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The approach of fall always inspires back-to-school spirit in me, even though it’s been a while since I’ve been a student. This manifests in me wanting to start the “new year” with fresh wardrobe picks, including a new pair of jeans (or three). With that in mind, I’ve been eyeing all my plus-size go-to brands to see what denim styles they are bringing for autumn.
Since extending its sizes in 2018, Madewell has lived up to its name when it comes to plus-size denim. With sizes up to 26W and quality fabrics that hold up to years of wear, the brand has been a top jeans recommendation of mine since before skinny jeans fell out of favor and were still the silhouette du jour. So when Madewell’s fall 2024 denim collection dropped, I immediately started making a wishlist of my favorites. Ahead, my fit feedback and review of my top fall picks.
Madewell Plus Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean, $138
This wide-leg style was probably my favorite of the pairs I tried. The fit was spot-on in my usual Madewell jeans size, 20W, and the fabric had just enough stretch to make the jeans comfortable from the moment I put them on, but not so much that they lost shape over time with wear. I didn’t have any waist gapping or uncomfortable stomach squishing with this pair, and the baggy style feels very of the moment without being overly faddish. The lightly faded blue wash is super versatile, too; you can wear this pair all four seasons with the right styling.
My only note for this style is that it’s on the shorter side, with a 29½” inseam that hit right at my ankle. This is great if you want a clean line for the wide-leg hem but go for a different style if you want something floor-sweeping.
Madewell Plus Low-Slung Baggy Jeans, $138
Baggy jeans have had street style in a chokehold for the past year, so I’m constantly on the lookout for cute options available in plus sizes. Somewhat ironically, fit is particularly important in this looser silhouette — you want the bagginess to look purposeful, not like you’re wearing a pair of jeans in the wrong size. This pair is 100% cotton with no stretch at all, so I tried my usual 20W in Madewell jeans, hoping to strike that sweet spot of baggy but well-fitting.
The stiffness of the denim turned out to be a feature, not a flaw. My beloved pair of Madewell’s Baggy Jeans from last fall have broken in perfectly and become one of my most worn pieces of denim. Madewell just released a new Low-Slung Baggy Jean, and I will absolutely be adding this new rise to my wardrobe.
Madewell Plus Curvy Perfect Vintage Jean, $128
I can tell you from experience that shopping for plus-size vintage denim is not, so I love that Madewell makes an option that fulfills that gap in the wardrobe — and, importantly, does it without a gap in the waistband. Their classic Perfect Vintage style is a good one, and I have pairs I bought years ago that are still in great condition, but the fit on their Curvy version is my personal favorite. It fits my waist and my hips in a way that highlights my form without squeezing me. The denim is 99% cotton and has a great classic feel, and I appreciate that Madewell added just a little bit of stretch to the style (perfect for those days when I am feeling a little bloated).
Wear-testing these new styles reaffirmed my love for Madewell denim. But, while the quality is apparent in how they look and feel and I appreciate that the brand is giving plus-size shoppers on-trend styles at fairly affordable price points, I do wish they had plus sizes at more physical locations though. Trying these four pairs of jeans was a reminder of how much denim fit can vary based on style, cut, and material. Getting to try them on in-store would help more plus-size shoppers find their perfect Madewell fit and convert them into full-on fans, too.
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