My Ultimate Guide to Madewell Jeans—Tested & Reviewed, with Photos

Madewell strikes a lovely balance between variety and selection with six categories of fits, including Wide, Straight, Barrel, Baggy and Relaxed, Flare and Bootcut and Slim and Skinny in a slew of size ranges and inseam lengths. My rule of thumb for finding a bespoke-fitting pair that looks like it came straight from the tailor: Always find the right inseam—the measurement from the crotch to the bottom of the pant hem. Finding a jean that just grazes the top of your foot in a boot or a sneaker is key…but don’t forget to make sure the waist fits, too.

Within the Regular denim category, many of Madewell’s styles can come in various sizes and fits to suit nearly every body type and height, which I’ll break down here: 

• Standard: best for people between 5’4” and 5’8” with a 30-inch to 32-inch inseam
• Petite: has a Standard fit but a proportional rise and shorter inseam
• Short: has a Standard fit but a shorter inseam
• Tall: has a Standard fit but the inseam is 3 inches longer
• Plus: from 14W to 28W

Then there’s Madewell's Curvy denim, designed for a larger waist-to-hip difference (up to 10 inches) to prevent gaping at the waist or an ill fit.

For materials and fabric blends, Madewell often uses high percentages of cotton (for that true-denim stiff feel), with a small mix of recycled fabrics or elastane for stretch and softness. The company sometimes uses Regenagri cotton, which is regenerative-certified, so production uses sustainable techniques.

• Size I'm Wearing: 27

If you’re in the market for a reliable, all-day-wear style that always looks good no matter what you pair it with, I’d point you to Madewell’s straight-leg jeans. They offer the best of both worlds: an unbelievably soft, comfortable feel and a tailored fit that doesn’t leave you nauseated after a few hours of wear, thanks to the brand’s material that “moves with you throughout the day.”

And I’m not the only one who thinks so. Another reviewer calls this style their “go-to favorite fit and feel jean” and says it “fits perfect like a glove with only slight stretch as you wear them.” As someone who prefers high-rise, my only qualm is that it’s mid-rise, which, I feel, cuts my frame off at an awkward length—but this would be especially great for anyone with a short torso.

Fast Facts

• Fit: standard, short, tall, plus, curvy
• Materials: 91 percent cotton, 6 percent recycled polyester, 3 percent elastane
• Size Range: 23 to 33, 14W to 26W
• Washes: 3

• Size I’m Wearing: 27

Another style that didn’t disappoint was Madewell's Perfect Vintage wide-leg jeans. It makes sense, as these are a best-seller for the brand, boasting a wide-leg cut and high waist. They're made from Madewell’s premium Cone denim, designed with the structure of a rigid jean that holds you in, but with all-day comfort and stretch. I found them to be very stretchy and soft throughout, but I was surprised by how snatched the waistband felt. Despite this, there was still some gaping at the back, but only when I bent down. 

If you need more room around the waist, this may be a concern. I’d recommend sizing up for a bit more wiggle in the waistband. Otherwise, the Perfect Vintage wide-leg jeans are just that—perfect. Wear with heeled boots to dress 'em up, flats for the office or sneakers on the weekends.

Fast Facts

• Fit: standard, petite, short, tall, plus, curvy
• Materials: 67 percent cotton, 21 percent lyocell, 11 percent polyester, 1 percent elastane
• Size Range: 23 to 33, 14W to 26W
• Washes: 5

• Size I’m Wearing: 28

We’ve hit mid-rise and high-rise in the previous styles, so it was only a matter of time before we slipped into a low-rise pair of jeans. This was the only style in which I had to size up, which I’d chalk up to its 100 percent cotton, no-stretch construction. And to be fair, the brand suggests sizing up if you’re between sizes or prefer a baggier fit. Through and through, they’re a classic pair of denim with a loose silhouette that doesn't cling to the hips or thighs. In other words, if you pin street-style looks on Pinterest for inspiration, this pair is the digital footprint made real—the epitome of cool.

Fast Facts

• Fit: standard, short, tall, curvy
• Materials: 100 percent Regenagri certified cotton
• Size Range: 23 to 33
• Washes: 5

• Size I’m Wearing: 27

While I wasn’t thrilled about wearing another low-rise style, I didn’t dislike these jeans at all. In fact, I found the fabric extremely breathable and soft, with a generous amount of stretch I don’t often get in a slim cut. The legs have a bit of looseness starting around the knees and continuing down the legs, while still maintaining their taper. I especially liked that I didn’t feel like I was spilling over the waistband because the blend is so forgiving—but that can be a downside. “I do wish this was available in a rigid fabric,” notes one reviewer. “As is, the stretch is comfy but gets loose by the end of the day.”

Fast Facts

• Fit: standard, short, tall
• Materials: 96 percent Regenagri certified cotton, 3 percent elastomultiester, 1 percent elastane
• Size Range: 23 to 33
• Washes: 2

• Size I’m Wearing: 26

One thing about me: I’m always going to try on a barrel jean when the opportunity presents itself. Balloon effects, a curved silhouette—you name it, I’m here for that chic, stylish look. Unlike its trendy counterparts, which lean into voluminous legs, Madewell’s take is more refined and understated without feeling cartoonish. In fact, I almost found it too subtle, but that could be because I tried a size 26—the only size they had in stock at the store and one to two sizes off from my usual—so everything sat a little too snug, short and small. But don’t let my size fiasco deter you; these jeans are a must-have, especially if you want a pair that hugs your butt and makes it look perky and perfect.

Fast Facts

• Fit: standard, short, tall, plus, curvy
• Materials: 100 percent Regenagri certified cotton
• Size Range: 23 to 33, 14W to 28W
• Colors: 4