I recently bought a pair of jeans from Madewell that fit me so well I debated buying three or four more in case they’re ever discontinued. Whenever this happens, it’s usually a clue that I should write about them immediately, because it’s my literal job to help people shop online. So I asked my coworkers on the Reviews team if anyone had a pair of Madewell jeans they loved. There were a few folks who weren’t huge fans, but others who were quick to say that it’s the only place they buy jeans anymore. In a lively conversation on Slack, the Madewell fans shared their favorite current pairs and the ones we wished hadn’t been discontinued (looking at you, Cali Demi-Boot Jeans!), and traded sizing tips.
If there was one thing we all immediately agreed on, it’s that we love Madewell’s extensive sizing options for tall, petite, and plus-size fits. Though not every pair comes in extended sizing, it’s still one of the few places that actually seems to take size inclusivity seriously. We also appreciate that the prices aren’t outrageous, with most jeans under $150 (and often on sale).
Our Madewell jeans review includes insights from people of many shapes and sizes, including folks who wear tall, regular, and petite sizes. We know that one big challenge with Madewell is its sizing inconsistencies, so we made sure to give as much detail as we could about choosing the right size for the styles we’ve worn. Below are a few of our absolute favorite styles, and what you should know about their sizing and fit.
The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean Review
Sally Kaplan/Business Insider
Size worn: 33 petite
Wash: Harvey (also owned in Black Rinse)
Other size options: Standard, Plus, and Tall
Sally’s review: If I had a dollar for every time I’ve tried and failed to find a pair of jeans as good as these, I’d have retired by now. But these are my absolute holy-grail jeans. I love the silhouette of the Perfect Vintage Wide-Legs because they perfectly walk the line between a true wide-leg and straight-leg fit. For that reason, they don’t overwhelm my curvy, 5-foot-2 frame. I also really appreciate that they look like rigid denim, but still have a good bit of stretch and give. These are actually comfortable to sit in for long periods (I’ve literally fallen asleep in them on the couch!), and this is coming from a real hard pants hater. The black pair I have is definitely stretchier than the denim one, but also looks rigid.
In terms of sizing, the petite pair has a 28-inch inseam, which is absolutely ~chef’s kiss~ for me. I can wear these jeans with ballet flats or sandals for a laid-back, slightly slouchy look, or pair them with heeled boots for a more polished, long-line drape. I tried on both a size 32 petite and 33 petite because I’m typically somewhere in between, and I opted for the 33 because I found the waistband on the 32 to be just a little tighter than I like at the waist. However, the elastic in the jeans causes them to stretch out a bit during wear, so I could have gotten away with sizing down.
Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider
Size worn: 26 Standard
Wash: Lavaca
Other size options: Standard, Plus, and Tall
Gabrielle’s review: This pair has served both Sally and me well despite our stark height differences, so props to Madewell for finding a way to make the “perfect” jeans for such different body types.
Being 5-foot-9, I have a longer torso, so sometimes high-rise jeans feel like they’re cutting me in half — but not these. They reach my navel and perfectly kiss the hem of my favorite cropped white tee. I can sit in them for hours and the waistband and crotch area still feel very soft and stretchy. In the seat and front panel, they give you a gentle squeeze, but not in an overly compressive way. I have a 38-inch hip and 27-inch waist, and the 26 fits me with just a little gap in the rear when I sit.
Their construction accomplishes two things at once: while the Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jeans are pretty forgiving up top, the denim around the legs turns more rigid. This way, they retain their shape even after I’ve worn them a few times between laundry days (which we should all get in the habit of doing — over-washing jeans will just weaken the denim).
If you’re tall like me and wanted these to puddle around your ankles, you should go for the Tall inseam. The Standard fits me more like a kick flare, which is ideal when I want to show off some fancy ankle boots, but now I know I’m a Tall in Madewell denim that’s meant to be full-length.
The Plus Longline Straight Jean Review
Lauren Savoie/Business Insider
Size worn: 22W
Wash: Black Frost
Other size options: Standard, Petite, Tall
Lauren’s review: I own an absurd number of jeans, but my Madewell Longline Straight Jeans are truly my go-to pair. I think the brand has nailed the balance of structure and flex, so I never feel overly aware of how my jeans are sitting on my body throughout the day. I own at least four pairs of Madewell denim, but the Longline Straight is my favorite style. It’s incredibly versatile; sleek enough for the office, yet casual enough for a night out.
My one wish is that Madewell would offer its plus sizes in tall and petite lengths (as it once did many moons ago). At 5’11”, the standard jeans are a bit cropped on me. That hasn’t stopped me from wearing the heck out of them, but I’d love the option of a full-length jean. I’ve also been frustrated with how much Madewell has walked back its plus-size offerings. For example, the Longline Straight Jean is available in just one wash for plus sizes, but four to five washes for standard, petite, and tall styles. We want options!
FAQs
Should I size up or down in Madewell jeans?
It depends on the style. With Madewell’s non-stretch denim, we recommend starting with your true size, or going up a size if you’re in between. For stretch denim, it’s a bit trickier. If you’re between sizes, you can usually size down in the brand’s stretchy jeans if you plan to wear them multiple times between washes, because they do tend to stretch out.
How often should I wash my Madewell jeans?
You probably don’t need to wash your jeans as frequently as you think. Stretch denim may need to be washed more often than rigid denim because it stretches over time, but the real answer to this question is that you should wash them whenever they start smelling funky or looking dirty. Typically, the style editors on our team will wear jeans four to five times before tossing them in the wash.
What sizes do Madewell jeans come in?
Madewell’s jeans are available in sizes 23-33, with standard, petite, or tall inseams. Its plus-size jeans range from 14W to 28W, with no alternative inseam options.
