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When it comes to buying new jeans for this fall, there’s more to consider than just how they look. Quality, fabric composition, and construction all play a huge role in determining whether a pair of jeans will stand the test of time—or end up in the back of your closet after a few wears. In this review, I’m diving into the nitty-gritty details of the Madewell Perfect Vintage Jeans, focusing on what really matters: the fabric, construction, and whether they’re worth adding to your wardrobe. Let’s dive in!
Madewell Perfect Vintage Jean: A Closer Look
Price
Estimated Retail Price (2024): $128
Made In
Vietnam
Sizes
Waist: Available from 23 – 33
Petite Sizes: Designed for those 5’3” and shorter, with an inseam (top of inner thigh to floor) of 29” and under.
Standard Sizes: Designed for this between 5’4” and 5’8”, with an inseam (top of inner thigh to floor) between 30” to 32”.
Tall and Taller Sizes: Designed for those who are 6’ or above.
Washes
White: Tile White
Light Wash: Fitzgerald, Charnley (Distressed)
Medium Wash: Barnfield, Kepler, Decatur
Dark Wash: Myers
Design Features
Rise: 11″-12″ Navel-Grazing Rise
Fit: Waist-accentuating high rise and tapered legs
Stretch: Rigid
(Please note that according to the Madewell website, different washes have different stretches)
Madewell Perfect Vintage Jeans Review: Fabric Composition
When buying new clothes, one of the first considerations should be the fabric composition, as it reveals a lot about the garment’s quality. I follow the 80-20 rule, which suggests that clothing should ideally consist of at least 80% natural fibers and no more than 20% synthetic fabrics.
Here’s the fabric breakdown for the Madewell Perfect Vintage Jeans:
- 99% Cotton
- 1% Elastane
Cotton is renowned for its strength and durability, ensuring these jeans maintain their shape and fit over time. The addition of 1% elastane provides just the right amount of stretch for comfort and longevity. While synthetic fibers can enhance durability, you only need to add a little for a lasting effect. By blending natural and synthetic fabrics, you achieve both functionality and reduced environmental impact in your wardrobe choices.
(Please note that according to the Madewell website, different washes have different fabric compositions and it’s important to check individual garments.)
Madewell Perfect Vintage Jeans Review: Garment Construction
When assessing the integrity of jeans, there are four key Garment Construction signs to look for: stitching, matching seams, finished edges, and absence of pilling, pulls, or loose threads. Here’s how the Madewell jeans held up:
Stitching:
Both the exterior and interior stitching of the Madewell jeans were tight and even, ensuring durability and longevity.
Matching Seams:
Critical areas to inspect for seam matching include where the front and back pieces meet in the crotch area and along the waistband where the button is attached. The Madewell jeans passed this test with flying colors.
Finished Edges:
To prevent the cotton weave from unraveling during wear, proper edge finishing is crucial. The interior seams of the Madewell jeans were finished with overlock serging stitches, while the exterior seams utilized flat felled seams—a technique known for enhancing durability in denim construction.
Pilling, Pulls, or Loose Threads:
Upon inspecting the jeans inside out, I found no evidence of pilling, pulls, or loose threads, underscoring the high quality of the jean construction.
Madewell Perfect Vintage Jeans Review: Care and Maintenance
Caring for your clothes is crucial for longevity. Here are the care instructions for the Madewell Perfect Vintage Jeans:
- Washing: Machine wash cold with like colors. For best results, flip them inside out before washing.
- Drying: Tumble dry on low temperature.
- Ironing: Iron on low temperature.
- Dry Cleaning: Do not dry clean.
With these jeans, it would be easy and convenient to include them in your regular laundry routine. Just make sure you wash them in cold water to prevent them from shrinking. And remember to wash them inside out, and with similar colors to maintain their quality over time.
Would I Buy / Thrift / Rent the Madewell Perfect Vintage Jeans?
Did it pass the Fabric Test? Yes, with 99% Cotton and 1% Elastane, it passes the 80:20 test!
Did it pass the Garment Construction Test? Yes, the stitching and seams were tight and even with no signs of pulls or loose threads. This makes me believe that it was constructed to last.
Could I realistically care for them? Yes, I am able to clean them using a washer and dryer so it would be easy to incorporate them into my laundry routine!
Are they my style and would I realistically wear it? No. This one is a very personal question! While they are my style, I actually have a couple of jeans in my closet that are similar style AND wash. So incorporating these these jeans would not really fill a gap in my closet.
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I was impressed by the fabric composition and construction of the Madewell Perfect Vintage Jeans, confident they would be a long-lasting addition to my wardrobe. However, since I already own a couple of similar pairs, I personally wouldn’t buy them.
That said, I would definitely explore other styles of Madewell jeans that could better complement my closet. Therefore, I recommend considering buying, thrifting, or renting Madewell jeans, as long as you evaluate each individual piece based on its fabric, garment construction, and how well it fits into your own personal style.
Madewell Frequently Asked Questions
What is Madewell’s Return Policy?
Madewell gladly accepts returns of unworn, unwashed, undamaged, or defective merchandise for a full refund or exchange within 30 days of the original purchase.
Is Madewell sustainable?
According to their 2024 Do Well Report, Madewell is committed to doing better for the planet by incorporating more sustainable materials into their clothes, working with Fair Trade certified ventures, and creating a Recycle & Resell program.
REGENAGRI®
In 2023, Madewell partnered with the REGENAGRI® program, which supports the transition from conventional farming to regenerative farming. This initiative aims to improve soil health, water quality, biodiversity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
BLUESIGN® SYSTEM
Bluesign is a comprehensive system for textile supply chains focusing on sustainable chemistry. It helps eliminate harmful chemicals throughout the supply chain, ensuring safer and more sustainable production processes.
Recycle and Resell
Through Madewell’s Circularity Process, you can trade your preloved jeans and get $20 off a new pair by dropping them off in-store or mailing them. So far, this program has saved 1.5 million pieces of denim from landfills.
Are J. Crew and Madewell Sister Companies?
In 2004, J. Crew Group, Inc. acquired the rights to Madewell and started using the name in 2006 to create a brand aimed at a younger crowd. While J.Crew focuses on clothing for young professionals in workplace settings, Madewell offers more stylish, everyday casual wear.