"Thanks!" to Anonymous at 5:51 PM (in this post), who came up with a great post topic: "In the spirit of the collapsing economy, could we review an inexpensive basic, like cords or all the different styles of chinos? A lot more people could participate, and it might be helpful for sizing purposes." I think this is a wonderful idea since J.Crew is known for their basics, and many of us can share our knowledge with those who are a little less familiar.The first (of many) "product reviews of basics" will focus on corduroys. Corduroys, with its durable fabric, are a great pick for many of us Aficionadas (click here) and Aficionados (click here) during this time of year (where it is starting to get a bit chilly, weather-wise).
I own the City-fit pinwale-cord trouser (Item 86975; regular $89.50 now $39.99) in black and love to wear them during the fall and winter! As with most J.Crew pants, I find these pair were true to size and a bit long length-wise. (I am 5'8" in height, and I find most of J.Crew's pants, including these pair, too long to wear with flats but perfect for heels.)
If you own *any* J.Crew corduroys, please let us know what you think? Please include anything that you believe might be useful for another aficionada (or aficionado)- like color (are the colors different than shown in images), sizing (do you need to size up or down), fitting (do you find its loose around the waist, not loose enough around other areas), etc. Thanks! :)
Favorite fit = you can go to a buffet and not feel bad.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone own the city-fit luxe cords? I'd love to hear more about those. :)
ReplyDeleteI am a stay at home mom so I don't get a chance to wear the gorgeous pants and skirts that Jcrew makes on a regular basis. But I do get a lot of wear of their casual line.
ReplyDeleteI am addicted to their basics like the corduroys. I own six pairs!
I love both the matchstick and the bootcut. I am a petite with short legs so even the petites are too long for me. I always need tailoring. However the fit is incredible and well worth the extra work. J Crew pants fit my body incredibly well. Which again is hard being a petite with short legs and a long torso who isn't pencil thin.
The placement of the pockets trims my rear end down which I like and the cut makes my legs look longer even if I wear flats. The pants are low enough on the waist to look modern but not so low that I have to worry about bending down to tend to my kids.
The corduroys are soft and extremely comfortable. The matchstick aren't too tight. I even own a pair of capri trouser style from last year. I must say I prefer the bootcut and matchstick to the trouser.
The colors are rich. The brown really makes other colors pop. I have gotten a lot of compliments on the dark green.
I find the fit to be true to size for me. The petites and the short regular are not all that different. I find they fit almost the same size wise. I wear the same in regular as I do petite. I wear the same size in Jcrew jeans as I do the rest of their pants. They are that consistent!
The matchstick runs true to size too and they don't fit so snug that you feel like your wearing leggings.
Love love love Jcrew cords!
I own several pairs of matchstick cords from seasons past and love them; I'm almost 5'10" and a size 10, and I never thought to give anything named "matchstick" a second look. If they haven't changed the design, they're a narrow cut versus skinny: they don't taper. I had to size up on mine.
ReplyDeleteAs a side note from Alexis's review on the city-wale cords, I have to fold my J. Crew jeans in regular if I wear flats and can't always depend on my pants-- which are all in regular-- to NOT drag on the ground. This was not the case with my matchsticks. It's kind of weird because I'm so tall overall, but I guess my long waist took some inches from my legs.
I have a pair of green matchstick cords and they're green. The regular sizes don't fit me but the short versions are almost perfect. I enjoy wearing them (tried not to wear it with any reds though--too much of Christmas.) I tried them on at the store, they were one sale at the time, and plus I got a student discount from the purchase too (that was really exciting since the price of the product decreased) -- I bought them at a price in the range of $21-25. I would like to buy a pair of matchstick cords that have more of a neutral to dark color. Anyways the cords are comfortable and easy to wear. Everyone likes that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reviews! :)
ReplyDeleteI have the bootcut in coral, gold, and faded cement. I absolutely love them, SOOOOO comfortable. I own this year's matchstick in black, and I find that pair to not fit me as well. I am 5'9 and 140 lbs, and they are large on me through the waist and butt. I thought that the matchstick would be more "hugging." I have a dark truffle pair of matchstick cords from last year that hug my curves perfectly. In general, I think that the boot-cut version is better fitting than the matchstick. J.Crew's sizes this year are quite a bit bigger!
ReplyDeleteAthena
I recently purchased the Favorite-fit stretch vintage bootcut cord in Acorn and Indigo. They feel really soft on. I like the bootcut since they're not as full at the bottom of the leg like the trouser style (I have a lot of wider leg pants already).
ReplyDeleteStretch vintage matchstick cord: I'm kind of square in the bum/hip area. These only enhance the width of my hips since they are so narrow at the bottom of the leg. These were a pass for me.
I have the bootcut cement cords, I love the fabric and color. J Crew pants don't fit me as well as the capris and shorts do but these cords are pretty comfortable.
ReplyDeleteI too am a stay at home mom and jeans and cords are my staple. I have 3 pair of the boot cut cord in two sizes ( dark green, coral and acorn) due to post pregnancy size change. The fit is comfortable and very flattering in the rear. I am 5''0" and regularly 118 lbs ( I am 7.5 months pregnant now).
ReplyDeleteI would like to get the matchstick cords in faded cement for the spring but am not sure about which size to get, I am concerned that the fit may be tighter in the thigh and waist than usual in my regular size (27). Any suggestions would be appreciated. THanks!
I love cords so much, apart from the funny noise you make when walking :) j.crew's cords are great, and I love both kinds that I have. I have the stretch bootcut & the vintage trouser. I'd say that I like the way the trouser cords fit more so than the bootcut--they make my legs look slimmer and longer. They're also slightly dressier. The bootcut cords fit like a dream though, and I love their color options and the fact that they have stretch.
ReplyDeleteSo far, compared to other store's cords, j.crew's have held up much longer. Others I have bought in the past stretch out and lose their shape way too quickly.
oh i meant to mention...
ReplyDeleteNOT a fan of the matchsticks, but that's just because my body type doesn't support skinny in the thighs :) I also tried on the city-fit luxe cords last time i was in a store, and I wasn't impressed. They're slim in the thighs and butt on me, and the material didn't feel that great. but this is just my opinion!
I have the matchstick cords in a tan color ($6! although they were from the outlet) in a size 27 and then the bootcut cords in aubergine in a size 2. I also tried on the 0, on the recommendation of a PS, which didn't seem to be that much smaller. I ended up passing up on them because the waistband of the bootcut cords seems to be less "stretchy" than the matchstick ones. Anyway, I normally wear a size 27 in designer denim (7s, Citizen's, etc) and a 2 at the Gap/BR/Old Navy.
ReplyDeleteI am 5'7", 140lbs, and pretty athletic. Both pairs fit me nicely through the thighs. I imagine, though, that the legs of the bootcut cords might be too baggy on someone who has slim legs -- which I definitely do not have! I can wear flats with the matchstick cords, but I need to wear a tiny heel with the bootcut cords to avoid the hem dragging on the ground.
All that being said: my favorite cordoroys are from the Levi's store!
Great idea for a thread Alexis. Can we make this a regular thread? I am also a stay at home mom and don't wear the more expensive items for obvious reasons (messy 1 year old!) but I am a fan of the J Crew basics like tees, jeans, chinos, etc. This is OT but since we're reviewing inexpensive and/or basic items, I was wondering if anyone owns the luxe knit pleated top (the one with 3/4 sleeves). I own the sleeveless silky jersey and it is really big. Does the sleeved version fit similarly? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have always absolutely hated cords and thought they added pounds to anyone wearing them. I also think the matchstick craze isn't good for 95% of the population. That being said I'm always willing to try things on for fun and I tried on the matchstick cords in coal (in store only color) and I bought them I liked them so much! I'll have to get back to you on how much I like them after a couple of wearing! :)
ReplyDeleteI like corduroy in general (I have skirts, blazers, pants, and hats even!) and love jcrew cords, I've been wearing them since, I dunno, 1999 or so. I still have a pair of bootcut cords in cognac before they started making them stretchy. I like the vintage stretch ones, too, though. At my boyfriend's urging, I tried on a pair of the matchstick and surprisingly like them, too. I get P2 or S2, and while I still need to hem them another inch or 2, I like the way the fit on my waist, hips, & behind.
ReplyDelete(In my profile pic right over here, I've got on my burnished olive cords from last fall, yay!)
I like the matchstick for wearing with boots because there's less material to stuff in the boot, sometimes I'll do them with pumps if I am feeling funky. Also, they're not as tight as I thought they'd be (at least compared to other brands of skinny/matchstick pants).
ReplyDeleteis the numbered thing new because I remember, it just being petite and short, but this year when I tried on the matchstick, it was a 27S. Maybe it's been numbered sizes for matchsticks all along, but I didn't know because I've only been wearing the bootcut for so long. *shrug*
Melanie:
ReplyDeleteThe only fit of cords that have worked for me are the City Fit Luxe cords. I found them to run a little big- I normally wear 2 in JC pants and I ordered a 0P. I am 5'2 and about 110 and I thought they looked good on my petite frame. Normally I don't go for pants w/ out square pockets but these seem to work for me, maybe this is b/c they are more fitted in the rear and thighs?? I also like that I can wear them on casual Fridays since they aren't as casual as the other cuts of cords. They are a good buy on sale, not so much at FP- $89.50 I have them in dark chocolate color. Wasn’t impressed by the other colors.
i love, love, love the vintage trouser cords. i've gotten a couple of pairs every fall (this year i got the grey to replace the grey ones i wore out). i prefer the favorite fit because my stomach is my problem area and i like to hide it. :) i also like that they increased their inseam in the tall from 34 to 36, so they don't shrink up so much.
ReplyDeletea few years ago i got the boot cut ones as well and didn't like them as much, i found them too stretchy overall. i prefer corduroy to lay more like chinos, like the trousers do.
sophia-Don't you LOVE the silky pleated tops? FFM turned me on to them and once I tried one I went back when they were super sale and got them in all colors! They are so comfy, very nice neckline which adds a great cuteness factor under cardis & jackets while also being chic on their own. But they are HUGE! I found the 3/4 sleeve version is not as full or long IMO. I still ordered xsmall but if I were forced under awesome sale conditions--I could have done small in this. I am 5'7" 125lbs-broad shoulders if that helps. Gotta love em:)
ReplyDeleteI second Lauren - the favorite-fit stretch vintage trouser cord is hands down the best pair of casual pants in my closet! I can't get enough of them. Once the weather turns cool, they're my go-to pants. I also like the thickness of the cord which is much warmer than denim in winter. Although they are designed to be casual pants, the cut and structure can work as business attire in the darker colors, especially with a jacket or cardi + silk top.
ReplyDeleteI love these pants because they're so soft, really comfortable, yet somehow look very structured and polished. I have 3 pairs - dark brown, cement, and sea salt - and I'm pretty sure they pick up 95% of my wardrobe.
I noticed the other day that the reason they make my legs look so long is because the back welt pockets are really high up, so they make my behind look higher than it actually is! Who doesn't want a little butt lift? And, because they drape really straight with a structured trouser leg, they look fantastic with high heels. This also helps make my legs longer.
Just like the first poster said, the favorite fit is wonderful because is gives you some breathing room while still staying up well. However, word to the wise: favorite fit runs smaller in the waist than city fit, so go up a size. Especially if you're getting the petite length.
I do have 2 pairs of the city fit pinwale cords from last year but I hardly wear them outside the house anymore. Although they're very roomy and comfy to lounge in, I found the material too thin for my liking (they are supposed to be a finer wale). I also find them a bit too baggy and unstructured for wearing out with jackets and dressy tops.
Matchsticks definitely don't work on me, and even the favorite-fit stretch vintage bootcut cords are too tight in the leg for me. As a petite with a very short waist, I tend to go for pants that are slimmer at the top and either straight or slightly flared at the bottom.
Sorry to go a bit OT, but can I ask about the Owen hobo? Someone asked this question at the end of yesterday's post but I don't think we got an answer.
ReplyDeleteDoes the bamboo handle ever hurt your shoulder, especially if you fill up your purse with a lot of stuff? Also, does it dig into your shoulder if you're not wearing a jacket with a padded shoulder?
Final question: is the champagne color darker than ivory, more like the "ecru" corduroy color?
Thank you!
Ah...I love Cords in the fall. The zip zip sound goes so well with the rustle of leaves, and they're just so warm. I love all the colors too. For some reason they make me want to start baking, and getting ready for the Holidays.
ReplyDeleteJ Crew Cords are among my favorites. I appreciate the lack of labeling, and all the different cuts. I went a little cord crazy at J Crew last year, and learned a lot. I have yet to buy any this year, but I have my eye on black and cement. It's hard for me to decide on style, because I like them all.
First off: Laundering. At 5'10", I need 33" minimum for flats. I can't go even a 1/2" less than that or they start looking like ankle pants. I wish I had known last year what I know now: J Crew Cords shrink. If you are one of those people that is super careful, washes in cold, and hangs to dry, you don't have to worry about that, but my Cords always, somehow, end up in a regular wash/dry cycle, (thanks hubby!) and even if that happens once, you can lose up to a whole inch. Twice? Another 1/2 inch. On top of that, the regular Cords aren't always a spot on 33" when brand new. They're all a little different, and I brought home one pair that was just over 32" when new. Sigh..... The solution? More work and more money of course! I now buy Talls, put them through two hot wash/dry cycles, and have them hemmed. On Bootcuts, this can turn them into a bit of a straight leg, as you lose a bit of that 'booty' flare at the bottom, but it's not too bad.
I love the Trouser cut for more dressy occasions. They can look quite elegant, especially with boots. Great for those times when you want to look pulled together and sophisticated, but not too dressed up. With a nice pair of tights, you'll be toasty! I have a 27" waist and 37 1/2" hips, and I like the favorite fit. They're very relaxed, and drape nicely. Oh, and yes, you can go crazy at the dinner buffet, and no one will be able to gauge how much you ate by looking at how your pants fit in the tummy area.
The Bootcuts are just classic. Yes, they run a bit big...at first. Remember, there is an allowance for shrinkage. While some people may wash and care for their cords to prevent this, most average Josephines wash and dry them in their machines, and this will cause some shrinkage.
Having just bought my first pair of Matchsticks, (jeans) I am now a tentative devotee of the Matchstick style. Why tentative? Well, it's a very 'zex-say' look. I mean...they look good in way that is attention getting. I'm not so sure I'm into that. I'm sort of introverted, so I'm just warning you ladies......these will get you some attention, so don't wear them if you're not in the mood for that. That said, I really want a pair in black. Heh, heh.
I haven't tried the Cord skirt-would love to hear reviews on that. The overall length....does it hit at the knee...etc. Also....does the black fade?
Sophia-I love those 3/4 sleeve pleated tops. They are awesome under cardigans and jackets, they just add a little something extra. I usually wear a 4 or 6 in tops or a small or medium (I'm 5'9, 130lbs). I found the small to be perfect for me. I think an extra small would have been a little too snug in the shoulders for me. I love how it drapes, it's not tight and not too loose. Hope this helps. Sorry, I've never tried on the sleeveless version.
ReplyDeleteTracey
I have 2 pairs of the favorite fit trouser cords from this year (one dark brown, one the faded cement - dark grey), and 2 of the same style from last year (one is ivory, the other is "acorn" - a tannish color). I love the material. I am 6 feet tall and last year's "long" length, 35 inches, is barely long enough for me to wear flats with them. This year, the long inseam is increased to 36" so I can wear them with heels. The cords wash well, and I like the material because it's thick and doesn't feel chintzy. I like this year's fit better than last year because I feel it fits my body a bit better. I can dress up the cords or dress them down. I find that the chocolate brown is a very rich, beautiful color, and the "faded cement" goes with pretty much any color I put it with. I have a bit more trouble styling the ivory and acorn from last year, but I still love them (and am wearing the ivory pair now!).
ReplyDeleteI just got the bootcut cords in green. . . brighter than last year's mossy color. They were 29.99 at my B& M. I think they fit just a little bit snugger than last year's size 2s.
ReplyDeleteThe everyday favorite fit chinos run really large. I took a 0, and they're baggy. But the fabric is really nice and drapey.
Dear Fabulous Florida Mommy: Can you help with an ensemble with the brighter greens? The catalog stylists never do much with green!
I have a pear-shaped body, 5'8". I normally wear a size 6 at Banana Republic (which is think is has a better fit for my lower half). I can wear a J Crew city fit size 6 fine. There is extra room on the waist but not much, so it's fine for work pants with a slightly looser fit. J Crew regular length of 33" is perfect for me as I usually wear 2-3" heels.
ReplyDeleteI cannot fit in any J Crew Chinos. They make my hips look huge. Even in size 4, there's too much room in the waist and the hips.
However, I love vintage 5-pocket bootcut cords. I wear them in size 4. They give me a snug fit, and no room in the waist. The fabric is soft but not too thick or bulky. I have two pairs - cloudy grey from two seasons ago, and mossy green from last season. The cloudy grey have gone through many washer and dryer. They started to loose some softness of the corduroy, and I had to once stitch a tear near a rear pocket. Given how many washes and wears they have gone through, I'd say J Crew cord have a very good quality. I highly recommend them. I'm even considering getting a new pair to replace my old cloudy grey.
So...I want to take advantage of the great cord sale and buy either the matchstick or bootcuts in the faded cement. I have read in these posts that they shrink. My question is do they "stretch"/"grow" when you wear them? I have had experiences with other cords (from Banana Republic) that do this. Also, I think that I am leaning towards the matchstick..do they fit like the matchstick jeans? And the bootcut on the model looks like a really nice almost fitted straight leg style. Thoughts?? Any advice is appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThere is a great sale on cords?
ReplyDeleteI have a pair of the matchstick cords and would wear them every day if I could. I got them in the faded cement color and adore them. My friend has the green and they are almost as adorable (I'm slightly bias to my own). I wear a 6 in almost everything J. Crew so ordered the 29 and they fit great. They stretch a bit, but I love love love them and recommend everyone get a pair!
ReplyDeleteI don't understand everyone saying that Jcrew sizing is so different (runs bigger) then everywhere else. I wear a six in Jcrew as well as a six everywhere else. Does anyone else find their sizing true and consistent? Am I the only one who thinks it hasn't gotten worse with vanity sizing?
ReplyDeleteanon 4:32 - My pants and skirts size has not changed, it is consistent in every store. Tops are different depending on the cut I can go from a size small to a large.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I was really
ReplyDeleteTalking about pants as I vary in tops
Everywhere too. I would
Love others opinions too... Do
You wear a different or same size pants at Jcrew
Compared to everywhere else? Tia!
I do not wear a 2 by all means but at j Crew--I do. That's vanity sizing and I feel sorry for the real 0 or smaller out there because they are SOL at J Crew.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the matchstick cords and snagged a bunch on super sale in all the great basic colors-sea salt, black, acorn, gold, chocolate and faded cement. Bootcut in the fab aubergine-what a great, fun color! Both of these styles fit awesome IMO and I did size down one size. I also love the super dark matchstick jeans (got the ones on sale late summer/early Fall) and they are my favorite for dressing up. The hip slung in dark denim rinse (the recent sale pair in resin rinsed wash did NOT work for me at all though--so weird that they are totally different fit??) But the dark, dark version on sale earlier this Fall is awesome. Also--LOVE the vintage "ripped up" jeans--these are SO comfy and can be worn a multitude of ways-whether cuffed, pegged (like all the models) or straight with heels (they are more narrow/straight leg). Size down for sure in these. They stretch out and they run big. They can actually be dressed up or down amazingly enough;)
Happy to give style numbers if anyone would like or any other feedback.
Jennifer: I just meant that the two styles I want to order -- bootcut and matchstick -- are marked down to 69.50. I also have a 10% off coupon and a rewards/gift card...
ReplyDeletecovert5 - A "real 0" here is very mad! Pants, skirts, and shorts are almost always too big! Petite too!
ReplyDeleteCovert5: regarding the "vintage" ripped-up jeans, how do they fit in the butt? On the models, they look so saggy, like they're wearing their husband's jeans. Does it look better IRL?
ReplyDeleteI am sick and tired of vanity sizing!!! Twenty years ago (yes I am old), I was a size 8, and now I'm a size 2! Is that supposed to make me feel better about myself and therefore buy more stuff? I'll admit certain body parts hang a little lower now than they used to, but I still weigh the same. It seems ridiculous that they now have not only a size 0, but even a 00!!! Does that make someone doubly non-existent!!! WTF?
ReplyDeleteBTW, I'm 41 so I still care how I look. :)
I love the fit--not droopy, higher on the waist (these ain't your low waisted muffin toppers)and the pockets sit lower on the butt. I do not have a full bottom--more to the flat side of the spectrum (wish I had some bubble;) But overall--they are super comfy--the denim is so soft. They are like the closest thing to sweats in denim as they are looser, yet not baggy. HTH!
ReplyDeletemy review of vintage bootcut: i paid full price (gasp!) for my vintage bootcut cords after struggle to find a decent pair of cords last year. I love the weight of the fabric and the slim leg. However, I don't love the fit. The back pockets are placed too low (makes my rear look funny), and as with all JCrew pants even P2 and 2S are frustratingly too long in the inseam. (I am 5'3", which I don't think is too freakishly short....) They also don't fit my body well because they gap in the back but I have a slight muffin top in the front (ugh). i would never pay anywhere close to full price again.
ReplyDeletep.s. love and covert... I feel for you! i tried on some skirts last week and the 0 was falling off me! even though at most stores I wear a 2 and i'm petite but not skinny.
ReplyDeleteHi all. I am new to this blog, but just wanted to give my two cents. I own the "City-fit luxe cord trouser" in coal and warm saffron. I'm a 6/8 (pants) and when I tried them on, the six seemed snug, so I sized up. But now I wish I had stuck with the 6 b/c the cords stretch and now the 8 is BIG on me (but fine with a belt i guess). I find that they look really good with heels or flats. (I'm 5'5)
ReplyDeleteCovert5 & Anon 11:03am: I read about the positive aficionada reviews of the silky pleated tops and decided tried them. I LOVED them. Very flattering as well as comfortable. I just ordered the 3/4 sleeve version and sized down. I am kicking myself for not ordering more colors! Thanks for the fit tips.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI have the Favorite Fit (from last winter) and the Bootcut (in stores now). I love them both! The Bootcut can be dressed up a bit easier. I have the Favorite Fit in Brown and Orange, and the Bootcut in Black and Red.
ReplyDeleteI find they are very true to size when compared to the other J.Crew pants I have (Boy Jean, Hip Slung, Trouser Jean).
I plan on buying at least 2 more pairs before winter is over. I highly recommend!
I love the vintage bootcut cords, and an incredibly thankful that they started producing them in a 00 for my non-hipped, non-butt self! I ordered the 00S as well as the 00 regular (I'm 5'3"), and I can already tell the 00S will be too short once washed, so I'm just gonna keep the regulars.
ReplyDeletecan anyone tell me how much the cords tend to shrink, lengthwise?
can I just say that I love this post. VERY helpful, I'm waiting for my cement matchstick cords on backorder as we speak, and I can't wait, sounds like pretty positive reviews, love it !
ReplyDeleteNancy-
ReplyDeleteMy experience with J Crew cord shrinkage is that they can shrink up to an inch and a half if they go through regular wash/dry cycles. Some people wash in cold and hang to dry to prevent this. I can't do that because I need the machine dry cycle as it removes most lint and pet hair nicely. It also smoothes out the wrinkles, as long as you don't pack the dryer to full. Cold wash + Hang dry = wrinkly cords full of lint and pet hair, lol. Dark cords + light dog hair = not so attractive, and tape rollers and lint brushes can only do so much.
Therefore, I buy my cords with the assumption that I will lose 1 1/2" of length.
Could someone tell me how they care for their black cords? Does the black fade? TIA!
ReplyDelete