Does anyone actually like shopping for jeans?
Because if you do, make yourself known, I am throwing down the mantle of Boyfriend Jean Researcher for you to pick up and run with.
Right. I'm back. Sans jeans. And with a thigh complex. As all of the boyfriend jeans I tried on, weren't exactly boyfriend at all. Unless my boyfriend has thighs like a girl. Ok so either you have them enormous on the waist, saggy on the bottom yet slim fitting round the legs. As for my theory of going down a size. Pah! That equated to skinny jeans.
Firstly starting with Gap. I did only try the sales ones on but I'm assuming the others aren't a different shape? Maybe I should go back and see.
Ok so here they are on the model.
And here they are on me. Hmmmmm. This is a 28 so a size 10 - my usual size jeans in Topshop. Absolutely enormous on the waist (you can't get an idea of how big they are but uncomfortably big) Yet tight through the legs. Again, I'm not sure the image gives you an idea of how tight they were, but the same tightness as my skinny jeans I wear.
Hilariously these are supposed to be a 32 inch leg. Yeah. Ok. Not sure entirely what tape measure Gap have actually used to measure but it's a different version of inch to the one I'm used to.
And here on my behind so you can see how big they are and how tight they are on the leg. Wrong. On every level. Shame actually as theoretically on a no arse like me, the pockets should have been quite flattering. But through the leg, on me, they were just hideous. I did try on the smaller size - the 26. Well I tried but I couldn't get them past my knees.
Having said all of this, on my Twitter feed, on emails and comments, the Gap boyfriend jean does seem to get the most votes by far. Hell knows what went wrong when I tried them on!!
But the proof is in the pics. Not for me. Maybe it was just this specific one and I should try the non reduced ones. However they're still too short for me.
Would love to hear more details about people's Gap ones. You can maybe see why I've come away with a slight thigh complex..... (I haven't really don't fret !)
Moving on to my personal favourite of the day jeans wise, although still not remotely what I was after. The Karen Millen jeans at £85.
On the model:-
And on me. These are the most wonderfully high cut, comfortable jeans. Not high waisted at all - properly on the waist. Honestly the best fitting jeans to minimise a muffin top that I've tried on in ages. I think all in all, very flattering, although they are definitely a slim leg. (on me anyway). I would definitely recommend if you're looking for a slim leg jean - again I wouldn't class these as boyfriend. They certainly had no slouch on me.
Finishing with the Mango jeans. Oh I was gutted - I had such high hopes for them. These in real life are much more distressed than they seem on the website here.
And on me, the right size was just too big on the waist and bum but too fitted round the leg. Now with these I think actually someone with a proper figure might be onto a winner. For me, having a pancake arse, these were a big no no. Length wise not too bad, so perfect for someone, again of a more normal height.
I will concede that they don't look too bad in this pic (face on) but from the behind they really do look like I've done a poo in my pants.
And this is the smaller size (so an 8 which I so so so am not) An excellent fit - if I want more skinny jeans. DOH.
And that was it. Believe me I tried elsewhere. River Island, Miss Selfridge, Zara, Reiss, Diesel, Armani jeans, 7FAMK, Levis, Dorothy Perkins, Forever 21 had none. Topshop had only skinny jeans instore. The only other place that had them was All Saints but at that point I was far more interested in finding a new top to wear out for lunch tomorrow (success on that point - for another day!). I will return and try the AS ones on. To say they are few and far between at the moment is an understatement. It is all about the skinny jean still.
However I'm thinking that perhaps I need to rethink what I actually want from a Boyfriend jean. The premise behind them is that they are looser on the behind and through the hips and thighs, slightly tapering into the calf. On a pancake behind like myself though, I'm not sure this is going to fly. I think perhaps a better shape is a straight leg which is fitted on the bum, slightly looser through the thigh (although not baggy) and straight through, not clinging at all, to the calf. Oh hang on - like the ones i already own. "slaps forehead". But that's not to say I'm not going to carry on hunting.
Would love to hear of any success stories you have had though.
A couple of outfits to finish with.
Yesterday. Braving the cold. I was actually too cold to even take my cardigan and scarf off for another photo - so apologies. (ran upstairs and got straight into sweats and lots of layers!) Quite liked the underneath actually!
Cream and gold ribbed longline l/s tee - Michael Stars
Khaki & beige oversized tee - Next
Beige Kirsten jeans - Topshop
Cream long cardigan - Monsoon
Cream crocheted scarf - Eley Kishimoto
Tall Chestnut Uggs
Grey wrist warmers - Toast
Stone maxi zip satchel - Anya Hindmarch
And today
Black and white cashmere longline jumper - Joseph
Distressed biker jeans - By Malene Birger
Black boiled wool coatigan - Ronit Zilkah
Grey wristwarmers - Toast
Sunglasses - Tom Ford
Leopard print scarf - Louis Vuitton
Chestnut cross body bag - Campomaggi from Plumo
Over to you - Boyfriend feedback please!
Love this post! I randomly found mine in TK Maxx and I have to say I love them so much. WhenEVER I find a pair of jeans I love, I buy 2 pairs. I love some other TK Maxx skinny jeans I own so much I now have 4 pairs .. I keep randomly seeing them in stock there too so I think I'll have to buy 2 more pairs - that's weird though right?
ReplyDeleteThe Karen Millen jeans look the best .. I think our image of boyfriend is super slouchy, super 80s light denim/ripped look and a turn up .. you can have that look but I think we need a skinny version of that in reality if that makes sense?
End of epic reply, apologies!
Fiona
TK Maxx is a really good idea. I may well have to make a special trip! The KM jeans are deffo the best fit, I just have zero need of them. Doh.
DeleteI thought boyfriend jeans were supposed to be WIDE when it came to legs??? I am currently jeanless as I've started weight training and now my thighs and calves don't fit in skinny jeans anymore :( Muscles on women are clearly a no-no from the fashion industry's viewpoint!
ReplyDeleteWell yes this was my thinking as well, hence my now thigh complex! Actually I think these are just a funny cut. I'm deffo going to retry the Gap ones and I have a whole host of other shops to look in now (mostly cheap which is FAB!)
DeleteCould these be a goer?
ReplyDeletehttp://tablet.hm.com/gb/product/06791#article=06791-A
They DEFINITELY look like they could be worth a try on. Thank you so much - will report back from H&M xxx
DeleteOh Kat you soooooo make me howl with laughter!!! I know the poo in pants look you talk about and also feel your pain re jean hunting. In my local topshop they had boyfriend jeans, I need to go there tomorrow so will have a looksie and try a pair on and report back! Xx
ReplyDeletesoooooo?!! How were they?!!!
DeleteI HATE jeans buying. Can do skinnies, as long as they're proper skinnies it's just about the wash and the length really. 'Normal' jeans are a bloody nightmare. Really like the Karen Millen ones, but £85 seems loads for casual jeans.
ReplyDeleteHave to say I would definitely pay that if I were to live in them.... Just these are another version of ones I already have. But they were soooo comfy on the waist!
DeleteReally really like the Karen Millen jeans...presumably the most £££ but isn't that always the way! For the benefit of all your lovely readers, I have the Mango jeans and love them but I am a very different shape to Kat - about 6 inches shorter and (ahem) a tad more curvy. Hadn't thought of them as boyfriend jeans as they are quite slim in the leg. I think (might be wrong) that they were Kate Moss for Mango which probably explains a lot as she has pipe-cleaners for legs!
ReplyDeleteThey look so so so much better on you, I can't even begin to describe!
DeleteLove the Karen Millen ones, I have some very, very similar from Zara last year at the bargain price of €12 in the sale! I LOVE them.
ReplyDeleteoooh they may be the ones I got in the summer. Although I think I may have paid £12.99 for mine. Ripped off or what?! Love them - my fave jeans that I bought last year.
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Stick with your straight legs and turn up the bottoms. That's all I do and have done for the last year with all the jeans which I've been wearing as boyfriend jeans. If the big, baggy, faded, pale distressed look doesn't flatter - don't go there. I know it does nothing for me though that appears to be the recommended look this year. I've picked up a pair of Gap premium boyfriend jeans (well 2 actually but 1 pair will be returned) from the outlet shop only last weekend and I sized down to give me a more flattering look but I can definitely see how they would be a little on the short side for you. My friend said the same when she tried them on last year and she's only 5ft 3.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely what I think my next plain is and in fact, what I've been doing for the past 4 years. But I aim to exhaust all the options first!
DeleteI've given up hunting for the perfect boyfriend and have reverted to a pair of criminal straight legs and rolled them up as advised by Sue (thanks Sue). I find Jean sizing horribly bad at the minute so I'm out lol. Cant believe boyfriend jeans were tight on your legs, there's not much hope for the rest of us!
ReplyDeleteI do think I may have had a dodgy pair!! Yes straight legs could be the way to go.
DeleteGreat post, you make me laugh, in a good way. Similar body shapes and height as you. Defo like the Karen Millen jeans best.
ReplyDeleteThank you and yes they were the best by a long chalk!
DeleteI love the look of the boyfriend style and have just invested in the Gap total bargain sexy boyfriends but I am struggling with the ankle-biter element!! They shall be relegated to the spring/summer wardrobe to be worn with converse, ballet pumps and flip-flops as not relishing the idea of chilly ankles at the mo!! Luckily the rest of the fit is just perfect for me.....no nappy bottom which is a bonus and just the right amount of slouch!!
ReplyDeleteI definitely think I do need to try the Gap ones again.
DeleteTry H&M but probably size down if they are like last years. Bargain price too, around £30 I think. I've just rediscovered mine after your blog entry :o)
ReplyDeleteH&M are definitely on my list to try!
DeleteI am willing to donate a smidge of arse if it will help (us both) in the great bf jeans quest...
ReplyDeleteExcellent excellent idea xxx
Deletehttp://www.oliveclothing.com/p-16602-blue-boyfriend-jeans
ReplyDeleteoooh they do look lovely - not heard of that website before.
DeleteI lived in Gap bf jeans most of last year. The nicest thing is that they are tapered. The worst thing is that they look silly with boots, which is why I'm not living in them right now. I think I ended up with about four pairs, amongst which are the ones you're wearing in the photo and they aren't anything like the others - I strongly recommend you try the full price ones. The denim is completely different - more giving, much softer. Those pockets on the ones you're wearing are seriously unflattering! The other Gap bf jeans don't have them. If you have a friend in the States, you can order the tall version too (I don't have that problem as I'm 5'4). Really really - do try the other gap jeans, they're perfect!
ReplyDeleteFab idea. Yup I definitely am going to try them again. Thank you!
DeleteI started blogging about my quest to find a new pair of jeans this week and it depressed me so much I gave up. I have a pair of proper slouchy boyfriend jeans I got from Asda, but other than that I have just a pair of straight leg black and bootcut indigo and they're on rotation. I know I need to go into Cardiff or Bristol where I can try on a good selection but I hate clothes shopping with a passion - especially for jeans (and swimwear, which is why I have none)
ReplyDeleteohhh have you tried ordering a whole lot online to then be able to send them back? Good luck!
DeleteI find gap jean sizing very inconsistant. I'll take 2 or 3 pairs of the same jeans in the same size into the fitting room and find they're all different.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping this is the case.... Will try more!
DeleteBig thank you for doing all this legwork on our behalf! I hate buying jeans with a passion - my gap Boy Fit jeans are about from four years ago and are different to the "sexy" (I think NOT) ones of today. My other pair of faves are Earl straight leg Jeans from many many years ago that had been relegated to the back of the cupboard but came out again last summer when you had a similar pair that reminded me of mine!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! My Earl jeans are the ones that I wear rolled up (and yes from about a million years ago!) and I have to say, I may resort to them this year as well.
DeleteI love shopping for jeans, I live in them so bring it on! I recently went on a shopping rampage and bought 2 pairs of boyfriends jeans from Current Elliot, another pair of black skinny from Siwy. They are a bit steep in price (about $200 each) but worth every penny! I never try Topshop jeans before but you surely look good in them, doubt I can too in them since my fabulous thunder thigh will not be able to fit in them I think..
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I definitely think often you get what you pay for... am looking forward to trying the Current Elliot ones on (they're a lot more than that here!!)
DeleteHi there! Like Sue I have the Gap premium boyfriend jeans that I got from the Gap in Ashford outlet store. They are a UK 8 and are a touch too big (I am a UK 10-12) so give the looseness and slouch needed and come to just below the calf. As a denim addict myself I know jeans are a minefield regarding size, fit and cut and annoyingly have to be tried on always to get the right pair. I would also suggest going for a straight cut jean or even looking at the mens section in sizes 29 or 30. Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't worn men's jeans since 501s!! Definitely worth considering, thank you. and I am going to try other Gap ones on as I'm sure I had a dud pair...
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Ah the eternal search for jeans. I personally think the whole "BF jeans for women" is pure marketing. The only way I know to make it work is to actually rumage through the men's department and get an original men's fit. For obvious reasons, it's better to be straight up and down. For many years I'd wear Levi's 501 (they're slightly tapered) one size up, it absolutely did the trick! You should definitely give it a try :)
ReplyDeleteLovely blog, you've got a smashing sense of humour!
ooh I just said above that the last men's jeans I wore were 501s!! Great plan - I'll have a look x (and thank you for the lovely compliments!)
DeleteI also looked for ages for the perfect boyfriend jeans back in September and sturggled. In the end I opted for the Martha jeans from Topshop which are still pretty fitted around the hips but a bit looser in the leg. I loved them with ballet pumps or converse but find them much trickier with boots, so I am back in the skinnies till the weather warms up....! Thank you for such a great blog.
ReplyDeleteI had hoped to try some TS ones on but nay. And thank you for the lovely compliments! xxx
DeleteHave you tried gas jeans at all ? I live in Dublin , no stockist here but I buy from their website. I love them and they , I wait for the sales in January and the summer to buy. I'm considering "the boyfriend" - although I will have to hide him in my wardrobe until he really needs to be revealed !!!! Anyway these are the ones I'm coveting at the mo
ReplyDeletehttp://www.gasjeans.com/en/jacklyn-new-18166.htm ( sorry cant do clicky links ). I also adore these, such a good fit and wearing really well - http://www.gasjeans.com/en/jacklyn-new-18166.html ( I got these for €77 in sale last year by the way ) . Love the blog , as a frazzled mum of two toddlers I look forward reading your fashion news. Happy birthday by the way! I have the same one looming!!
K
hmmm no haven't tried Gas jeans - have never heard of them actually. Will look into them, thank you! xxx
DeleteI have been so interested in the search for the boyfriend jean because I'm trying to wedge my post pregnancy (mum of a 2 year old and 6 month old) into SOMETHING which contains the muffin top but it's a battle I'm failing and the Gap "sexy" boyfriend jeans haven't helped, mum circa 1989 is what they are, sexy they are not.
ReplyDeletehave you tried Boden jeans? I've heard that they're higher cut - definitely on my list for the summer. And don't be so harsh on youself!! You'll get there and I bet you look fab xxxxx
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I have been reading from the shadows for some time but feel compelled to reply. Can I just say that I felt like I was shopping with you in this post & chuckled heartily at the state of mess on the fitting room floor. I enjoyed the shop more that the boyfriend jeans topic because sometimes I over-estimate my figure and cannot pull jeans over my knees as I hop against the fitting room wall, I stick my hands down the waistline to determine fit, & I look over my shoulder to see my rear in the mirror when trying on clothes. As most women do. I just enjoyed watching you go through it! We shop the same - lots of humour & a steely shopping streak. I live in a different season, in a different country, and it's nice to see that fashion hunting is the same. You just crack me up with your English sayings. It's a novelty. My favourite post of yours! From Louise.
ReplyDeleteThank you thank you thank you. POsts like this make it all worthwhile! xxxx
DeleteWas also going to suggest H&M and Esprit has a few pairs in their Summer collection too. Hope you find some.
ReplyDeleteH&M has been suggested so thankyou and definitely will see if I can track down an Esprit as well!
DeleteHi Kat - my eyes have been opened as to how the wrong jean can be so unflattering!! I can't believe the gap jeans. You have such an enviable figure and they do absolutely nothing for you - Thanks for posting the pics as it gives people like me (carrying an extra 10lbs) some comfort to see that jean shopping can be a 'mare for even the slimmest. Keep up the blog - i love it!! Please do an outfit with the navy zara jacket from the sales (hope you kept it!) as I have one too.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so pleased. That was one of the aims - to show just how hard it can be! As soon as this blasted snow goes, the jacket is OUT! I love love love it x
DeleteOh my word some of those are bad! I've just bought some maternity ones from Next that are loose in the thigh. Have you checked out Next at all?
ReplyDeleteThere didn't look like there were any interesting ones in the directory - skinny boyfriend which is essentially skinny distressed. Which I don't need. I will keep an eye though (although I have to say generally I find Next jeans not the best) Huge congrats on the pregnancy by the way xxx
DeleteI went on a similar fruitless quest for boyfriend jeans on the high street - the gap ones made me feel especially fat (I am usually about a 29). I ended up buying the current elliot boyfriend jeans from the shopbop website, where they were much cheaper. I lived in them in summer, and on a cost per wear basis they have been a really good buy.
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right - cost per wear - my FAVE subject. If you can afford it, then it's definitely worth it. I'm really looking forward to trying them xx
DeleteHi Kat
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I really love your blog.
I have some straight leg Levis which I roll up and they give the look.....they do sag a little between washes though. They are faded but not distressed.....I'm more of a tall hourglass shape and I am not sure they are my most flattering look but neither are skinnies (70s flares are best on me...)
I think the suggestion of mens jeans could be a great one, I have inherited a pair of jeans from my husband and I get lots of compliments on them... next time I buy jeans (soon) I am going to head to shop selling both mens and womens jeans so I can try on both.
I'm in NZ by the way....
Yup I think you're absolutely right. A number of people have suggested these - I am on a men's hunt now! (and thank you for the lovely comments! xx)
DeleteI've been looking for skinny black brocade jeans for ages and have just snapped up one of the last sale Reiss pair, so am pleased!
ReplyDeleteoh excellent. Reiss jeans are excellent quality. I love it when a plan comes together. x
DeleteI detest shopping for jeans. I spent half of 2012 just trying to find a pair of boyfriend jeans. I've heard rave reviews for J Brand Aidan jeans. Unfortunately, they don't sit too well on a stumpy person like me. Secondly, the price tag was well outside of my budget. A friend wore a pair of Zara boyfriend jeans on her blog and the next day I dashed out to get a pair too. Hands down the best boyfriend jeans I've ever owned. All for £29.99. I don't think they're on sale anymore as they sold like hotcakes.
ReplyDeleteoh BOO! Will keep an eye out for more Zara beauties this season. Have to say my fave jeans from last year are my Zara babies!
DeleteI'm about to embark on shopping for boyfriend jeans and now your post has filled me with dread. maybe I'll just postpone....
ReplyDeleteOn the other note, hi from the first time visitor and fellow 40 y.o.
*waves*
Warehouse have just got in some great distressed boyfriend jeans at £42, in dark indigo or in a lighter faded colour. Haven't tried them yet but they look great.
ReplyDeleteOP: How about these River Island Supreme Boyfriend Jeans: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/River-island-slouch-jeans-size-8-/281104032746?pt=UK_Women_s_Jeans&hash=item41731b23ea
ReplyDeleteI have this style in a size 8 but they are really a 10. They are by far the best boyfriend jeans I have found so far, so comfortable and soft and look fantastic on! :)