Getting Started
Aight, so I’ve been eyeing a new pair of everyday jeans. My old Levi’s were just beat. Since I kept hearing buzz about Ralph Lauren Women’s jeans, I decided this week to grab a few pairs & see how they stacked up against others. Straight up, I wasn’t gonna just read reviews; I needed to try ’em myself.
My Plan
Walked into my local mall Thursday morning with a mission. My main stops: Macy’s, Gap, and Old Navy. Wanted a mix – designer, middle range, and budget brands. Target was Ralph Lauren, obviously. Then grabbed Levi’s 501s from Gap, Madewell Perfect Vintage from Macy’s, and snagged some H&M skinnies too ’cause why not? Oh, & threw in a pair from American Eagle that I already had in my closet.
Testing Them Out
Right. Got home & spread ’em all on my bed. Went through each pair one by one, trying ’em on, bending, squatting – you know, regular stuff. Took mental notes:
- Feel: Ralph Lauren & Madewell felt thickest; that denim had serious weight. AE & Levi’s were comfy right outta the bag. H&M? Paper thin.
- Fit Around Waist: RL sat smooth on my hips. Levi’s gapped a little. Madewell hugged perfect. AE kinda stretched weirdly after 30 minutes.
- Pocket Depth: H&M pockets were a joke – barely fit half my phone. RL & AE had deep, usable ones.
Wearing Them Through the Day
Wore each pair for a full day over the weekend. Thursday I went grocery shopping in the Ralph Laurens. Felt sturdy, held shape nicely. Friday rolled with Madewell – comfy all damn day. Saturday tried American Eagle & felt okay until the knees bagged out. Sunday tossed H&M on for coffee – by noon, they sagged & wrinkled like paper.
Key Differences
Real talk, RL beat Levi’s on that thick, quality feel. But price-wise? Rough. $128 a pop versus $60-$80 for others. Madewell felt like RL’s slightly cheaper sibling – great fit, maybe $15-$20 less. American Eagle scored big for comfort & everyday wear, though loose fabric kinda bunched near my thighs. Levi’s kept their rep – sturdy, reliable. H&M? Trash after one wash. Shrunk & stiff.
Final Conclusion
So yeah, I’m writing this Sunday evening with the Ralph Laurens back on. Honestly? They look polished & give that structured look I dig. Feels premium. BUT! Madewell’s a close second at a better price. If money isn’t an issue & you want heavy, durable denim? Ralph Lauren’s solid. But AE, Madewell & Levi’s do just fine for half the cash. Learned one big thing: RL’s stiff at first. Gotta break ’em in properly. Walked ’round my apartment for like two hours to soften ’em up. Worth it? Eh, depends if you mind that work. Personally? Glad I got ’em – but won’t throw my old Levi’s away. Yet.
