“I need an in-between size” is one of the most commonly heard phrases I hear in women’s fitting rooms. It’s notoriously difficult to find a pair of jeans that fit just right – all too often one size is too large and the next size down is too small.
However, this week, I noticed that a popular retailer offers ‘Goldilocks’ sizes in some of their denim, and honestly, it’s a brilliant idea that more brands should adopt. Fashion favourite Next not only provides many of their trousers in three lengths – petite, regular and tall – but they also offer ‘in between’ sizes, including sizes 9, 11, 13,15 and 17.
One such pair is the Bleach Dart Detail Barrel 100% Cotton Jeans, priced at £45. They’re crafted from pure cotton denim, featuring a classic five-pocket design and a unique arched leg shape.
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The barrel leg silhouette is bang on trend this season, with retailers like River Island also offering their own version. They’re generally seen as flattering for hourglass, pear, and curvy body types, but can also suit those with a slim or athletic build, helping to add volume and proportion.
The Next jeans have been hailed by shoppers for their ‘well fitting’ design, with a customer raving: “Look and feel amazing on. Great value for money.”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Another person said: “Well fitting jeans, soft. They are petite (which I am not) but makes them the perfect length for what I was after.”
Yet another review mentioned some sizing issues, with a buyer stating: “I love the design and detail but the waist was far too tight for me so had to return. A bigger size would mean the legs were enormous.”
This might be because the 100% cotton rigid denim doesn’t stretch and will be quite snug initially; however, Next assures customers it ‘will ease with wear allowing for the perfect fit’.
A fourth happy shopper chimed in, saying: “Great jeans – super stylish,” and continued with “Reasonable quality and a reasonable price. Bought two pairs that were very similar but I returned this colour in favour of a black pair.”
Next made waves back in 2019 when it became the first retailer to test out in-between sizes for their jeans, and although it’s not exactly hot off the press, it seems many shoppers are still in the dark about this offering. Surprisingly, despite the clear demand for more inclusive sizing, other stores haven’t been quick on the uptake.
Marks & Spencer does give nods towards inclusivity with various length options, and Simply Be caters to those seeking larger fits with some garments available up to sizes 32 and 34.
During the initial rollout, Next expressed in a statement: “Next are always looking for ways to help women feel amazing in what they wear. After spending time with our customers and listening to their feedback, we have decided to trial in-between sizes in some of our favourite jeans and tailoring pieces to ensure that we are offering them the best fit possible.”
Currently, fashion-forward shoppers can snag a pair of Bleach Dart Detail Barrel 100% Cotton Jeans from Next for £45 by shopping here, or they can explore a variety of other jean styles here.
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