What's up with jeans lately?

[artist]

I am a thin person. Not bragging, I just am. If I were to lose enough weight, I'd look unhealthy. I don't think I'm a waif or anything, I am an okay weight for my height.

I am also a short person. I am 5'2".

I can't find jeans anymore! Why? If I try on a pair that is the correct size in the waist, the legs are too long. If I see a pair that is the right length, it has a toothpick sized waist. I am a woman, not a pre-pubescent 8 year old. I am thin, but as a woman, I do have hips regardless of them not being real big hips. Apparently jeans are being made for 8 foot 90 pound almost dead from starvation women.

Anyway, it's not JUST that I am short and having a hard time finding jeans!

The trend seems to be PURPOSEFULLY distressed jeans that are overpriced. Okay, I already feel poor. If I am going to spend my hard earned dollars on jeans, I don't want to look poor like I can't afford jeans without a bunch of stupid rips and holes! I am too old to do something like to be trendy. The whole point of me buying new jeans is the old ones got a hole.

The other thing is it's impossible to find jeans without bedazzled butt pockets. Thanks, but no thanks. I don't want jems on my ass. I don't want some hideous flower or pattern or whatever either. I also don't want a brand name screaming it's name on my ass.

I don't want "Mom Jeans", I don't want "Brittany Spears show my ass and undies off to the world" jeans, I don't want jeans that are unevenly faded, distressed, ripped, etc.

I want jeans that fit my waist, are the correct length, not too pale colored but an even color, with no rips, jewels, patterns, a waist that covers what needs covering, and legs that flare out the right amount. I don't do online shopping, I like to go to a store, try it on, pay cash, and leave. I don't like spending a ton on it. I did finally find a pair that sort of finally fit, but they were $70 which is a little more than I wanted to spend. Though, I noticed some pairs going for much much more. Why the hell is this so difficult? Really, what I want is so simple. And I'm not fat, so why is this so hard? I am almost 26, so I still want to look sort of hip, but not too trendy.

[laura]

I would recommend buying pants that fit in the waist and then having them hemmed. Some stores will do this for free if you purchase pants there (Banana Republic and Nordstrom come to mind), otherwise it will probably cost you $10 or less. I agree it's a pain, but you will obviously have trouble finding them "ready-made" the way you would like.

[mimi]

Artist - have you tried Gap or Lucky brand jeans?? I have 3 pairs of Lucky and 3 Gap which all fit my 5 foot bod perfectly. I'll have to look at the jeans to see which style of jean they are though.

[laura]

That's weird, Gap jeans are suddenly way too long for me. I am going to check out their petites, I guess, but I'm not normally a petite. I have 2 pairs of their jeans that are the same style (long and lean) and both regular length, and one is drastically longer - they are bizarre.

[tenofcups]

I can't speak to all of your post, but I'm 5 feet even, generally wear a size 0 or 2 and almost always have to have everything hemmed. But I always have, so it's not a new thing that pants don't come in short sizes that are workable. In fact, it's only relatively new (10-15 years, if I remember right) that "short" is an option at all --before that, there was one length for almost all women's pants.

On the very rare occasion that I find a length that doesn't have to be hemmed, I'm thrilled. But I generally assume that I'll have to hem.

[Aimee]

Have you tried Gap jeans? They come in 3 different lengths and don't have any pocket stitching. Same with Old Navy jeans. They're pretty standard issue jeans without a lot of distressing, etc. They also come in a variety of different rises.

That said, I'm a big proponent of "you get what you pay for" in terms of jeans, however. Old Navy and Gap jeans don't hold up nearly as well as my Sevens. Gap jeans from 15 years ago, yeah, those held up great. But now, all of the Gap and Old Navy jeans I had would get faded and shrink in the wash and look horrendous after a few wearings. It's cheaper in the long run to buy one pair of great jeans than 3 pairs of jeans that will wear out quickly.

[carrie9142]

I am 5'7" and jeans can be too long for me! It seems like the pendulum has swung from shorter jeans to longer. Six or seven years ago I had to buy longs, now I can get regulars. Tee shirts are also longer, thank goodness!

I, too, am not a fan of super distressed jeans. I just want normal looking jeans! Sometimes it is impossible to find jeans.

I agree with others that it is probably worth it to just have the jeans hemmed.

[MLA]

I haven't tried it, but I've read great things on this board about Target's custom fit jeans -- you put in all of your measurements, and they spit out jeans that fit you perfectly. I've been thinking I may want to give it a shot.

ETA -- they're less than $40, too!

[Marie]

I've had luck at Express recently - several cuts and lengths to chose from. Most jeans are way too thin through the hips for me and way too long.

[kiki61872]

augh i was just complaining about jeans to my coworkers.

i used to always be able to get Gap jeans - but lately they seem off to me. no luck what so ever.

i actually just had some luck with jcrew - i found a pair on clearance (reg 140 and i got them for $30 - yeahoooooo)
they are too long and need to be hemmed but fit great.

[SingleWhiteFemale]

GAP jeans have changed. I went in wearing a pair, picked up the exact same ones, tried them on, and they were HUGE. They didn't even come close to fitting.

I am thin, but can never find jeans long enough. Plus, I don't have a butt. Great hips, but I lack a butt. It is very difficult to find pants. I tried American Eagle, and I love their jeans. Unfortunately, I can only purchase them online (00 long).

[artist]

I've had luck at Express recently - several cuts and lengths to chose from. Most jeans are way too thin through the hips for me and way too long.

Express was the store I went to first because I liked the jeans I bought there last year and they fit. However, ALL of the jeans now are distressed!

[Tanya]

Where are you shopping? I have not come across bejeweled butt jeans;). Recently I got fed up with jeans always being too long, and I asked the BR salesperson, who the hell fits into these jeans??! And he said, nobody, everyone gets them hemmed. So it seems to me most stores err on the side of caution and make all their pants long to fit the tallies. Once I realized I could get an original hem done for under $10 (free at BR, even with their sale jeans, unless they are on sale to get rid of--confusing;)), I stopped buying jeans that didn't fit exactly right, but were the right length, since I didn't like the look of hemmed jeans. Try Target's Levis or Mossimo. Or Marshalls.

BTW, I'm 5'4" and have bought "short" or "petite" jeans from Express and Limited, and Calvin Klein at Marshalls. But those end up being too short on me after one wash and are now relegated to the wear-with-sneakers pile.

[Tonysweetie]

oh I hear ya! My problem is that I'm short so 9 times out of 10 they're too long. And it's like I find my size and it's wayyyy to small then I find another pair in a different brand and they are too big. What is up with that? Jeans are tooooo low and I hate it. I don't want my butt hanging out of my jeans. So frustrating!

[ignutzz]

I believe Levi's also makes a custom fit jean. I don't have any first hand knowledge though.

I've had decent luck with Esprit pants/jeans but I like my pants longish (I wear them with a mid-heel) and I'm on the opposite end of the weight spectrum. :o

[artist]

Try Target's Levis or Mossimo. Or Marshalls.


I've tried Target's jeans and they don't work for me. Otherwise I would because they're a great deal!

Oh, and someone just mentioned they wear heels...that's just it. I don't ever wear heels. I hate to wear heels. I can't walk. I have back problems too, so I really try to avoid heels. I like to be comfortable, so tennis shoes or flat sandals or flat shoes. I also am too impatient to wait for pants to be hemmed. (And I don't sew myself.)

You know, this is why for example I had my wedding dress made! I wanted something so simple...white (duh), sleeveless, no train, no poofiness, no lace, no beading, none of that. Just a very very very simple gown. Well, I went to one store and wanted to run the heck out (can you tell I hate to shop?), sort of looked online here and there, and then just said, "screw it", drew a sketch of what I wanted and found a seamstress who could make it! My problem with clothes, shoes, etc. is that I love just plain, simple, minimal. Nothing seems to be simple enough to please me. Oh well.

[Sophia]

I've had good luck with Ann Taylor Loft petite jeans. The only thing is they only have a few styles to choose from.

[cc8]

Banana Republic petite jeans.

[tgr68]

I hear you! I have only one store that I can find jeans at consistantly - Maurices. I am 5'4" and a size 12 - no hips, all booty, very short waist. :rolleyes: I have to buy their regular length, low-rise jeans to get them just a tad long (petites are too short for me, but sound like they would work great for you!) and sit right at my belly button. While they do have the more trendy, distressed jeans, you can get a pair of regular ole jeans. The store typically carries 6 different cuts/styles that will change slightly from season to season depending on what cut sales the most.

Here's a pic of their Hipster Jean. It does say that it has novelty stitching on the pockets, but I don't think it screams at you!
http://www.maurices.com/images/womensdenim_large2.jpg

The best part - regularly $26-$29 depending on the cut!

[Asha]

i suggest gap jeans. they are the only thing i buy at gap. they have three different lenghts (ankle is what you want. its for the shorter people.) they also have many different cuts of jeans. i also suggest the jeans with some stretch in them. i find the jeans without stretch end up looking like mom jeans. plus, they won't fit me on my bloated days if i don't get them with stretch.

where do you order the cutsom fit target jeans? i have never heard of this. i knew levi's did it, but that's a little pricey for me.

[Eric's Wife]

I've had good luck with Ann Taylor Loft petite jeans.
I'm 5' tall (short). I just bought these jeans a few weeks ago and they fit perfectly. I also used to wear Express jeans but now I don't care for their new line of jeans. I don't like flare legs and it seems every store has flare legs.

[MLA]

I don't like flare legs and it seems every store has flare legs.

Yeah, seriously. What's up with the flare legs? If you're shorter than 5'8", there's no way you can pull them off. They're just not flattering for most women. That's one of my biggest problems in jeans shopping. . .

[Camdynlyn]

Must be a pain finding jeans to long for you! I've never had that problem!

[greenbunny]

I also hate the new Express jeans, so I buy their older styles on eBay. People tend to sell clothes on there when they're tired of them, so they're often in great condition. And since I already know what size I need, there's no guesswork.

[Regina Phalange]

I also hate jeans right now!! I gained about 10 lbs recently and it basically went straight to my hips. I would still consider myself to be thin but can't, for the life of me, find a good pair of jeans that aren't designer. I love Citizen jeans and would buy them all day if I could afford them or knew I'd be this weight for a while (but I'm currently on a weight loss mission). Where the hell can I buy jeans that aren't ridiculously uncomfortable through the hips but also fit in the waist without showing my ass crack when I bend down?? Oh, and they have to be on the long side. 5'9 over here. :confused:

[Quartercentury]

A friend of mine who is 5 foot 2 has bought jeans that were labelled capris at Old Navy and had them fit her (length-wise) just right.

[bellaprincess]

I also hate jeans right now!! I gained about 10 lbs recently and it basically went straight to my hips. I would still consider myself to be thin but can't, for the life of me, find a good pair of jeans that aren't designer. I love Citizen jeans and would buy them all day if I could afford them or knew I'd be this weight for a while (but I'm currently on a weight loss mission). Where the hell can I buy jeans that aren't ridiculously uncomfortable through the hips but also fit in the waist without showing my ass crack when I bend down?? Oh, and they have to be on the long side. 5'9 over here.

FutureGallucci: You might want to try American Eagle's Skinny Strech Flare Jeans:
http://www.ae.com/web/browse/product.jsp?rcid=womens&scid=cat90120&sscid=&navroot=womens&productId=1435_7342

or if you want to spend a little more Abercrombie's Emma Low Rise Boot Cut jeans:
http://www.abercrombie.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10901_225764_-1_12261

[shopaholic]

I was just coming in here to suggest American Eagle jeans but looks like someone just did :)

[shopaholic]

FutureGallucci: You might want to try American Eagle's Skinny Strech Flare Jeans:
http://www.ae.com/web/browse/product.jsp?rcid=womens&scid=cat90120&sscid=&navroot=womens&productId=1435_7342


I have these and they fit good. Weird thing is, I just washed them and for some reason it seems there is a tiny spot of bleach on the front by the pocket. Strange because I washed with another load of jeans and I don't own a bottle of bleach.

I am thinking it might have been from a distressed design (that I didn't notice) and washing them made it more noticeable.

[jimmysgirl424]

A friend of mine who is 5 foot 2 has bought jeans that were labelled capris at Old Navy and had them fit her (length-wise) just right.


Hee!! Great minds think alike. I am 5'0" and buying jeans that fit is an infuriating, frustrating process for me. So, the last two pairs of jeans that I bought were capris at Target. The length was perfect, Capri apparently means regular for us short folk. :p

[Eric's Wife]

A friend of mine who is 5 foot 2 has bought jeans that were labelled capris at Old Navy and had them fit her (length-wise) just right.

I've done that with chino capris from old navy and with pants from JCrew.

[kiki61872]

have you guys noticed that even reguluar jeans have gotten longer in the length?
i remember when a reg. lenght meant 30-31" and short is 28"
now i'm finding that short length is 30" now.
now does this make since?????

[Sophia]

I'm under 5', and Gap's Ankle length and capris in general are too short to be worn as regular length jeans...unless I want that highwater look.

[Aimee]

have you guys noticed that even reguluar jeans have gotten longer in the length?
i remember when a reg. lenght meant 30-31" and short is 28"
now i'm finding that short length is 30" now.
now does this make since?????

About 2 years ago, I mentioned this to a salesclerk at Gap and she said that they'd lengthened all of their inseams because the jeans were meant to be worn with heels. I went from being able to wear a regular inseam there to being relegated to the "ankle" length.

I tried on a pair of SFAMK crops and they were the length of regular jeans on me - and I'm 5'3-5'4. Sevens just run long. *shrug*

It's actually much harder for me to find capris that fit at my height - they're either high waters or shorts. No inbetween.

[MelodySoul]

I'm 5'6" and I've had to buy short length jeans before.

[Quartercentury]

have you guys noticed that even reguluar jeans have gotten longer in the length?
i remember when a reg. lenght meant 30-31" and short is 28"
now i'm finding that short length is 30" now.
now does this make since?????
I hardly ever wear heels, but at 5 foot 10 I am a big fan of not having to buy long lengths anymore. It does seem weird that "regular" inseams can be as much as 32", but I am not complaining.

[Hello Kitty]

Weird thing is, I just washed them and for some reason it seems there is a tiny spot of bleach on the front by the pocket. Strange because I washed with another load of jeans and I don't own a bottle of bleach.
This happened to me with Target's Long & Lean (or whatever their knockoff :p is) It's not bleach, it's where the dye didn't 'stick' on the fabric. You usually can color it back in with blue/black pens.

I'm really short-waisted and can't find jeans with a low enough rise (and affordable) to be 'low rise' While I don't always want to have my midriff out, there are times I'd like to have just a sliver. I guess no one can win!

Artist, if you can find jeans that fit, except for length, you can get the tailor to do the original/natural hem so they don't look shortened.

[jimmysgirl424]

I just remembered another trick of mine. I buy mens jeans sometimes. They fit awesome through the legs and butt and also have a lower rise. I prefer low rise because my navel is pierced and the higher waisted jeans tend to irritate it. However, I hate bending over and having half of my a$$ hanging out. The mens jeans are just low enough without being indecent.

I think that either Seven or American Eagle are making "boy cut" jeans now.

[shopaholic]

This happened to me with Target's Long & Lean (or whatever their knockoff :p is) It's not bleach, it's where the dye didn't 'stick' on the fabric. You usually can color it back in with blue/black pens.


Very weird.

Just use regular ballpoint pens? The jeans are so dark and it looks foolish with a circle bleach spot.

[Hello Kitty]

Yeah, just regular pens - fine tip is good, and I just scratch lightly with the grain of the fabric. I usually do the blue first, and then the black. You could try a permanent marker too. It comes out slightly in the wash and I just touch it up.

It's not ideal, but you have to get pretty close to the spot to see it. :shrug: That's how cheap I am, coloring in a pair of jeans I got on clearance for $3. :rolleyes:

[shopaholic]

I might try it. I just wore them once or twice and then washed em....

[ManteoChik]

I can relate. I'm barely 5'2" and have THE HARDEST time finding jeans to fit me because everything is too long.

I always used to wear GAP and Express, but I agree, jeans have changed....I can no longer wear them because I can't find a style that I like (I used to wear stretch bootcut)

I've recently discovered jeans at Aeropostle and have been *very* happy with them. You can usually get them for under $35 and they are always the perfect length.

[longislandlolita]

FutureGallucci: You might want to try American Eagle's Skinny Strech Flare Jeans:
http://www.ae.com/web/browse/product.jsp?rcid=womens&scid=cat90120&sscid=&navroot=womens&productId=1435_7342

or if you want to spend a little more Abercrombie's Emma Low Rise Boot Cut jeans:
http://www.abercrombie.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10901_225764_-1_12261

I have the American Eagle jeans and they are fabulous. For all you shorties out there, the 0P is great -- it's a true zero (they are nice and tight on me) and I can wear them with flip flops. I'm about 5'1".

I'll have to check out the Emma now!

[SQ2]

Just dropping in to commiserate with ya. Shopping for jeans sucks. I hate it. I've taken a hiatus because I get so mad. A friend of mine swears by Lee One True Fit (http://www.onetruefit.com/) jeans. I'm particularly intrigued by their claim that they don't gap in the back, which always seems to be my problem. They are my next brand to try.

Other brands that have been recommended to me recently: Limited (Cassidy Fit), Banana Republic (Curvy fit), Ann Taylor, and Mavi. Once school is over I'm going to re-motivate myself to actually find a pair that work for me.

I totally agree that GAP jeans have changed. I used to wear them all the time and just don't love them anymore.

One of my biggest pet peeves about buying jeans is that they might fit in the store, but you never know how much they will stretch. Yet it's so hard for me to spend money on a pair of ass tight jeans that I can barely sit in, just because they might stretch out with a few wearings. Ugh! :mad:

I feel your pain!