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    I'm a branding photographer living in Charleston, South Carolina, a lover of eating strawberries, and my obsession is teaching others how to live a life they love.

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      Madewell Jeans Review: A Try-On of Every Style

      Jan 28

      Finding the perfect pair of denim can be so challenging. You have to find the exact right balance of material, sizing, and style all wrapped up in one perfect pair. What if I told you there was a brand that sold your perfect denim in multiple styles? That denim haven is Madewell. To bring you the ultimate Madewell jeans review, I tried on every single style Madewell offers!

      If you’ve never tried on a pair of Madewell jeans before, you’ve probably heard one of your friends rave about their favorite pairs. I have been a Madewell denim devotee since I walked into their first Atlanta store in 2007 (I even worked at the Charleston store as a stylist!). I haven’t owned another brand of denim in 13 years! Their jeans are that good. Whether you’re a Madewell denim newbie or you’re looking to add a few new styles to your wardrobe, this review roundup is for you! Ready to dig into some denim? Let’s do this!

      A pile of 5 pairs of Madewell denim jeans
      Detail of a back leather patch on Madewell jeans
      A pile of 6 pairs of Madewell denim jeans in various washes

      Madewell Jeans Review Round-Up & Sizing Tips

      Maybe the best thing about Madewell denim is that it comes in so many sizes, lengths, styles, and stretches. Sizes range from 23-37, and many styles come in a Curvy option. You’ll also find Petite, Regular, Tall, and Extra Tall length options. Madewell also labels each of their pairs on a stretchiness scale, a key factor in finding the right pair for you.

      For reference, I am 5’3″ and wear a size 23 in all Madewell styles. In some styles, I wear a petite so the length isn’t too long. Refer to Madewell’s product info details to decide what length and style you should buy for your personal best fit. Bonus insider sizing tip: make sure you can fit the width of two fingers inside the waist of your pair to make sure they aren’t fitting too tight or loose. You want them snug but not too tight.

      Skinny

      You can’t go wrong with a great pair of skinny jeans. Madewell’s skinny styles are fitted through the hip and thigh and are so flattering in all the right areas. You can find skinny pairs in sizes 23-37, including curvy and maternity. Most skinny styles also come in every length, including petite, regular, tall, and taller.

      My go-to pair of dark skinny jeans is Madewell’s 10″ High-Rise Skinny Jean in Hayes Wash. I wear these with everything from basic t-shirts to dressy tops and sweaters. The 10″ high-waist fit is so flattering, and allows me to tie up or french-tuck my shirts at the waist. This pair in particular is also so stretchy and comfortable. There’s nothing worse than stiff skinny jeans!

      If you’re looking for a lighter wash, try the 11″ High-Rise Skinny Jeans in Layne Wash: TENCEL™ Denim Edition (TENCEL is extra comfy). Madewell also carries many curvy skinny jeans, like the 11″ Curvy High-Rise Skinny Jeans in Danny Wash: TENCEL™ Denim Edition.

      Woman modeling Madewell's dark Skinny jeans with a white button up shirt tied at the waist
      Woman modeling Madewell's dark Skinny jeans with a white button up shirt tied at the waist
      Woman modeling Madewell's dark Skinny jeans for a Madewell jeans review with a white button up shirt tied at the waist

      Skinny


      Perfect Vintage

      Madewell has deemed their Perfect Vintage jeans the modern and flattering version of a 1990’s mom jean. They aren’t wrong! The Perfect Vintage style is high-waisted and has a slim tapered leg. They’re a mix between a straight and skinny fit, making them a perfect transition if you’re a skinny jeans devotee.

      This particular pair is The Perfect Vintage Jean in Maplewood Wash. This pair ranks “Super Stretch” on the stretchiness scale, making them the most comfortable (sitting at your desk all day? Not a problem in this pair of denim!). The Maplewood wash also comes in a curvy fit.

      The Perfect Vintage jean comes in so many washes and styles, so you’re bound to find one that’s perfect for you. I love these raw-hem editions, this light wash pair, and best of all (!) this black leather style.

      Woman modeling Madewell's Perfect Vintage jeans with a white button up shirt tied at the waist
      Woman modeling Madewell's Perfect Vintage jeans with a white button up shirt tied at the waist
      Woman modeling Madewell's Perfect Vintage jeans with a white button up shirt tied at the waist

      Perfect Vintage


      Straight-Leg

      Madewell’s Straight-Leg styles come in two options: Stovepipe and Classic Straight. Both are high-rise, ranging from a 10″ to 11 1/2″ rise. Stovepipes are a bit slimmer through the leg, and Classic Straights are more relaxed. This pair I’m wearing is the 11″ Classic Straight Jean in Lunar Wash. This pair ranks “Comfort Stretch” on the stretchiness scale, one step up from zero stretch. The relaxed fit of these jeans makes them just as comfy as a super stretchy style. I also love the slightly cropped straight leg. It makes them so versatile. Wear them with booties, sneakers, heels, or whatever your heart desires.

      Since these are a bit more relaxed, you may need to size down. Check out the reviews for each style to see how they fit for other reviewers. For a lighter Classic Straight wash style, try the Classic Straight Jeans in Ives Wash: Selvedge Edition or Classic Straight Jeans in Nearwood Wash. If a slimmer leg is more your style, try the Stovepipe Jeans in Leman Wash: TENCEL™ Denim Edition.

      Woman modeling Madewell's Classic Straight jeans in a black wash Madewell jeans review with a white button up shirt tied at the waist
      Woman modeling Madewell's Classic Straight jeans in a black wash with a white button up shirt tied at the waist
      A close-up of Madewell's Classic Straight jeans and the Fair Trade tag inside of them

      Straight-Leg


      Boyjean

      Say hello to the comfiest Madewell jeans in the lineup: the Boyjean. Boyjeans are Madewell’s most relaxed and roomy fit. In my experience, Boyjeans stretch out a lot as you wear and wash them, so you’ll most likely need to size down. They might feel a little too snug when you first try them on, but they will start to give the longer you wear them (in the best way possible!). Since they’re more relaxed, you can easily rock these in warmer temperatures (I’d wear them to work in the dead heat of Charleston’s sweltering summer!).

      This particular pair of Boyjeans I’ve owned since I worked at Madewell back in 2016 so the exact pair is no longer in stock, but there are lots of other amazing options. The High-Rise Slim Boyjean in Moorland Wash is the most similar pair Madewell carries right now. I’m also loving this black pair!

      Woman modeling Madewell's Slim Boyfriend Jeans jeans with a white button up shirt tied at the waist
      Woman modeling Madewell's Slim Boyfriend Jeans jeans with a white button up shirt tied at the waist

      Boyjean


      Demi-Boot

      Madewell’s Demi-Boot jeans are my newest favorites. Demi-Boots are a skinny fit with a cropped mini-flare, and come in both mid and high rises. They also come in both regular and slim-fit. I love this style because they feel different than anything else on the market. They’re a bit more unique than skinny jeans, but they still have a similar fit through the waist and leg.

      My exact pair is sold out online now, but you can’t go wrong with the Cali Demi-Boot Jeans in Lockwood Wash. For a curvy fit, try the Curvy Cali Demi-Boot Jeans in Larkspur Wash: TENCEL™ Denim Edition. This white pair are fun for spring and summer, too!

      Woman modeling Madewell's Cali Demi Boot jeans with a white button up shirt tied at the waist
      Woman modeling Madewell's Cali Demi Boot jeans with a white button up shirt tied at the waist
      Woman modeling Madewell's Cali Demi Boot jeans with a white button up shirt tied at the waist

      Demi-Boot


      Flares

      Now for the really fun jeans! Madewell carries flare styles that lend themselves so well to the brand’s laid-back 70’s vibe. I love tucking a t-shirt into my flare jeans and calling it a day. The jeans stand out on their own and add a fun twist to any outfit. Madewell’s flares are fitted through the waist and leg; skinny on top, flare on bottom!

      At the time of publication of this post, all flare styles are sold out, but I will make sure to update links as they come back!

      Woman modeling Madewell's Flare jeans with a white button up shirt tied at the waist
      Woman modeling Madewell's Flare jeans with a white button up shirt tied at the waist

      Flares


      Wide-Leg

      If you want to make a statement with your denim, Wide-Legs are for you! When I worked at Madewell, so many women came in with their boyfriends, tried on these jeans, and immediately got the strangest looks from their guys. But the women always loved them and I always told them to go for it! Wide-legs are so fun and comfortable. If you’re unsure you can pull these off, I’m here to tell you: YOU CAN!

      Currently, Madewell has one pair of Wide-Leg jeans in stock, the Slim Wide-Leg Jeans in Lunar Wash. I’ll keep updating this post as they get more Wide-Leg styles in. Madewell recommends sizing up in this particular style.

      Woman modeling Madewell's Wide Leg jeans for a Madewell jeans review with a white button up shirt tied at the waist
      Woman modeling Madewell's Wide Leg jeans with a white button up shirt tied at the waist

      Wide-Leg


      Madewell Jeans Review: Time to get yourself some Madewell denim!

      Are you convinced that Madewell’s denim line is the key to finding denim perfection? If you haven’t tried your own pair on yet, you are missing out on the best denim you’ve ever slipped into. Which pair are you adding to your closet? Let me know in the comments below! If this Madewell jeans review didn’t answer all of your questions, email me at abbymurphyphoto@gmail.com! To see my round-up of essential Madewell favorites, check out my post Essentials for a Madewell Capsule Wardrobe.

      Take $20 off and support Madewell’s Do Well Initiative

      Want $20 off a new pair after reading this Madewell jeans review? Bring a pair of your worn-out denim (any brand) into a Madewell store and the folks at Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green program will turn them into housing insulation for communities in need. Contribute to a worthy cause plus save some cash on your new pair!

      As of 2020, 29% of all Madewell denim styles are Fair Trade Certified with the goal of 100% by 2025. A majority of their styles also feature recycled and responsible materials. You can shop all Madewell Do Well denim styles here.

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