It is not hyperbole to say that shopping for a pair of jeans can arguably be one of the most soul-destroying experiences a woman can have. Despite the fact that they are often the most worn piece in one’s closet, the embodiment of staple style, finding a pair of women’s jeans that ticks all the boxes of having the right fit, fabric and wash can feel a Herculean task.
But, when you do find the perfect pair - the euphoria. The empowerment. Such was the inspiration behind our new range, which aims to decode and democratize women’s jeans with eight different shapes meticulously crafted from exceptional fabrics - each specifically chosen to support the cut and function of every style.
To help you navigate through the options, our Design Director Tracey Stainer shares the intelligence behind this season’s new denim line, and what distinguishes the design of a ME+EM jean to make these the most confidence-inducing styles you will ever find.
Intelligent Denim
There are some design tricks that we apply to all our jeans to make them supremely flattering. For instance, after poring over the perfect size and placement of pockets, Tracey elucidates that “this season, we’ve made all our back pockets larger and turned slightly inward to sculpt and flatter”.
Similarly, we’ve forensically investigated the right denim to hold the shape of each cut, from stretchier blends for slim-fit styles to classic, rigid denim for straight-leg jeans. The result is a timeless collection of jeans that do all the work for you, from now until forever.
The Shape Guide
The Relaxed Straight-Leg Jean
“This is the jean version of our signature man pant,” says Tracey. “We cut it slightly wider at the hem so that when it’s worn, the legs look completely straight."
Sitting high on the waist with a full-length leg, the Relaxed Straight-Leg Jean is the shape that every comprehensive capsule wardrobe should include. The clean, contemporary silhouette will never date and provides the perfect base with which to style everything from a silk blouse and heels for evening, to a fresh white crew neck tee and sneakers for weekends, and a structured boyfriend blazer and loafers for work.
The Skinny Jean
As we do on all our pants, we have brought the side seams of our women’s skinny jeans forward. Tracey explains, “bringing the seams forward makes them visible from the front, which creates the illusion of longer legs. We bring the pockets forward as well so that you don’t get any awkward bulk at your hips.”
The super high-rise fit of our skinny jean is the key to making legs look endlessly long. If you’re shorter, a zip at the hem can be worn open to allow the denim to flow over your shoe rather than bunch up at the ankle, creating a seamless line from waist to foot that visually adds inches. If you’re taller, wear it zipped up instead for a shape that neatly hugs the leg.
The Ultimate Wide-Leg Jean
The Ultimate Wide-Leg Jean is a ME+EM signature and for the very first time, our sun-bleached blue iteration comes in two lengths - regular and long.
“There’s a common misconception that you can only wear a wide-leg jean if you're an Amazon,” Tracey says, “but in actual fact, it’s not that scary as a cut (ME+EM’s Founder Clare is 5’6” and she lives in this style). It sits high on the waist and the leg shape is almost triangular: very sleek at the top so that there isn’t an overwhelming amount of fabric, then widening towards the hem to make it wearable for all heights."
Our longer-length wide-leg jean is designed for taller frames and for those who want to style them with heels and still get the drama of the floor-sweeping length. Those who are shorter, prefer a slouchier fit or want to style with flats can opt for our regular length instead.
The Authentic Relaxed Jean
“This is a true 90s cut, a universally flattering, slightly tapered fit” says Tracey. “The sun-bleached blue is a very fresh, forward-facing wash to see you through spring/summer. To achieve that color, the denim is really washed down, which has the side-effect of making it feel especially soft and lived in."
With an adjustable tab, gaping at the back is a thing of the past as you can pull in or let out the fit to achieve the perfect waist-enhancing fit.
The Subtle Kick Flare Jean
“If you want to add leg length then this is the cut for you, as it’s narrow at the thigh and wider at the hem. It’s also a shape with more attitude, making it a great AM-PM style.”
Our Subtle Kick Flare Jean is cut slightly longer than our classic Ultimate Wide-Leg and Relaxed Straight Jeans, meaning it can be styled with heels for evening and then with flats for day so that the leg is more slouchy and casual.
The Tapered Jean
“This cut is like our slim crop or tapered pants: neat but not tight,” explains Tracey.
Like those pants, these jeans hit at roughly ankle length - or longer for those who have shorter legs, in which case they act as a perfect full-length style.
The Jogger
Marrying the worlds of loungewear and denim, this jogger offers the best of both. “If you're hesitant about buying jeans, this is the perfect style” says Tracey. “The denim is softer, and the elasticated waist and cuffs make it more flexible and versatile."
If you’re working from home, sitting in a classic jean with a fixed waist isn’t necessarily going to appeal, but you may be beyond living in jersey joggers. Conversely, if you’re stepping out at the weekend but can’t quite bring yourself to pull the fitted waistbands of the working week back on, these denim joggers provide a smart compromise: resolutely comfortable yet polished enough for public consumption.
The Barrel-Leg Jean
With a design team made up entirely of women, we are only too aware that no two bodies are the same (thank goodness, how dull otherwise). Which is precisely what led us to devise the adjustable waist tab. Allowing you to tailor the fit, this small-but-mighty design innovation masters the waist-to-hip ratio and avoids awkward gaping at the back of the waist.
The most recent addition to the roster of women’s jeans, the barrel leg is straight cut on the inner leg, saving the volume for the outside of the leg, and is finished with an adjustable tab at the back of the waist to create a jean that flatters everyone.
Style Concierge
If you’re still unsure what to put in your basket, our fashion concierge service, Harper, will bring all the styles and sizes you want to try directly to you. You can try everything on in the comfort of your home before making a purchase.
If you’d like, one of our trained stylists can stay to help guide you with styling and sizing advice, or can leave you to try everything on alone and return later to pick up anything you don’t want to keep.