Oh, Levi’s. One of our most-discussed, lived-in and loved brands of jeans in our vast fashion realm. They just know how to make some damn-good jeans, and we just know precisely which ones are the best. (Which may have resulted only from hours of trying on, contemplating, reviewing and stretching… But we’re always intrigued and happy to do it for ya.)
Levi’s Ribcage Straight-Leg Jeans: A Team Try-On & Review
While we’ve long been fans of Levi’s Ribcage jeans in general (there’s something almost comforting about that unapologetically sky-high waist — no pulling up required), most pairs of ribcage jeans were made from “rigid” denim. Rigid jeans seem to be somewhat of a polarizing topic (on this team AND for the world at large), so when Levi’s came out with a pair of 99% cotton (1% elastane), super-soft Ribcage jeans…we were thrilled.
Enter: Levi’s Ribcage Ankle Straight Leg Jeans, the jeans our editors are reaching for again and again.
Let’s get into our editors’ takes on ’em…
Shana’s Take on Levi’s Ribcage Jeans
Shana Says: I’m one of the rigid-jean-haters (I mean…I LOVE how they look but can barely stand to wear them through an entire date night, much less all day), but these are shockingly soft, especially for jeans that are almost 100% cotton. I prefer to wear them with flats and sneakers, so to get the proportions right, I hacked mine off a few inches.
Fit Details: I’m 5’3″, with a softer stomach that — thanks to perimenopause — can’t stand anything too rigid. I love how these jeans feel, and I’m wearing a size 26. These jeans run a full size big (especially for Levi’s).
similar RE/DONE tee (S) | jeans (26) — also at Saks | flats
When it’s not too hot, the above is my go-to these days: Levi’s, comfy flats, cute tee — done. But the genius part of this jean silhouette is the subtle wide-leg shape. Coupled with the uber-high waist, these jeans give legs-for-days, even when cropped. Even better, the proportions look great with long duster coats too. Here’s how I plan to wear them when the weather cools:
similar RE/DONE tee (S) | jeans (26) — also at Saks | coat (2) — similar here | adidas (on sale!)
Amy’s Take On Levi’s Ribcage Jeans
Amy Says: I love these jeans! The Levi’s Ribcage has always caught my eye in the past, but I would skip over them in favor of my beloved Levi’s Wedgie style. I decided to try the ribcage jeans when I saw this pair in the #NSale, and I’m so freaking glad that I did.
Fit Details: I’m 5’9” with no curves — similar in shape to Spongebob Squarepants. I love my normal Levi’s size in the Ribcage Ripped Ankle Straight-Leg Jeans, 28.
sweater | jeans (28) | sneakers
While I have pretty long legs, I feel like I can still just get away with this inseam of 27 inches. They look especially amazing with high-shaft, lug-sole boots, which is how I plan to wear them all fall/winter. The leg is wider/looser than Levi’s Wedgies (which feels a little more on-trend), but they both have the same phenomenal booty! I’m genuinely interested in adding another wash to the mix. This non-distressed pair would be lovely for winter, or if you shop straight from the Levi’s website, you can also grab a longer inseam of 29” (which I’m tempted to try and compare)!
sweater | jeans (28) | sneakers
Em’s Take on Levi’s Ribcage Jeans
Em Says: These are the only pair of jeans I kept from this year’s NSale — and with good reason. The cotton-lyocell (TENCEL) blend makes them so, so soft in an almost-vintage, broken-in kinda way but without any stretch. The effect? The look and glove-like fit of rigid denim but oh-so-comfy. They’re truly a treat to wear.
Fit Details: I’m 5’5” with a straighter frame, a soft tummy, strong legs and a good bit of booty. I usually wear a size 25 in Levi’s (sometimes a size 26 if it’s rigid denim, and I’m feeling lazy about the break-in period), but I found the key to maintaining a perfect fit in these without sagging throughout the day was to size down to a 24.
sweater | jeans (24) | sneakers (try your luck here) | similar tote
I’ve been wearing these jeans with comfy wedge sandals (mine are old, but these look so flattering!) and a tank, usually topped off with a slouchy cardigan for the morning walk to school — but they’re sneaker-friendly too. This fall, I’ll pair them with my beloved chunky, high-shaft boots and my growing collection of shaker-stitch sweaters.
tank | jeans (24) | similar heels (or these)
Linzi’s Take on Levi’s Ribcage Jeans
Linzi Says: I’ve been searching for a “new-to-me” denim style, and these Levi’s are definitely now in the mix. Much softer and lighter than other Levi’s jeans I’ve worn. I did a side-by-side comparison with my MOTHER denim in this denim post here.
Fit Details: I’m 5’2 with a very curvy bottom half. I typically wear a 29 in Levi’s, but I’m wearing a 28 in these.
jeans (28) | top (S) | heels | similar bag | earrings | bracelets
You can see in these photos that I’ve been playing around with proportions. Traditional fashion rules (shouting in my head) tell me that since the jeans are on the looser side, I should stick with more-fitted tops and higher-heeled shoes for balance…especially since I’m 5’2 and curvy.
I personally, however, like the look and feel of the looser tops untucked with the loose jeans better…with flat sandals or clogs for an ultra-relaxed and easygoing feel.
L: jeans (28) | vest (S) | bag | clogs | earrings | bracelets
R: jeans (28) | Birks | top (XS) | earrings
In conclusion…Levi’s forever.
Xo,
Team TME
Oh hey, Pinners…
