I could probably write a book on my struggle to find jeans that fit me properly. As a rather tall person, length was something I struggled with growing up. Even the “tall” sizes weren’t long enough. By the time I made it to college, I discovered premium denim, which had just started to gain popularity in the Midwest, available only in the best boutiques. Not even the major department stores had started carrying brands like 7 For All Mankind or Blue Cult (at the time Blue Cult was all the rage thanks to Gwenyth Paltrow).
Premium denim became the only way for me to find jeans that were not only long enough, but cut properly so that they were actually flattering. Retail stores started to catch on that not every woman is under 5’8″ but their version of tall jeans included a 34″ inseam and an extra long rise. Not. Cute.
Fast forward to today, I escaped the Midwest and premium denim is everywhere. However, now I’ve learned that I’d rather spend my hard-earned cash on traveling or having fun with friends (or just paying the bills) than spending $250 on a single pair of jeans. Thankfully many retail stores have upped the ante when it comes to denim and this is how I was able to spend $14.50 on a pair of jeans this past weekend.
Classic Skinny Tab Jean from Forever21
I’m not a huge proponent of retail, especially bargain retail, but I will admit that Forever 21 is a guilty pleasure of mine. This is probably wrong on a number of levels, including the fact that I’m almost 30 and I still shop there. But $14.50 on a pair of flattering skinny jeans that look just as great as a $100 pair? Yes, please.
They may not hold out as long and there’s not really anything special about them when it comes to the wash or the detailing. However, the one thing they did get right was the back pockets. I have a sizable… how should I say this…. backside, and I can’t stand it when pockets on jeans don’t go below the bottom curve of your rear end. It looks so unflattering!
You’ll notice this about many premium denim brands. Their back pocket positioning is lower which creates the illusion of a nice backside (in my opinion). Try it out for yourself. The next time you’re trying on jeans, pick a pair with small back pockets and then pick a pair where the pockets look a little lower or positioned to actually cover your butt and try ‘em on.
Classic Skinny Tab Jean from Forever21
Before this post gets any longer (see? told you I could write a book), my point is that sometimes you don’t have to spend a small fortune to find a pair of jeans that fit. Even if you are six feet tall or not a size 2.
