If you’re looking for stylish jeans at a moderate price point, Madewell is a go-to brand for many. Madewell denim is known for a fit that flatters, fabrics that last, and designs that are on-trend.
As you know, I love my premium denim, but if you’re looking for some lower priced options, Madewell has a lot to offer in the $120-$140 range. Plus, Madewell denim is extremely size inclusive. Most styles come in a wide range of sizes in standard, plus, petite, tall, and taller fits.
I ordered four of their most popular styles to try so I can give you an in-depth review on each one. We’ll discuss the fit, fabric quality, comfort, and overall value of each pair.
SIZING NOTES: I am 5’5″ and hovering around 145 pounds these days. I almost always wear a size 29 (or size 8) in jeans. Madewell denim seems to run big, so while I ordered a 29 in all of these, I could probably size down.
Madewell Kick Out Crop Jeans in Schooner Wash
jeans (29) // top (S) // boots (8.5)
Details:
- 9 1/2″ rise, 16 1/4″ leg opening, 27 1/2″ inseam
- 99% cotton/1% elastane
The cut: A universally flattering best seller, these mid-rise cropped jeans have a kicked-out flare leg with old-school deep creases, raw hems and the holds-you-in sorcery of our Magic Pockets™ in front.
The fabric: Vintage-y stretch denim that hugs the body and bounces back like a pro (AKA no 3pm bagginess).
My assessment: First off, I really like the denim wash on these. This Kick Out Crop style comes in quite a few washes, but this medium blue is quite versatile. The attention to detail with the creasing in the front and back, sanding on the thighs, and the whiskering at the hip makes them look more expensive than they are.
The fit is on point, as well; and the rear pockets, while on the larger size, are placed perfectly.
These jeans are also very comfortable, with a good bit of stretch, but they don’t bag out with wear. The 27 1/2″ inseam is the perfect ankle-length on me. They fit easily over the Chelsea boots I’m wearing above, and they also look great with my Birks.
The value: This is a really nice looking and great-fitting pair of jeans. They aren’t quite as comfortable as my MOTHER and PAIGE denim, but for $138, I feel like you’re getting a very good value.
Madewell Kick Out Full Length Jeans in Condale Wash
jeans (29) // top (S) // boots (8.5)
Details:
- Light vintage wash with natural wear
- 9 1/4″ rise; 17″ leg opening, 31″ inseam
- 85% cotton/14% recycled polyester/1% elastane
The cut: A universally flattering best seller, this mid-rise jean has the holds-you-in sorcery of our Magic Pockets™ in front, full-length kicked-out flared legs, slit side seams and raw hems.
The fabric: Premium vintage-y stretch ISKO™ denim that hugs the body and bounces back like a pro (AKA no 3pm bagginess).
My assessment: These are what I would call a slim bootcut silhouette, with just a 17″ leg opening, and the fabric is softer and stretchier than the kick out crop style.
The light wash and the slit hem look a little more trendy than the kick out crops, and I’m not as crazy about the overall fit and feel. The rear pockets sit kind of low and drag me down, but they might look better in a size smaller.
The value: If you like those features, these are a decent value at $128, but they’re a hard pass for me. I just don’t find them particularly flattering, and I prefer more of a flared to balance out my wider shoulders and hips.
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Jean in Berdelle Wash
jeans (29) // top (S) // loafers (7.5)
Details:
- Vintage medium light wash with authentic fading and abrasion
- 9 1/4″ rise, 12 3/4″ leg opening, 29″ inseam
- 99% cotton (43% of which is organic)/1% recycled elastane
The cut: With Magic Pockets™ in front and tapered legs our best-selling mom jeans have a 9 1/4″ mid-rise for a laid-back vibe (they’re great for everyone, but an absolute must if you’ve got a shorter torso).
The fabric: Premium Candiani denim that combines the holds-you-in structure of rigid with a touch of stretch for day-one comfort.
My assessment: These are a traditional straight ankle jean in a versatile mid-indigo wash. The rear pocket shape and placement is good, and I really like the details in the wash. The whiskering isn’t overdone, and they have a vintage look without the super stiff denim.
The 29″ inseam is the perfect modern ankle length (slightly longer than we were wearing our skinnies at the end of their trend cycle) and looks great with the loafer mules and my Birks, so they will transition easily from summer to fall.
The value: At $128, I wold call these an excellent value. They look great on, and they feel good too. If you like the “mom jean” vibe, they’re pretty much perfection.
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide Leg Jean in Enmore Wash
jeans (29) // top (S) // sneakers (39)
Details:
- Medium vintage wash
- 10 3/4″ rise, 19″ leg opening, 30″ inseam
- 99% cotton/1% elastane
The cut: A Perfect Vintage fan fave, these jeans have wide legs and a high-fitted waist with the holds-you-in sorcery of our Magic Pockets™ in front.
The fabric: Premium Cone® denim that combines the holds-you-in structure of rigid with a touch of stretch for day-one comfort.
My assessment: I did not expect to like these jeans, but I kind of do! I would call them more of a baggy straight fit than a wide leg fit, but that’s probably splitting hairs. I really like them with the casual sneakers and thermal polo top.
I also like the sanded light wash quite a lot for a casual vibe, but the darker Lavaca Wash also looks really good. I’d be curious to try those.
The value: Once again, I would call these an excellent value for $138. They look great, both the fit and the wash, and while they aren’t quite as comfortable right off the rack as my favorite premium denim brands, I have a feeling they will break in to be a pretty close second.
In Conclusion
Madewell jeans are a really nice marriage of style and quality. Considering most PAIGE and MOTHER jeans retail for well over $200, I feel like you’re getting a really good bang for your buck with the Madewell brand. They’ve come a long way in recent years with the look of their washes, as well as the fit and feel.
I do wish they had some other styles. I didn’t find a good flare leg jean that would replace my MOTHER Weekender or PAIGE Laurel Canyon, and their wide leg jeans are more of a straight baggy fit. Their denim could be softer, too. KUT from the Kloth is around the same price point, and their denim feels softer to me. That said, I feel like Madewell denim provides a very good value if you can find the styles and washes you’re looking for.
If you want more denim reviews, be sure to check out my MOTHER Denim Guide and PAIGE Denim Guide, where I break down my favorites in each brand and give a full review of each one.
Stay In Touch
If you liked this post, be sure you’re signed up for my email newsletter. In addition to my most recent blog posts, you’ll receive exclusive newsletter content like special sales, my newest favorite finds, and an occasional peek behind the scenes — all delivered right to your inbox.
I would also love for you to join my JLS Fashion Insiders Facebook Group! This is a friendly place to discuss all matters of fashion and style with other women, share your outfits, get advice, and stay up to date on all the happenings in our community.
16 Responses
Love that first pair of jeans the most! Good luck with the college move in! We take my daughter for freshman year in 1 week- we are flying. And then my son about 1 week later for junior year- another flight. So crazy. Lots of changes for both our families!
Yes! I’m in the same boat. I take my other daughter to Boston next week.
Is it me? I couldn’t get the shoe or book links to work.
They work for me. Maybe it’s that Nordstrom app issue again?
Thanks for this denim review! I am a huge fan of Madewell denim, one of their first stores is in a mall I frequent and I’ve been shopping there for years and years (I’m also an AG fan, just saying, and thanks to your advice!). It was great to read your take on it. I am a Kut From the Kloth jacket addict, but prefer Madewell jeans over Kut – this for anyone that may be a Kut fan looking to try something new in the same relative price point. I have the Kick Out Full Length in my cart now, in a different wash with no slits! Agree with you those arent the best. My kids graduated in recent years – fathom this – you’ll still help them move and buy things for them – apartments are next!
I’m sure this is only the beginning!
Jo-Lynne, have you said where your daughter is going to school in Nashville? We have a granddaugher starting her 2nd year at Belmont. She absolutely loves her school and Nashville. Thinking of you as you make all these changes. I started following you over 10 years ago so watching your children grow up has been a treat along with all your good fashion advice!
Yes, Belmont! 🤗 I wasn’t going to share publicly but she’s taken her social media accounts public for networking and career purposes so I guess I can. So happy to hear that your granddaughter loves it.
Hi! I like the last pair on you a lot. Thinking of getting a pair myself. I still have mostly skinny jeans in my closet and some boyfriend cuts. Maybe one or two boot cut. I don’t have anything with a wide leg. I don’t know why I’m nervous to try this style. I have other pants that are wide leg and they are very comfortable. Anyway, I may try them. Thank you so much for the tips!
I like this review! Are there any premium denim brands that are also size inclusive?
This is great and so helpful with all of the different styles of jeans these days! I’d love it if you could do a similar post for Kut from the Kloth!
I have lots of Madewell jeans and like the fit of all of them. But, you’re right, definitely size down. I’m usually a 28 in most brands, but always buy 27 in Madewell. And good luck with the college moves-we have three kids and had two in college at the same time for a few years, so I remember having to get two settled in at different schools at the same time. Tiring, but great memories,too!
I hope that you are able to stay busy and keep your mind occupied today. Moving Caroline back in to her dorm next week will be a good distraction for you. I am so excited for Becca and I hope that her college experience will be great! Thank you for the deep dive into the four Madewell jeans. While I do wear my baggy jeans occasionally, Larry can’t stand them on me because they don’t contour to my backside. I really prefer my jeans to be made from softer fabric.
Awww dang! I was sold on the straight leg pair of jeans until you called them Mom jeans. What is it about that terminology that totally turns me off? I suppose it’s because for years Mom jeans were very uncool & I can’t get past that, even if they have come back into trending again. Lol!!!
Great post! In addition to making quality and fashionable jeans at a more affordable price than the premium brands, I have found the Madewell store employees to be super helpful and welcoming even to an old girl like me (68)! I’ve shopped in two local stores and the clerks there really helped me make the transition from skinny jeans to the newer silhouettes a couple of years ago.
Good luck getting Becca moved in! Such an exciting time for your family!
My mama heart goes out to you. Stay busy today and before you know it, you will join them. I know the moving in dorm days are long for sure. I’ve done it 3 times myself. Each kid is hard in its own way. You will need a vacation once you get her and Caroline settled huh? I so needed the denim review. I am trying to find new denim, but so far nothing is working out. I just received new Wit n Wisdom jeans in the mail, as they fit me good, but the whispering is soooo OFF on each leg, it bothers me. Usually they make both legs even. The leg opening and length were good, but they will be going back. Blessings for your day.