Wow, time flies! A year ago, almost to the day, I put together a big review of Everlane’s then-newly released denim. In the time that has passed I’ve tried a few more styles, settled on a favorite shape, and parted ways with what didn’t work for me. Needless to say, it’s time for an update!
Everlane Jeans I Currently Wear:
My pair of Cheeky Straight jeans were in regular rotation last winter and spring. I like them but I don’t LOVE them. My main issue is with the pockets, they are too short, and one pocket is constantly popping out, showing white fabric (note the right pocket). The second factor that keeps me from being head over heels is the wash. It’s a medium-cool blue, and it’s average as far as denim washes go. But, I keep them around because I do love the shape; they have a fantastic rise, and are just the right length. Later in this post I’ll share more specifics on this fit and how they compare to Modern BF style.
FABRIC: 11 oz. Japanese Denim, 98% cotton, 2% elastane
FIT: I first tried these in a 28, and they fit very comfortable at the onset, but stretched out nearly a whole size. The 27’s felt too tight in the waist brand new, but they have loosened up to fit comfortably.
PERFORMANCE: A little stiff and structured, but still stretchy. The high rise stays in place nicely, without any tugging to keep it up.
STYLING: These fill the spot in my closet that skinny jeans used to take up. They are great for pairing with chunky sweaters or oversized tops. I like that they are long enough to pair with chelsea boots and keep my ankles warm.
shirt | jeans (best option) | shoes, c/o
I enjoy wearing my white jeans from Everlane, which started out as a pair of Modern Boyfriends, but after some alterations, probably fit closer to the Cheeky Straight style. I bought these in a 28, to give them room in the legs, and had the waist taken in so the pants wouldn’t sit so low. They are very comfortable and easy to wear, and I love that they don’t look like skinny jeans on me (which a lot of straight-legged pants tend to do).
FABRIC: 11 oz. Japanese Denim, 98% cotton, 2% elastane
FIT: Designed to run big for looser, boyfriend-style fit.
PERFORMANCE: Structured, but still stretchy. Full-sized pockets.
STYLING: I love pairing white jeans with tonal shades like tan, blush and brown. They are a great alternative to blue.
I love these pants. I’ve only had them for about a week, but I’ve been counting down the days until Everlane released this ‘washed black’ shade. It looks so good! They are the same exact shape as my other Cheeky Straights, and the color makes all the difference. Nailing down the fit on these was really tricky. I sized down to a 27, just like my other Cheeky Straights, and they were insanely tight in the waist. Enough that I ordered the next size up. When that pair came, I wore them around the house for a bit, and they quickly stretched out. Luckily, I kept the 27’s to compare and, after trying the 28’s, I took a risk and decided to take the tags off the tighter pair. The risk paid off because, after some time, they loosened up nicely. Even the waist!
FABRIC: 11 oz. Japanese Denim, 98% cotton, 2% elastane
FIT: Tapered waist, long, straight leg. Size down for a fitted look.
PERFORMANCE: Soft, structured and a little bit stretchy. A little bit of the same pocket issue, but the pocket lining is black so it’s less noticeable. The high rise stays in place nicely without any tugging to keep it up.
STYLING: This shape is great for winter to contrast against chunky sweaters, big coats and boots. The washed black feels super fresh and less serious than true black denim.
Everlane Jeans I Got Rid Of:
High Rise Skinny – I eventually parted ways with these jeans because I don’t wear skinny jeans any more. They were my last pair of skinnies standing!
Modern BF – The pair in this photograph ended up being a whole size too small (26!) so I sold that one pretty quickly, and bought another pair in a size up. And, though I didn’t technically get rid of them, they have become my camping-car washing-yardwork jeans (you can see them pictured below). The reason: the cut didn’t really do anything for my shape. The straight waist was comfortable, but uninteresting. The straight leg was straight-ish but it seemed closer to a skinny than I wanted. Overall, I was mostly underwhelmed by this style for my body shape.
Modern BF in Black – These are currently sitting in my ‘to sell’ piled because I don’t wear these often enough to keep. I don’t love this style on my bodyshape (see above) and the black was slightly too shiny for me. This is probably why I didn’t wear them very often.
Everlane Modern BF vs. Cheeky Straight
One of the things I get asked more than anything about Everlane jeans is: which do you prefer, the Modern Boyfriend or the Cheeky Straight. Even my own best friend asked me! The question comes with good reason. The jeans are similar in wash, and seem similar in cut (both have a slightly straight opening at the ankle) and both are similar in price. But that is where the similarities end.
Garment Measurements:
Rise – MB: 10.75″, CHEEKY: 11″
Inseam – MB: 27″, CHEEKY: 29″
Leg Opening – MB: 13.5″, CHEEKY: 13.5″
Flat Waist – MB: 15.75″, CHEEKY: 14.75″
As you can see, on paper they look pretty similar, but I find the fits to be quite different. The Modern BF is overall straight, including through the hips and the waist, like you would expect from a boyfriend fit. The Cheeky Straight is a much curvier jean with a waist that tapers in, making the hips look rounder and the waist smaller (probably why I like them so much). The Modern BF is an easier, more comfortable jean to wear, while the Cheeky is a little tighter up top, and a bit more statement-making with the high waist. The rise measurements are nearly identical, but the Modern BF’s hit lower on my waist for a more slouchy feel, and the Cheeky Straights come up to my high waist.
Everlane recently released their Authentic Stretch Denim which looks like a nice option for stretch denim fans. I personally prefer a little heft in my fabric, but I could see how these would appeal to someone looking for some extra flexibility with their jeans.
I am pretty happy with the Everlane jeans currently in my closet. They are great staples for everyday wear. For other denim, I am a huge fan of vintage. I have three pairs of vintage Levi’s and they are some of my very favorites to wear. I also added a pair of jeans from Reformation this summer, and I am very pleased with the look and fit of them.
Hope this review is helpful. Let me know if you have questions about anything I may have missed!
Thanks so much for this update! I recently found a pair of the Everlane high rise skinny jeans second-hand for less than $4. I didn’t love any of the original styles, but figured I’d try them for that price. I now know I love the fabric and have been intrigued by the newer styles. The comparison between the boyfriend and the cheeky was so helpful. And that washed black. I’m obsessed.
What a steal you got those jeans for! I am so glad I could help Dara. I am with you, I think this fall’s styles are way better than last year’s! Right?! The washed black is so good, I can’t get enough!
I am anxiously awaiting my Everlane order with both the Cheeky and the Boyfriend styles. I’ve only worn Gap Jean’s the past 5 years and really want to find an ethical brand that fits my body well! Fingers crossed that one of them works! Of course I ordered a day before the stretch jeans were released or I would have added those to the try-on mix.
Thanks for the review, friend!
Keep me posted Rebecca!! Both my of the Cheeky’s I have tried stretched out nearly a full size, keep that in mind when trying on!
This is helpful! I should do one like it. I am betting on the stretch jeans. I am in choir rehearsals 6 hours a weeks and need something I can get to full lung capacity in when sitting. I really like the cheekies, but they’re a bit too stiff for rehearsal days.
I also said goodbye to the boyfriends and skinnies. The fit wasn’t right for my shape.
I would love to see you share your experiences with the jeans Leah! Are you going to try the skinnies?
My cheeky pockets do that too! Does the inside also pop out on your faded black pair? I’m wondering if they’ve done anything to correct it, because I’ve heard it’s a common issue.
The black does too, but it doesn’t seem to as much. It also helps that the pocket lining is black! Wish they would have just made bigger pockets!!
This is a ridiculously helpful post and puts into words why the Cheeky is so much more flattering than the BF, which just comes off as kind of boring, despite the fact that they’re almost the same measurements. I with the waist on the cheeky was just 1/2″ wider. I might try to size up and get the washed black next. We shall see :)
I hear you on that tiny Cheeky waist! It is small. My black ones loosened up comfortably, but sometimes my denim ones are a little too snug by the end of the day. Keep me posted if you try sizing up!
have you ever tried on the kick crop? i’m looking for white jeans and the cheeky straight in white didn’t work for me and that’s the only other option besides skinny….
I have! Just briefly. I tried a 27 and found they were pretty snug, but mostly, they were just too cropped on me! I love the style though. If I were shorter, I think they would work really well for me.
I currently have a pair of cheeky straights (in the same medium blue wash) sitting in their Everlane box waiting to be returned. I’ve been stalling on the return because I’m on the hunt for a jean in the same style and color (though, you are right: this mid-blue is not quite perfect) and the price in on-point, but I could sense that they’d stretch to an unflattering shape as soon as I put them on. You comment that they stretch out, but what do you mean? Did you start with a skin-tight jean and now they are perfect? Do the knees and rear get loose? Does the denim get bubbly (as in, does it keep the shape of the stretched areas)? For me, the cheeky straights are perfect out of the box, so I fear that I’ll end up with the saggy knees and bubbly rear look within a few hours of having them on.
Great questions Melissa! When I had Cheekys fit perfectly out of the box, they stretched out wayyyy too much. When I had Cheekys that were skin tight out of the box, they stretched out to just right. The denim does not get bubbly, because it’s more weighted and thick. Denim I’ve had get bubbly is usually very stretchy. In response to your last comment, yes, if they are perfect out of the box, then they will likely stretch out in ways you don’t like. Put them back on for a few minutes and do some squats and walk around the house and see what you think. Good luck!
i love posts and follow up reviews like this. thanks!
Yay, thanks Sara! I’m so glad this resonated with you. :)
Could you point me to those great SHOES??!!!
Hi there! Can you tell me your height? Trying to figure out how these will fit on me if I am 5″3
Hi Emma! I am 5’7