Ask Angie: Similar cuts to JBrand?

Unfortunately I will be sending the JBrand Love Story jeans back tomorrow :( I loved the way they fit me but if I get them hemmed the 1.5" I need I just lose too much of the flare. I'm pretty set on having a 20" leg opening. So so bummed, because the material and wash are perfect if only I could keep the leg line and wide opening! I'm thinking a long pair with a 22" flare would work so that when I hem them they drop down to 20". What other brands, premium or otherwise, have a similar fit model to JBrand? Besides my BF jeans and the white KUTs, I haven't bought new jeans in *ahem* several years and have no ideas whose cuts are like what. Or maybe you know another faded (distressed could be OK) pair with a bigger opening that I could try. Thank you!

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21 Comments

  • Inge replied 10 years ago

    I'm not sure, Aida, but I'm bumping this thread for you. And I'm so sorry the Love Story Jeans didn't work out for you -(((

    On to the next fab pair!

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    Aida, I had my Love Storys hemmed an inch to wear with two inch heels, and I didn't loose any flare. I don't think you are going to loose substantial flare at all. Pull them back out of the box.

  • Aida replied 10 years ago

    Hah I need talking down from the flare ledge! OK I took some quick photos of my concerns, please pardon the sleepy hair/face. I re-measured, it looks like 1.75" is actually what would go, basically the size of the band at the bottom.

    #1 shows what I'm after, I just pulled the thigh up.

    #2 shows the band pinned under, and #3 shows 2" (which is too much but I was rushing) of the hem above the band pinned to mimic having it hemmed then reattaching the band. I'm not sure that's even possible, but I really love the band and would much prefer to keep it.

    So the 20" opening of #1 covers the perfect amount of shoe and feels appropriately dramatic (an even bigger flare is OK too), while the hemmed up versions lose just enough to expose more shoe than I'd like; they also start to feel just like normal bootcuts at that point, which is not at all what I'm after. Of course they could be laying wonky because of the pins, I dunno ><

  • Aida replied 10 years ago

    Oh! Will these shrink a bit on the first few washes? That would reduce the amount that needs to be hemmed by a wee bit, and could be enough of a difference maker.

  • Diana replied 10 years ago

    They look great to me, Aida!  (In both 1 and 2) but I totally get that they might feel less dramatic without the original flare.

    Janet has some Gap flares that are really similar to the Love Storys.  Maybe she'll chime in.  (And since they are Gap they should come in different lengths).

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    HAH

    *more talking you down from the flare ledge*

    It looks more like a two inch hem to my eye - which means that you can recreate the big hem. I couldn't because of stonewashed fade lines with a one inch hem. Honestly - they are not at all like bootcuts. Far too flared. 

    No shrinkage after washing either. 

  • catgirl replied 10 years ago

    The ones I got from Free People come in shorter lengths with a big flare - check them out!

    These look great on you too but I understand the lost flare situation.

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    Oh yes. You could try the shorter lengths from Free People. 

  • Laura (rhubarbgirl) replied 10 years ago

    I've got a pair of flares from Gap that are very similar in silhouette, although they don't have the wide hem. But they are a couple years old now, so I'm not sure whether the options in store right now are similar.

    Is it really a band (I.e. cuff) or is it just a wide hem with top stitching? If the latter, I agree with Angie; it looks like there's enough extra length there that a decent tailor should be able to recreate the original look.

  • Aida replied 10 years ago

    Thanks for all the input gang, I'm feeling less ledgey! The GAP pair are a darker wash than these unfortunately, but I have my eye on them! The Free People flares are high waisted though, right? I need a low rise :) Angie, objectively I know the hem is too big to be bootcut but I feel the same with the "smaller flare" as I do in bootcuts. Gosh, so dramatic! *breathe breathe* OK. So. I can get these hemmed in a way that will keep the big band, yes? And you think it'll still be close to the 20" opening? Haven't needed this much hand holding in a long time! I'm going to attribute it to First Premium Jeans Syndrome -_-

  • rae replied 10 years ago

    You are in a dramatic mood this season! I think try the FP ones, or maybe even the AE ones I tried? The ones I tried said high rise in the listing, but even on me they did not feel high rise. 

  • catgirl replied 10 years ago

    FP's idea of high rise is my idea of mid-rise.  And they have a mid-rise one listed.  Better than hemming. :)

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    Oh yes, that's right. I much prefer lower rises too, Aida. High five. I think you will keep a 20 inch flare no problem. I just measured mine - 22 inch flare after hemming an inch. I rest my case.

  • Aida replied 10 years ago

    I really am feeling quite dramatic, aren't I? Well! *fans hand to forehead*

    I've already spent a week of my 15 day return window chewing my lip over whether the flare reduction would be okay so I think if I wait for AE or FP pants I'll miss the return window on these. I am looking specifically for faded denim, these are actually softer and lighter than the photos show since I had to go crazy contrast to show detail. I'll keep my eye on those brands for a super duper faded pair though, I do have another pair of flares which needs updating.

    Angie, OK I WILL DO IT. Do you think that hemming to keep the band is something that my drycleaner can handle or should I schlep myself down to Bellevue and take it to the proper tailor hubby goes to?

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    Schlep yourself off to Bellevue. xo

  • Aida replied 10 years ago

    Yes ma'am!

    Thank you all so much for the help, it's much nicer over here off the ledge ^^

  • abc replied 10 years ago

    Funny thread. Glad you came off the ledge. :)

  • Janet replied 10 years ago

    Ok, I'm a little late but measured my Gap Perfect Boots and they are a 20" leg opening -- and they come in varying lengths. The Love Story has a 22" opening. The wash is nearly identical, but the LSs are softer fabric. Just an FYI. :-)

    These do look great on you!

  • Aida replied 10 years ago

    Thanks Janet! The Shopbop page had the opening listed at 20" which is why I was worried, but I measured mine and they are also 22". Go figure! The GAPs you have are similar to the darker wash Love Stories, right? Or is it the lighter Shopbop wash? Very good to know that the GAP is 20, I may grab a pair of those in the future as well.

  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    Late to the hand holding party here but I am glad you are all sorted out! :-)

  • Aida replied 10 years ago

    ACK I just saw this wash which looks a lot closer to what I was originally picturing for myself! Hmm.

    http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/412375

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