Review: Custom jeans by Thimbler

The folks at Thimbler were nice enough to offer me a chance to try a pair of their custom made jeans and I jumped at the chance. I’m always interested in trying new jeans. A good pair is so hard to find, especially in plus sizes.

I ordered the designer straight leg jean ($89), which are fitted from the waist to the knee and then straight to the hem. I would classify them as slightly bootcut but definitely not a flare.

Once you select the style you like, you then choose the fabric, finishing options (distressing, whiskering, etc.) and the pocket style. The example to the left shows the options I chose.

Next, you input your waist, seat/hip, thigh, inseam and outseam measurements. There's an illustration and video to help you take each measurement accurately. I was measuring myself so I cheated a little and measured the thigh circumference and inseam/outseam lengths on a pair of jeans that fit OK and adjusted to what I really wanted. This would also work well if you want to replicate the fit of a pair of existing jeans that you like. Clever, right?

Next, you’ll choose your closest match from a series of hip, seat, and belly shapes. The options I chose are shown in the image on the right. I like that they ask for information about shape because measurements aren’t enough to create a pair of jeans that will truly fit your specific body.

For example, my hip measurement is 56” and for most people, a lot of that would be in the booty. Nay, not I! My butt is flat and my upper thighs are where the fullness is. Jeans for a flat butt and full thighs are cut differently than a pair for a full butt and slimmer thighs. Magic.

After selecting your sizes and shapes, you’re pretty much done. Add the jeans to your cart and wait for them to be delivered to your doorstep. If you don’t like your custom jeans, Thimbler will tweak them until they’re perfect. Check out their shopper FAQ page. They’ll even send you fabric swatches so you can touch and feel the denim before choosing.

So, how do my custom jeans fit?

Let me take a few steps back. I have actually ordered custom jeans before, from QVC. And when I got them, I thought they were pretty great but I wore them less and less over time as I noticed issues. The rise was too long, the fabric was too spandexy, the wash wasn’t as dark as I was expecting. It seemed like they made them to fit the waist and inseam measurements and the rest was pieced together from there. Basically, they fit like mass produced, generic jeans. Because of this, I was a little skeptical of custom jeans in general.

Here’s the difference with Thimbler – I specifically mentioned in the notes that I’m short waisted and have a hard time finding jeans that fit in the rise. I wasn’t sure that anyone would actually read that note but guess what? The rise is perfect.

Really, my only complaint is that the pockets are just a bit small in comparison to the size of my butt. They offered to correct that but it’s not enough of an issue for me to want to have another pair made.

Thimbler’s plus size selection offers three styles of jeans, four trouser options, and five blouse styles. If you’re frustrated with off the rack styles that never seem to fit quite right, I would highly recommend giving Thimbler a try.

Comments

[Susie]

Colleen, you just made my day. I'm totally ordering a pair of these!

[lara]

I think I am going to have to order a pair!

So what ever came of the birthday giveaways?

[anna]

This is awesome! I have been struggling to find jeans lately, as I have a small waist and massive thighs from weightlifting, and a lot of off the rack ejans seem to be designed for stick insects. This might have to be my next big purchase.

[Colleen]

So what ever came of the birthday giveaways?

Well, I drew winners and made sure everyone received their prizes. I'm not really sure what was else was supposed to happen.

[Shinobi]

These look great, I need to buy a new pair soon, I wonder if these would hold up better than my Lane Bryants. (Which last about 3 months before the inner thigh goes.)

[SteveD]

http://shop.nordstrom.com/C/6014962/0~2376780~6009391~6014956~6014962?origin=leftnav

I noticed Nordstrom has some NYDJ for 50% off right now.

Nice Deal. Shame I don't need anything.

SteveD

[Chassie]

To answer the question by Colleen- Yes they do hold up much better than lane bryants jeans-

Thimbler's jeans are absolutely amazing!!!

I definantly suggest you try a pair-

Chassie-

[custom kitchen tables]

Wow! This is great! I am having problems with choosing the right jeans because I have big thighs with a small waistline.

[Trendy Plus Size Fashion Diva]

Thanks for this great advice, I am so getting a pair! I have the opposite problem that I am high-waisted and all low to mid-rise jeans give me a muffin top. And you would think that right now with high-waisted pants being hip that it would be easy to find a pair of higher-waisted jeans....it is not!

[Karen M]

Thank you so much for posting this!! Thanks to you I went on their site and filled out a survey and I won a pair of jeans!! I can't wait to order/get them ;)

[Rachel]

The right fit in pants is such a struggle for me to find. Most of the pants I find at stores have too wide of waists and too tight of legs and require me to wear three-inch heels to avoid tripping over them.

I just finished my order. Thanks for posting your review and the coupon, too!