This weekend Abercrombie is having their big bi-annual denim sale, with 25% off all denim and 15% of almost everything else! They also reactivated my code AFJEAN for a stackable additional 15% off (unfortunately I believe this might only be for US shoppers).
I’ve tried on various AF denim styles over the years and wanted to compare 3 of their most popular styles, all of which come in multiple inseam options like Short and Extra Short for petites! You can see a video of the fit of each style on me here.
1. 90’s Relaxed Jean
I’m wearing: 24 Extra Short (27″ inseam)
This is probably A&F’s most viral denim style that’s current and flattering without being too trendy, IMO. The cut is reminiscent of my favorite Levi’s ribcage jeans with a few differences (see my Levi’s review here). The A&F has a regular high rise, not as sky high as the Levi’s ribcage, and has a zipper fly instead of a button fly on the Levi’s. Additionally, the thighs on this Abercrombie relaxed style is cut just a little bit slimmer than on my Levi’s. This is a full length style so I take Extra Short to wear with flats, or I could do Short for wearing with heels.
I saw they have a newer Wide Leg style that I haven’t tried yet but am curious about!
I also want to point out my favorite keeper lately – the cutest little sweater vest that’s basically a warm weather version of the striped Emilie sweater jacket I wear non stop. The cut of this vest is a little looser and slightly cropped in length, and is a light/medium weight knit.
2. 90’s Straight Jean
I’m wearing: 24 Extra Short (26″ inseam)
This is a classic full length straight cut jean – not too loose/wide, not too slim. I got this style last year, and have been gravitating more toward the relaxed fit (shown above) or the shorter ankle straight (shown below) when wearing flats or sneakers. I personally feel that this full length straight style looks better on me with a kitten heel or low ankle bootie for a long and lean line.
I also had a chance to try on this cardigan jacket which is very reminiscent to the J. Crew Emilie but did not keep it. The two are pretty similar fit-wise, though the AF is a synthetic blend while the Emilie is 100% cotton. The AF knit is super soft & smooth to the touch, but I’m a cotton fan so between the two I would personally prefer the latter. And the Emilie just came out in a new solid cream color that’s bound to be a spring staple!
3. Ultra High Rise Ankle Jeans
I’m wearing: 24 Short (24.5″ inseam)
These jeans need no intro as they’ve been my most worn denim for over a year now and the EP bestseller for all of 2023! Since these are already a cropped style, at 5 feet tall I prefer to get the Short, not Extra Short. For a similar option with more washes in stock, the Levi’s Wedgie Straight jeans in size 24 x 26 length fit close to these except with a button fly and more rigid denim.
The “dark” wash in this style is currently well stocked in petite-friendly inseams.
My exact chunky cardigan pictured above is nearly sold out and was replaced with a cotton version. Since the original cardigan was a reader favorite, I wanted to try on the update for comparison’s sake! See below for the cotton blend one – I like the new textured material and the cardigan still has the same loose relaxed shape with an even more petite-friendly cropped length. The sleeves on the cotton version are different though with a wide chunky cuff (that I would not fold up one more time), so if you have shorter arms then this might fit long.
