Product Review: Matchstick Jeans {thoughts?}

Linda suggested a fabulous post topic on J.Crew's matchstick jeans. So many of us (including me) have entertained the thought of buying a pair, but unsure about the colors, fit or sizing (e.g. is sizing the same as with other J.Crew denim styles?)

Linda also raised some great questions (along with her experiences that I thought was super insightful to share):

For sizing, Linda found the following: I bought three pairs about a year and a half ago in Deep Indigo Wash (which looks like a very dark rinse) and I've kept them meticulously. This fall I decided to buy some new pairs, but I've been somewhat disappointed. I usually wear a 29 but the overall cut was too loose, almost like relaxed bootcut. I tried to size down to a 28 but they were too small. Did J. Crew change their sizing slightly? My older Matchsticks are literally perfect matchsticks, slim and straight in the hips, thighs, and legs.

When it comes to color, Linda raised some interesting points: The new "Deep Indigo Wash" is closer to an authentic rinse than a dark rinse. The "Ultra Dark" looks dark on the model but grayish blue in the pictures. Are there any other Aficionadas who have experienced the same issues this year with the denim collection? Do J. Crew jeans tend to vary by each pair? (Some are cut exactly right while others may be too snug or loose or long or short) In the past I've had issues where some of my 33" inseams were 35" or 32", but this is the first time I've complained about the overall fit. Is the "Ultra Dark" really dark in person?

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's matchstick jeans? How would you describe the fit and colors? Do you have a particular pair (e.g. item number) that you highly recommend? What are some of the reasons behind your choice? :)