Reviewers have been raving about M&S’ denim online so I took to the fitting rooms to see if they passed the all-important sitting down and walking around tests
M&S is known for its stylish and flattering staples, so I recently took to store to try on some of the brand’s denim for size. Eager to determine if the jeans actually live up to the online hype, many of the high street retailer’s denim pieces have garnered rave reviews from impressed shoppers, but it can be hard to gauge the fit and comfort of different denim styles online.
As a fashion writer, I’m still a big fan of an in-store try on, even if I end up purchasing items online at a later date to avoid impulse buying. I tried on a variety of different jeans in Marks and Spencer and put them to the test, rating them for fit, comfort and how easy they are to style.
For reference, I’m normally a UK size 12 and 5’7, and I tend to prefer longer denim styles that give a leg-lengthening look. I often find denim a particularly tricky category to shop as I have curvier hips and slimmer legs, so I was on the hunt for pieces that can be dressed up or down for maximum wear, but without compromising on fit and comfort.
If M&S’ denim doesn’t suit, then fans may also wish to check out New Look’s vast range, which includes everything from popular wide leg designs to straight leg jeans. Alternatively, Abercrombie’s Curve Love range has been gaining traction online, winning over fans on social media.
M&S offers a wide range of denim, spanning their viral carrot and barrel leg styles through to more straight leg and slim designs. I headed to the changing room to see whether the highly-rated denim really lived up to the hype…
M&S Mid Rise Barrel Jeans – £30
M&S’ barrel leg jeans are a huge hit with the brand’s shoppers, boasting over 500 reviews. Available in nine colours, they feature a relaxed voluminous barrel shape and comfortable flexibility.
Sitting at a mid rise point on the waist, they can easily be styled with more fitted dressy tops that can be tucked in or worn with a loose slouchy knit.
Fans can shop them in UK sizes 6-24, and one of the positives of these jeans is that they’re available in various leg lengths ranging from extra short to long. They also boast seam detailing and a classic five pocket design.
M&S review score: 4.6 out of five stars
What shoppers say: “Best barrel jeans I’ve tried. I got the petite length which is great, as they’re not good if too long. They fit really well – I have a small waist but not so small bottom half and these work. Nice material too.”
Meanwhile another review reads: “Lovely jeans – good quality denim, fit well. I’m really pleased with them. Have given 4 stars as they are only just long enough.”
My thoughts: I tried the jeans in a size 12 long and loved that the shape was true to a signature barrel design, but I felt it was less wide than similar designs from other retailers I’ve tried, which I prefer. I do tend to agree with the shopper who said they’re not overly long, because as a 5’7 person I wouldn’t classify myself as overly tall, yet the long design were the perfect length for me.
I think anyone over my height would struggle to find their perfect fit, unless they prefer shorter jeans. Overall, I’d say the jeans sit at a very comfortable and flattering point on my waist, but I did find they came up loose and I could have done with a 10.
High Waisted Carrot Leg Ankle Grazer Jeans – £40
This carrot leg style went viral thanks to its flattering high waist and tapered ankle grazer design. Shoppable in light and medium indigo shades that are perfect for spring, there’s also darker hues such as a black mix design for those who prefer an alternative wash.
M&S review score: 4.6 out of five stars
What shoppers say: “Bought first pair in black – so flattering and comfy. Bought the buttermilk colour for summer and tried to order the blue denim as love them so much, but all size 12S sold out.”
Meanwhile another said: “These have no stretch so size up! Nice shape, just tight waist.”
My thoughts: Available in a variety of colours and leg lengths, I opted for the 12 long which I needed to get the correct length. Admittedly, I do have longer legs so this may not be an issue for those who are more petite.
I now own a couple of pairs, but the one downside is that while the ecru colour I previously tried on is gorgeous for year-round wear, it is slightly see-through at the waist, with the interior of the pockets poking through. The denim is fairly rigid though not uncomfortable, which means the jeans hang in a really flattering way in my opinion.
I also think the cut of the leg is a great alternative to barrel, offering a similar on-trend design but just more wearable for those who don’t like too much volume. They’ve fast become my favourite jeans.
Boyfriend Mid Rise Ankle Grazer Jeans – £40
These boyfriend style jeans have one of the lower overall review scores out of the denim I tried on. Boasting a mid-rise design and a relaxed shape, the bottoms feature a casual turned up ankle grazer hem. Available in extra short to extra long lengths, the jeans come in five wearable shades varying from shades of blue to ecru.
M&S review score: 3.7 out of five stars
What shoppers say: “Really lovely fit around the bum area for a wide leg jean, so looking fabulous and not frumpy!”
One shopper commented: “Wanted to love these jeans but they just did not fit me, even tried a size up and they still looked tight across the front. I am a slight pear shape but other M&S jeans fit me well. However I do like the style, they just don’t work for me.”
My thoughts: Although I personally wouldn’t normally opt for a turned up hem on denim, I was pleasantly surprised by the fit of these jeans. Personally, I would rate them higher than 3.7 stars as I found them pretty flattering on the waist.
I opted for a size 12 long again and the length was decent although I would have tried the extra long if they’d been in store. I do think they’re more suited to casual outfits thanks to the hems, however the darker blue colourway instantly makes them feel more dressy.
High Waisted Wide Leg Ankle Grazer Jeans –
Boasting a near-perfect review score of 4.7 out of five stars from over 1,200 reviews, I had high hopes for these wide leg jeans. They’re shoppable in the usual denim shades but also boast the addition of taupe and khaki hues for those who fancy something a little different.
Featuring a comfortable stretch denim, they have a high rise waistline that’s suitable for tucking tops into. They also boast contrast stitching and a modern ankle grazer leg that’s perfect for teaming with spring shoes.
M&S review score: 4.7 out of five stars
What shoppers say: “Perfect jeans, so comfortable and stretchy. So good I now have 3 pairs. They give a great shape. I would highly recommend.”
Meanwhile someone else wrote: “Good heavy jeans with plenty of stretch. Ordered the green ones but when they arrived didn’t like the colour, also a bit too wide for me so sadly returned.”
My thoughts: Personally, on my body I didn’t feel they looked as flattering as the boyfriend fit. I felt they hung without offering much shape, though I think they’re the type of jeans that I should have tried on with a heeled boot to give them a fair trial.
I also felt like they took inches off my height for some reason, though I will say the denim felt comfortable and there was room in the waistband even when sitting which is always a bonus. For those who like this style of jean they’re a good well-priced option but just not the most flattering fit for my size 12 frame.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
