In yesterday’s post I talked about how black denim is a Fall wardrobe staple for me, and this year when I was looking for a distressed pair I thought I would take you through the process with me! Jeans are difficult (however black jeans are a little more forgiving), so I like to order multiple pairs to try on at home. Nordstrom has so many different brands and styles as well as free shipping and returns, so I always order my jeans from there!
Below are the six pairs I ordered, and I evaluated them all on a scale of 1-5 (1 being the least, and 5 being the best) in the categories of fit, fabric, and price. I also listed the price and size I ordered in each. Click on the name of the jean to shop!
Topshop Moto ‘Leigh’ Ripped Skinny Jeans
Price: $70 (on sale for $45) | Size: 26×30
Fit: 4
Fabric: 3.5
Price: 5
These jeans have been around for a couple of years now, and I almost bought them in the white version this Summer. Having heard such great reviews from friends, I decided to give them a try!
The first thing this short girl can appreciate is that they come in different lengths. I went with the shortest length (I’m 5’1″), and they hit right at the bottom of my ankle. The rips are right on my knees, which is surprising hard to find for me. They are more like slits or cuts, rather than distressing if that makes sense?
As far as the fit goes, they do fit tight all the way to the ankle. I gave them a 4 for fit because the sizing is a bit off, and the waist is a bit tight (they’re a high waist jean). I ordered them one waist size larger than normal, per the recommendation, which was the right move. They still are tight, but I’m sure they will stretch a bit with wear.
The color is a true black, however I have noticed from my friends who have these that they do fade a bit with wear and wash. It is a thin fabric that isn’t as high of quality as some of the others I tried, but it’s definitely not a “jegging.” They’re a great price point for the quality, and right now they’re on sale for $45!
These weren’t my absolute favorite pair, but because I saw they went on sale, I decided to have them price-matched and keep them, too!
Articles of Society ‘Sarah’ Skinny Jeans
Price: $59 | Size: 24
Fit: 2
Fabric: 3
Price: 5
This brand is typically difficult for me due to sizing. I have a couple of friends that swear by it and think they fit so well, but something about my figure must not agree with their cuts. My true size is always too baggy in the legs, however when I size down like I did here, the waist is too low and too tight. So either they look bad being too baggy, or they are uncomfortable. Typically I would choose look over comfort, but these were just too uncomfortable to deal with.
Other than the fit, these jeans really had the potential to be great! The rips are really cute and I like how they are different on each leg. The fabric is more on the stiff side, but does have a bit of stretch to it (they are 2% spandex). They are a true black, but the rips are more distressed than other pairs I tried and so they are a bit lighter.
Overall, if this brand agrees with your body, I say they’re decent quality and a great price!
A Gold E ‘Sophie’ High Rise Skinny Jeans
Price: $138 | Size: 25
Fit: 5
Fabric: 3
Price: 4
The fit of these jeans is absolutely perfect! Everything I look for in a pair of jeans, no matter what color. I had never tried this brand before, but now I will be really anxious to try a blue denim pair the next time I need them. They are a high rise (they hit right under the belly button), and fit well without squeezing too tight.
You know we all can appreciate a pair of jeans that make your bottom look good 😉 And I’m not exaggerating when I say I don’t think I have found a better pair in this department!
Just a heads up: These were much too long, as almost every single pair of pants I buy are. I didn’t downgrade the fit because of this since it’s a problem I have with all of them. Nordstrom hems full price pants for free, so that’s why I always buy them there!
As far as the fabric goes, they are definitely the pair that was most like a legging. They truly do feel like yoga pants on. My mom and some of my friends would absolutely love this about them, but I prefer a bit more of a stiff denim. This is the only reason I gave the fabric a 3. As far as quality, they are top notch!
The rips are really the only other thing that made me unsure of this pair. I preferred the “frayed” distressed look of the Frame pair (below, see last pair) to the cleaner look of these. I tried to capture it in the photo, but the best way I can describe these is clean cuts and rips, if that’s even a thing…haha!
James Jeans High Rise Ripped Skinny Jeans
Price: $167 | Size: 25
Fit: 5
Fabric: 4
Price: 2
James Jeans is another brand I had never tried until now, and I was really surprised at the fit and quality! This pair can best be described was a super high quality version of the Topshop ‘Leigh’ jeans. And if the that pair weren’t on super sale, I may be tempted to keep these!
The fit is perfect and super flattering, and I love how the hem is raw, so it can just be cut rather than having it hemmed. The rips hit right on my knees, and the rise is right under my belly button. The fabric is more stretchy than stiff, but not to the point of feeling like a legging.
Overall, I was definitely impressed with the quality and fit of these, and t’s obvious why the price is a bit higher.
BP. Destroyed Skinny Jeans
Price: $62 (on sale for $37.20) | Size: 25
Fit: 1
Fabric: 1
Price: 5
Okay, I’m not even going to sugar coat it, these were probably one of the worst pairs of jeans I have ever tried on. Everything from the fit to the fabric was awful. They remind me of an absolutely horrible pair of thrift store jeans. I didn’t even want to take a photo of them, but hey, if I can save you from ordering them then it’s worth it!
They are more of a low-rise than a mid-rise and squeeze your hips in a non-attractive way, however the legs are so baggy that I’m not sure how they call them a skinny jean. They are more of a relaxed straight leg. The color is more of a faded black than a jet black.
Bottom line: no matter how cheap these are, they aren’t worth it 😉
FRAME ‘Le Color Rip’ Skinny Jeans
Price: $199 | Size: 25
Fit: 4
Fabric: 5
Price: 1
Of all the pairs I purchased, I had been eyeing these the longest and they ended up being my favorites. The rips on these start on the upper thigh and go right below the knee. The fabric has more stretch than I am usually used to, but I think I will like the comfy-ness for the Fall.
They are as high quality as you’d expect for the higher price point, and the rips don’t seem like they will rip all the way through or blow out over time. The other thing I love is that the black does not transfer onto your hands or shoes! Whenever I buy new black jeans, my hands are gray by the end of the day from putting them into my pockets, etc. [Daniel calls it “corpse hands,” and that’s exactly what it looks like 😂] So grateful these don’t do that!
Hope this review helps you find a pair of black distressed denim for the upcoming season, and if you have any specific questions I would love to answer them for you!
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Thank you for this comprehensive review! I'm currently eyeing those Topshop jeans (that price can't be beat!), and I did read on other blogs that Topshop jeans tend to maintain their shape (unlike Zara denim). Those Frame jeans have an eternal place on my wishlist, but I just can't bite the bullet yet – which doesn't really make sense, as I live in denim and know the price-per-wear would drop to pennies a day. Anyway, thank you for your honest reviews. You are super adorable and know how to mix it up! 😀