Suddenly, I Love Bootcut Jeans
Finding the perfect pair of jeans can be a lifelong quest. But the good news for those of you who have yet to find your match is that the Cut Shop team is committed to testing denim. The Staud Gus Relaxed Jeans I tried and reviewed a few months ago have made their way into my denim Mount Rushmore, alongside Levi’s 501s, DL1961 barrel jeans, straight-leg styles from Agolde and Citizens of Humanity, and an oversize low-rise pair from Everlane. (I am five-foot-eight, so I need pants that will be long enough.)
This month, I put Buck Mason’s new denim collection to the test to see how it compares to my favorites. Buck Mason makes one of my favorite white T-shirts and a cashmere sweater I’ve been living in lately, so I had high hopes — most wardrobe-essentials brands that make a good white tee also make good denim. Let’s see if three styles from the collection (a wide-leg, boot-cut, and high-rise straight-leg) are worth the money.
The Roper Jean in d045
Buck Mason Roper Jean
How do they fit?
These are high-rise bootcut jean made with Japanese denim. I’d recommend sizing down in this style. I got a size 27 in these as well and wish I had sized down. This style is most flattering when it fits snug at the waist and thighs, and these are too roomy. I threw them in the dryer (even though I usually hang-dry jeans to maintain the wash and fit), and they came out just right at the waist. Not too short, either! They cinch me in and fit close to the body from my hips to my knees, then flare out ever-so-slightly from the knees to the hem.
How did I style them?
I styled these with a Tommy Hilfiger men’s button-down that I got for my husband but ended up keeping for myself. I prioritized comfort that day but when I’m not feeling so lazy, I can’t wait to wear them with a heel. I tried them on with these 2.15-inch boots from Everlane and the length was perfect. I love the way the bootcut silhouette elongates my legs.
How do they hold up?
The Roper Jean is made from Japanese denim, which is known for its superior quality and craftsmanship. I own one pair of Japanese denim from Levi’s Blue Tab line and I actually prefer Buck Mason’s version. Both are soft and comfortable but the Buck Mason denim is thicker so it has that hold-you-in feel throughout the stomach, hips, and thighs.
Are they worth it?
Yes, these are my favorite of the three I tried. They made me a bootcut convert! I feel like Bella Hadid in her rodeo get-up when I wear these and that’s basically my dream. Get them now before they’re gone (or sign up for restock notifications if your size is already sold out). These are especially worth the money for people who are five-eight or taller because they have a 33-inch inseam. [These will be fully restocked in about a month.]
The Jet-Set Jean in Black
Buck Mason Jet Set Jean
How do they fit?
These are true high-rise jeans with a wide-leg fit. I took my usual size 27 and they are nice and roomy all over, but not to the point of feeling or looking like I’m swimming in them. I have about two fingers’ worth of space at the waistband. (For reference, I have three fingers’ worth of space at the waistband when I wear my favorite Everlane pair and my mom says they look “way too baggy” on me.) Buck Mason recommends sizing down one size for a more true-to-size fit, and I agree. The length is exactly what I prefer: long enough to pool slightly at the bottom when I wear flats and skim the floor when I wear boots or medium-high heels.
How did I style them?
Since these are so high-waisted, they look best with a top that hits between the natural waist and hips. I styled them with a black tank from Mode Mischief, a black duster, and a leopard fur coat. Most of my black jeans are slightly faded so I appreciate that the wash of these is a true black. I also styled these with a cropped oatmeal sweater from Eterne.
How do they hold up?
The thickness and stiffness of the denim are comparable to Levi’s. They also get softer after each wash. I haven’t noticed any fading or fraying (even though they were slightly dragging on the ground when I wore them with loafers). But I have noticed that they start to sag and stretch out after a full day of wear. Normally, this wouldn’t bother me too much with baggy jeans but since they are high-waisted, it causes bunching and creasing around the crotch area — definitely not ideal.
Are they worth it?
No, I would pass on these. They are great-quality jeans and I will continue to wear them but you can find wide-leg black denim for a fraction of the price. Levi’s makes a very similar pair for under $100.
The Original Jean in l047
Buck Mason Original Jean
How do they fit?
These are classic, vintage-inspired high-rise straight-leg jeans. The 27 was a little loose at the waist, but I like how they fall straight down and feel roomy around the hips and legs. I shrank these as well and the fit was perfect when they came out of the dryer. If you want them to fit how they fit on the model, get your true size.
How did I style them?
My favorite way to style these jeans is with a slinky top, a fitted one, or a sweater that feels a little bit fancy. Since they have a classic, laid-back Americana look, a chic silk or satin top like this one from & Other Stories creates a nice contrast. I paired them with this luxurious sweater from Everlane and red satin mules from Larroudé (no longer available but here is a similar pair). We saw Six: The Musical and even though the brushed cashmere sweater had me sweating in the theater, the jeans looked super cute. I can also see myself wearing them with a white tank and sandals all summer long.
How do they hold up?
The Original Jean softens with wear but doesn’t sag or lose its shape throughout the day (like the Jet Set Jean). It’s also made from Japanese denim, which strikes the perfect balance between rigid and comfortable.
Are they worth it?
I think so. Japanese denim is expensive because the production process is often slower and more meticulous. You’re paying for craftsmanship — and to me that’s worth the money, especially if you prefer a high-rise fit. But if you prefer a mid-rise jean over high-rise, I’d recommend the more affordable Levi’s 501 ’90s jeans instead. [These will be fully restocked in about a month.]