We all know that styles change, trends change, people change, circumstances change, everything is always changing. Yet knowing that, I find it so interesting that with some things we used to love, one day, just like that, we don’t love them anymore! How does that happen? What is the triggering event? Well, it certainly happens with me. When it comes to fashion, makeup, hair, decor, etc., I can change my mind like a light switch, just like that.
And, this has happened to me with stretch jeans.
Let me clarify. When I say stretch jeans, understand that I am referring to stretch skinny jeans as most stretch jeans are skinny jeans. So here are my thoughts on the topic of stretch vs non-stretch…
I don’t think stretch jeans are a great look anymore.
But hey, they had a good run! I certainly had them. Then literally one day maybe two years ago, I thought, you know what, I actually really don’t like these anymore. Just like that. Light switch. As a result, I have been slowly replacing my stretch jeans with non-stretch jeans ever since. And, I know it sounds crazy, I am actually really happy that I don’t have to deal with stretch jeans anymore.
So, I have mentioned a few times that with my blog, I hopefully will inspire you to see things through a new lens, to reconsider trends, to be open and look at things from another angle. I say this because I know you are thinking right now that you love your stretch jeans and would never go back to regular jeans. Well, hear me out and let me explain why you may want to.
Lets look at the pros and cons to stretch jeans and see if any of these ring true.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comfort I think comfort is the only reason they were created and if you think about it, the only comfort benefit really, is when sitting. | Uncomfortable and restrictive When I wore stretch jeans, I actually couldn’t wait to get home and take them off! As much as they were comfortable for sitting, my body felt like a suffocating sausage wearing them all day and I couldn’t wait to be set free. |
| Balances flowy tops We are still in a trend of boxy, flowy tops and these tops look good worn with a skinny stretch jean. However, flowy tops will also look good with a straight cut or boot cut non-stretch jean. | Gives you sausage legs I know you know what I am talking about…when you look in the mirror at the back of your legs…sausages. Let’s be honest, this really isn’t a flattering look, we just learned to accept it. This look happens with everybody, every body type and weight and is because of the tight, stretchy fabric. |
| Wears well with boots Tucks nicely into knee high boots and booties. Also into over-the-knee boots, however, I do not prefer the look of jeans worn with over-the-knee boots, but that’s my opinion and personal preference. | Digs into your body Stretch jeans are tight in the waist, hips and legs and digs into your body as well as leaves seam marks on your skin. This is as uncomfortable as much as not the most flattering look for most body types. |
| I’m struggling to think of another pro… | Always requires yanking up Every time you stand up you have to constantly yank them up. Now that higher waisted jeans are in style it helps this issue a bit, however, yanking up is still required and especially if they become somewhat baggy. |
| Does not flatter an hourglass figure If you have an hourglass figure, a straight leg, boot cut or flared cut non-stretch jean will better balance your body and the hip area. | |
| Flattens your booty If you do not have a full, round booty, stretch jeans emphasize a flatter behind whereas a non-stretch jean (and with pockets) will create the illusion of a fuller behind. |
Now that you see the pros and cons, do you think you may reconsider looking for a stretch jean again the next time you go shopping? I am telling you, it actually feels liberating to go back to a nostalgic regular denim jean where you don’t feel like you are suffocating and is more flattering on your body.
Keep in mind that regular non-stretch denim comes in various weights. Meaning there is thicker, heavier denim (like you would need for construction work for example), however, there is also lightweight, soft denim that is honestly, very comfortable. I have found many!! The post pic is my fav non-stretch jean from Pistola, fits well and very soft denim. You want to read the label and look for cotton with either no spandex/lycra or less than 1%.
So, there is no harm in having one pair of stretch jeans in your wardrobe if you wear it for a specific event like travelling or something, however, it should be the outlaw in your wardrobe. I still have one pair of pink and one pair black stretch jean. Although they’re not officially a ‘jean’, they’re fabric, however, I will slowly be replacing them also with a non-stretch jean as I find alternatives. I do have one pair of actual white denim (with no stretch) purchased years ago and they are my fav look and feel.
Final thoughts
Looking back at the stretch jean trend, it is my opinion they should remain back there. Looking forward, I am advocating we go back to non-stretch jeans. I encourage you to join me on the non-stretch denim journey! If you’re still not yet sure, grab a friend or whoever and go try on a pair of non stretch jean and see how it feels. You may actually like it more than you thought you would, and you too may also find it liberating…
All the best and until next time…
