Between a very long winter spent mostly indoors (sitting at my computer) and the whacky hormonal imbalance of menopause, I cannot get into many of my jeans. Even if I meet my steps challenge every day and run extra miles, nothing is budging, so I have made (some) peace with that fact, moved on and spent the last couple of weeks testing out new jean and pant options.
What have I discovered? That I need a more forgiving jean. Also, for someone who has long been anti-stretch and a big proponent of 100% cotton denim, I have realized a little stretch can be your friend. Mind you, I still have a few pairs of vintage Levi’s with no stretch that I can (thankfully) wear, but they are baggy and casual, I needed jeans to wear to meetings and out to dinner.
What did I buy? These Re/Done high-rise stovepipe in Medium Vain. (I bought them at Jenni Kayne because you can generally get 15% off everything, so take advantage). They have an unfinished hem, which is not ideal, but they aren’t tight around the waist and are flattering at my hips/upper thigh area. They say they are 100% cotton, but they feel like they have a bit of give to them, perhaps they are a lighter weave; what they are not is stiff and heavy. Then black jeans, which I find super hard. I bought these from Acne Studios. The black jeans have a hint of stretch, 2%, which is makes them fit well without quickly losing their shape. These are slim fit. Because I don’t wear leggings, except for exercise, this is my alternative. Plus, they are far more versatile.
Stay tuned for more cotton, spring to summer pants.
Alaia shoes, $1190; Anderson’s belt, $160.
I’m glad you’re not beating yourself up of a menopause weight shift. Like Wanda Sykes said, at a certain age everything just “relaxes.” It can be a real mind game, especially if you’re used to being a certain shape or size and now favorite items aren’t able to shift with you. At a certain age I decided I would no longer wear shoes that hurt, anything that itched or needed constant adjustment, or pants that made me feel bad. Life is too short to let clothing boss you around, instead of being a source of joy. Mazel! More power to you.
Amen! Life is definitely too short to let clothing boss you around.
Even though I weigh a little less than I did before menopause, clothes just fit differently. No matter how much exercise, muscle mass isn’t the same. And everything goes to the waist. You’re right about struggling to find black jeans that fit well. Why is that? It’s so frustrating. I don’t wear leggings, except for exercise either.
The scale is pretty much the same but I’m so much thicker around the middle! Truly unbelievable. I had to bite the bullet and buy numerous new pairs of jeans.
What type of length did you buy for the Acne jeans. I am 5’6.
I wanted them cropped for Spring so I got a 30″ length. And I’m 5’5″.
Jennifer, I love your blog because of what a realist you are on so many topics and this is just another example. I’ve also become a fan of any denim that’s got a higher rise and is mostly cotton with a bit of elastane. My go to brands are Frame and Mother.
Thank you Kim and also thanks for the recs.
I bought those exact Re/done jeans (same color and fit) last week! I liked how they fit everywhere except the waist which was a little too big for me so I ended up returning them. Frame is my go-to. Love the “Le High Straight” and some Madewell styles also work…
thanks for the rec. I wish the Re/Done were big at my waist! Will look into Frame next time.
Ok, please note this this is definitely not meant to make any kind of judgement. We are all beautiful as we are! With that being said, I hit 61 years in the middle of COVID quarantine. Put on a couple lbs. (I’m blaming it on no hot yoga…LOL.) Not a big deal normally, but it went to all the wrong places. Of course, I was trying earnestly to take it off. But no-go. Until, my bestie reminded me that if I wrote down what I was eating, it may help. It helped her. So, she recommended an app. Can I say I say a specific one here? Hope so. It was MyFitnessPal and it was FREE…YAY! It has been 5 weeks now and I have lost 9 lbs. I’m so crazy happy and I can still have a drink (during my daily HH with hubby.) Now my pants fit again. Hope this may help someone that is stuck.
Thank you for sharing this JoAnn. No judgement at all, it’s always good to hear what works for other women.
Jennifer
This post could not have come at a better time! I am 53 and like you have always preferred rigid, non stretch, denim! I have had those exact redones in my cart for days – I guess this is the sign to hit purchase!!
Pretty happy with them. Good luck!
Jennifer
I hear you on a slowing metabolism and shifting composition! I recently ordered relaxed jeans with 2% stretch. I also found a cool Etsy shop named Sandara that makes lovely custom linen pants and a crop top. Forgiving waist and pretty cute!
Thanks for the recommendation!
Jennifer
Welcome to the magic of a little stretch. Word to the wise: the dryer is the enemy of that little bit of stretch.
The Alaïa sandals are totally my ideal type of sandal.
Any idea where the quilted jacket worn on the woman in this post is from? Tried to search for it to no avail.