Quince's new denim collection has $50 stretchy jeans that come in multiple lengths — here's how they fit 2 different body types

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Quince is a direct-to-consumer retailer that regularly comes out with new series of wardrobe classics. Now that fall has arrived, it just released its very first collection of jeans. We've tested a lot of pieces from Quince with varying levels of approval, so by making its denim debut, the brand has a lot to prove. 

We're two style editors of different sizes. So of course, our idea of the perfect pair of jeans will look different. Our first shared impression of Quince jeans is they feel closer to stretchy jeggings than genuine denim.

With still so few style options, it's a bit of a stretch (pun intended) for Quince to claim itself the peer of premium brands like AG Jeans or Paige. Still, these $50 Quince jeans aren't that different from a pair of Mother Denim jeans I thrifted years ago, so the comparison isn't totally unfounded.

Quince jeans are $50 and worth the try if you like premium stretch denim.

While these stretchy jeans may look nearly identical to my Mother Denim jeans, they're a bit softer and lighter. The gentle sculpting effect around the waist and hips is similar, but they don't feel quite as durable as I'd like my jeans to be if I want to keep wearing them for years. In the short-run, I've gotten a lot of use from them because of how easily they slip on. They're even flexible enough to squat in.

They're made of a light, stretchy combination of organic cotton and recycled polyester.

"I generally don't gravitate towards stretch denim, and these jeans from Quince are almost like jeggings," writes executive editor Sally Kaplan. "While they're not what I'd usually buy for myself, I'm glad I had the chance to test them because they're shockingly comfy! The material is on the thinner side, so I think they'll be best for summer and fall seasons — perfect for tucking into knee-high riding boots with a Barbour jacket. I do think some of the styles are a little dated (like the skinny jeans ... sorry to my fellow Millennials!) but I know some people are just ride-or-die for their skinnies. To each their own!"

The inseam options are better for petite sizes, but we were both able to find a comfortable high-rise fit.

"One of the best things about Quince's denim launch is that they offer multiple inseam lengths for each style — all pairs have both a 26- and 28-inch option," writes Sally. "At 5-foot-2, I appreciate this so much, though I know the taller among us are probably desperate for a longer inseam option. The 26-inch inseam fit my frame perfectly, giving the jeans a slightly cropped look that I didn't have to achieve by cutting the pair myself. All you shorties out there know what I'm talking about."

When I held first held my Quince jeans up to myself in the mirror, I assumed they'd be too tight around the hips, but the elastic factor is impressive. Quince advises that these run big — I ordered a size 27. I'm about 38 inches around the hip, and found that the stretchiness allowed for the perfect amount of wiggle room. 

The 28-inch inseam, however, is too cropped for my taste. I'm 5-foot-9, so I'd like to see Quince offer longer inseam options in the next release.

"I tested a mid-rise slim-straight pair and a high-rise kick-flare pair, but the difference between the rise was pretty negligible for someone of my height," continues Sally. "If you're taller, the difference is probably a lot more obvious. I think I prefer the kick-flare because it has a slightly more modern feel and pairs well with sandals, ballet flats, and sneakers, whereas the mid-rise slim pair is definitely the one I'd tuck into boots as the weather cools down."

The bottom line

If you like stretch denim and are constantly cuffing your jeans to fit your short frame, then you'll likely enjoy Quince's new affordable denim collection. We both liked that they're soft, stretchy, and lightweight, even if we usually prefer raw denim. If you need extended inseams or prefer a loose-fitting style, you'd better hold off — but watch this space for the next rollout of Quince jeans.