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Finding the perfect pair of jeans might feel like a fairytale at times: nice story, but it’s not real. And if you do decide to begin this quest, it can feel overwhelming quickly as you navigate through all the different styles and brands available. Are Madewell jeans worth the cost? Should I still be wearing skinny jeans? Are mom jeans back? Though the journey to finding your favorite jeans can be overwhelming, it’s worth it. After all, jeans are essential to any timeless wardrobe. And if you’re building your timeless wardrobe, you’ve probably come across two popular brands that often come up in the conversation of denim: Everlane and Madewell. Seeing as the majority of my jean collection is made up of these brands, I thought it’d be a great time to take a closer look at Everlane vs Madewell jeans to help you make an informed decision on which brand might be the right fit for you! Finding the perfect jeans? This is one fairytale where your dreams can come true.
Everlane Denim Overview
Everlane has carved out a niche for itself in the fashion world with its straightforward approach to sustainability and ethical practices. If you’re someone who values where your clothing comes from, Everlane jeans might just tick all your boxes. They offer a diverse array of styles that cater to a variety of tastes and body types, from the ever-popular classic Way-High Jean to trendier options like the Barrel Jean.
What sets Everlane apart is their sustainable manufacturing and incorporation of just the right touch of stretch in their denim.
Madewell Denim Overview
Whereas Everlane may produce some top-performing styles in addition to their other sustainable clothes, Madewell is already well-known for their jean lines – especially the Perfect Vintage Jeans.
Madewell jeans have a knack for capturing hearts with their effortlessly cool vibe and unbeatable comfort. They also cater to a spectrum of tastes and sizes, making it more than possible to find what you’re looking for – whether that’s a high rise or a more relaxed fit.
Fit
Diving into the heart of what makes or breaks a good pair of jeans – fit and comfort -brings us to our first comparison between Everlane and Madewell. To be honest, it’s like choosing between two equally appealing, yet different flavored dishes.
On one side, we have Everlane jeans, celebrated for introducing just a touch of stretch. Though Everlane jeans are not constricting and suffocating, they are on the more rigid side. To some, this may feel a little too tight, and to others, this may feel like extra support!
Flip the coin, and there’s Madewell, with jeans that often feel as comfortable as wearing pull-on pants. They may fit snugly at first wear, but they tend to adapt to your body’s shape over time. With the authentic stretch, they do move with your body more, though I find that they also need washing and drying more often to regain their shape.
As much as you may want a clear yes or no answer, when navigating the nuances of fit and comfort between Everlane and Madewell jeans, there isn’t a clear winner.
It’s more about identifying which type of jeans feels right for you. Do you want the feeling of extra room and a looser fit? Then Madewell may be the right choice for you. Do you prefer your jeans to keep their shape, with just a little bit of stretch? Then Everlane may be the ones to check out.
However, it’s always best to check the individual product listing of the jeans you’re eyeing for fit information – it’ll tell you if it’s made out of non-stretch denim or not, giving you clues about comfort.
Price
When shopping for your new pair of jeans, price is always a consideration. And though there is an additional cost to shopping at these two places (as opposed to Target or Old Navy), I can 100% say it is worth it.
Both Everlane and Madewell have managed to walk the tightrope between cost and value. Everlane, with its transparent pricing, peels back the layers to show you exactly what you’re paying for – sustainable practices, ethical manufacturing, and durable materials.
Madewell, on the other hand, invites you into a world of jeans with options galore that are all as good as the last. From ankle length black jeans to straight leg jeans in different washes – these start off comfortable and get even more so over time.
However, if you’re looking for a clear answer here – Madewell is more expensive than Everlane. Their prices nudge a bit higher, hovering around $128-$148, whereas Everlane’s price structure is around $118-$128.
Jean Styles
Speaking of jean style options, Everlane shines with its minimalist aesthetic, offering select key styles including cropped, baggy, slim, skinny, and wide leg jeans.
Madewell, on the other hand, has a wide variety of styles – from a kick crop jean to wide leg, cargo, skinny, low-slung, and more.
If what you’re after are options, then, in this case, Madewell offers more styles, washes, and colors.
Materials
Everlane commits to ethical practices, not just in how their jeans are made, but what they’re made of. They favor organic cotton and recycled materials, ensuring that every pair of jeans supports their mission for a better planet.
Madewell, owned by J.Crew, is technically a fast fashion brand. Though they aren’t sustainable, they too emphasize eco-friendly materials, incorporating organic cotton and fair-trade textiles.
However, both brands create essential pairs of jeans that will stand the test of time.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a buzzword that’s often thrown around in the fashion industry, but when it comes to Everlane and Madewell, it’s a principle that’s woven into both brands.
Both brands are working towards more responsible fashion, but they approach sustainability in different ways. Everlane is transparent about its eco-friendly initiatives, spotlighting its commitment to reducing waste and utilizing recycled and organic materials in its jeans.
Madewell emphasizes sustainability through its denim recycling program, encouraging customers to bring in old jeans for recycling in exchange for a discount on their next pair. This initiative not only promotes a circular fashion economy but also emphasizes the brand’s dedication to reducing textile waste.
Related: 14 Sustainable Clothing Brands That Make Clothes You’ll Always Want to Wear
Size
Navigating the world of Everlane and Madewell jeans also brings us to the critical topic of sizing – an aspect that often makes or breaks the perfect denim experience.
Everlane prides itself on offering a diverse range of sizes, aiming to meet the needs of every body type. Their detailed sizing guide, combined with customer reviews, can be an invaluable tool in finding your perfect fit.
This approach is particularly helpful if you’re looking for a snug fit with just a little bit of extra room or if you’re venturing into the realm of looser fits and need guidance on how much space to expect.
Madewell, too, understands the importance of a great fit, offering an extensive size range that includes options for curvy fits. They’ve taken the guesswork out of finding jeans that cater to fuller hips and thighs, ensuring a flattering fit without the need to size up or down.
Though it’s best to check out the reviews and sizing info for the specific jeans you’re interested in (as sizing can run differently from item to item), personally, my fit is the same across the board and I order my normal size at both brands.
Curvy Fit
Do you frequently struggle with gaps in the back of your jeans? Annoying, right? When it comes to embracing every curve, both Everlane and Madewell have stepped up with their Curvy Fit jeans, but each brings its own flair to the table.
Everlane’s curvy jeans are designed from their signature jeans, offering a style that focuses on eliminating that dreaded waist gap while still providing a comfortable, snug fit through the hips and thighs.
Similarly, Madewell’s curvy jeans are celebrated for contouring around fuller hips and thighs, eliminating the waist gap for smaller waists. However, Madewell goes a step further by offering a range of washes and cuts within their curvy line, allowing for more options.
Quality and Durability
In the quest for the ultimate pair of jeans, the conversation inevitably turns to durability and quality. This is where both Everlane and Madewell shine, offering a wardrobe staple that will help build your capsule wardrobe.
Everlane’s less trend-driven approach to denim centers on sustainable and ethical manufacturing, ensuring each pair is not only stylish but built to endure the ebb and flow of daily wear.
Similarly, Madewell creates its denim to move with you. The brand’s commitment to quality means that with every wear and wash, their jeans develop a character and comfort uniquely their own.
In the great debate of which jeans last longer, they wear about the same! I’ve had both Everlane and Madewell jeans for several years, worn throughout multiple pregnancies, and they still look and feel good.
Something to consider is that though Madewell’s stretchy jeans are a big pro (even able to accommodate wearing during early pregnancy), some of Madewell’s jeans tend to lose their shape sooner, and need to get washed more often as a reset.
Style and Versatility
Jeans have a transformative power – this everyday staple can effortlessly shift from an early morning coffee date to happy hour with your coworkers.
Everlane’s classic jeans make a great foundation for whatever is on your calendar, easily transitioning from sleek blazers and heels to cozy sweaters and flats without missing a beat. Their classic designs serve as the foundation of a versatile wardrobe.
On the flip side, Madewell offers these same classic styles, as well as additional ones to speak to different parts of your style. Whether you lean towards the edgy vibe of distressed denim paired with leather boots or love the simplicity of clean-cut jeans matched with ballet flats, Madewell caters to both styles.
Choosing the Right Jeans: Body Type, Style
Getting closer to making a decision? If you’re wondering what jean styles or washes to even start with, I got you covered.
Universally classic jeans that seem to flatter every body type are jeans with a high waist and the ever-so-timeless straight-leg style. These two styles stand out for their ability to flatter different silhouettes.
High-rise jeans that have a more fitted look around the waist give a streamlined and flattering look that elongates the midsection, making them a staple for those seeking a blend of comfort and polished style.
Meanwhile, straight-leg jeans serve as a nod to the classic denim era, offering a relaxed fit that’s neither too tight nor too loose, and more importantly, not too trendy or dated, ensuring a balanced look that complements various body shapes.
Once you’ve got the style down, it’s time to focus on wash. It’s important to have all the neutrals in your wardrobe – light blue, medium blue, dark blue, black, and white jeans are all essential.
By embracing these classic cuts, you’re investing in pieces that you’ll wear for a long time, transcending seasonal trends and ensuring you have reliable go-tos that look great, feel comfortable, and boost confidence, no matter the occasion.
Got the essentials covered? Now you get to experiment with some different styles, and add a few trends if you wish.
A crop flare (or kick crop) jean is a great staple, especially for the fall season as they highlight your shoes and make pairing jeans with boots easy.
Next, consider a wide-leg jean. These give a casual and current feel, as flare jeans are a popular style at the moment.
Need some styling ideas?
Everlane Jeans Outfits
Wearing The Way-High Jean in Vintage Indigo, these are high enough to conceal my belly button, cinching in on a flattering part of my waist. There’s enough stretch to not feel constricted, and thanks to the slightly wider leg, they’re a great option for a silhouette that balances a modern look and timeless style.
To highlight this waistline, I tucked in a Sézane cardigan and paired it with Mary Jane flats for a French girl look!
For another Parisian chic look, I tucked my Everlane alpaca sweater into the Everlane jeans to elongate the legs. The Mary Jane block heels add another boost, and the striped cardigan adds timeless interest.
Madewell Jeans Outfits
Wearing Madewell’s Stovepipe jeans in this transitional outfit is a great way to bridge the gap between summer and autumn. An updated skinny jean style in multiple washes, these have the perfect fit if you’re after something that hugs your body.
For a laid-back (yet put-together vibe), I paired the stovepipe jeans with clogs, a trench coat, and an oxford shirt.
For a trendier look, I’m wearing Madewell’s Perfect Vintage wide-leg jeans. This style is both casual and fun, offering a laid-back and current look to your outfits. For a stylish weekend look, I paired the jeans with Adidas sneakers, a classic white tee, a cashmere sweater, and a handbag.
Though I love all my jeans equally (a mother can’t pick favorites), I am in love with Madewell’s Perfect Vintage line for its stretch and comfort – I’ve worn these jeans shopping, walking around Paris, and even on flights.
Everlane Best Sellers
Just want to head straight to the top? If you want to try out Everlane’s best-selling styles, then try:
Madewell Best Sellers
Final Thoughts: Everlane vs Madewell Jeans
Ready to upgrade your jeans from high school and want to know which ones are the best jeans? Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either of these places.
I know, I know, that’s not the answer you wanted.
But overall, both Everlane and Madewell offer high-quality jeans in a variety of styles and washes. The choice between the two brands will ultimately depend on your personal style preferences, budget, and commitment to sustainability.
If you prefer structure, support, timeless style, sustainability, and a lower price point, then Everlane ticks all your boxes.
If you value stretch, trendy styles, and comfort, then Madewell may be just the place for you.
Personally, I like both for different reasons. I wear my Everlane jeans when I want to feel more put together and held together, and I wear my Madewell jeans when comfort is a priority – whether I’m traveling or working from home.
Both brands are popular and well-loved by many customers, so the best way to try would be to pick one from each brand and see what fit you like best!
Want to explore more from these brands? Here are 6 Top Everlane Clothing Items That Will Make You Feel Like a Chic Parisian
