The folks at Lane Bryant were kind enough to send me a pair of the new Right Fit straight leg jeans to try. They’re Right Fit Blue size 6 petite in black (the pair pictured left are the “medium sandblast” blue). I’m between inseam lengths so for jeans, I’ll generally wear a petite length with flats and an average length with any other shoe.
Before even putting the jeans on, I noticed that the waistband is a little wider and there are double belt loops, which are nice touches. The black denim isn’t a true black; it’s a dusty, dark gray with distressing, whiskering, fading, etc. There's even a bit of subtle whiskering below the knee area. The denim itself feels much smoother than the denim used for the trouser jeans and is a nice, substantial weight (but not too heavy!).
I did a sniff test right out of the packaging and there was a definite chemically dye smell. I decided to wash them before letting the smell sway my overall opinion of the jeans. There was still a very faint smell after the first wash but I suspect it’ll fade over the next couple of runs through the washer.
Now for the important part – the cut. From the waist to the knee, the jeans fit a lot like the bootcuts. The cut from the knee to hem is straight but not so stick straight that the jeans are tight around my calves, which was my main concern. The leg is definitely straight and not tapered. The wider waistband is a welcomed improvement and should be more comfortable.
Overall, my first impression is that the straight leg jeans are a lot like the bootcuts but with… a straighter leg! I’ll be ordering the medium sandblast blue color in Blue 6 but in the average length. The inseam might be just a bit too long with most of my shoes but I think the hem will bunch around the ankle, in a cute way. I like the bootcuts in size Blue 5 but I have a feeling if I went down a size in the straight leg, they’d be a little too snug.
I can see these jeans being a really good alternative to skinny jeans if you want the same straight leg look, without the skinny-tightness. If you do want a skinnier look, you could try going down a size. These jeans are also good if you’re just over the bootcut/flare look and want a true straight leg.
The Right Fit straight leg jeans are available online now in average lengths for $54.50. They’re priced higher because of the additional detailing and (noticeably) improved fabrication. Honestly, I think $55 is a fair price for these jeans. If nothing else, I know I can bend over in a pair of Right Fit jeans and not flash my panties at passersby! That’s actually a major issue for me, so the fit at the waist is worth the price of admission.
If you’re a fan of the Right Fit line in general, I think you’ll like this latest addition. If you have any questions about the new jeans, feel free to leave a comment on this post. I’ll try my best to answer!




God, how I love the entire RightFit concept. It literally brought me back to shopping at Lane Bryant after a few years hiatus. I have never worn jeans that fit so well.
This is an awesomely helpful review. My question is this: as a Blue (curvy), are the straight fit jeans flattering overall? I see from your review that they are well made and fit satisfactorily, but what about the overall look? I was always taught that women with heavy thighs need a wider cuff/lower leg in pants.
Lane Bryant, if you are reading this, PLEASE make your excellent trouser jean in black. That way, I could wear it to work on casual Friday with a blazer and be within our dress code.
Posted by: TXgal | June 24, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Hey TX! Yeah, I probably should have mentioned if they looked good on me or not! I do tend to like a bit of a bootcut because that cut seems to balance out my hips a little. But the straight leg style is a little more modern and gives a longer leg line, I think. They're not skinny or tapered, just STRAIGHT, so it doesn't emphasize the thigh much.
I do think that we need to throw the rules out the window sometimes and just try new things. Bootcuts and flares became popular in part because we were told that they're flattering. But the trend now is definitely a straight leg and I don't think we should shy away from it just because it might not be what we're usually told looks good!
Basically, if you really like how the bootcut style look but want an updated look, try the straight leg.
I'm also a big fan of the trouser jeans. It just depends on the look you're going for and what you're wearing up top. I like having several cuts to choose from and I'm so glad LB is branching out from the usual bootcut/flare jeans.
Posted by: Colleen | June 24, 2009 at 10:57 AM
I love my RightFit jeans -- they fit me PERFECTLY. The name doesn't lie! My only problem with them is that a year later, THEY STILL STINK! My husband swears no one else can smell it, but YUCK. Do you have any idea why these jeans in particular smell bad? I'd be interested to hear if the smell of the new ones fades more after a few washings.
Thanks for the review!
Posted by: Susie | June 24, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Duh. By "these jeans" I meant the RightFit in general, not my particular pair!
Posted by: Susie | June 24, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Colleen, do you know when they will be available in stores? My Right Fit experience is that I need to try on five or six different combinations of cut/size/length to get the, er, right fit.
Posted by: OTM | June 24, 2009 at 11:48 AM
Susie - I gave the jeans another good, deep sniff today and I can barely detect any smell, other than my fabric softener. I don't think I'd even notice at all if I wasn't really trying to! So I think one wash should actually do it.
OTM - the jeans will be in stores next month. I don't know the exact date yet but I'll let ya know!
Posted by: Colleen | June 24, 2009 at 01:18 PM
I thought I was the only one whose jeans stunk! The first pair of Right Fit jeans I bought 2 years ago still smell after many washings. I asked my local LB about it and they thought I was nuts!
Posted by: Traci | June 25, 2009 at 07:54 AM
The smell is terrible, so bad it has pushed me over to buying my jeans at Torrid (eeugh!) instead.
Posted by: HazelStone | June 29, 2009 at 12:32 PM
o.k., it's true, the smell is noticeable. But after a single washing it was much improved. I wore my pair of straight legs all day today and I loved them. It was terrific to be in a modern silhouette and they had virtually no muffin top, unlike many of the straight/skinny leg styles I have tried on @ Torrid. The other issue I had with similar jeans from Torrid was that due to the fact they're aimed at a younger demo than myself (I'm 36) they were really, really low rise. Booty cutters, actually. These hit perfectly. Below the navel, but above the curve of the hip. I liked them well enough I've just ordered the black color.
Posted by: Meg | June 29, 2009 at 10:56 PM
Oh! i love the style of the jeans. it looks simple but comfortable to wear. i like the style. hope to see more jeans on your post!
-altheya-
Posted by: wholesale blac label | July 09, 2009 at 03:42 AM
Very nice review. I can see why LB sent you an pair.
Shame they are higher priced. I might try some on in the store. Hopefully keep from buying (don't need any jeans)
Keep us posted hopefully they will go on sale soon?
SteveD (5 yellow)
Posted by: SteveD | July 09, 2009 at 03:42 AM
Thanks, Colleen -- I only now just noticed your response. (Way to ask a question and then not check back to see the answer!)
I might just order a pair -- I love being able to wear a pair of jeans without taking in the waist!
Posted by: Susie | July 11, 2009 at 04:56 PM
I just bought these jeans and now I have an entire load of laundry that stinks! OMG its horrible! I did wash them in vinegar, but will do it again and hang them out on the line I think.
They do look great and I want more pair, but I think that I will order them not get them in the store, I need petites anyways.
I'm subscribing cause I am loving your site! btw I found you on twitter I'm @polkaspotfarm
Posted by: Christi | September 23, 2009 at 04:04 PM
In response to Susie, personally, working for Lane Bryant myself, if you order your jeans in store in the size you need, you get free shipping straight to your house, so it's usually better to still go into the store to order them.
Posted by: Robert | November 03, 2009 at 02:31 AM