View Full Version : Jeans- what's your favorite brand?
Many years ago I found that Lee Jeans made jeans that fit me perfectly and I bought several pairs. They've finally all gotten holes in them and I need to replace them. Lee no longer makes this particular style. In the interim, LL Bean and Lands End had also made jeans I liked, but don't make these anymore either.
I like a jean that comes just below my navel, but not a low rise one that barely covers the private parts. I like a tapered leg (somewhat narrower at the ankle) , nothing billowy. HATE HATE bootcut- reminds me too much of bad 70's fashion. A straight leg can be ok if its not too wide. I like plain/classic, no decoration or excessive stitching. If I want to dress up, I would wear something other than jeans. I am short, and liked when I could buy the inseam I need (28 usually) and not just a "short" jean which is too long on me.
What I'm finding are : mom jeans, aka at or slightly above the navel, teenager jeans with the low rise, and the ubiquitous boot cut. Any suggestions out there? Oh and I'm also cheap. $50 is my top price for a pair of jeans, preferably 40 bucks or less.
What do YOU look for in a jean?
I just try on sale jeans (won't pay more than $15) because the brands and sizes change too often to go with favorites.
Don't wear jeans: Old Navy fold-over yoga pants are my every day wear.
I struggle with finding jeans that fit me (properly) and look good on me. I have a pear-shaped figure, so fitting a bigger bottom, wider hips, and heavier thighs into jeans, means I usually have to size-up with most brands, which then alters the appearance of how they actually fit. And sizing-up pants (jeans) usually results in "waist gap", where the pants gap around the waist. I'd love to try on a pair of Apple Bottoms!
The couple pairs of jeans I do own, have nice tapered fitting leg-cuffs, and fit me well in the bum and legs. (I hate tight). I'm most comfortable wearing slacks.
As far as style goes, I go for reserved rather than flashy/decorative. Not much stitching, no fancy patches of additions (or things), and not all washed-out so they look as though I've been wearing (and washing) them for years. Tapered, all the way. No rhinestones/embroidery/etc.
Out of the two pair of jeans I own (wear), my Pennington's, are my favourite!
IshbelRobertson
4-6-12, 5:21pm
I haven't worn jeans since my early 20s. Not because I'm ginormous - just don't like how they look on my bum and legs.
Fitted, tailored trousers are my alternative!
Anything that's under $15 & fits... I get lucky at the Goodwill every so often. Lee's, mostly. Talls size 16.
I am just about to finish wearing out my last couple pair of el cheapos and am going back to Levis. Better quality to last longer and consistent sizing so no surprises with fit. I did have some sticker shock when I got a new pair last week. Retail was over $50 a pair. Fortunately they are routinely on sale. I wear the "relaxed fit" 550s.
Back in the day, men's jeans were easy to buy. There were--what--3 models? Now there are relaxed fit and various leg styles and various waist hits, and lots of colors.
I tried to buy DH 501 (or was it 505?) you know, just the plain standard kind in the classic blue denim color, and it was nearly impossible. Granted, the JC Penney store I went to is a small one, but geez. By that point I didn't even care how much they cost (I'd gone during a sale) I just wanted 2 pair.
I'm pretty partial to Lee myself -- there is a Vanity Fair/Lee outlet near my family home where I get my jeans. I get the Lee Riders relaxed fit style, now down to size 10p, which is exactly the right length for me (I'm about 5'3"). They have a fairly straight leg. Under $20/pair,I think.
lhamo
The Storyteller
4-6-12, 8:08pm
Arizona.
@Lhamo: that is exactly the style I used to buy! But not available on the Lee on line store anymore, and not in my local retail outlets either. THAT's what I want!
Carhartts, Cabelas, Duluth Trading.
Try lee again. I find lee, mid rise is the best fit. Just below the navel but not so low it feels like it's falling off. I think they are called Lee mid rise, relaxed fit, boot cut , or something like that.
JC Penney's St. John's Bay has different styles of jeans in different cuts. They're one of the few that fits me OK. They do have some stretch to them, which is great when they're first washed, but then get droopy hours later.
When I was younger I always wore Lee jeans. I've one pair left and they're my 'tester' pants--if I can button them, I know I've lost weight.
@Lhamo: that is exactly the style I used to buy! But not available on the Lee on line store anymore, and not in my local retail outlets either. THAT's what I want!
Oh man -- if they've stopped making those I am going to be PISSED! I still have several pairs in various conditions, but they are getting baggy as I'm losing weight and I was hoping to be able to "downsize" to an 8 when I go back this summer.
If you know exact size, keep an eye on ebay.
lhamo
I wore JC Penney's Cabin Creek jeans for probably 20 years..........and they quit making them recently. I'm bummed. Can't find them anywhere. On sale, they were around $12.99.
After a brief change to Lee, have gone back to Levi's. Though I don't really like the leg style of a different fit I bought recently because they were lower rise.
Saw a pair of Carhartt recently and want to try them.
Levi's 512. Very moderately bootcut - I'm not a fan of all the skinny leg stuff going on right now.
It's been an evolutionary process for me. In my 20's it was Levi's ONLY!! In my 30's & 40's it was whatever style caught my eye and was on sale. In my 50's I'm back to Levi's and my new love, Carhartt painter style (my wife likes the way my rear end looks in them).
rosarugosa
4-7-12, 12:14pm
I've had a hard time all my life finding jeans that were a good fit until a few years ago, when I discovered Levi's 512 "Perfectly Slimming Boot Cut" jeans. They come in petite lengths and I wear a size 4P or 6P.
Iris Lily: If you're having trouble finding the Levi's your DH prefers, you might want to check out Rocky Mountain Connection, rmconnection.com. They seem to carry all the different styles of Levi's, although their prices aren't the cheapest. DH likes the 501 "Shrink to Fit" jeans.
Yeah, rosarugosa, I liked those too but couldn't find them at my source (Macy's) the last visit. No longer carried.
I would very much like to find a jean like the OP suggested. The boot cut thing is over the top for someone as short as I am but I am too old and a bit too flabby for those skinny jeans. I would like to find something that really works.
I will look at RMC. I did find some workable jeans, though nothing I LOVED, at JCP on a recent visit to the States.
Originally posted by Alan.
In my 50's I'm back to Levi's and my new love, Carhartt painter style (my wife likes the way my rear end looks in them).It really does boil down to the read-end doesn't it. LOL!
It really does boil down to the read-end doesn't it. LOL!
Of course, I've never said I wasn't vain. :cool:
morning girl
4-8-12, 1:30am
Calvin Klein I buy them at Costco. They are the only ones that are not too baggy. Straight leg or boot cut. Mid rise is the most comfortable. I bought a pair of fleece lined jeans from LL Bean and they have a high rise and are very uncomfortable!
Leslieann: I've found them at both Sears and JC Penney's in the past.
Blackdog Lin
4-8-12, 8:26am
The only jeans I buy are the same ones that Nella mentioned: "Goodwill brand" jeans. :)
gimmethesimplelife
4-8-12, 11:32am
I can remember when I was in high school - like in the early to mid 80's - you could get a pair of Levi's 501's for 9.99 on sale very easily. Now I look at what Levi's cost and I'm like excuse me, how did this happen??? Seriously? And I love wearing jeans but now it's whatever fits from Goodwill or occasionally a new pair from Target or Walmart for under $15. ONE NICE THING ABOUT BEING MIDDLE AGED BTW: I no longer could care less whose name is displayed on my rear. Rob
Thanks, rosarugosa...I'll look in both places next time I have a chance.
I'm pretty partial to Lee myself -- there is a Vanity Fair/Lee outlet near my family home where I get my jeans. I get the Lee Riders relaxed fit style, now down to size 10p, which is exactly the right length for me (I'm about 5'3"). They have a fairly straight leg. Under $20/pair,I think.
lhamo
Yep, that's the store I shop at, too. I bought some Lee Riders relaxed fit last December. So they at least had them then. I'll stop by there to check, and let you know if they still have them.
Apparently Levi Strauss' butt and mine were similar in shape & stature because his is the brand that work best for me. If I'm heading out to get some hard core, denim destroying work done then there are a couple pair of Carhartts in the closet.
ROTFLMAO, Gregg! Might want to delve deeper into your family tree!
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