The slim-wide style might be J.Crew’s best cut of bottoms over the past few years – it was first introduced as cropped jeans, then the cut was eventually offered in chic faux leather (on my wishlist!), chino, and now corduroy. If you’ve been hesitant to try wide leg jeans, these strike a very wearable balance between straight and wide leg that’s gotten rave reviews from petites. You can see some styled in my J.Crew try-on folder which I update regularly!
I wanted to do a mini guide on the different “slim-wide” bottoms I’ve tried on, covering:
Length options
Waist sizing
Non-denim fabrics
Best denim wash colors
Sailor pockets downsides
slim-wide Lengths:
Petites have lots of choices here depending on if you want a cropped jean, a full length jean to wear with flats, or a longer jean to wear with heels!
Original slim wide jeans (meant to be cropped). Also applies to the corduroy + chino versions.
Petite: 10.75″ rise, 24″ inseam. Hits me right around the ankle bone, as pictured in this post.
Classic: 27″ inseam and actually works well on me as a full length jean with falts. See on me here.
Full length slim wide jeans
Petite: 28.5″ inseam. I’m 5 feet tall and would need to wear high heels with this.
Classic: 30″ inseam
waist Sizing
J.Crew jeans always run a bit big at the waist for me, but going a full size down can feel too snug to be comfy in all day. So for the slim-wide style, I’d stick with your usual denim waist size (I’m in 24 petite). The only time I definitely size down to 23 petite is with their trouser jeans, which are looser through the hips and legs.
non-denim options
The stretch corduroy literally ONLY has 5 star reviews so far – it’s a thinner cord material and actually felt a little more lightweight and comfortable than denim. I tried on the navy and thought it was so cute, and a work-appropriate alternative to denim!
If you’re a chino girl, this version has plenty of rave reviews from petite customers, with many echoing that the 24″ inseam is excellent for shorties.
Denim washes
A few washes I’ve tried on and would recommend:
Resin rinse. I’m LOVING dark rinse denim lately and think it’s a great option that can be dressed up a little more than regular denim. I have on the sailor pocket version above, but would actually recommend the regular pocket version for max versatility (see below).
Mila Dawn” wash (pictured below) is one I’ve had for a while and a classic medium-slightly dark denim. Very versatile and only has faint whiskering. Eliz wash goes on sale more often and also seems to be a good 4-season denim color.
Ecru – I already have Madewell jeans in this color otherwise would’ve snapped this up at the current sale prices! Very classic off white color with finished, not frayed hems. If you’re petite, this is a good one to consider in either Petite or Classic sizing since I see it very versatile in either length.
Sailor pocket considerations
I’m a sucker for cute front pockets and gold buttons, and in warmer weather sailor jeans work great simply with a simple tee or tank. But as we’re heading into Fall, I’ve realized that the jackets and cardigans I usually reach for also have front pockets, and all the pockets at both top and bottom are a bit much together! For this reason, I’ve noticed my slim wide jeans without pockets are more versatile year-round.
If you tend to wear more simple solid tops and sweaters, though, then a pair with the sailor pockets is a great way to add a little interest!