If you’re debating between Madewell’s newest The Wide-Leg Jean and the cult-favorite Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg, I’m comparing fit, silhouette, and styling in this post so you can decide which is right for you.
When I worked at Madewell back in 2016, I remember trying on a new pair of cropped, super wide-leg denim. I kind of loved them, but I felt like they were too much of a style reach for me. Plus, 2016 was on the early side for wide-leg popularity (I was mostly rocking skinny jeans then).
But now, wide-leg jeans are definitively in, and Madewell’s wide-leg styles strike the perfect balance of on-trend, comfortable, and wearable. In this post, I compare my two favorite Madewell wide-leg jeans, The Wide-Leg Jean and the Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg. I’ll cover fit, sizing, and outfit ideas to help you decide which one is right for you (spoiler: it might be both!).
Comparing the New Madewell The Wide-Leg Jean with the Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg
Here’s a quick look at how The Wide-Leg Jean and the Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg stack up:
| The Wide-Leg Jean | The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean | |
| Fit | Fitted through the hips and thighs (but not tight) | Relaxed through the hips and thighs |
| Rise | High rise, 10 3/4″ | High rise, 10 3/8″ to 11″ |
| Size Options | Standard, Plus, Petite, Tall, Curvy | Standard, Plus, Petite, Tall, Curvy (I got mine hemmed with a frayed edge to wear with flatter shoes) |
| Leg Opening | 21″ | 19″ |
| Length Options | Full Length | Full Length + Cropped |
A Note About Washes, Fabrics + Sizing
- Each wash uses different fabric blends, so fit can vary by wash, even in the same style
- The overall fit, rise, and inseam can vary between washes, too, which is why I recommend checking the product details and trying on more than one option
- For example, in the Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg, I tried both the Black Rinse wash and the Enmore wash. The black pair had too much space around the waist and hips for me (probably because it has more stretch). A little infuriating, but that’s the nature of different fabrics!
The New Madewell The Wide-Leg Jean: First Impressions + Review
This fall, I needed new jeans for family photos and bought these. As soon as I put them on, I knew they were a staple. They fit like a glove and give me that sexy fit of a skinny jean without the tightness. I feel held in but not constricted (the dream!).
I got the black Pattson Wash with silver hardware to match my True Winter wardrobe (where my color analysis lovers at!?). I purchased my usual size, and most reviewers agree they run true to size. Madewell recommends Petite sizing for those 5’4” and under (I’m 5’3″), but the rise is always too short for me. The Standard fit 30″ inseam is great for me with heeled shoes.
The Wide-Leg Jean is the perfect combo of flattering, comfortable, stretchy, and put-together. If you want a wide-leg pair without being wide overall, they’re your perfect match. After trying this pair, they quickly became my dressier but most comfortable wide-leg option.
P.S. This style is also available in Twill and Corduroy!
The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean: A Longtime Favorite
The Perfect Vintage Jean has been a longtime favorite of mine. I’ve tried both tapered and wide-leg versions and prefer the wide-leg.
The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg has a much more relaxed fit from the hip down than The Wide-Leg Jean, with more space throughout the leg. This makes it my go-to for everyday wear when I want comfort and a looser fit. Whether I’m dropping Essie at daycare or running an errand, I’m wearing them!
I have the Enmore wash, which is a more rigid denim with less stretch, but they just get more comfortable with every wear. (Enmore is now sold out, but the Harvey wash is the exact same fabric blend, 99% cotton and 1% elastane.)
Since these are my everyday pair, I had them hemmed for my flatter shoes. The petite sizing is too short in the rise for me, so I stick with the Standard fit inseam for all of my Madewell jeans and alter if needed.
The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg also comes in a cropped version (though with fewer wash options) with a 27” inseam if you want to go straight for a shorter inseam.
Which Wide Leg is Better for You?
Here’s how to choose between these two styles:
Choose The Wide-Leg Jean if:
- You want a more fitted, tailored look through the hips and thighs
- You’re dressing up or need a polished everyday jean
- You like feeling “held in” without the tightness of skinny jeans
- You want a slightly wider leg opening that’s still super wearable
Choose the Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg if:
- You prefer a relaxed, roomier fit overall that’s still flattering
- You want an easy, everyday jean that can be dressed up or down
- You like a wide-leg silhouette that leans closer to a straight leg
Sizing tip: I wear my usual size in both styles. If you’re considering Curvy, Plus, Tall, or Petite sizing, check the product descriptions for specific measurements and fit differences. And since different washes can fit differently due to fabric variations, always read the measurements and reviews for your specific wash before ordering.
My personal take: Right now, I’m reaching for The Wide-Leg Jeans for meetings, dinners with friends, and of course, family photos! But I still love my Perfect Vintages for everyday wear. The frayed hem and lighter wash give them a more laid-back vibe that’s perfect for mom-ing and working at home.
So…. which Madewell wide-leg style are you going for? Let me know in the comments!
Shop Madewell The Wide-Leg Jean + Perfect Vintage
Looking for more Madewell styling ideas? Check out these posts:
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