Universal Standard Jeans: A Comprehensive Review of Inclusive Denim

Universal Standard has carved a niche for itself in the fashion world by championing inclusive sizing and crafting high-quality pieces for women of all shapes and sizes. Their denim collection, available in sizes 00-40, is a testament to this commitment. This review delves into the brand's denim offerings, exploring various styles, fits, and overall quality.

The Allure of Universal Standard

Shopping for jeans can often be a frustrating experience, especially when navigating inconsistent sizing and limited options. Universal Standard aims to alleviate these pain points by offering a wide range of sizes and styles designed to flatter diverse body types. The brand's approach involves designing with the average American woman's size (18/20) in mind, which is designated as a Medium. This contrasts with many brands that consider size 18 the upper limit.

Size Guide

To help you find your perfect fit, Universal Standard provides a size chart that corresponds denim size with waist measurement.

Exploring the Denim Collection

Universal Standard's denim collection extends beyond just blue jeans, encompassing denim jackets, skirts, overalls, and tops. Here's a closer look at some of their popular styles:

Straight Leg Jeans

The Etta High Rise Straight Leg Jeans: These jeans blend vintage and modern aesthetics, offering a classic '90s-inspired straight cut. Designed for those with less than a 10" waist-to-hip difference, they provide a true straight fit through the hip and leg. The denim is structured yet deceptively stretchy, ensuring comfort without sacrificing style. The Etta Jeans are available in regular (28″) and long (31″) lengths and in aged denim washes that only improve with wear.

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The Donna High Rise Curve Straight Leg Jeans: Engineered for curves, the Donna Curve Jeans cater to those with over a 10" waist-to-hip difference, ensuring a close waist fit in an iconic straight leg style. Constructed to achieve a vintage look, these jeans feel broken-in from the first wear. They also boast deep pockets.

Skinny Jeans

The Seine High Rise Skinny Jeans: As Universal Standard's first denim creation and a consistent bestseller, the Seine skinny jean is a wardrobe staple. They are known for their quality, fit, and shape retention.

Wide Leg Jeans

The Carrie High Rise Ultra-Wide Leg Jeans: For those seeking a dramatic silhouette, the Carrie High Rise Ultra-Wide Leg Jeans deliver. Crafted from denim with hidden stretch and featuring an encased elastic at the back waistband, these jeans prioritize both style and comfort. The design includes an ultra-high waist and clean scoop pockets.

Boyfriend Jeans

The Bae Boyfriend Jeans: A popular and relaxed fit, the Bae is available in a 26″ inseam and a 30″ inseam and a range of washes and colors that change season to season. These jeans are soft and stretchy, and keep their shape.

Other Styles

The Karlee Stretch Cotton Twill Cargo Pants: A unique fusion of trousers and cargo pants, the Karlee pants offer a stylish alternative to traditional cargo styles.
The Jackie High Rise Cropped Jeans: Perfect for warmer weather, the Jackie jeans feature a high-stretch content and summer-weight fabric for ease of movement.
The Lou High Rise Barrel Leg Jeans: A barrel-leg style, with a snug fit through the hips and a relaxed fit through the legs.

Fit and Sizing Considerations

Universal Standard's denim generally runs true to size, but some styles may fit slightly differently. Here are some fit notes to consider:

For the Donna jeans, some reviewers suggest sizing down for a sleeker fit.
The Etta jeans are also known to run slightly large, so sizing down may be beneficial.
For black denim, it's generally recommended to take your usual size, as the deeper dye can create a more fitted feel.

Quality and Durability

Universal Standard's denim is known for its high quality and durability. Many reviewers have praised the brand's jeans for their ability to withstand regular wear and washing without significant fading or loss of shape. However, due to the high-stretch content, it's recommended to avoid tumble-drying to prolong the life of the denim.

A Personal Experience: The Surprise Me Box

The Universal Standard Surprise Me Box offers a unique opportunity to explore the brand's styles at a discounted price. While the contents of the box are a mystery, it typically includes a selection of best-selling items.

A Try-On Haul

One reviewer shared their experience with the Surprise Me Box, receiving the following items:

ComfortDenim Drawstring Jean Trousers: While the reviewer wasn't a fan of the drawstring detail, they acknowledged the high quality of the fabric.
Cooling Stretch Cupro Button-Down Blouse: This blouse was a hit, praised for its rich color, soft fabric, and versatility.
Green Shirt Dress: The dress was noted for its flowy and breezy feel, with potential for fall styling. Sizing down was recommended due to the oversized fit.
Upstate Stretch Cotton Twill Manor Jacket: The black jacket was described as classic and chic, with a sturdy and premium feel.

Is the Surprise Me Box Worth It?

The reviewer concluded that the Surprise Me Box is a great option for those new to the brand, offering a fun way to explore their styles at a discounted price. However, those already familiar with Universal Standard may prefer to purchase specific pieces they know they'll love.

Styling Tips

Universal Standard's denim can be styled in various ways to suit different occasions. Here are a few tips:

Pair straight leg jeans with a tucked-in blouse and heels for a polished look.
Dress down a denim jacket with a t-shirt and sneakers for a casual vibe.
Experiment with double denim by pairing blue and black denim pieces together.
Cuff the hem of longer jeans for a more petite-friendly look.

Final Thoughts

Universal Standard's commitment to inclusive sizing, quality, and style makes their denim a worthwhile investment. Whether you're seeking a classic skinny jean, a trendy wide leg, or a comfortable boyfriend fit, Universal Standard offers a diverse range of options to suit your individual preferences.

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