Personally, I love, love, love the Pixie Pant and hate, hate, hate the fit of the Minnie. Let me start with the Pixie... I find they are true to size. With a pear shape frame, I am always conscientious of my bottom half's appearance. The Pixie's heavyweight ponte fabric does a great job of holding everything together, showing off a slim form, and retaining shape (even after long periods of wear and wash). The elastic waist is super comfortable, especially when I eat too much. ;) The back zip & eye hook closure are slightly annoying to close. However, my work around to this is that I can actually slide up the pants with it all zipped/closed up. Lastly, length... The regular size is crazy long. I am 5'8", and I had to go with "short". They hit perfectly at the ankle. I can't imagine how long the "tall" version is.
Minnie Pants... The fit was off for me. I could see how some JCAs could size down in them. They did not feel like they could retain their shape after long periods of wear for me. Also, the side zipper did not work for my pear shape frame. The way the zipper rumpled on the one side of my body made me feel lumpy. The view from behind didn't help my self esteem either. I just didn't feel held in. I wanted them to work out (because they were cheaper than the Pixie), but they just didn't for me. However, I do think those with perfectly shaped bottoms would do well in these.
Which pant do you prefer: the Pixie or the Minnie? What is your take on the pants? If you had to recommend one pant to a fellow JCA, which one would it be?
Good post! I forgot that I should probably go ahead and order the Pixies w/CARDEVENT for 20% off. I prefer them over the Minnies.
ReplyDeleteNew promo! BYEWINTER gets an addtl 40% off sale items. Free shipping on 1/22 only. Shop w/the Irl Pic Guide. Promo is also good in-store, so maybe the addtl 50% off will be continuing; not switched down to 40%.
Some items seem to be receiving 50% with the BYEWINTER code. Items receiving this discount seem to be marked accordingly.
DeletePixies in navy are on promo for $85. BYEWINTER takes them down to $51 w/free ship today!
DeleteAh a subject close to my heart! I have both, and definitely prefer the Pixies.
ReplyDeleteMinnies: too short in petite size for me, but too big around the hips and waist in regular size (00 so can't size down).
They also go saggy very quickly and are not particularly flattering around the bum, as mentioned by Alexis.
Pixies: hold their shape well and are super comfy. I have 00 regular and they are very long... I should hem them but have been too lazy thus far.
I wouldn't buy Minnies again, but would buy Pixies.
For the record I'm 5'2" ish with short legs and no bum!
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ReplyDeleteI was definitely team Pixie until I tried this fall's version of the full length Minnie in bi-stretch wool - man are those a good fit on me. The regular was (again) super long, but I ordered the petite in both the wine color and the moss and I'm absolutely in love with both - changed my work wardrobe options completely!
ReplyDeleteI think my only qualm with the Pixie is I still feel a tad uncomfortable showing that much bootie (i.e. i feel like i need to cover up for as I would with a legging), where as I don't hesitate at all to wear a shorter blouse or sweater with the Minnies. Maybe I need to size up in the Pixies to get a slightly less "legging" look - but I'm pretty sure I did that and was swimming in them.
My old Minnies, however, that are the traditional fit (is it the stretch twill?) lose shape, don't fit nearly as well and fade easily, even with dry cleaning.
So I guess my answer would be Minnies all the way for work wear - but only in the wool, and Pixies if you're looking for more of a "legging" look. :)
Yes! The Minnie in bistretch wool is so much better than the "standard" Minnie! I still need to try the full length. I currently have two more "traditional" length Minnies that I wear at least once or twice a week! :) Minnies have been on my winter "staple" list since they launched.
DeleteI'm a huge fan of the wool Minnies as well.
DeleteMe too. I didn't like the Minnies until this season's bistretch wool version. They're not too legging-like so they're work-appropriate. The regular size (in full length) hits at a good spot at my ankle so they work for winter (I'm 5'8" if I don't slouch). They look great with a blazer and a vneck sweater. They don't stretch out over a long day.
DeleteI only wear the Pixies with long tunic-like sweaters and shirts. I think they work great as comfortable thick casual leggings.
I think the Pixie's seams make them stand out from a regular legging. I wear them to work regularly since I bought my first pair but I also have a fairly casual office. Wish they had an extra short length though. I didn't have any luck with the Minnies, they fit really weird on me and I didn't care for the zipper.
ReplyDeleteMy experience with these pants is opposite of yours! First, I'm an apple shape, so I carry weight in my belly first when I gain. The Pixie pants make me feel fat, always. The waistband cinches at my worst feature and feels absolutely awful. The ponte material makes me feel trapped and claustrophobic. I cannot say enough how much I dislike the Pixie pants. If someone gave them to me, I would not wear them. They looked good on (as long as my waist was covered), but they felt awful on me.
ReplyDeleteFwiw, I like J. Crew's signature leggings, but it's because the stretch doesn't feel binding. These are totally comfortable.
The twill Minnies have the perfect amount of stretch for me and have not lost their shape with wear. The waist is very forgiving, and the pants fit me perfectly. Although I could wear a size down, my regular pants size looks much better. Once I figured that out and tried them in a bigger size, I love the Minnies and I'm not self-conscious in them any more. They have belt loops, which I haven't needed yet but I like having the option just in case. Favorites!
Great topic! I have and love both, but they fill very different roles in my wardrobe.
ReplyDeletePixies are my go-to weekend pant. I have worn them to the office (business casual) on occasion, but only on days when it was so cold/snowy that warmth and comfort were paramount. I don't consider them leggings, but I do prefer to wear them with longer tops b/c they are so close-fitted. I'm 5'3" and slender, and find the retail version to be too big in the waist/hips. The lower rise and side zip of the factory version works better on my frame. Size 00 at Factory and 00-short at retail are the same length.
Minnies are a summer-time work pant for me. I've not had any issues with stretching or bagging in the twill version, but have given up on the wool Minnie b/c they sagged horribly after just one or two wears. I need the petite sizing for the smaller waist and rise. I also need to cuff them once so they hit at a more flattering point on my legs and so they fit better at the calves (I don't quite fill out the curves that're built into the lower leg of the garment). I tried the full-length version this fall but they were a little too short on me.
FWIW some very petite bloggers look fab in the girls' versions of the Minnie and Pixie. I've never tried them but wouldn't rule them out.
LOVE pixies, HATE minnies. I'm with you, Alexis! Minnies make me feel fat. Also, the twill ones do not hold their shape and after a few washes (on delicate, of course) they look like crap. I find the wool ones itchy as heck, too. I have at least 8 pairs of pixies... and my oldest pair still looks new. It is probably 3-4 years old. Love them!
ReplyDeleteI love both of them. The wool Minnies don't lose their shape after a lot of wear. I took regular length in the Pixies but tall in the Minnies. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteI have to say I love both as well for different reasons. I love the pixie for the flattering shape and they are comfortable, even at day's end when I've been snacking, etc. I don't find the elastic around the waist terribly uncomfortable at end of day. I like the Minnie too and have three pair (black, navy and tan) because I like the ankle length and have had these since 2009! I have yet to try the the longer full length minnie but I'm not drawn to those. Now, if I've overloaded on pasta, the Minnie is not as easy to wear because of the zipper on the side. My only beef with that pant.
ReplyDeleteI used to only own Minnies but recently bought a pair of Pixies. I LOVE both of them. The pixie pants are not appropriate work attire for me, and I wear my Minnies several times a week. They have held up after many many washes. If you are between sizes, go down in the Minnies. I am pretty true to my size and do not feel that they stretch out after wearing all day (or several days). I have noticed that the fabric feels different on some pairs. On my newest pair, the fabric feels more like a dress pant and less like spandex (which I like better).
ReplyDeleteWhat I love about the Pixies is how thick they are. I hate thin leggings that leave nothing to the imagination. Although they definitely hug your body, they are much more modest than other leggings. I hate my thighs, but I feel that the fabric does a great job of holding things together. ;) The zipper in the back looks a little awkward to me, so I just wear longer shirts. I agree with others that the length of the Pixies is weird. I'm 5'6" and the short Pixies hit at my ankles.
I love my bi-wool petite Minnies, but have found they get horribly staticky. I have a cat and the pants attract the nearest floating hair until my legs look fur-covered. Any tips on how to solve this issue?
ReplyDeleteAlso, I haven't yet washed my Minnies (recently got them) so haven't experienced any size changes, but would love to know if any petite small women have opinions about buying the girls sizes. I'm a P00 and they fit perfectly, but reviews saying they'll sag over time has me worried.
I also just purchased my first pair of P00 Pixies and I'm excited to see how they compare. I've heard that they're the same as Factory Gigi pants, and I wonder if anyone can confirm that or note any small differences (espec. in fabric)
The wool Minnies don't sag. I wash mine on the wool cycle of the front loading washer (cold water) using Woolite Zero detergent. Hang to dry.
DeleteEeps -- the Factory Gigi and retail Pixie have the same fabric composition. I think the major difference is the zipper placement, Factory on the side and retail in back, which can make a difference in fit and comfort. It seems like several of us have a clear preference for one or the other, depending on individual body shape. Seems also that some of us have great luck with the twill version of the Minnies and not the wool, and it's the exact opposite for others. Hope you have good luck with yours!
DeleteThanks TFT gal. Would be interested to know what the body shape breakdown is for retail Pixie vs. factory Gigi.
DeleteThe Pixie is a bit expensive w/out promo codes, so if this works out I'm more inclined to buy a Gigi if the shape works for me.
eeps, I wonder the same thing. I'm a 2 in most JC bottoms and found the pixies to be horrible muffin-top makers all the way up to a size 6! Although I'm only 5'4", I have a 32" inseam, which makes me short-waisted. Maybe the pixie's rise is the problem. Minnies, on the other hand, are great. That said, I have noticed a difference in fabric quality: the black are much nicer than the khaki, for instance.
DeleteJust want to update my review after I received my Pixies. OMG horrrrrrrible. I totally understand the problem with the zipper placement on the side - why did they put it on the widest part of the lower body?! They weren't tight on me but I had a struggle zipping up. The fit itself was terrible - I'm petite, 5'1 and pear-shaped, and the 00P were too long by at least 2-3 inches and gave me such VPL that I could practically see my lunch and dinner. A long shirt/tunic would have been required. But overall they weren't comfortable, especially the band around my waist, so I returned them. Minnies all the way!
DeleteExcellent idea for a post, Alexis. I tried the twill Minnies a while ago and just couldn't get the right fit. I tried both regular and petite and sizing down, but none of them looked good on me.
ReplyDeleteI would really like to try the Pixie, but hesitate because of the 'dry clean' in the description. Do you all dry clean or wash your Pixies? If you wash, how do you wash them? Thanks.
I wash mine all the time with no problems, and I'm not the best at delicately laundering my stuff. Sometimes, things slip past and wind up in the regular wash. I know these have and they were totally fine. I do hang them to dry, though.
DeleteDe lurking to cast a vote for Minnies. I first tried them after seeing on someone else this fall. I have navy, black, and pinot noir in twill. At 5'6" in size 14, I chose to order tall in dark colors only. I am happy with the fit and will not try light colors to avoid a wrinkled look. I wash cold and hang to dry, so no special care unlike most of my JC wool items.
ReplyDeleteI like the wool Minnies, but I LOVE my Pixies. I've been living in them all winter b/c it's been so ridiculously cold in the Midwest where I live. They are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteQuestion for the JCAs. I purchased my first Pixie pair (with the leather on the sides) on Friday. I could fit into both the 0 and 00. The SA encouraged me to take the 00 saying they stretch quite a bit. Knowing they're not machine washable (because of the leather), I went with the 00. I'm also a 00 in the Minnie, but not in anything else. Now I'm nervous that they'll be too small... Any thoughts? Should I exchange for the 0? What are your experiences with the stretch? TIA!
ReplyDeleteFor the record, I'm 5'7", usually a size 6...but I can sometimes wear a 4 or 2 in pants. You know J.Crew.
ReplyDeletePros for the Minnies: Looks more professional, real pants, pretty colors
Cons for Minnies: Stretches out like crazy, the regulars are too short, for what they are I think they're too thin, sizing down makes them too small in the waist.
Pros for Pixies: Thick material, keeps its shape, super comfortable & stretchy, not too short
Cons for Pixies: Shows VPL, zipper is a pain sometimes to zip up, need a longer shirt because mine look like leggings on me, less color selection.
All in all, I prefer the Pixies because they don't stretch out and are simply more comfortable. I wish I could wear them more like pants though. And I don't enjoy having to wear special seamless underwear with them.
Yeah, I only wear the Pixies as a legging which means, the tush is covered. No way would I wear them any other way!
Delete@ Phoebe - I hate the VPL w/ the Pixies too. I also got muffin top w/ them bc of the waist band. Do you think going up 1 or 2 sizes would help so they're not as tight but they'd still retain the thin leg?
DeleteI love both! I wear Pixies on date night with different JC silk shirts untucked, that way my bum is somewhat covered. They look sexy with ankle boots. I have black twill Minnie's that I call my 'power pants' - I wore them to negotiate the sale of our house and also when we bought a new car. Lol! I haven't washed my pixies yet... I washed the Minnie's once in delicate & hung to dry, now the fabric seems a little rough to the hand. Any laundering suggestions? TIA!
ReplyDeletePS: I am a size 6 most places, but wear 4 in JC skirts and dresses. I took a 4 in Pixie but a 2 in Minnie.
DeleteI feel like the Minnies accentuate my stomach,not good. Side zipper does not work for me. I recently purchased the Gigi at factory ( pixie version). I went down a size. They are extremely long. I had to get shortened. I am 5'1" for reference with short legs! I wish they offered petite pixies or ankle in gigi version. Oh well..so far I like my gigi's!
ReplyDeleteI am new to, and love the Minnie, and have two in black only (haven't tried the Pixies yet). J Crew & Factory is running out of color and pattern options just when I'm finally ready to step out of my comfort zone with some cool pattern. Can anyone tell me if they've found other stores with an equivalent fit and feel? I was just looking on Anthropologie at the Charley pants, described as to flatter a gal of any stature. Is this one? And I believe I once read that there was an equivalent from Loft. Anybody know anything about that? Much thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have both, the minnie and the pixie. Pixie all the way. Minnie is cropped and somehow, does not fit as well. I love ow the pixie feels but i agree its a pricey for a glorified legging. For those looking for a better deal, i also got the gigi pants from J crew factory. They are essentially the same as the pixie (but i got them 40% off. Th regular model has the zipper on the side but i got the 5pocket model, which is super because hey are constrcuted like pants so the zipper is in the middle on the front, with back pockets and side pockets like a jeans. All in all, the gigi 5 pockets are my favorite.
ReplyDelete