Elena I wasn’t looking for new jeans. Honestly, I was in one of those moods where everything in my closet felt… fine. Nothing wrong, nothing exciting. But then a late-night scroll brought me to Abercrombie’s High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean, and something about the way they draped on the model made me pause. Not tight, not trendy, just right.
I ordered them without high hopes. Denim is tricky, and I’ve tried more than a few pairs that looked better in photos than on my body. But these? These actually surprised me — in the best way. Let’s talk about it.
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Didn’t plan on new jeans?
I didn’t either—until this pair made me rethink every “relaxed fit” I’ve ever tried.
✨ Why I Bought Them
Sometimes the best pieces aren’t the ones you spend weeks hunting for — they’re the ones you click on impulsively and forget about until they arrive. That was the case with these jeans. I wasn’t planning to fall in love with a pair from Abercrombie, but here we are.
What made me click “add to cart”
I’d seen them floating around on Pinterest boards and Instagram reels — styled with everything from oversized blazers to beat-up sneakers. They had that kind of effortless drape that said, “I didn’t try too hard,” which, ironically, is exactly the look I try very hard to pull off. The reviews? Almost suspiciously positive. But curiosity won.
What I hoped they’d be
I wanted a pair of jeans that didn’t pinch, didn’t sag, and didn’t need 20 minutes of styling to look intentional. Something I could throw on with a plain tee and still feel like I had my life together. Plus, I was overdue for a denim refresh — one that felt a little nostalgic but still current. These seemed like they could be it.
👀 First Impressions
The moment they arrived, I did the usual routine: box on the floor, jeans in hand, mirror nearby. I wasn’t expecting to be impressed — but the details had me pausing before I even tried them on.
The color and cut
I went with the medium ripped wash — slightly faded, no distressing beyond a soft knee crease, and the kind of blue that feels vintage without the thrifted gamble. The cut struck that perfect in-between: relaxed through the leg without drowning me, and just structured enough to feel intentional.
Fabric and construction
The denim felt heavier than most jeans I’ve tried recently, in a way that instantly read as quality. No cheap stretch, no flimsy softness — these had weight, like real denim. The seams were clean, and there wasn’t a single loose thread. Plus, no weird chemical smell (a small but underrated win).
✂️ Fit, Feel, and Quality
Once I got them on, I understood why the reviews were so dramatic. They didn’t just fit—they made sense. You know that rare feeling when something hits the right spot on your waist, doesn’t squeeze your hips, and still gives you shape? That.
Fit on first try
I ordered my usual size, and to my shock, they slid on without the usual denim dance. No pulling, no pinching, no “maybe I should’ve sized up.” They sat right at the waist—high but not bellybutton-high—and skimmed the hips just enough to feel tailored, not tight. Bonus: they didn’t gape in the back (truly a denim miracle).
How they move
These aren’t stiff “stand and look pretty” jeans. I could sit, bend, and do the casual ankle-cross thing on the couch without discomfort. The fabric had a natural drape, and while it’s not stretchy, it gave just enough when I moved. They stayed put all day, no constant adjusting.
Stitching and details
I always check the little things: pocket symmetry, button sturdiness, clean inner seams. Abercrombie didn’t cut corners here. The hardware feels solid, the zipper glides easily, and the back pockets are actually functional. I wore them for five hours straight the first day—zero regrets.
⚖️ Compared to the Other Jeans in My Closet
I’ve tried my fair share of “cool girl” denim—some great, some forgettable. So to give these jeans a fair shot, I lined them up next to two of my usual go-tos. The results were surprisingly clear.
VS Everlane’s ’90s Cheeky Jean
Everlane’s jeans have been in my rotation for a while, mostly because of their comfort. But next to Abercrombie’s, they felt almost too soft. The Abercrombie pair had more structure and shape, which meant they held their silhouette longer through the day. The Cheeky Jean still wins on waist comfort, but style-wise? Abercrombie had more polish.
VS Levi’s Ribcage Straight
I used to swear by the Ribcage—but they can be a bit intense with the ultra-high rise. On my shorter torso, that sometimes feels overwhelming. Abercrombie’s rise hits lower, but still high enough to feel flattering. Plus, I didn’t have to fight them after every wash, which has been a Levi’s issue for me.
🙃 What Worked, What Didn’t
Even with all the good, I like to keep it real. No pair of jeans is perfect — but these came close. Here’s what stood out (for better and almost-better).
What I loved
The shape was the first thing that won me over. They looked just as good with a cropped sweater as they did with a tucked button-down — not every jean can say that. The wash felt expensive, in that subtle, low-effort kind of way. And can we talk about the no waist gap situation again? That alone made them feel like a custom fit.
What could be better
Okay, tiny gripe: the waistband could use a hint more stretch — especially post-brunch. Not a dealbreaker, just something I noticed by hour five. Also, the fabric weight is a bit much for hot weather, so I won’t be reaching for them mid-July. But for now? They’re winning my denim drawer.
☕ Made the coffee run cut
Comfy enough for errands. Cute enough to stay out.
🛍️ Would I Wear Them Again? Final Thoughts
Let’s just say these jeans didn’t get folded away — they went straight to the “hang where I can see them” section. I’ve already worn them three times this week, which is pretty much my version of a standing ovation.
How I’m styling them
They’re my new go-to with a black ribbed tank and my oversized blazer for coffee runs that turn into late lunches. I’ve also dressed them up with a square-toe heel and a tucked silk blouse — shockingly good date night energy. And on Sunday? Just sneakers and a sweatshirt, still felt like a full look.
Who they’re perfect for
If you’ve been hunting for jeans that walk the line between trend and timeless, these hit it. They feel current without being try-hard, and classic without feeling stiff. Anyone who’s tired of denim that needs too much fussing will get it.
Abercrombie’s High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean is the rare kind of denim that actually lives up to the hype. Not perfect, but close enough that I’m already eyeing a second pair — maybe the black wash next. Would I wear them again? Already am.
Style is personal, but good taste speaks loud.
