FASHION | THE STANDARD » By Jen Tai

There is no wardrobe staple quite like a well-fitting pair of jeans.  I’ve tried so many different cuts and brands: J.Crew, Gap, Banana Republic, Madewell, J.Brand.  Each had their own quirks; ones that fit my legs were too tight up top, others that fit my hips had pant legs that were too loose. My conclusion to myself was always, “Maybe if I lose some weight, these would fit better…” At 5’7”, I’m a bit too short to fill out ‘regular’ length jeans, but ‘short’ is definitely too short.  My closet’s best friend became a local tailor in downtown Berkeley that fixed them for me.  (A little skinnier here, shorter here, this guy does it all.  He knows what’s trending and how to make it happen for you: “Do you want your jeans to be cropped above the ankle?” ).  

But in San Francisco, Levi’s is king, and it isn’t without reason.  After discovering these, I now cannot wear any other kind.  The Curve ID boasts that it will fit like it’s made just for you, and well, they’re right.  The jeans come in Slight, Demi, and Bold at different rises and range from skinny to bootcut.  If you order online, you can also specify what length you’d like!  Oh Advanced European tailoring, it’s not you… it’s me.

At all the stores, sales associates are trained in fitting every girl to her perfect cut.  On a trip to the Levi’s outlet in Vacaville, I was standing in the changing rooms with my roommate remarking how the jeans felt comfortable but were a bit too loose at my hips.  Immediately, two associates came over and started to examine me.  I usually want to be left alone to shop in peace, but they were indispensable.  With their help, I discovered that I needed to try both a smaller size and a different Curve ID.  As I was walking around the store afterwards, multiple employees came up and asked me if I needed to get fitted for a new pair.  

It is no secret to me now why Levi’s has been around since 1873.  They’re seasoned, they’re classic, but they’re no grandma jeans.  Levi’s is continually innovating.  Have you heard of their Water<Less products that use 96% less water in the dying process?  As per their suggestion, when there are no stains and I don’t need to shrink my jeans back into shape, I now put my jeans in the freezer instead of the washing machine to kill the germs!  This keeps my pants from fading, and saves water.   

I now own two Levi’s pairs of Demi Curve Modern Rise in ultra black for weekdays and light gray for weekends.  My office is business casual, and the darkness of the ultra black makes them work-appropriate.  The 2% elastic makes the jeans comfortable and durable, but not stretch too much by the end of the day.  I regularly bike in mine and they definitely can take the wear.  No thin pant seats yet!  I love that every morning I can put on my Levi’s and be ready for whatever adventure awaits!

LEVI’S, levi.com, sold online, at Levi Strauss stores, Levi’s outlets, and select department stores, $50-90

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Jen Tai is a designer and musician living in the SF Bay Area. She’s passionate about the discourses of the built environment, Asian American identity, and faith. Originally hailing from the East Coast, she loves travelling to and learning about new cities. You can often find her biking, cooking, singing, crafting, and exploring.

Follow Jen on Instagram @bicoastaljet and view her portfolio and blog.

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