Classic Designer Jeans and Brands

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#166
foxgal said:
I understand this is a "classic" jeans thread, but what do the denim aficionados here think about the balloon/horseshoe trend? I've been resisting it up until now because I thought it was just a flash in the pan, but now it's been going on a couple of years with no sign of slowing. Some versions I've seen really look great! As long as they're not overly exaggerated, they can look like just a nice "roomy-in-the-leg" style. I always love good baggy and wide-leg options in my denim collection along with classic straight leg.

On the note of styles and trends, do we think skinny jeans are coming back?
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I bought into the barrel/balloon/horseshoe (whatever they're referred to as) jeans about two years ago. My first pair were B-sides Lasso (NOT the 'vintage' lasso with the Levi's pockets - those are too exaggerated!). I think they may have been the first designer to come out with them. I loved them from day one! I've since bought so many of them from Tibi (the Sid, which I didn't keep), to Zara, to COS, to my newest pair of Massimo Dutti (waiting for them to arrive). I think they're here to stay...as you said, it's been years now. I think the most popular ones are from Free People. Which ones are you looking at?

I actually heard that kick flare ankle jeans are making a comeback now! As for skinny jeans, I'm not really a fan of the stretchy kind that fit like a legging. I prefer a 100% cotton and a straighter fit, so it just skims the leg all the way down. I just bought this pair from The Row. I think they're from when they first started the company. They're a low-mid rise, button fly, and a slim leg. I was worried they would look awful on me but they were under $100 on The Real Real at 60% off, so I took a chance. Love them because I will be able to tuck them into my moto boots. Here's a pic:
1755525023870.webp
 
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#167
Antonia said:
I bought into the barrel/balloon/horseshoe (whatever they're referred to as) jeans about two years ago. My first pair were B-sides Lasso (NOT the 'vintage' lasso with the Levi's pockets - those are too exaggerated!). I think they may have been the first designer to come out with them. I loved them from day one! I've since bought so many of them from Tibi (the Sid, which I didn't keep), to Zara, to COS, to my newest pair of Massimo Dutti (waiting for them to arrive). I think they're here to stay...as you said, it's been years now. I think the most popular ones are from Free People. Which ones are you looking at?

I actually heard that kick flare ankle jeans are making a comeback now! As for skinny jeans, I'm not really a fan of the stretchy kind that fit like a legging. I prefer a 100% cotton and a straighter fit, so it just skims the leg all the way down. I just bought this pair from The Row. I think they're from when they first started the company. They're a low-mid rise, button fly, and a slim leg. I was worried they would look awful on me but they were under $100 on The Real Real at 60% off, so I took a chance. Love them because I will be able to tuck them into my moto boots. Here's a pic:
View attachment 6216341
Click to expand...
you're lucky to be able to buy jeans without trying on
 
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#168
foxgal said:
Where do you find your vintage Levis?

I recently gave up on my raw selvedge Naked and Famous pair...they just don't fit right especially since I've lost a few more pounds, so off to consignment they go. And bought a pair of Levis original fit 501s for 70% off! They are good and I'll get lots of wear from them - perfect medium wash, 100% cotton. But they still don't fit like the classic jeans I remember from my yesteryear that hugged every curve...they are loose in the waist, fitted in the bum, and then loose again in the thigh. Maybe it's just my body that has changed - sigh! I was also hunting for the "shrink-to-fit" style but could only see them in the men's versions - ? Well, they'll probably mold to me better after more wears.

View attachment 6211086
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So I recently found a super low rise stretch (just a bit) boot cut pair of Levi's at Khols and they are the only jean I have found to fit me properly in the waist, butt, hips and thighs.
I don't think style is currently sold in Levi's stores but maybe are still at other retailers like Khols selling older or discontinued pieces (also thinking of TJ/TK Maxx, Marshalls, etc. but never been there)
Not vintage of course and are low rise, but just a thought.

Those jeans look fabulous on you btw!
 
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#169
lill_canele said:
So I recently found a super low rise stretch (just a bit) boot cut pair of Levi's at Khols and they are the only jean I have found to fit me properly in the waist, butt, hips and thighs.
I don't think style is currently sold in Levi's stores but maybe are still at other retailers like Khols selling older or discontinued pieces (also thinking of TJ/TK Maxx, Marshalls, etc. but never been there)
Not vintage of course and are low rise, but just a thought.

Those jeans look fabulous on you btw!
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Yes, I think for a true body-skimming slim leg, the fabric has to have a wee bit of stretch, even like 1% elastane. I knee-jerk went for 100% cotton 501s thinking they were a slim fit but as others on this thread have mentioned, the 714 or 724s are actually more fitted through the thigh and the hint of stretch helps.

I do have a pair of Lucky Brand from a few years ago, their Drew "mom" jeans, that kinda fit the bill already in my wardrobe - quite fitted and slim down the leg. They were getting quite faded and I wanted something dark for fall, so I dyed them black. And learned an important lesson for anyone considering dying their jeans - DO NOT use Rit dye! Their black skews way too purple. I did them twice and they were still just a purpley grey. Googled it and found a lot of people online experienced the same thing and suggested using Jacquard or Dylon brands. So then had to buy dye remover AND a new packet of Jacquard iDye...I've used so much water and salt in the past few days on this project it's ridiculous! Probably would have been better off just buying new jeans but I've bought three pairs this month...on a crazy denim obssession lately :lol:

Guess I'm having some kind of nostalgia. Anyone else here grow up in the 80s and remember putting on jeans so tight you had to lay down on the bed and use a coat hanger to pull the zipper up? I remember actually getting bruising on my upper thighs/pelvis where the jeans would crease while sitting at the school desk. Big hair and tight jeans - those were the days lol!
 
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#170
foxgal said:
Yes, I think for a true body-skimming slim leg, the fabric has to have a wee bit of stretch, even like 1% elastane. I knee-jerk went for 100% cotton 501s thinking they were a slim fit but as others on this thread have mentioned, the 714 or 724s are actually more fitted through the thigh and the hint of stretch helps.

I do have a pair of Lucky Brand from a few years ago, their Drew "mom" jeans, that kinda fit the bill already in my wardrobe - quite fitted and slim down the leg. They were getting quite faded and I wanted something dark for fall, so I dyed them black. And learned an important lesson for anyone considering dying their jeans - DO NOT use Rit dye! Their black skews way too purple. I did them twice and they were still just a purpley grey. Googled it and found a lot of people online experienced the same thing and suggested using Jacquard or Dylon brands. So then had to buy dye remover AND a new packet of Jacquard iDye...I've used so much water and salt in the past few days on this project it's ridiculous! Probably would have been better off just buying new jeans but I've bought three pairs this month...on a crazy denim obssession lately :lol:

Guess I'm having some kind of nostalgia. Anyone else here grow up in the 80s and remember putting on jeans so tight you had to lay down on the bed and use a coat hanger to pull the zipper up? I remember actually getting bruising on my upper thighs/pelvis where the jeans would crease while sitting at the school desk. Big hair and tight jeans - those were the days lol!
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OMG, that's hilarious!! Yes, I grew up in the 80's!! I do remember laying down to zip up jeans (and sometimes have to do it now, lol) but I've never used a coat hanger!

That's crazy about the dye!!! I've never dyed my clothes before. Do you think they looked purple because the jeans were already blue? Maybe if you used it on a white pair of jeans, they'd look more black?
 
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#172
Antonia said:
OMG, that's hilarious!! Yes, I grew up in the 80's!! I do remember laying down to zip up jeans (and sometimes have to do it now, lol) but I've never used a coat hanger!

That's crazy about the dye!!! I've never dyed my clothes before. Do you think they looked purple because the jeans were already blue? Maybe if you used it on a white pair of jeans, they'd look more black?
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Maybe, but many people experienced the same thing with Rit dye. I also dyed a silk blouse and it turned out with a weird purple shimmer - now I know why! From now on, I'll only use Jacquard dye - if I ever attempt it again!
 
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#173
foxgal said:
Yes, I think for a true body-skimming slim leg, the fabric has to have a wee bit of stretch, even like 1% elastane. I knee-jerk went for 100% cotton 501s thinking they were a slim fit but as others on this thread have mentioned, the 714 or 724s are actually more fitted through the thigh and the hint of stretch helps.

I do have a pair of Lucky Brand from a few years ago, their Drew "mom" jeans, that kinda fit the bill already in my wardrobe - quite fitted and slim down the leg. They were getting quite faded and I wanted something dark for fall, so I dyed them black. And learned an important lesson for anyone considering dying their jeans - DO NOT use Rit dye! Their black skews way too purple. I did them twice and they were still just a purpley grey. Googled it and found a lot of people online experienced the same thing and suggested using Jacquard or Dylon brands. So then had to buy dye remover AND a new packet of Jacquard iDye...I've used so much water and salt in the past few days on this project it's ridiculous! Probably would have been better off just buying new jeans but I've bought three pairs this month...on a crazy denim obssession lately :lol:

Guess I'm having some kind of nostalgia. Anyone else here grow up in the 80s and remember putting on jeans so tight you had to lay down on the bed and use a coat hanger to pull the zipper up? I remember actually getting bruising on my upper thighs/pelvis where the jeans would crease while sitting at the school desk. Big hair and tight jeans - those were the days lol!
Click to expand...
My mom grew up in the 70s-80s and she told me abiut how they have to lay down and use coat hangers and somtimes pliers. Sounds sp crazy:lol:
I do have to lay down to put on many of my own jeans though:cool:
 
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