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Madewell denim has a cult following, and it just released its latest style: the Dean Easy Jeans. Made to reference the style of the early 2000s, the denim is distressed and features a relaxed straight leg and low-rise fit. We decided to put them to the test on five people with different body types and styles.
Chinea Rodriguez, shopping writer
How did it fit: Very loose and long. I sized up so it would be baggier on my thighs. I love Madewell denim and typically size up for a better fit at the waist and a looser fit throughout. For this pair, two sizes up was too much because it was big at the waist, but I could probably get it tailored.
How did you style it: They were too long, but the length was perfect for a heel, and since I had an event to attend, I decided to dress the jeans up with a halter top. It felt like I was adjusting them most of the night because the shirt was too short to fully cover the waist. So next time I wear them, I’ll either have them tailored or wear a longer shirt, but overall, I liked the look.
Bianca Nieves, senior shopping editor
How did it fit: For a straight pair of jeans that promised a more relaxed fit, the fit was more snug than I would’ve liked. Trying them on was a roller coaster of emotions. As I got them over my legs, it felt like they would not go above my hips, but to my surprise, they did, and they closed comfortably. I sized up because I wanted that true relaxed fit, but alas, they fit just right.
How did you style it? I kept it casual by pairing the jeans with a Reformation sweater and my Sandy Liang x Salomon sneakers. However, in the future, if I were to gravitate toward this pair, I would style it with some heels since I feel the fit makes me look a bit frumpy.
Hanna Flanagan, shopping writer and editor
How did it fit: Straight and loose on my legs, as promised, but too big on my hips to the point of being unflattering. In defense of these jeans, I did size up. But that’s only because I prefer my low-rise pants to be fit oversize — and these weren’t low-rise at all. They were a true mid-rise on me and would have looked much better in a smaller size. It is also probably worth noting that I have no hips.
How did you style it? The oversize fit of these jeans made me want to dress comfy, so I paired them with my favorite Aritzia hoodie and a simple COS blazer. I added pointed-toe boots to dress up the look.
Brooke LaMantia, editorial assistant
How did it fit: Loose on my waist, snug on my hips, and perfectly on my legs.
How did you style it: I don’t consider myself especially picky with denim, but I don’t think low-rise is for me. I have a longish torso and pretty wide hips, and I didn’t love how they sat. However, they were super comfortable and I could see the appeal in wearing them around the house or with a hoodie out and about. If I were to style them, I’d opt for something oversize on the top to feel comfortable.
Danya Issawi, fashion news writer
How did it fit: Snug on my hips, fit on my legs, didn’t go over my bum. (Hence why I didn’t take a picture.)
How did you style it: Unfortunately, these jeans never made it that far. I got my regular size in jeans and couldn’t get them to button over my butt. Oddly, though, they fit my legs just fine. I recommend going one or two sizes up unless you want to feel the same way you did trying jeans at Abercrombie circa 2008 (sad).
