haven't bought denim for a while and I find that a lot of 'premium' brands felt cheapened compare to what they were few years ago. Around 2000 most denim was still made in US, not that it guaranties anything but it was just made without all those extreme cust cutting measures.
DeleteCamel toe is worse than muffin top imo. Is it because of the cut tends to pull in those places?
It's all about the top of the hips/waist. The higher waist is often quite tapered so if it is too tight on the top of the hips/waist jeans can ride up to the smallest point possible, creating a camel toe in the process. It's the opposite effect of the low riders which fit lower and if the top of the hips spills over instead of into the jeans it pushes the jeans down. Fit really is key. You see so many people who want to buy the smallest size they can get into, rather than the size that fits best. No one looks good in camel toe.
DeleteMy husband has a few pair of J.Crew denim, one purchased just last year. They are all made in Canada, apparently at the same factory where Victoria Beckham had her label manufactured. The quality is OK but they do sag by the end of the day. I cannot possibly see wearing them day after day without washing, as J.Crew suggests.
Ooooh, this make total sense, I knew I can count on you with the explanation.
DeleteNow that you said it, it seems almost obvious, but I did not understand it before. When I 'get it', I can work with it, thank you!
I pretty much only wear J Crew denim and do not have any issues with it sagging nor wearing out. I have a few pairs of dark blue matchsticks that I've worn over and over again and they still look fresh as the day I bought them. I also have a pair of black resin wash toothpick ankle jeans that I wear to death and I am going to have to start babying (meaning, hanging to dry--I already wash inside out but I use the dryer) just so I don't lose the black color (washed and worn many, many times) I wear them probably 3 times before washing again and I do not find them stretched out in between wears. One thing I noticed is the denim I refer to was made in the USA and of course, I love that. I tried the midrise because I thought I might prefer it to the lower waist of the matchstick & toothpicks and I found I really like it! But I noticed it is now being made in other countries and that is really unfortunate. I also noticed the midrise were better at lifting the butt instead of flattening it--a true PERK:) I love the midrise on you and think the 28 look best.
ReplyDeleteThanks sweetsy , good to know that you have great experience and that they are not stretching out, and yay for perks, something I am always looking for. I noticed that most high waisted bottoms tend to flatten me but the midrise works better than low rise, something about body anatomy and the city off point I think.
DeleteIt is important to note-the midrise is not the same as high-waisted denim. You will not get the camel toe referred to in the previous comment, with this style:)
ReplyDeleteI agree and I actually wondered why?
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ReplyDeleteAJC, the toothpicks look great -- esp from the back! I would stick to the 28s, I have not found JC jeans to stretch out much, and the absolute worst piece of clothing is too-tight, stiff jeans.
ReplyDeleteA couple of sidenotes:
(1) I did pick up a couple of the high rise skinnies that you tried and nixed, but only b/c they had my NEW size, which I need -- firmly up from 25 to 26 (all my other clothes seem to fit fine except those 25 denims... the dreaded belly fat), and they were on super sale. Yes they are high, but in my bigger, better size, they also aren't so very squeezy, reducing overhang. Plus, I do the half tuck or no tuck, so don't even have to consider the unattractiveness of tucking in... My SA told me that they are discontinuing the high rise in favor of the mid rise so you must not be alone in your preference.
(2) I agree with you that JC jeans are just okay. If you've looked at some of the other lines (Current / Elliott is maybe my current fav), they are so much softer and comfy -- much like the denim jackets you discussed in a prior review. (Btw, I got my JC stretch denim jacket this weekend and love it. But I also ordered from Gap and Nordstrom, so I am waiting to see which I prefer...)
(3) Thank you for the so very helpful review of the Gap sexy boyfriend jeans!! This past weekend I went to two 7 year old bday parties and both times I had to wear skinny jeans b/c that is all I buy (key benefit is that I don't have to hem, can roll as desired, and can wear with any type of footwear). But remembering your review (and the movie Clueless -- which I LOVE), I was just dying to have a pair of jeans that is not so "binding". The boyfriends were exactly what I need for this sort of very low key outings where a perky bottom is not necessary to display... I am wearing a pair right now (I bought two) -- like you said, these are jeans that don't need to be peeled off the second you walk in the door. Would not have even known about them w/o your review, so thank you thank you!
Helpful and entertaining post, as always! :) Have a great week!
Hi Audrey, thank you for the comments! I am so glad my reviews helped you, it is always so nice to hear. I love my denim jacket and boyfriend jeans, i wonder how the jacket will compare to other brands, let us know what you pick.
DeleteAnd I cannot help thinking that you cannot possibly have anything hanging being size 25 :) I am not surprised they discountinue high rise, I think it is seldom flattering on most women.
Your backside looks great in the toothpick jeans! You know how to rock those jeans. I would go with the 28 as they look more classy. The 27 look too tight and snug. You defin. look great in the 28.
ReplyDeleteThanks Wendy, I think I'd go with the 28 but god knows I don't need any more jeans...
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