Mom Jeans

[Anonymous]

Ladies, I'm ashamed to admit it, but I think I fall into this camp. I am wearing $35 Gap jeans that I've had forever. They are too baggy, shapeless and not all that hip. I would really like nicer jeans, but I'm totally intimidated by jeans shopping (and I'm not normally intimidated - I'll shop at high end stores, but there's a "coolness" factor that I feel like I lack.) 8)

I would like to go to a denim store, like the Denim Bar, but I don't even know where to start. What brand should I look for? I am very petite and don't want to spend over $150 on a pair of jeans. I shudder just thinking of spending close to that, but I rationalize that will keep them for years and wear them a ton. Ideas?

[Anonymous]

I'd go to Banana Republic if I were you. I find their jeans as a nice median between Gap and designer (they have petite, too) and their prices are reasonable (about $90-130).

[Anonymous]

The SECOND I took off my baby weight, I headed to Nordstrom, told the salespeople what was going on, and had them bring me about 6 pairs of jeans. It was awsome. I bought one pair for $85 and a pair for $150 (Citizens for Humanity...which the salesperson said works well for moms who don't want to be frumpy). I never thought I'd be the type to spend a lot on jeans but they make a HUGE difference and it was worth the splurge for the second pair. The first pair were also really nice and although more expensive than Gap, were less likely to break the bank.

[Anonymous]

I highly recommend Denim Bar. I recently went after taking off my baby weight and found them very helpful. You don't need to know what brand or size you're looking for, they'll figure it out. The salesman helping me basically grabbed a pile of differnt jeans and had me start trying them on. I'd comment that I liked the cut but not the color, or I liked the way they fit in the legs, but not at the hips, etc and based on my input, he kept bringing me something else to try until I found what I was looking for. I must have tried on 20 pairs, but it was worth the effort!

I wear my jeans more than I wear anything else in my wardrobe, so they're worth every penny!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I highly recommend Denim Bar. I recently went after taking off my baby weight and found them very helpful. You don't need to know what brand or size you're looking for, they'll figure it out. The salesman helping me basically grabbed a pile of differnt jeans and had me start trying them on. I'd comment that I liked the cut but not the color, or I liked the way they fit in the legs, but not at the hips, etc and based on my input, he kept bringing me something else to try until I found what I was looking for. I must have tried on 20 pairs, but it was worth the effort!

I wear my jeans more than I wear anything else in my wardrobe, so they're worth every penny!

This sounds like great service. Where are they located? Are the jeans the higher priced brands?

[Anonymous]

I've found plenty of "skinny jeans" that are flattering for under $50 a discount stores like Marshall's and Filenes, urban chic stores like RAVE. Also, sometimes I shop at the junior section in Target, they have some cute stuff. I would never spend more than $50 on jeans, but that's just me. You just have to stay away from tapered legs and pleated waists... go for straight leg, flaired or relaxed fit. The GAP and Old Navy stretchy jeans are also very comfy and fitting.

[Anonymous]

After you decide what brand works for you, try Filene's Basement. They have all the designer brands for a lot less. They are from the prior season, so stay away from trendy things--like skinny leg jeans-- over just a classic fit.

[Anonymous]

16:39 poster here. There are two Denim Bars in this area that I know of. One is in Arlington in Pentagon Row. The other is in Bethesda. They have a very wide brand selection, covering a large price range. I'm sure OP would have no problem finding something in her $150 price range. I'm sure you can find cheaper jeans at a discount store, but you won't get the same service. Also, the designers have different cuts, so just because you find a brand you like, doesn't mean you'd necessarily like all the jeans from that brand. The jeans from last season that are currently in the discount stores may or may not be cut the same as the jeans from this season.

[Anonymous]

I've heard great things about Denim Bar - but do they only carry size 2s? I'm a size 8/10, and pretty tall. I'm intimidated by them I guess.

[Anonymous]

Not at all--I did the same thing--post baby weight (well, first 15 out of 30, anyway!), and they were awesome. I've found the selection and serve at their Arlington location to be better than the Bethesda one, but it could just be my luck.

Anyway, after trying on like 10 pairs, I found a pair of Habituals that I've LIVED in. So worth the money (they were a bit over $150, I think, but I wear them like every other day, I swear).

One thing I would recommend--they may do it there (I believe they do alterations), but wherever you get alterations done, make sure that they do an "Original Hem." That's where, instead of just folding your jeans up and hemming them wherever the length works (which always makes them sit funny and the threads never match), they cut off the bottom original hem, do some type of technique and then restitch that hem at the new length. Worth the ten extra bucks, as I've ruined some great jeans getting cheap alterations done.

[Anonymous]

service, not serve. Sorry.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thanks so much everyone! I definitely understand the need for original hem. One of the reasons I've stuck in Gap jeans for so long is that the ankle length actually fit me (Ok, honestly, they're a bit long) so I don't have to worry about ruining hems. Now I feel like I've wasted months/years of my life in crappy jeans - time to get out there! Keep the suggestions coming everyone

(and apologies to the Gap)

[Anonymous]

I'm a big fan of Express jeans. They fit me as well as my Joe's and True Religion, which cost a lot more. And Express jeans come in short, regular and long. I think they fit people with a straighter build best. I really recommend trying on as many pairs as you can and not buying anything until you are happy. There are jeans made for every body. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Lucky Jeans are great. There is a store in Tysons Galleria and the salespeople are pretty helpful. You won't get the same range of options as you would at Denim Bar. Don't be intimidated. Just think about how hot you will look in an awesome pair of jeans!

[Anonymous]

Splurge. Trendy jeans are like no other jeans. After I bought my first pair in 2001 (and shuddered at the price then), I never went back. PS I still have that original pair. Go to Barneys Co-op in Gtown, they have a jeans wall and are helpful. I just bought a new pair there after the birth of my daughter. 7 for All Mankind tend to be the least expensive, you should be able to get a pair in the $150 ballpark. Joe's Jeans and Citizens are great too but may cost closer to $160-$200. Price will vary with style. But don't wear those "Mom jeans" when you go shopping!