Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean review

Madewell's The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean is the high-rise jean we would send most women to first, because it pairs a high-fitted waist with the widest set of size ranges on this list. One product page offers Standard, Petite, Short, Tall and Plus, and a Curvy Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean at the same $148 adds a zero-gap waistband with more room through the hip and thigh, which is the usual fix for a high waist that slides or gaps at the back. The fabric is premium Cone denim in 67% cotton, 21% TENCEL lyocell, 11% polyester and 1% Lycra, which Madewell labels Comfort Stretch and describes as a holds-you-in feel that moves with you. It closes with a zip fly and is marked as a best seller, with 28 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5. The drawbacks are the $148 full price and the missing rise measurement in inches; shoppers who want a published number should compare Everlane's 12.25 inch rise.

Who it is for

women who want a high waist in a petite, tall or plus cut

Price

$148 on madewell.com as of November 2026.

The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean $148
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• High-fitted waist on a wide leg, part of Madewell's Perfect Vintage collection
• Premium Cone denim in 67% cotton, 21% TENCEL lyocell, 11% polyester and 1% Lycra
• Comfort Stretch fabric that Madewell says gives a holds-you-in feel
• Standard, Petite, Short, Tall and Plus sizing on one product page
• A Curvy version with zero waist gap and more room in the hip and thigh, also $148

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Five size ranges plus a separate Curvy cut for the same style
• Strength: Marked as a best seller with 4.8 out of 5 from 28 reviews
• Strength: Some washes of the same jean were marked down to $89.50 when we checked
• Weakness: $148 full price is about three times Old Navy's list price
• Weakness: The product page labels the rise High-Rise but does not give a rise in inches
• Weakness: Stretch blend will not hold a rigid shape like the 100% cotton Citizens of Humanity pair

Key facts

• Price: $148
• Rise: High-Rise, high-fitted waist
• Fabric: 67% cotton, 21% TENCEL lyocell, 11% polyester, 1% Lycra
• Sizes: Standard, Petite, Short, Tall, Plus; Curvy version
• Reviews: 4.8 out of 5 from 28

Where it ranks

Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean is No. 1 in our Best High Rise Jeans verdict and No. 1 in Best Wide Leg Jeans.