These Wide-Leg Jeans Look Sophisticated, but Feel Like Shapewear

I’m a sucker for wide-leg pants. I have superbaggy ’90s-era jeans that puddle at the heels, a cropped wide-leg pair in neon-hued cotton, wide-leg cargo pants with drawstrings at the hem, and the list goes on. The only thing missing in my collection was classic wide-leg denim. When I saw Madewell’s Emmett Patch Pocket Wide Leg Jeans ($138), I was crossing my fingers they’d be a match. The darker wash, high-waisted cut, cute patch pockets, and subtle wide-leg was exactly what I was looking for. I grabbed them in my usual size and hoped for the best.

What I Love About Madewell’s Emmett Patch Pocket Wide Leg Jeans

The material is mostly cotton with a smidge of recycled polyester and elastane, so they feel especially soft and stretchy. The top of the jeans hit just above my belly button and almost feel like shapewear. As a mom of two, I prefer high-waisted jeans that offer plenty of belly support without feeling like I’m counting down the minutes until I can unbutton them. They mold to my curves and I can squat, bend over, and run around all day without the dreaded droopiness that sometimes happens towards the end of the day.

The style comes in a light wash, a darker wash, and a slightly faded black. I chose the darker wash (aka the Allentown Wash), and I’m really happy with it. It’s incredibly flattering and not too saturated. The pants have subtle distressing that mimics the look of a beloved pair of vintage jeans. With the high waist, patch pockets, and body-hugging material, they even remind me of some of the jeans my mom wore in the ’70s, only with a straighter, more narrow leg.

What’s Worth Noting About Madewell’s Emmett Patch Pocket Wide Leg Jeans

While the soft, stretchy material and waist support offer a curve-hugging fit, they also feel tighter in the crotch compared to some of the looser cuts I have. It’s not visually detectable (no camel toe to report), but I noticed the feeling as soon as I pulled them on. That said, it bothered me less the longer I wore them. The closest thing I can compare it to is the way the first few minutes of wearing an underwire bra feel before you forget you’re even wearing one an hour later. As far as the style goes, it’s the slimmest wide-leg jean I’ve ever tried on, which I think makes it more classic and versatile.

Who Are Madewell’s Emmett Patch Pocket Wide Leg Jeans Best For?

These jeans feel sexy and casual; vintage-inspired yet classic all at the same time. They’re great for anyone who might just be dipping their toe into the wide-leg waters. In other words, if you’re drawn to wide-leg silhouettes but aren’t sure you want to invest in such a trendy style, this pair really does feel timeless.

Additional Details About Madewell’s Emmett Patch Pocket Wide Leg Jeans

Where Are Madewell’s Emmett Patch Pocket Wide Leg Jeans Available?

These jeans are available at Nordstrom and Madewell.

Rating:
★★★★☆

Angela Elias is a contributing editor for PS Shopping. In her former roles at PS, she led the relaunch of its Latine identity and family-focused verticals, directed its Home vertical, and hosted shopping segments. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in the lifestyle space as a writer, editor, content strategist, director, on-camera talent, and publicist.