I don’t know about you but, before I do any substantial online shopping, the internet is my BFF. I always search for reviews and real life perspectives before hitting purchase. Especially, if it involves something pricey or an item where the right fit is crucial. It really helps to hear another person’s perspective on how an item functions in real life and how it fits a real body.
Today, I hope to pay it forward with my insights on four styles of denim by Everlane.
This post is sponsored by Everlane, and all thoughts and ideas are my own. Everlane has been an ongoing partner with Seasons + Salt for many years and I’ve been reviewing their jeans since the very first day they launched!
Fabric.
As a whole, Everlane’s denim collection has evolved so much since it first launched in 2017, especially in terms of styles. But their signature thick, structured denim with stretch has been at the core since the beginning. More recently, they added 100% cotton to their collection and I love how the fabrics and washes remind me of vintage jeans. They have other denim fabrics, but for this review, I am sticking to the ones I wear, the aforementioned thick stretch and the 100% cotton.
Fits.
Currently, my favorite silhouettes from Everlane are the Way-High Jeans and the Cheeky Jeans. The first is a wide leg/loose leg jean with a very high rise, and the second is a slim/straight leg jean with regular high rise. I like to wear these two styles in two fabric variations mentioned above (thick stretch and 100% cotton).
My Body Measurements.
Before I launch into the full review, I want to give you a clear picture of my current size. I know many of you relate to my sizing recommendations because you wear the same or a similar size, or you use my size as a barometer for what to order. If so, this information is very pertinent to you because my current size has changed. Since starting my weight training build in the fall, I have gained an inch in my stomach and two inches in my hips. My measurements are waist: 30” and hips: 40” and my height of 5’7 is, of course, unchanged. My size usually is 27 in denim, but I’ve found everything is different right now. Per the Everlane denim size chart, my measurements put me at a size 29. Though I suspect I am closer to a 28 because that is what currently fits. For this review I am trying on a variety of sizes so make sure you read the sizing notes carefully.
The Jeans:
The Rigid Way-High Jeans
Quick Facts:
Rise: 12.5″
Inseam: 27.5″ in regular, 29.5″ in long
Fabric: 100% organic cotton
Fly: Button
The Rigid Way-High is my favorite style out of the bunch. It’s very classic in the shape, fit and washes. They remind me of vintage jeans, but updated with a sleek, high rise. These are the kind of jeans that, when paired with a loose, white t-shirt and some gold jewelry, look like a complete outfit. I think the name of this style is very misleading. I’ve had so many people ask me if they actually feel ‘rigid’ because the word has negative connotations in our minds. I would say they are more structured than rigid. And like any cotton they are soft and will soften with wear.
They come in four washes and two inseams. I’ve tried two of the washes (you’ll see them below) and my favorite is the Worn-In Blue. I prefer them in the long inseams (29.5″) over the regular (27.5″) because in most cases I prefer full-length denim over cropped.
This is the style I have tried in the most sizes. I really wanted to give you guys a good look at how they fit in various ways. In a size 27, a size down for me, they are too tight to wear. I thought I could ‘break them in’ but they are just too tight for all day wear, especially on the hips, thighs and crotch. In a size 28, my current size, they fit great. They are nice and snug in the hips, but not too snug. I love how they fit loose on my knees and calves. In a size 29, a size up, they start to fit quite a bit looser. They don’t stay up as high and are a bit baggy in the crotch.
My sizing recommendation: take your true size, unless you are going for an intentionally baggy jeans look. Sizing down may be uncomfortable.
(27 LONG in Rich Indigo)
(size 28 LONG in Worn-In Blue)
(size 29 LONG in Worn-In Blue)
The Way-High Jean
Quick Facts:
Rise: 12.5″
Inseam: 27.5″ in regular, 29.5″ in long
Fabric: Cotton/Elastane
Fly: Zip
The Way-High came out last winter and it’s a welcome addition to the Everlane line up. (See my first review of them here.) I really like the loose silhouette and shape, and that the waist is high and tapered. The fitted waist complements a full leg. These are very easy to wear in both the regular and long inseams (which you’ll see below). I think I prefer them in the regular, except in the black. I really like the long, full leg of the black pair. These are comfortable to wear even with a tight fit.
They come in five washes and two inseams. I’ve tried four of the washes (you’ll see two of them below) and my favorite is the Coal.
The stretch in the fabric of these jeans (the amount varies by wash) means they are excellent at accommodating some weight fluctuations. As mentioned above, I’ve added an inch in my waist and two in my hips, and I’m still wearing the same size in these I’ve worn for the past year. For me, this makes these jeans extremely wearable.
My sizing recommendation: take your true size or size down for a more snug fit through the hips, or if you are between sizes. If ordering Coal, I strongly recommend sizing down.
(size 27 LONG in Coal)
(size 27 REGULAR in Vintage Indigo)
The 90s Cheeky
Quick Facts:
Rise: 11″
Inseam: 26.5″ in regular, 28.5″ in long
Fabric: 100% cotton
Fly: Button
The 90s Cheeky Jean is a great jean for someone looking for a slim-fitting pair or if you have a different build and want a straight leg fit. On me, they have a bit of a skinny-jean effect, which I like to employ, particularly if I am wearing an oversized top or jacket.
I have these in two washes and I love them both. I like Everlane’s 100% cotton washes the best. Currently, these jeans are out of my rotation because they are just too tight on my quads. But I am ending my weight training build in the spring with a brief cut, so I’ll hang on to them in the event that they are more comfortable then. But for this post, I squeezed into them to give you a clear look. These come in six washes and my favorites are the two pictured below. Both feel very classic-vintage to me.
My sizing recommendation: take your true size, let the hip measurements on the size chart be your guide if you’re in doubt.
(size 27 REGULAR in Deep Atlantic + Vintage Sunbleached Blue)
The Original Cheeky
Quick Facts:
Rise: 11″
Inseam: 26.5″ in regular, 28.5″ in long
Fabric: 98% Organic Cotton/2% Elastane, 13 oz denim
Fly: Zip
I know, I know, these look just like the pair above, but hear me out. The Original Cheeky Jean looks a lot like the 90s Cheeky, but it has a zip fly and moderately stretchy fabric. Like the Way-High Jean in stretch at the beginning of this post, this fit is more forgiving than the 90s Cheeky.
These come in seven washes and two inseams. I’ve only tried the Washed Midnight, which I’d describe as a classic dark wash. I prefer them in the regular inseam. Perfect to wear with boots.
This straight leg style has a very tapered fit on my legs. They are great for pairing with oversized sweaters and sweatshirts or big jackets. The 13 oz. stretch fabric gives comfortably, but holds its shape quite well, even at the knees.
My sizing recommendation: take your true size, or size down if you are in between.
(size 27 REGULAR in Washed Midnight)
The Takeaway:
These are all great options, the best jeans I’ve seen from Everlane yet. The 100% cotton styles are my favorite, but they can be tricky if your size fluctuates. The Rigid Way-High in Worn-In Blue and the Way-High in Coal are my current favorites.
Thanks so much for getting in the weeds over denim with me! If you have any follow up questions, drop them in the comment box down below!
PS – I am wearing the oversized alpaca sweater, my favorite color in this style.
This post is sponsored by Everlane and it contains affiliate links. This means, if you make a purchase, Seasons + Salt may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
