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.
