denim fit guide
Our expertise: making the perfect jeans. Your expertise: knowing where to find them. Meet your next forever pair.
TRY ONCE, WEAR FOREVER
Madewell, exceptional quality. In our name. In our jeans.
the fits
From total classics to of-the-moment obsessions. Available in sizes 23 to 33, 14W to 28W, Petite, Tall and Taller inseams.
THE FITS
Available in sizes 23 to 33, 14W to 28W, Curvy, Short, Petite and Tall inseams.
WIDE
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BAGGY & RELAXED
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Barrel
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FLARE & BOOTCUT
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straight
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SLIM & SKINNY
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The Fabrics
Whether you prefer extra stretch, zero give or something in between, there’s something for everyone.
Comfort
The holds-you-in structure of rigid denim, with a touch of stretch for day-one comfort.
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Zero stretch
Rigid denim with a structured feel that breaks in just enough to mold to your body.
Plus, Airy Denim, featherlight and specially crafted for incredible softness that almost feels like it has stretch—but doesn’t.
Shop now
The Fabrics
Whether you prefer extra stretch, zero give or something in between, there’s something for everyone.
Comfort Stretch
The holds-you-in structure of rigid denim, with a touch of stretch for day-one comfort.
Shop now
Zero stretch
Rigid denim with a structured feel that breaks in just enough to mold to your body.
Plus, Airy Denim, featherlight and specially crafted for incredible softness that almost feels like it has stretch—but doesn’t.
Shop now
THE DETAILS
Every step of the design process is carefully considered—here are just a few ways we’ve finetuned each pair.
Dimensional, nuanced washes with depth, texture and an authentic, lived-in feel.
UPGRADE YOUR DENIM
Get $20 off our jeans when you trade in a pair from any brand.*
Learn more
Intricate touches—like contrast stitching and custom shank caps—inspired by vintage.
UPGRADE YOUR DENIM
Get $20 off our jeans when you trade in a pair from any brand.*
Learn more
Perfectly sized pockets placed to flatter + a curve-enhancing back rise for a lifted look.
UPGRADE YOUR DENIM
Get $20 off our jeans when you trade in a pair from any brand.*
Learn more
The washes
Artful shades developed through a five-part process. Need a Denim Care refresher? See our guide here.
Shop white + ecru denim
Shop light wash
Shop medium wash
Shop dark wash
Shop black denim
how to measure
Prefer extra stretch, zero give or something in between? Our design experts work with the world’s best mills to make sure every option is just right.
Waist
Lay down your jeans and loosely measure across the waistband.
rise
Measure from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband.
inseam
Following the inner leg seam, measure from the crotch to the bottom of the hem.
leg opening
Measure across the bottom hem.
back rise
Turn your jeans over and measure from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband.
MORE WAYS TO WEAR DENIM
Prefer extra stretch, zero give or something in between? Our design experts work with the world’s best mills to make sure every option is just right.
shorts
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Lay down your jeans and loosely measure across the waistband.
dresses
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Measure from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband.
shirts
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Following the inner leg seam, measure from the crotch to the bottom of the hem.
jackets
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Measure across the bottom hem.
skirts
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Turn your jeans over and measure from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband.
INSIDERS ENJOY COMPLIMENTARY TAILORING AND HEMMING—ALWAYS
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GET INTO THE BEST JEANS
Prefer extra stretch, zero give or something in between? Our design experts work with the world’s best mills to make sure every option is just right.
FIND YOUR NEW FAVORITE
Discover forever-classics, of-the-moment fits and more.
Shop All Jeans
GET $20 OFF NEW JEANS
When you trade up your old pairs from any brand.*
Learn More
MEET WITH A DENIM EXPERT
We’ll help find your perfect fit—and everything that goes with it. Insiders enjoy free hemming.
Book Now
MAKE YOUR DENIM LAST
Tips on how to clean your jeans and keep them in the best condition.
Read Our Care Guide
DENIM IS OUR EXPERTISE
Our pair-perfecting formula starts here.
TESTED ON REAL BODIES
Each fit is refined and tested by our in-house team on six models of varying body sizes.
FEATURES THAT FLATTER
Perfectly sized pockets placed at the most flattering spot + a curve-enhancing back rise that lifts you up.
Magic Pockets™
Ultrasmoothing, reinforced front pockets that hold you in.
