Call Off the Search: I've Found Three Perfect Pairs of High-Street Jeans
Why is shopping for jeans so hard? I mean seriously, I'm a shopping editor and I still end up tearing my hair out when trying to decipher the minuscule differences between straight, slim and regular-fit jeans. But as always, seems to be the case with these things, you spend months hunting down the perfect pair then three come along at once.
I haven't ordered much over the last six months, however, on a whim, I decided to order a few straight-leg styles from ASOS, hoping that out of three pairs at least one would turn out to be a winner. One was from Topshop, one from a brand called Reclaimed Vintage and one from Other Stories, and you know what? They're all fab. I have a dilemma on my hands—which one do I choose? From Topshop's longline high-waisters to Other Stories' classic appeal, scroll down to see the styles and read my verdict. The jury is out.
Other Stories
Style Notes: I've heard lots of good things about Other Stories' denim, however, for some reason I've never taken the plunge and bought a pair myself. This Keeper Cropped leg pair really is a classic straight-leg style, with its slim leg and waist-hugging fit. I opted for my usual size W28 and they are true to size, but the denim fabric is quite rigid, so take note if you prefer a stretchier fit. They also come with a multi-button fastening, which is a nice touch, and an oh-so-subtle distressed finish, ideal if you want to embrace that true '90s throwback feel.
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Topshop
Style Notes: I have to say I am a real Topshop denim devotee, and some of my favourite pairs have come from the store. I didn't think I would love this pair, which comes with a longer leg length, however, thrown together with the super high waist, it offers unexpected leg-lengthening benefits. That being said, it probably isn't so good for petite individuals. I'm just over 5'7" and they were a good length for me. They are probably the most distressed out of the three, but it still feels like a suitably classic blue. This is a great pair for those who want a more dramatic silhouette and some serious waist-cinching appeal.
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ASOS: Reclaimed Vintage
Style Notes: The Reclaimed Vintage pair come in a more uniform true blue with a subtly distressed edging on the pocket. It's worth noting that I went one size up, following the advice from reviews, and they were a perfect fit (I would usually get a W28, but bought a W30). They were also snug on the bum, so possibly less good for those with a curvier silhouette. They were just the right amount of high-waisted and had a nice trouser leg width which will pair well with both sandals and boots. A solid 9/10 from me.
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Plus, shop my sandals:
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Joy Montgomery is a London-based fashion writer and shopping expert. She held the role of Shopping Editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK from 2018 to 2022, producing content that centered around worthwhile fashion buys, with a specialism in uncovering unique, indepdent brands and celebrating the joys of secondhand and vintage discoveries. Joy has sinced moved on to become the Shopping Editor at British Vogue.
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