View Full Version : Review: Not Your Daughter's Jeans
KnottedYet
05-26-2011, 08:59 PM
I like Levis.
But they are not made in the USA any more.
However.... Not Your Daughter's Jeans ARE made in the USA! http://www.nydj.com/
You've seen the ads, you've heard the hype - and they are niiiiice jeans.
Sizing: First, lets talk about sizes. Size 0 to 24. In regular/tall, petite, and women's. If you need a size 20, you can get a 20 Misses' with a small waist and long inseams. And if you need a 20 Women's Petite that won't cut into your stomach or pile up at your ankles, you can get that too. It makes me giddy just to think about all the permutations of sizing available for just one pair of jeans! Wheeee!
Fit: Yes, they do fit. And they fit very well. No gapping at the waist. The rise is not hovering just above my pubes, it's within shouting distance of my belly-button and the waist falls at a flattering line. No wedgie. The legs are long enough. And all that's with just a pair of "regular" size 16.
Fabric: Not as heavy as a Levi 501, but not as lightweight as a Levi 512 or 529. There is spandex-y goodness to the fabric, so it sculpts. But it isn't too tight.
Do I Look a Size Smaller? The ads and the hang tags claim you will. I don't. I just look like I've got a pair of jeans on that fit me perfectly.
Tummy Tuck and Butt Lift? Again with the ads, and again with the "no." I don't see any lifting or tucking going on. But I look like I'm wearing really comfy jeans. And I am. I was concerned from the ads that there'd be some super-squashy tummy panel in these jeans, but there isn't.
Pockets: Little short pockets, but you can put things in them and stuff won't fall out. They are MUCH more functional than the pockets in my Levi 512's.
Price: Oh. My. They are the most expensive jeans I've ever bought. Like $100. They are made in the USA. That is mighty important to me. (I have family who lost jobs because their company moved to overseas production.) They fit great. Also mighty important to me. I don't regret the $100. I feel I got what I paid for: fabulous fit and made here. And they do fit very well.
snapdragen
05-26-2011, 09:35 PM
And here I thought I was alone in my love of my NYDJ. :cool: I managed to find some on sale through Zappos in a really nice gray color I can wear to work. (We have a bizzaro dress code - no blue jeans, but any other color is fine)
jobob
05-26-2011, 10:49 PM
I feel I got what I paid for: fabulous fit and made here. And they do fit very well.
Well, there you go. You'll likely wear them much more than you would a less expensive but less-well fitting pair.
Thanks for the review, I'll check them out.
malkin
05-27-2011, 05:04 AM
Love the review, so I checked their site.
I'm too simple and out of touch with popular culture for this--Marilyn and Twiggy I get, although I can't really tell the difference by the pictures. What characterizes Lori and Barbara?
Barbara Eden? Stanwick? Uh--the one that married Ringo? Oh Bach!?
I can't think of Lori anybody, except for girls I knew in high school--maybe I should look for them on facebook!
Maybe I'll follow up with NYD when I get the new-clothes-for-school itch in the fall.
Biciclista
05-27-2011, 05:46 AM
Diamond Gusset Jeans are also made in the USA and they have a gusseted crotch FYI and they are under 60 dollars
Trek420
05-27-2011, 06:10 AM
Diamond Gusset Jeans are also made in the USA and they have a gusseted crotch FYI and they are under 60 dollars
Yes they are :D
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=23285
maillotpois
05-27-2011, 06:19 AM
I keep seeing these, but have been too lazy to try them on, especially since I recently discovered Lucky jeans (the ones with the more generous leg fit) and have been really enjoying those. I will have to try them on next time I am at Nordstrom. Thanks for the review.
TsPoet
05-27-2011, 06:44 AM
I love pockets, I can't wear pants without pockets. But, clicking on the link, the model has small cargo pockets on the side, guess I'll be ordering a pair. I'll send Knotted the bill.
bmccasland
05-27-2011, 07:04 AM
I challenged the nice salesperson at a local department store a couple of months ago - I was in for the dreaded "I need a new pair of jeans" trip.
He took up the challenged, picked several pair out, and continued to pull various ones - I think I was in the dressing room an hour. The winners were the NYDJ - they fit my curves, and I don't feel stuffed in them. NOW I understand why people love their jeans, and it only took (cough cough) years. Granted the steep price caught me, but when I saw the American flag tag sewn in, and I understand the politics of why there are jeans selling at the same price I paid back in college (or less :eek:), I bought a pair, then waited another month and bought a pair of their chinos.
Yup, count me in as a Not Your Daughter's Jeans fan. :D
OakLeaf
05-27-2011, 08:16 AM
Is the rise as high as it looks on the models? I'm VERY short-waisted, and I prefer my waistband to fall somewhere below my bra band. :rolleyes:
It would be a long out-of-the-way drive to try these on, but I'd probably do it if I thought I could wear them.
Crankin
05-27-2011, 09:08 AM
The name itself turns me off.
I like low rise jeans. As long as I can find ones that fit me, I'm fine. So far, Gap is winning.
Irulan
05-27-2011, 09:21 AM
The name itself turns me off.
I like low rise jeans. As long as I can find ones that fit me, I'm fine. So far, Gap is winning.
I know,it smacks of "mom jeans" doesn't it?
Regarding fit issues of jeans, here is some very interesting reading about jeans fit in fashion industry.
http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/jeans_fit_lousy_these_days/
Crankin
05-27-2011, 11:35 AM
Yes, it does.
I guess I am going to be one of those older women who people look at and say "she is too old for that." As long as my crack doesn't show and there is no vpl or muffin top, then I am keeping my low rise jeans.
But, since I am thinner than most 25 year olds, I don't care right now.
KnottedYet
05-27-2011, 11:47 AM
There are lower-rise and higher-rise versions of NYDJ in the bazillions of styles they make, but I didn't even try them on. I told the salesclerk what I was looking for, and she found the perfect fit right away.
The ones I bought ("Marilyn" I think) hit about 3 finger-widths below my belly-button. That's what I think of as a normal rise for me, makes me happy.
In the back, they hit just below the top of my iliac crest (top of the pelvis).
I'm long-waisted and very hour-glass shaped. YMMV.
Irulan - that article you linked mentions (and links) Diamond Gusset jeans, which Mimi and I both like quite a lot. Also made in the USA.
jessmarimba
05-27-2011, 11:51 AM
Not related to jeans. On those lines, I am a Gap fan as well (now). Anything higher cut is uncomfortable for me.
But...I am content to live my life with VPL. Unless I wore a thong every day, which I am NOT interested in doing, there's no hiding it on me. Even my favorite running shorts are starting to give me liner wedgies because my butt apparently matches no possible shape that anyone wants to make clothes for.
*sigh* :rolleyes:
KnottedYet
05-27-2011, 12:01 PM
Not related to jeans. On those lines, I am a Gap fan as well (now). Anything higher cut is uncomfortable for me.
But...I am content to live my life with VPL. Unless I wore a thong every day, which I am NOT interested in doing, there's no hiding it on me. Even my favorite running shorts are starting to give me liner wedgies because my butt apparently matches no possible shape that anyone wants to make clothes for.
*sigh* :rolleyes:
My butt seems to fall out the bottom of most underwear. I've had good luck with Isis briefs and Patagonia "Active Briefs."
I know,it smacks of "mom jeans" doesn't it?
That's what's kept me away from them. I don't have kids, and don't want to point out that I'm old enough to have a daughter of an age to be swapping jeans with!
SadieKate
05-27-2011, 12:58 PM
Heh, I tried on a bazzillion pair of NYDJs and they fit like crap. :rolleyes:
They aren't dressy but for good ol' plain vanilla jeans, I go with Cabelas. They aren't made in the USA but if they don't fit I wouldn't buy anyway.
KnottedYet
05-27-2011, 12:58 PM
That's what's kept me away from them. I don't have kids, and don't want to point out that I'm old enough to have a daughter of an age to be swapping jeans with!
If you don't tell anyone what brand they are, no-one will know.
There's nothing on the jeans that points out you're old enough to have a daughter of an age to be swapping jeans with. No outside labels.
They could be called "You're Old, Your A$$ is Sagging, And Your Thighs Rub" and I'd still buy them. :D
They look good, I look good, and anyone looking inside my jeans and seeing the letters "NYDJ" has probably seen a lot more already... ;)
jobob
05-27-2011, 02:40 PM
They could be called "You're Old, Your A$$ is Sagging, And Your Thighs Rub" and I'd still buy them. :D
Good one! http://www.runemasterstudios.com/graemlins/images/lol.gif
Becky
05-27-2011, 05:54 PM
But...I am content to live my life with VPL. Unless I wore a thong every day, which I am NOT interested in doing, there's no hiding it on me. Even my favorite running shorts are starting to give me liner wedgies because my butt apparently matches no possible shape that anyone wants to make clothes for.
*sigh* :rolleyes:
Soma Vanishing Edge microfiber undies. They don't even show under yoga pants.
jessmarimba
05-27-2011, 06:05 PM
Sorry for the slight hijack -
The issue with the undies seems (for me) to be that if they aren't tight enough around the legs to show a dent through my pants, then they will slide up and give me a wedgie. I have some that are seamless, edgeless, etc, but I make the daily choice of wedgie or vpl. I can accept it :) It's the curse of the bubble butt.
Thanks for the suggestions though :) I like buying underwear, for some reason. Probably b/c I don't have to spend hours in fitting rooms trying it on. (GRR jeans)
KnottedYet
05-27-2011, 06:18 PM
Sorry for the slight hijack -
The issue with the undies seems (for me) to be that if they aren't tight enough around the legs to show a dent through my pants, then they will slide up and give me a wedgie. I have some that are seamless, edgeless, etc, but I make the daily choice of wedgie or vpl. I can accept it :) It's the curse of the bubble butt.
Thanks for the suggestions though :) I like buying underwear, for some reason. Probably b/c I don't have to spend hours in fitting rooms trying it on. (GRR jeans)
My problem and predilection exactly. UnderArmour compression shorts act as fine undies, too. They don't go anywhere, and they don't show any VPL.
Becky
05-27-2011, 06:42 PM
Me three- I think it's a cyclist thing.
Selkie
05-27-2011, 11:32 PM
Yes, it does.
I guess I am going to be one of those older women who people look at and say "she is too old for that." As long as my crack doesn't show and there is no vpl or muffin top, then I am keeping my low rise jeans.
But, since I am thinner than most 25 year olds, I don't care right now.
You are magnificent!!! Well said, Crankin.
I'm still searching for jeans that fit me (my waist is 24 inches, so with vanity sizing, I'm forced to buy size 0 petite---and I'm almost 5'6". Most jeans in that size are cut for toothpick, not muscular, legs).
KnottedYet
05-28-2011, 09:01 AM
Soma Vanishing Edge microfiber undies. They don't even show under yoga pants.
Where do you get them?
Do they hold up well in the washing machine?
Becky
05-28-2011, 11:26 AM
Where do you get them?
Do they hold up well in the washing machine?
Online (http://www.somaintimates.com). They have some stores/boutiques, but the nearest one is over an hour from me. Instead, I wait for a good sale, coupon-stack, and get them for the same price as Hanes, etc.
So far, so good. I don't put the Vanishing Edge ones in the dryer because of the silicone strips that keep the rear in place. The ordinary cotton ones get machine washed and dried and are holding up great.
emily_in_nc
05-28-2011, 05:32 PM
I'm still searching for jeans that fit me (my waist is 24 inches, so with vanity sizing, I'm forced to buy size 0 petite---and I'm almost 5'6". Most jeans in that size are cut for toothpick, not muscular, legs).
Aren't petites too short for you? I am 5'2" and wear pants with a 29" inseam, which seems to be what most petites are these days. Some are 30", though; maybe you are longer in the torso and shorter-waisted? Traditionally petites are made for women < 5'4".
Crankin
05-28-2011, 07:19 PM
I cannot wear anything but thongs with any of my pants, and not just because they are low rise. I wear tighter pants than previous years and I don't want anyone seeing lines of anything. I hate underwear in general, so the less, the better. I buy Le Mystere at a real lingerie store, as well as Hanky Panky, which come in different styles. I've tried the microfibre ones, and they show, too. They ride up my cycling thighs. Same as boy shorts and end up giving me a wedgy, in addition to showing. I don't see the big deal about thongs. I want as little underwear as possible.
Selkie
05-29-2011, 02:54 AM
Aren't petites too short for you? I am 5'2" and wear pants with a 29" inseam, which seems to be what most petites are these days. Some are 30", though; maybe you are longer in the torso and shorter-waisted? Traditionally petites are made for women < 5'4".
Yes, they are too short. I refuse to wear heels, and usually wear my Vibrams or moccasins w/jeans. I never understood that high heels w/jeans look, but that's just anti-heels me.
jessmarimba
05-29-2011, 07:29 AM
I don't see the big deal about thongs. I want as little underwear as possible.
I see them as a form of torture. It's like having a wedgie that you can't pick.
KnottedYet
05-29-2011, 08:56 AM
Yes, they are too short. I refuse to wear heels, and usually wear my Vibrams or moccasins w/jeans. I never understood that high heels w/jeans look, but that's just anti-heels me.
Diamond Gusset makes custom inseams for all their jeans. No extra charge. Maybe worth looking into so you can get the small enough waist and the long enough legs? I've always been very pleased with their customer service and the quality of their jeans. (and they are made in the USA)
http://www.gussetclothing.com/
zoom-zoom
05-29-2011, 09:01 AM
I see them as a form of torture. It's like having a wedgie that you can't pick.
Butt-floss. :p
chryss
05-29-2011, 09:32 AM
I don't see the big deal about thongs. I want as little underwear as possible.
If thongs work for you, great. I think prejudices and associations about what "proper" clothing is are mostly silly. It's just that they are supremely uncomfortable for me.
Before I left the UK I stocked up on my favourite style ("midi") from the Marks & Spencer packs. Now I've lost weight, and they are a little looser than I prefer, but still better than most underwear. I do need something without a seam in front, though, I think, for longer bike rides.
emily_in_nc
05-29-2011, 01:26 PM
I have some thongs that are very comfy and others that are indeed devices of torture (need to just toss 'em out!) They really do vary a lot, depending on fabric, fit, cut, etc. I bought most of mine on sale from Victoria's Secret so wasn't always sure which ones would work for me when I purchased them. I wear them whenever I wear pants that will show VPL, but some pants don't, and then I'm always happy to wear regular undies.
Reesha
05-29-2011, 03:14 PM
I'd be interested in trying some of these jeans on, especially since I realized that my favorite and most flattering jeans that I own are actually my less expensive Banana Republic ones, not the more expensive lower rise Luckies.
On the underwear topic: Patagonia active hipsters and briefs hands down. HANDS DOWN.
jessmarimba
05-29-2011, 04:33 PM
Hah...if you fit banana republic jeans and patagonia hipsters, we definitely don't have the same shape.
Susan
05-30-2011, 01:25 AM
:D I just spent some minutes thinking about what "VPL"could mean. It's "visible pants line", right?
I just had to have a look in the mirror if I can see my pants through my jeans ;) gladly it never occurred to me worrying about this. What's so bad about others knowing that you ARE wearing underwear? :D
blackhillsbiker
05-30-2011, 12:33 PM
Butt-floss. :p
I grew up with sanitary napkins and belts. Maybe if I didn't have such bad memories of them, thongs would be more acceptable to me. Ugh!
Deb
OakLeaf
05-30-2011, 06:37 PM
here is some very interesting reading about jeans fit in fashion industry. http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/jeans_fit_lousy_these_days/
Interesting.
Does anyone else find that jeans either look good from the front or from the back, never both??? Maybe it's impossible, with the shape of the female body? Maybe the fashion pendulum right now has swung to jeans that look good from the front (women buying jeans that look good to themselves in the mirror! - not so much to someone else's eyes behind them), and that's why the unibutt?
There's nothing that looks so good on my azz as Levi's 550s. From every other angle they are total mom jeans.
Re: underwear, I have the same problem. Hanes sporty "string" bikinis (http://www.hanes.com/Hanes/Products/Women-Hanes/Women_ShopByCategory-Hanes/Women_Panties-Hanes/Women_Panties_Bikini-Hanes/23307.aspx) work really well for me - nasty toxic cotton made in China and all. :( I need to buy some made-in-USA jeans just as penance for my underwear. :( :(
KnottedYet
05-31-2011, 05:36 AM
I've had 2 USA-made jeans that gave me perky looking buns: The NYDJ and the Diamond Gusset jeans.
(Diamond Gusset are linked in Irulan's article as one of the few non-mono-butt jeans the author has found)
Levi 501 shrink-to-fit give me perky buns, too, but takes a couple months to shrink perfectly. And no longer made in the USA. (Who would have guessed Ross Perot would be right?)
GLC1968
05-31-2011, 04:23 PM
If your thongs hurt or feel like a wedgie, you've got the wrong size or the wrong style. If they fit right, you don't feel them at all!
I too cannot wear most regular panties and certainly not boy-shorts - they all ride up or give me vpl as well. Long live the thong for dress pants and skirts!!
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.2 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.