Everlane Way High Jean Review

It’s fair to say that denim forms a pretty big part of my style uniform. Skinny, slim, straight leg. I have a drawer packed full of them; all part of my search for the best jeans. One thing I’m always on the hunt for, regardless of cut? A high waist. I’ve got a long torso, so this is my ultimate trick for balancing out my proportions. Plus it’s flattering. So whether I was going to try out the Everlane Way High Jean – their latest denim launch – wasn’t even a question.

There’s two styles – straight and skinny – and I made a point of requesting both last month. Which means I’ve had a few weeks to put them to the test, and already I have some initial thoughts. For those of you equally curious about the “Way High” styles, hopefully this review will help you with any sizing, how they fit, and how they wear.

The Everlane Way High Jean Review

First up, let’s start with the straight leg jean.

Wearing Mate the Label tank; Everlane Way High Jean (size 25); Spurr sandals; Celine trotteur bag

SIZING & FIT | I’m currently in between sizes, but have found that Everlane’s straight leg styles tend to be on the generous side, so I opted to go with the 25 in the Way High Jean. For reference, I’m wearing a 26 in their skinny jeans right now, and I wear a 25 in Madewell denim. Based on the way these fit, I think if you’re on the fence, go with the smaller of the two. They’re marked as “low stretch”, however I’ve actually found them to have a decent amount of give. They don’t really pull across my thighs, nor does the waist cut in. There’s no weird bagging or sagging due to the 12 1/8 inch rise – they’re a perfect fit. And as I said earlier, generously cut – I have a feeling the 26 would have been far too large on me. I got them in two washes, the “coal” which I’m wearing above, in addition to “distressed”. One thing I noticed immediately on putting them on? They have different inseams! The “coal” ones are perhaps an inch longer than the “distressed” ones. I’m not sure if this is just down to chance but thought I’d flag it. Both styles have a raw edged hem.

HOW THEY WEAR | My experience with Everlane jeans across the whole has been pretty positive. And so it’s little surprise that I’ve mostly got good things to say about the Everlane Way High Jean. They give in nicely across the thighs and seat as the fabric softens and relaxes. The frayed hem will of course be prone to wear and tear in the wash, but that’s nothing a pair of scissors can’t fix. Perhaps my only bugbear? The “coal” colour picks up fluff like you wouldn’t believe. If this is an issue for you, I’d recommend going with one of the other colours. I don’t have this issue with the “distressed” pair.

STYLING | I also wanted to include a short note on styling. Being a straight leg jean, these are great for transitioning across seasons. And ideal for winter. You can easily pop some thermal leggings underneath, and some high ankle boots for a chic look. I wore these for “summer” with sandals and a tank, but in the winter I’ll probably swap those out for my boss boots, and a big chunky sweater.

The Everlane Way High Skinny Jean Review

The other “Way High” style is a skinny leg jean, which we all know is a fail-safe of mine I always, always, always go back to.

Wearing Free People off shoulder top (sold out but this is the updated style); Everlane Way High Skinny Jean (size 26); Vaneli two tone pumps; Linjer Lana bag

SIZING & FIT | Skinny jeans never look good when they’re too tight, so I figured it was a safer bet to go with the 26 in the Way High Skinny. And I’m glad I did. These fit true to size, and while they’re marked as “high stretch” (which they are), I think that the 25 would have just felt too small. And pulled across the thighs. The rise on the Way High Skinny is 11.75 inches, so a little over a quarter inch lower than the Everlane Way High Jean. On my long torso, the rise comes just up over my belly button. They nip in perfectly at the waist, and lay flat across the front (helped by the lack of pockets!!!). There’s a little bit of creasing down the legs – something I’ve noticed to be common with Everlane skinny jeans. Though maybe this is just me… There’s only one length – regular – and on me I find it’s a great length, and hugs the ankle nicely.

HOW THEY WEAR | These jeans are so darn comfortable, and only get more so the longer you have them on. I’ve even slept in them (you know, for a “mama” nap). I also love that they’re made from an organic cotton. Over time, I can already sense that these will whisker in areas where the fabric “creases”; so think on the legs, around the bum, and across the thigh.

STYLING | Skinny jeans to me are a bit of a no brainer to style. I mean, they go with e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. But, if you want to keep things interesting, then I’d suggest mixing up proportions or going for juxtaposed elements in textures, styles, or silhouettes. For spring and summer, I’ll be wearing these with a slim fitting tank or silk cami with some cute flats or ugly sandals. And for autumn and winter, I’ll opt for a big chunky knit (tucked or worn fully loose), some big oversized blazers, and ankle boots or loafers.

I hope that this little review of the Everlane Way High Jean was helpful. And if you have any questions I haven’t answered, then let me know in the comments!