NOTE: In order to provide readers of my Blog with the most clothing options to choose from, I try out more styles than I’m personally able to buy and keep. I do my best to note which items I have personally bought. Please be aware that items with a “Buy” rating may not be ones I personally own. The “Buy” rating indicates that the clothing item passes my standards for garment fit. I did not keep any of the styles featured in this review. Additionally, there are “affiliate links” (i.e. a link with a special tracking code) in this blog post. If you purchase something via “affiliate links” on my blog, I may earn commission.
PULL UP FOR CHANGE MOVEMENT: Good American currently has 15% Black representation and a black CEO and co-founder (Emma Grede). The level of Black representation at Good American is above the 10% benchmark set by Sharon Chuter the founder of the movement. This benchmark was chosen because it represents the percentage of Black college graduates in the US.
A few years back I tried out Good American jeans for the first time and honestly I was pretty disappointed. Since the brand is all about inclusivity (offering sizes 00-24*) and diversity I was expecting that waist gap free jeans awaited me. In the Bloomingdale’s dressing room, I remember pulling on a pair of Good American jeans filled with high hopes. Instantly, my bubble was burst when I realized that I still had a waist gap. A few months back, a blog reader asked for my opinion on their full jeans and I shared my initial experience trying them. However, since I did have better luck with their Bombshell denim shorts I decided to give them another chance and write a review for you guys!
*The brand still has some work to do on inclusivity. For example, I’d like to see them expand their size range above Size 24 as well as feature more plus models in their product photography. The largest size model they use for product photography specifically is a Size 16, which is on the cusp on Missy and Plus sizes. However, I give them credit for offering a wide range of sizes from their launch date. It’s a difficult thing for a brand to do. To give context from my days working in merchandising and buying, denim is one of the most SKU intensive businesses in retail so it requires a significant dollar investment to launch with sufficient breadth and depth.)
MY MEASUREMENTS
Bust = 34.5’’
Waist = 28’’
Stomach = 31’’
Hip = 40’’
Thigh = 22’’
Calf = 12.25’’
Inseam = 27’’
Bicep = 9.5’
MY DENIM RATING SCALE
Length: 1 to 5 (1 being not petite friendly, 5 being petite friendly)
Fit: 1 to 5 (1 being not curve/pear friendly, 5 being curve/pear friendly)
Waist Gap: 1 to 5 (1 massive waist gap, 5 no waist gap)
Price: $ to $$$$ ($: under $50, $$: $50 to $99, $$$: $100 to $149, $$$$: $150 and up)
Good American Good Waist Crop High Waisted Jeans – Size 4
What I loved…
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Fit – Overall, I was impressed with how well these fit me! There was no whiskering at the crotch and the back rise was long enough for me.
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Comfortable – They are super soft and comfy!
What could have been better…
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Slight waist gap – While they are slightly big in the waist it wasn’t super noticeable because they are high rise. The waist gap of these jeans is comparable to the Everlane Authentic Stretch Jeans both curvy and non-curvy fits. I would recommend wearing a belt with them, but by no means is it a deal breaker.
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Drag lines – There were some drag lines on the back of my thighs since the thigh area was a little snug.
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Fabric – Don’t get me wrong the fabric is definitely comfortable! However, I will say for the price the fabric does not feel as premium as Joe’s Jeans. On the flip side, I definitely prefer how these fit compared to the new Curvy fit jeans that Joe’s is offering.
Denim ratings:
Length: 4
Fit: 4
Waist gap: 4
Price: $$$$
Garment measurements:
Waist = 28.25’’
Hip = 34.25’’
Front rise = 11’’
Back rise = 15.25’’
Thigh = 21’’
Calf = 12.25’’
Inseam = 27.625”
Verdict: Buy! (But order one size smaller than your normal size!)
SIZING NOTE: Their website recommends that you order one size down from your normal size and I agree with that recommendation.
Good American Good Curve Skinny Crop – Size 6
What I loved…
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Button front – I love this detail because it’s a nice alternative to your standard jean.
What could have been better…
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Slight waist gap – Similar to the Good Waist jeans, these were a little too big in the waist. However, they are super high rise so I wasn’t worried about them sliding down. I’d recommend wearing a belt with these.
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Length – While the crop length is fairly petite-friendly, they are a touch long — ending past my ankle bone. As a result, they were a little baggy around my lower calf.
Garment measurements:
Waist = 27.25’’
Hip = 34.5’’
Front rise = 12.25”
Back rise = 15.875’’
Thigh = 21.25”
Calf = 13’’
Inseam = 26.875’’
Denim ratings:
Length: 4
Fit: 4
Waist gap: 4
Price: $$$$
Verdict: Overall, I liked the fit of the Good Waist and Good Legs styles better so I’d recommend those styles first. However, I still was happy with how these fit me.
Good American Good Legs Crop Jeans – Size 6
What I loved…
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Minimal gapping – I was really impressed by how well these fit in the waist. I definitely think that I could wear them without a belt.
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Petite-friendly length – When ordering these jeans, I was a little skeptical about whether or not they would work for me length wise. They are a decent length for a crop jean, but are slightly too long. I wanted to try their petite styles, but they were sold out.
What could have been better…
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Slightly tight in knee area – I found these a little tight in the knee area as you can see the drag lines which indicate tightness.
Denim ratings:
Length: 4
Fit: 4
Waist gap: 5
Price: $$$$
Garment Measurements:
Waist = 28.5’’
Hip = 33.75’’
Front rise = 10’’
Back rise = 14.5’’
Thigh = 20.25’’
Calf = 12.5’’
Inseam = 26.375’’
Verdict: Buy! (True to size. I tried one size down and they were too tight!)
While I wouldn’t say their jeans are 100% waist-gap free as they claim, I’m glad I decided to give this brand another try because I found styles that fit decently well. I probably just tried on the wrong style before and didn’t explore enough. Lastly, I’d like to see them work on the quality of their fabric more. Since they are higher price point, I want them to feel as nice as Joe’s or other premium brands.
