I get a lot of questions, both personally and through my blog/socials, concerning Madewell jeans, and each time I’m filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. Excited because I get to play a small role in introducing someone to Madewell denim but nervous because these jeans are a very, very expensive recommendation. I thought it might be nice to have this guide on hand to direct people toward whenever I get questions about them. Plus, stick around to the end of this post to learn how I never buy a pair of Madewell denim for full price.
Without further ado, here is what I think about the three styles of Madewell jeans I own.
Know Before You Go
I really, really hope you can visit a Madwell store in person sometime to try these on, but if not, no worries! I think the website sizing information (and hopefully this guide) will help you make your decision.
I did want to quickly mention that Madewell is a little bit different than other denim retailers you’ve probably been to. They have various styles of jeans and various washes, types of denim, etc, but they do not carry each style of denim in each wash/denim fabric. I made this mistake once when I went into the store and asked “can I have this jean, in this wash?” It doesn’t work that way, which I know might be annoying at first, but then just remember that these are high quality pairs of denim that have been designed with purpose. Other stores mass produce to sell to the widest array of people, but Madewell jeans are created to be the best they can possibly be. The company isn’t going to force a fabric/wash to work if it shouldn’t!
Madewell Jeans Sizing Information
I need to preface my sizing information by clarifying that I wear almost all my clothes oversized. I’ve almost have never liked tight fitting clothing. When I went to try on my first pair of Madewell jeans, I grabbed a size 27, my usual size, tried them on and thought “perfect!” Then a Madewell team member walked by the dressing room and said, “Oh let me grab you a pair that fit better!” Haha, if that hadn’t happened, I probably wouldn’t be nearly as happy with my Madewell jeans as I am now.
You want these jeans to be snug. I am not saying to “size down” necessarily, but they do stretch with more use. The tighter they fit, the more flattering they will be- not a statement you usually hear, but with these, it’s true.
I’m usually right between a medium in shorts/pants or around a 27 in dress pants, and I am 5’8! I do wear all these in a 26 like I said, but I will include specific information below.
Madewell Jeans I Own
Cali Demi Boot
Website description: Lean and modern in our famous stretchy holds-you-in denim, these vintage-looking jeans kick out into a cropped mini-flare that works with flats and heels alike.
Size guide: I wear a 26, and these are on the roomier side for a 26. They still fit completely well, and I think that extra room comes from how stretchy and comfortable they are. My mom is petite (5’0), and she actually can wear these in the regular sizing as full-length jeans, even though they’re supposed to be a little bit cropped.
More information: These flare slightly more at the bottom than the slim demi boot, but once you have shoes on they look closer to straight leg than boot leg in my opinion. I think these look great with boots, and I think they would look well with flats and sneakers too, but boots are the real winners here! These jeans would translate well to warm or cold weather, the material and cut isn’t too restricted to one season. These have a high waist, but it’s not as dramatic high waist than my other two pairs.
Slim Demi Boot
Website Description: Easy through the (high) waist, these indigo jeans have a straight leg with a subtle flare at the hem for the longest, leanest look. A cool fit with a vintage feel. A half an inch longer than our usual cropped fit, these jeans come in a cool midi length our head denim designer loves.
Size guide: Again, I am a 26 in these, but they are tight. This is the tightest pair I own, so if you’re really on the fence between two sizes, I would say size up. The 26 fits me, but really just barely! They’re still so comfortable regardless though.
More information: Ah, these are the perfect pair of denim! I just love the effortless look and flattering cut. My pair has a slight distressed hem, and it creates the perfect complement to an otherwise completely polished look. These definitely come down straighter on your leg than the Cali Demi Boot, and I love wearing these with flats or sneakers. I’ve also been styling these with casual sweatshirts during my work from home days, and they look just as good as they would dressed up. I’m excited to style these when I actually go out places again! I do feel that these jeans (at least the specific material of the wash I have) fit more for colder weather months. I am excited to see if I can style them for spring and early fall too, but I know these will be on heavier rotation for me in the winter. These are a great high waist.
Classic Straight Jean
Website Description: Old-school straight-leg jeans cut just the way we like them: high, tight on top and totally sexy. Booty-flattering classics made of black denim with a vintage look and a tiny touch of stretch.
Size guide: I wear these in a 26. They are so comfortable and really get better with time.
More Information: These are the most cropped set I own, but that makes them the perfect pair to accompany tall and short boots. I love these in the black, but I don’t think. I would pick them out in a regular denim wash- I can’t really explain why, but it’s just the vibe of these! These were my first pair of high waisted jeans, and they truly did make me fall in love with all things high waist.
Is Madewell Denim Worth the Price?
Madewell jeans are usually around the $130 mark. That is very expensive, I do completely realize that.
I also realize that affordability and “worth it” are both relative terms. Everyone holds different ideas on budget, price point and priority. I always think about the differences in spending habits- I have friends who get their nails done and eyelash extensions every single month, but would never spend $50+ on a matching pajama set like I would! It’s all relative, and that’s why I try not to think of other people’s purchases as unreasonable.
In my opinion, these jeans are completely worth it. The quality is incredible, and even though they are durable and made out of fine denim, they’re the most comfortable jeans I have ever worn. Usually I change out of jeans at the first opportunity, but I leave these on until right before I go to bed sometimes!
Where to Find Discounts on Madewell Jeans
There are several ways to find discounts on Madewell jeans! I’ve never bought a pair for full price, there’s just no reason to because of all the discounts they run.
Madewell Student & Teacher Discount- Sometimes this discount stacks and sometimes it does not. You can use it in store and online though, so make sure to bring your student ID card when you shop in store.
Denim Recycling Program- If you bring in any pair of denim (no matter the brand or wearability) into a Madewell store and exchange each pair for a $20 off a regular priced pair of denim! I love stocking up my worn out jeans and taking them all at once.
Nordstrom Rack- There is usually always a wide variety of Madewell denim options at Nordstrom Rack.
Madewell Deals + Insider Program– Multiple times the denim has went on sale for $75 a pair (still expensive, I know!). If you sign up for the Insiders Program, you can build points and be notified of exclusive deals early.
__________________________________
I hope this guide was helpful in your Madewell decision-making and purchase process. Please let me know if you have any questions – I would love to help lead even one person to the joy of Madewell jeans!
If you are looking for other style and product reviews, make sure to check out the style tab on my site!
