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The approach of fall always gets me in the back-to-school spirit, even though it’s been a while since I’ve been a student. This manifests in me wanting to start the ‘new year’ with fresh wardrobe choices, including a new pair of jeans (or three). With that in mind, I’ve been looking at all of my favorite brands to see what denim styles they’re bringing out for fall.
Since expanding their sizes in 2018, Madewell has lived up to its name when it comes to plus size denim. With sizes up to 26W and quality fabrics that last for years, the brand has been my top denim recommendation since before skinny jeans fell out of favor and were still the go-to silhouette du jour. So when? Madewell’s Fall 2024 Denim Collection dropped, I immediately started making a wish list of my favorites. Ahead, my comments and review of my top three fall picks.
Madewell Plus Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean, $138
This baggy style was probably my favorite of the pairs I tried on. The fit was spot on in my usual Madewell jean size, 20W, and the fabric had enough stretch to make the jeans comfortable from the moment I put them on, but not so much that they lose their shape over time. I didn’t have any gaping waist or uncomfortable stomach in this pair, and the baggy style looks very of-the-moment without being overly trendy. The slightly faded blue wash is also super versatile. you can wear this pair in all four seasons with the right styling.
My only note about this style is that it is on the shorter side, with a 29½” inseam that hits right at my ankle. This is great if you want a clean line for the wide leg hem, but go for a different style if you want something that sweeps the floor.
Madewell Plus Low-Slung Baggy Jeans, $138
Flared jeans have been street style in chokes for the past year, so I’m constantly on the lookout for cute options that come in plus sizes. Somewhat ironically, fit is especially important in this more relaxed silhouette—you want the shape to look purposeful, not like you’re wearing the wrong size jeans. This pair is 100% cotton with no stretch at all, so I tried my usual 20W denim with Madewell denim, hoping to hit that sweet spot of loose but snug.
The stiffness of the jeans turned out to be a feature, not a flaw. My favorite pair of Madewell Baggy Jeans from last fall fit in perfectly and have become one of my most worn pieces of denim. Madewell just released a new baggy and baggy version of the silhouette and I will definitely be adding this new rise to my wardrobe.
Madewell Plus Curvy Perfect Vintage Jean, $128
I can tell you from experience that shopping for vintage plus-size jeans is tough, so I love that Madewell is making a selection that fills this wardrobe gap — and, most importantly, it does without a gap in the waistband. I have several pairs of the brand’s classic Perfect Vintage style that I bought years ago and they are still in great condition, but I still prefer the fit in the Curvy version. It fits around my waist and hips in a way that shows off my shape without being tight. The denim is 99% cotton and has a classic feel, and I appreciate that Madewell added just a little stretch to the style (perfect for those days when I’m feeling a little puffy).
Trying on these new styles reaffirmed my love for Madewell denim. However, while the quality is evident in their look and feel and I appreciate that the brand offers shoppers the benefit of modern style at fairly affordable prices, I wish they had plus sizes in more physical locations. Trying these jeans on was a reminder of how much fit in jeans can vary depending on style, cut and material. Trying them on in store would help more plus size shoppers find their perfect fit at Madewell and turn them into die-hard fans too.
Do you like what you see? How about something more R29, here?
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