We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals.
We tried Reformation's popular straight leg jeans, here's what they look like on three different body types
Three shopping experts put the brand's new straight-leg jeans to the test.
It's no secret that finding a pair of jeans that look and feel good is hard. The complications caused by inconsistent sizing and various fabric differences alone could result in a multiple-hour shopping ordeal. Then I wondered: Could a trio of shopping experts find a pair of jeans that check both the "look" and "feel" boxes on three different body types? To answer this seemingly impossible question, I reached out to two of my fellow Yahoo editors to put Reformation's Abby High Rise Straight Jeans to the test.
Reformation's denim has an almost cult-like following. Those who love the jeans can't say enough good things about them, but they aren't as common in closets as styles from brands like Levi's or Gap. The Abby High Rise Straight Jeans are one of the newer additions to the brand's offering and are "designed to be fitted throughout with a straight leg." This style comes in sizes 23-34 and six washes that range from your classic blues to sequin-covered; the non-sequin washes retail for $168 while the sequined styles go for $198. Each wash has a slightly different fabric makeup (spoiler: some are stretchier than others), but they all get the same care instructions: wash on cold and line-dry.
Keep reading to see what the Reformation Abby High Rise Straight Jeans look like on three different women and to hear our impressions after giving them a test drive.
The Abby jeans are fitted at the waist with a straight leg. Dress them up or down — they're sure to be one of the most versatile styles in your closet.
Ellie Conley, Senior Commerce Editor
Ellie tried the Abby in the Galway wash in a size 28. She is 5'2".
First impressions "Based on my past experience, I usually go up a size in Reformation jeans. A lot of them (including this pair) don't have any stretch, so I like to make sure I have a little room to move in them. The Galway wash is labeled as a "medium-weight non-stretch denim," but they feel incredibly soft."
How's the fit? "I'm built pretty straight up-and-down, and the waist fits snugly, but they seem to have a little extra fabric at the sides of my hips that I'm just not filling out. They have a 'pinched waist' kind of fit. As a shorter gal, I also tend to pay close attention to the rise of jeans — this one is 12 1/8-inches, which is pretty high on me. Additionally, they have a 30-inch inseam, so I'll have to wear these with booties or heels only, or take advantage of the brand's free alteration services and get them hemmed. That said, I like how they look! I just wish they came in petite sizes for a more perfect fit."
Would you recommend them? "I like that they have a more relaxed leg without looking like wide-leg jeans. They're also pretty comfortable; the wash is perfectly worn in, and I like that they have a zipper fly versus a button fly. I probably won't get them hemmed and will wear these with chunky sweaters and booties for the rest of the season. I have a few other pairs of Reformation jeans made with the same denim fabric and they wash really well too. However, I'm not sure I would buy them again, just based on the rise. I wish they had a mid-rise fit — but that's probably why Reformation made its Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans! I would recommend the Abby jeans to anyone who wants a pair of quality straight-leg style jeans, with the caveat that if you're around my height, you may want to try the Cynthia (shorter inseam) or the Val (shorter rise) instead."
April McCormick, Senior Health Editor
April tried the Abby in the Lanier wash in a size 31. She is 5'4".
First impressions "I was honestly amazed. I was initially impressed by how heavy the denim was, and not in a bad way – the quality is outstanding, which allows for plenty of stretch and give, but still holds the structure of the jeans."
How's the fit? "The cut and wash are not my usual go-to, I tried the Lanier wash, but the pants fit perfectly and hug my curves beautifully! I was also pleasantly surprised by the length. Being 5'4", when I try on high-end jeans, I usually find myself standing in a puddle of designer denim, but not with these Refs – the hem falls perfectly with my heeled boots."
Would you recommend them? "I really like the jeans due to the high-quality feel and the weight of the denim. I can tell these will be my go-to for comfort for many years. I would recommend Reformation jeans, in general, due to the quality and price point. The straight-leg style, for me, is a Saturday afternoon comfort jean and is great for errands and running around."
Julia Webb, Senior Commerce Manager
I tried the Abby in the Galway wash in a size 26. I am 5'11".
First impressions I wear jeans almost seven days a week, but I had never tried on a pair of Reformation jeans until the Abby, and, right away, I understood why they're so popular. They fit my waist perfectly and didn't gap in the back, while the straight leg was flattering and not overly baggy. At first, the denim felt a little stiff, but after wearing them for about an hour, they broke in comfortably and seemed to mold to my body without stretching out or becoming loose.
How's the fit? Finding denim can be tough for me, since I stand at almost 6 feet tall, but these jeans are a welcome addition to my collection. I love a true blue pair, and the Galway wash is that ideal medium-blue that isn't too light or too dark. The hem of the jeans hit me right at the ankle, which looks great with sneakers and flats, but in a perfect world, they would be an inch longer so they didn't look just slightly too short when worn with heels. But, hey, this is the same issue I run into with a lot of my jeans — tall-girl problems! Also, I would say the Abby jeans do run true to size. I have to buy jeans anywhere from a size 25 to a size 27 depending on the brand, but Reformation's size 26 was just right for me.
Would you recommend them? I'd definitely recommend the Abby style to any denim lover out there who has retired their skinny jeans but isn't into an overly baggy look. This cut was comfortable while still fitted and looks flattering from all angles (no saggy bum jeans here!). While you can absolutely dress these jeans up (I'm eyeing the Abby in the Vana Sparkle finish for nighttime), they will probably be my new go-to pair for daytime. Thanks, Ref!
You can shop Reformation's entire denim collection, including the Abby High Rise Straight Jeans, on the brand's website.
The Abby jeans come in six washes — take your pick from timeless shades of blue to cream and black.