Everlane is one of the fastest growing retailers in America and yet they remain totally committed to ethical practices. After years in the game, they finally launched a line of denim that had a waitlist of over 44,000 people. Wowser. I was lucky enough to somehow buy a pair of Skinny Black High-Rise jeans. Below is my complete review with photos so you can decide what works for you. Spoiler alert! I sent them back.

About Everlane

This company was founded in 2010 and has been on the rise in popularity ever since. With their transparency in manufacturing, cost, and labor plus their commitment to sustainable practices, it’s easy to see why.

Everlane is known for their high-quality garments and materials at affordable prices. But for years their fans and followers kept wondering, “When will they do denim“?

Why they waited to do denim

Denim is a staple of fashion. However, because Everlane is committed to quality in manufacturing and sustainability in production, they were keen on getting it right. Get it right, or don’t do it all was their philosophy.

So when they announced they were finally launching their denim line, people went nuts. People including me. Their waiting list quickly soared to 44k + people and the internet went berzerk covering this launch.

I wrote in a post recently about how the manufacture of Everlane’s jeans differs so greatly from other companies who produce denim.

Here’s what I liked

Oh, how I wanted to love these high-rise skinny jeans.

This is the description from their website:

The perfect high-rise jean. Made of premium Japanese denim with just a touch of stretch, this pair is designed with a holds-you-in high rise for a sleek fit. Quite possibly the most flattering jean—ever.

There’s very little I don’t love about Everlane. I’m passionate about their mission and worldview. I’m passionate about their aesthetic.

I bought the Women’s High Rise Black Skinny Jeans in regular length. In full disclosure, I purchased a 27 or a size 4. I am 5’8″ and some change and I weigh about 130 ish pounds give or take (probably give). I don’t own a scale because I don’t believe in them, though that’s another topic for a blog post.

This is what the jeans had going for them:

• The price is right. At just $68.00, most people can afford to try these on. And for what the quality, there is nothing that comes close to touching these in terms of value.
• The quality of construction (fabric, material, dye, stitching, buttons, rivets, zippers) is top-notch.
• Sustainability is a key factor in why these jeans are so amazing.
• High waist jeans most times, do not deliver. The waist was super high and I liked it.
• The ability to see models of different sizes wearing the jeans, for me, was a game changer.

This has got to be one of the only companies on the planet who has figured out that if you show the same garment on different women in different sizes you will sell more of that garment.

Here’s what I didn’t like

Which is to say there wasn’t much that I didn’t like. However, I’m a minimalist when it comes to clothing and if it’s not a triple AAA+, I can’t afford to keep it.

But these are some things to be aware of when considering these jeans:

• The return shipping is charged to you if you do not want store credit!
• There seemed to be extra fabric in the knees and bottom area. This may be about my body type versus the actual cut. Either way, I couldn’t make it work, and that’s what really sealed their fate.
• The length was too short for me and probably too short for anyone above my height.

People below my height, you could actually have them hemmed, but those who are super tall, there’s really no option. Like the length or don’t buy them.

Although I loved the fabric, I actually didn’t think it was thick enough.

A few years ago I ordered a pair of black skinny jeans from Zara (not necessarily an ethical company). However, what I loved was how thick and stiff the cotton was with only 1% elastane. I find that jeans with stretch don’t make me feel as confident.

I know that with 100% or 99% cotton I will feel the dig of it in my tummy.

You may think I’m crazy, but I like that. I like it because I feel my body. I’m conscious of how much I’ve eaten or how my jeans are fitting. The jeans last longer, look, better, the material is better for your skin and the environment, and you have a higher chance of remaining the size you want to be.

Why I still think you should buy them

I suspect that in the next few seasons Everlane will introduce 100% cotton jeans, a jean jacket, and longer lengths. Just watch! I bet you anything.

You can be sure they’re watching an listening intently on what their customers are saying and will rapidly implement any changes that are trending in the reviews and feedback. However, every person’s body is totally and completely unique, so what I didn’t appreciate, you may love.

I whole-heartedly believe that these jeans are worth every penny paid (even the return shipping pennies). I say try them because you may find they work extremely well for you. There is no risk in returning, especially if you’re fine with a credit to your account.

In conclusion

In the end, you have to try it. I believe in this brand and their mission. The style is impeccable and I know that within the next year we will see even more options not only from Everlane but from other ethical denim manufacturers as well.

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If you do decide to try them or have tried them, let me know what your experience is like. I’d be so curious to know!