Yahoo Lifestyle I bought 10 pairs of jeans at Walmart to find the best fit — these are the winners
How do styles from Lee, Levi's and Gloria Vanderbilt stack up? You may be surprised to find out which fit best.
If I had it my way, I'd wear jeans all day, every day. I own several styles in many different washes and silhouettes, and I love dressing them up or keeping them casual. Whether with a sweater and sneakers or a silk blouse and ankle boots, jeans never disappoint. I'm so obsessed that I don't often flinch when it comes to splurging on a quality pair that I love and are designed to last for years.
Recently, I tried on a pair from Walmart that made me rethink everything I know about denim. The style in question? These Free Assembly Patch Pocket Wide Leg Jeans. The material was thick and sturdy and the fit was spot on — everything I expect in jeans that I've spent way more on.
Soon, I began to wonder what other amazing jeans were hiding at Walmart. Could I really get durable, stylish, well-fitting pants at the same retailer where I buy groceries? And for less than $50? On a whim, I decided to see if I could find 10 pairs I liked on the website. I did — quite easily, in fact — and soon I was checking out, anxiously awaiting my latest Walmart haul to arrive.
Now, I know you're probably skeptical because I was, too. But let me tell you — Walmart's denim selection did not disappoint. Below are all the styles I tried, plus my honest thoughts about each.
Levi Strauss Signature Mid Rise Bootcut Jeans
I've owned Levi's in the past, but as my body has changed — i.e. my hips and butt have gotten bigger — they haven't always worked for me. So I was pleasantly surprised to slip into these bootcut jeans and get a perfect fit. They have some stretch, which is helpful if you have curves, and I found the dark wash slimming. I will say, the product description for these says they have a 32-inch inseam, but I'm not sure that's right. I'm only 5'5 and these weren't too long for me at all.
These classic Levi's are available in four different washes and three different inseams. The slightly flared leg opening means they look great with ankle boots in the fall and winter, but also look nice with sneakers and flats.
People who've purchased these jeans like that they're comfortable and fit well. "These have a lot of stretch. [They are] comfy and look good. I am a curvy girl with thick thighs and a booty and these fit so good," said a fan.
Gloria Vanderbilt Women's Amanda Classic Jean
These jeans are wildly popular among Walmart shoppers. When you even begin typing in Gloria Vanderbilt on the site, these are the first jeans that populate the search bar. Given their popularity, I was excited to find them in my size. I ordered the Rapids Blue wash, which is a great medium blue. The jeans fit me perfectly in my regular size, but I will say the mid-rise is slightly lower than I'm used to. Even so, I'm still considering keeping them because the color is so nice, the denim is really soft and they look great.
Walmart shoppers give these Gloria Vanderbilt classics 4.5 out of five stars — they appreciate the affordable price point and that they fit well. "I usually wear a size 8, and these fit perfectly," one customer commented. "The material is medium to heavyweight, which should be great for the winter weather. It does have a nice straight leg and good length without being too long."
Another added, "They were a great price and fit perfectly. I'm very pleased with my Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda jeans."
Scoop Stovepipe High Rise Straight Leg Jeans
Of all the jeans I tried, these felt the most like expensive premium denim to me. They're not overly stretchy and the wash looked worn-in. These Scoop jeans fit me pretty well in my regular size, but I did notice some slight bunching in the crotch area. While not a deal break, it is something to note. If I didn't already own lots of other jeans, these definitely would've gone in the "keep" pile.
Like me, many shoppers at Walmart noted how impressed they were with the fabric. "I love these jeans. I love them so much that I ordered another pair right away before they sell out! They are a high-quality material and the fit is fabulous and comfortable!" one fan gushed.
Another commented, "Love these jeans. Very good quality especially for the price. Very slenderizing and elongating for my legs."
Gloria Vanderbilt High Rise Wide Leg Tab Cargo Jean
I love, love, love these! They were only available in a size smaller than I usually wear, but shockingly they fit. I would've preferred a size up because the pockets pucker a bit, but still, these trousers are super chic and a great dressy take on jeans. Bonus: the quality is top-notch. If my regular size comes back in stock, I'm grabbing them ASAP, no questions asked.
Some haters will tell you jeans are too casual, that they look sloppy and unkempt. And to them I say, fake news! These Gloria Vanderbilts are proof that denim can look polished and classy. Pair them with a pointy-toe heel or booties, a slinky going-out top and some statement earrings, and I promise you'll turn heads.
Lee Women's Heritage Mid Rise Classic Straight Jean
I should've read the reviews before purchasing these jeans. I had to repurchase them in a size up from my regular size — and I also got an extra pair that was two sizes up just in case. Turns out, I needed it. Overall, I really like the feel of the denim and the shape of these jeans, but the fit just wasn't right for me. The size that was most comfortable in the waist didn't look great around the hips or in the crotch area. I was sad to return these because I had high hopes, but they were, sadly, a no-go.
Customers at Walmart give these Lee jeans mixed reviews. While some say the jeans fit them perfectly, others found they ran small. "These jeans were a little small on me, but I still really like them," one person wrote in their review. "The fit is great despite running a little small."
Another shopper cautioned, "Size up if you want a comfortable fit or if you have a bigger waist."
Levi Strauss Signature Women's Heritage Boyfriend Jean
The quality of the jeans is pretty good, but the fit was really bad for me. There was a lot of bunchiness in the crotch area and the top of the jeans was loose but the bottom was a little tight. Just overall, not a good look.
Apparently, I'm in the minority when it comes to not loving these jeans. Unlike me, many Walmart shoppers love this Levi's style. In fact, they have over 500 five-star reviews.
"Comfortable and true to size," one fan wrote in their review. "One of my favorite styles and fits. Love the material because it isn't stiff like most jeans."
"Love them," another shopper wrote. "I'm not a person who can wear high-waisted jeans. Sometimes mid-rise doesn't cover my menopause figure. These were perfect! I'm 5-feet and the length is just below the ankle. The fabric is soft and not binding."
Jordache Women's High Rise Straight Jean
Though these jeans are much lighter than I typically go for, I couldn't resist keeping them — they were perfect in every way. The denim is soft, but still feels substantial. The fit is great in the waist (and around the booty!) and the length is perfect — no hemming required. While I could only find them in this one color, if there were others, I'd buy them all in a heartbeat.
Jordache jeans were popular years ago and I think most people have forgotten about the brand. But I'm here to tell you that they still make great denim. And it's affordable, too. Of all the jeans I tried on, I knew instantly that I'd be adding these to my closet. If you haven't tried Jordaches in a while, let this be your cue — give their jeans a try. You may be pleasantly surprised like I was.
Time and Tru High Rise Cargo Flare Jean
These jeans fit perfectly fine and the denim feels like it'll hold up over time. The tight cargo style just isn't my vibe, however, so I returned these without even thinking twice.
Again, different strokes for different folks here. While I didn't wind up keeping these cargo jeans, lots of Walmart customers really like them. One person called them "Super cute pants!" while another said they were "Nicely made and a great fit."
In addition to the dark wash I tried, these slacks come in army green cotton.
Jordache Women's Mid Rise Baggy Jeans
Okay, I'm surprised, but I really like these wide-leg jeans. They were shockingly slimming in the legs and they made me look taller than I am, even with sneakers on. Ultimately, I decided to return them, though, because they're too similar to the jeans my 16-year-old daughter wears and, well, I'm not 16.
Need a break from skinny and straight-leg denim silhouettes? Spend the $15 and give this style a try. The wide legs aren't too voluminous or overwhelming and the denim quality is top-notch. Choose from three different washes in sizes 2-22.
Sofia Jeans Melissa Flare High Rise Jeans
Honestly, I was reluctant to even share these jeans because they are so tight. I ordered my regular size, but they were too small in the hips and butt for me. They were also really long. I'm wearing heels with them in the picture above, but they're still touching the floor. All that said, if you can get the sizing right on these, I think they're a great pair of flares. But I would suggest ordering multiple sizes.
I'm just one person and it seems my experience with these jeans differed from others. "Better than designer jeans," one happy customer wrote about this Sofia Vergara find. "These jeans are amazing. Great fit from waist to the length."
"Literally the best jeans I've owned in years!" another shopper raved. "These are my absolute ideal length and complement my legs and figure amazingly. I already bought them in another color. They have good stretch too."
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