A BIG Review of Universal Standard Denim (Updated for 2024)

What clothing category do you find is the most challenging to shop for?

Wait, wait, don’t tell me – let me guess:

Is it denim?

(It’s probably denim).

At least, that’s always the category I struggle with most, and the one I seem to hear the most grumbling about.

Jeans are almost always too short, too long, too tight in the hips, too saggy in the bum, and are you seriously trying to convince me that these are pockets?

Shopping in-store for jeans is kind of a nightmare, too. They’re heavy to tote around the store, and trying them on in those teeny tiny fitting rooms kind of feels like you’re trapped in a wrestling ring (but the opponent is yourself).

Alyssa wears a pair of jeans on the roof of a parking deck

Alyssa wears white denim from Universal Standard

I turned to trying things on at home long ago, and haven’t looked back. The ability to make a thoughtful decision on whether or not to keep an item, plus the dignity of getting dressed at home, is worth the hassle of ordering and potentially returning online.

And one of the major game-changers in inclusive fashion has a ton of denim inventory right now – from everyday classics to the fully on-trend.

Note: I received the pieces shown here in exchange for a social post, however, this post is not sponsored. This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a small commission to offset my site's hosting fees - at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Universal Standard’s denim section isn’t limited to just blue jeans (though there are plenty of those!). Denim jackets, skirts, overalls, and tops are all in the mix – and everything is available in the full 00-40 size range. If you’ve noticed your sizing feels consistently off with other brands, it might be time to give Universal Standard a try.

Readers can save 10% on their next Universal Standard order with my exclusive code INFS-AMBWAYWARD.

Rather than grading their sizing from a small sample size and working their way up, the brand places the average size, 18, at a medium for more accurate distribution. You can find your US size on the chart below:

Source: Universal Standard

Today I’m sharing a look at some of my favorite styles from Universal Standard’s denim section – the Donna High Rise Curve Straight Leg Jeans, the Lou High Rise Barrel Leg Jeans, the Kelsey Denim Jacket, the Carol High Rise Jeans, the Karlee Stretch Cotton Twill Cargo Pants, the Jackie High Rise Cropped Jeans, the Carrie High Rise Wide Leg Jeans, and the Joni High Rise Curve Slim Leg Jeans:

UNIVERSAL STANDARD DENIM REVIEW

Donna High Rise Curve Straight Leg Jeans (Black)

Alyssa wears all black with a white beret and walks down stairs in Charlotte

Alyssa wears the Donna jeans from Universal Standard

Alyssa walks in Uptown Charlotte wearing Universal Standard's Donna High Rise Curve Straight Leg Jeans

A closeup of the Donna High Rise Curve Straight Leg Jeans from Universal Standard

A style for curves? Yes, please. The Donna High Rise Curve Straight Leg Jeans, shown here in the 27-inch length, are designed for bodies with a hip difference of 10 inches or more (I like to think of them as cousins to the Etta, which have a straighter fit through the hips).

I’ve struggled to find a pair of solid black straight-leg denim with no whiskering or distressing, and I am glad I took a chance on this pair. They’re not perfect – despite being a short length, the rise is really high on me (and I love a high rise!), leading to some bunching in my midsection. But they’re comfortable for travel and so far, the high stretch content hasn’t led to them bagging out. As always, I machine wash US denim on cold and hang it to dry.

I have one fit note for this pair, and that is to ignore the recommendation to size down in the black colorway. Universal Standard’s black denim runs notoriously small compared to the other washes, so take your usual size in black.

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Donna High Rise Curve Straight Leg Jeans (Stonewash Indigo)

Alyssa wears the Donna High Rise Curve Jeans in blue with a cream sweater and flats in two photos

After trying the Donna in the black wash and feeling thrilled with how they fit in the waist (no gaping!), I couldn’t help but try the same pair in the Stonewash Indigo. Over time I’ve learned that Universal Standard’s blue denim tends to run a little bigger than the brand’s black denim, so I sized down from my usual 6 to a 4. It was definitely the right call, as this pair fits like a dream!

The fabric of the blue version of these jeans has significantly more cotton, and it’s obvious in the hand feel. This pair feels much more sturdy and substantial than the black pair, but I can still move about easily thanks to the 2% stretch. Despite having the same high rise, this pair sits a bit flatter at the waist, making it feel more polished. This pair is my go-to on days when I want to look put together in my denim – I just wish the inseam was one inch longer on my 5’4″ frame. I’m tempted to give the 32-inch version a go so I can hem it to a less-cropped length.

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Donna High Rise Curve Straight Leg Jeans (Distressed Indigo)

Alyssa wears the Donna Jeans in three photos

Alyssa wears the Donna jeans in two photos to show the distressed denim

After loving the fit but wishing the 27-inch version of these jeans was just a smidge longer, I finally caved and ordered the Donna High Rise Curve Straight Leg Jeans in the tall option with a 32-inch inseam. Following my instincts, I sized down to a 4 once more.

As expected, this inseam is far too long on me and requires cuffing, but hey, at least my ankles aren’t bare! I’m currently torn between cutting the hem and leaving it raw (leaning into the distressed finish) or hemming them shorter – but because I’m dealing with decision paralysis I haven’t made the snip yet.

Length and decisions aside, the distressed denim feels fun and playful, if a bit manufactured. The whiskering at the hips feels a little unnatural (maybe even crooked?), but the super soft and stretchy material makes these jeans a good choice for getting a little messy in – and maybe I’ll even wind up with some authentic distressing on my own.

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Lou High Rise Barrel Leg Jeans (Union City Blue)

Alyssa wears the Lou High Rise Barrel Leg jean with a white tee and sneakers

Alyssa wears the Lou Barrel Leg jeans in two photos

Alyssa wears the Lou High Rise Barrel Leg jean with a white tee and sneakers and faces to one side

I’ve been on the hunt for a pair of barrel-leg jeans for quite some time (longtime readers may remember this post), and I was immediately drawn to this pair as the Lou High Rise Barrel Leg Jeans went through five rounds of fittings to perfect the cut. I sized down per the recommendation, to have a more snug fit through the hips rather than going full-on oversized. They fit beautifully through the hips and legs, and the bottom hem hits at my current preferred length.

They are pretty stretchy, but also quite sturdy – the kind of jeans you’d reach for when spending hours in the car or on the plane. I’m a little tempted to size down once more to bring the waist in a smidge – it feels a little loose, although I’m not getting an obvious gap – but it’s nothing a belt can’t handle.

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Lou High Rise Barrel Leg Jeans (Broken Black)

Two photos of Alyssa wearing the Lou Barrel Jeans in Broken Black

Two photos of the author wearing the Lou Barrel Jeans in Broken Black

Two photos of Alyssa in Universal Standard's Lou Barrel Jeans in Broken Black

Phew. I audibly exhaled when I pulled the Lou High Rise Barrel Leg Jeans in Broken Black up over my hips. This was my first venture with the brand’s softer black dye, and despite pouring over the reviews which all said to size way down, I was still pretty nervous that they would be snug.

I’ve never worn a size 2 in my life, but I’m so glad I picked it for this pair because the fit is just right: not droopy at the waist, but relaxed the rest of the way down. Although the materials are identical, this pair is noticeably lighter in weight, with much more drape. I find myself reaching for this pair on those days where I don’t feel like putting much effort into getting dressed, because they give off the same unbothered vibe. Add a cropped top or slim tee to balance out the baggy silhouette, and you’re good to go.

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Kelsey Denim Jacket (White)

Alyssa tosses the Kelsey Denim Jacket behind her

Alyssa cuffs the sleeves of the Kelsey Denim Jacket from Universal Standard

Alyssa wears the white denim jacket from Universal Standard in two photos

If I’m not mistaken, the Kelsey Denim Jacket is my first denim jacket in at least a decade. I’ve always loved the idea of a denim jacket – it’s a great way to dress down a too-dressy outfit – but just didn’t love wearing blue denim on my upper half. Not only is a white denim jacket a great compromise, but it’s also incredibly practical as it can pair with just about any outfit. And this one is like the Goldilocks of jean jackets: it’s neither one of the teeny tiny jackets of yesteryear nor the super oversized kind that will make its way out of style soon enough. The Kelsey is somewhere in between – a classic.

I waiver between a 3XS and 2XS in Universal Standard, but I choose the smaller of the two as I expect to wear it mostly in the warmer months. With the exception of the sleeves – you can see I have to cuff them, as I need to do with just about all jackets – it fits like a dream. Thankfully, the cuffs only add to the casual nature of this look.

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Kelsey Denim Jacket (Black)

Alyssa swings the Kelsey Denim jacket around to put it on

Alyssa wears a black denim jacket from Universal Standard in two photos

Alyssa gives two peace signs while wearing the black denim jacket

Alyssa wears the Kelsey Denim Jacket from Universal Standard in two poses

So nice I ordered it twice!

Double denim goes in and out of style so quickly it’s hard to remember when it’s actually trending – but I find pairing blue and black denim together doesn’t net a Canadian tuxedo vibe. I’m clearly very impressed with the Kelsey Denim Jacket, and frankly, more than I want to be given its high polyester content. But it’s super soft and stretchy, moving with me instead of constricting me, as 100% cotton denim jackets can sometimes do.

I went with the larger of the two sizes here for layerability (that’s a word, right?), as the darker denim lends itself to cool-weather clothing. Until it’s sweater time again, I’ve adjusted the back buttons to cinch in the waist a smidge.

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Carol High Rise Jeans

Alyssa wears white denim with a white tank, and black accessories

Alyssa wears white denim from Universal Standard in two photos

Whew, I’m glad I took my usual size in the Carol High Rise Jeans instead of sizing down as I sometimes do with this brand. Since I selected them, Universal Standard has made a recommendation to size up in this style for the best fit.

White denim is notoriously hard to get right, and this pair comes pretty close. Though it has the same cut and fit as a flowy pair of white trousers, the Carol is quite structured. There’s no clingy drape from the base of the hips downward – the legs stay nice and straight, hanging away from the frame. I like the drama it adds to this look.

But my issues with this pair lie with the fit and the sheer fabric. On me, the waist blissfully doesn’t have any gaping, but I would have loved an extra inch in the hips to reduce the pulling. In “real life” this is less noticeable than in photos, so I can live with it – but what is harder to manage is the see-through-ness. Nude-to-you undies are always going to be best under light clothing, but the Carol High Rise Jeans are sheer enough here that I don’t think you can tuck in any vibrant or dark tops without them showing through.

I’m hanging onto this pair for now as it fills a gap in my wardrobe, but only time will tell if they’ll grow on me enough to stay for good.

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Carol High Rise High Stretch Jeans

It’s hard to believe these jeans have the same fabric composition as the white pair above. Yet the Carol High Rise High Stretch Jeans do seem to have more stretch to them all the same. I suspect it has something to do with the dyeing process, but that’s a little out of my wheelhouse.

Whatever it is, I really love this pair in Daydream Blue more than its counterpart. I noticed they switched to numeral sizing for this batch, and it feels like they dialed in the fit a bit more. This pair is comfortable for all-day wear (yes, even while sitting!) and the length is just perfect for my 5’4″ frame.

The one quibble I have is the rear pockets, which are too small and sit too high for my liking. I know I offer a lot of area to cover, but I feel like in general, Universal Standard’s pockets are always a little awkward…

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Karlee Stretch Cotton Twill Cargo Pants

Alyssa wears the cargo pants from Universal Standard in two photos and jumps in the air

Alyssa wears a pair of black cargo pants and a white tee

Okay, technically these are now under the Pants section of the site, but at one point, they could be found under the Denim header.

If you’re the kind of person who reacted to the news that cargo pants were back with an, “oh no,” the Karlee Stretch Cotton Twill Cargo Pants might just be the only pair you’d consider wearing. The fabric is super stretchy and wrinkle-resistant, the waistband is elastic (but there are belt loops in case you want to conceal that fact), and the pockets are simply waiting to be filled with all of your snacks.

If a pair of trousers and a pair of cargo pants had a baby, it would be these. I sized down per the recommendations, and the fit is basically fantastic. I think these will make great travel pants!

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Jackie High Rise Cropped Jeans

Alyssa wears a white tank, blue jeans, white huarache sandals, a straw hat, and a navy bucket bag in two photos, which are set in front of a green wall

I don’t know if you feel the way I do, but to me, the Jackie High Rise Cropped Jeans scream summer! The drapey fabric, the cropped length, the cut hem – this pair seems to bring out the sunshine even on a winter’s day.

But how do they fit? Universal Standard advises you to take your regular size in this style, and I fully agree. While my inclination is generally to size down to a 4 in most blue denim from the brand, I am glad I stuck with a 6 here. The fit is almost perfect – there’s no gaping at the waist (I was worried as this technically isn’t one of their curvy styles), but I’m getting some creasing across the hips because the rise is so high.

Unsightly creases aside, the high-stretch content and summer-weight fabric mean this pair is made to move – and I will be living in them in the warmer months. I just have one stylistic request for the designers of this style: please consider making the zipper just an inch longer, as the proportions look a little wonky to my eye.

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Carrie High Rise Wide Leg Jeans (True Blue)

Alyssa wears the Carrie High Rise Wide Leg Jeans in two photos with a black linen top and polka dot chunky heels

The 70s called, and they are incredibly jealous of the Carrie High Rise Wide Leg Jeans. These wide-leg jeans have all the vintage flair, minus the rigid 100% cotton feel.

I first tried this pair on in my usual size 6 at Universal Standard’s Charlotte pop-up and nearly swooned – but they were just a tad too large. The team didn’t have a 4 on hand, but the stylist and I both agreed that going down a size would be a good idea. Thanks to a recent sale, I caved and ordered the True Blue pair in a 4.

That feels like the right call, though with so much stretch and so much fabric at the waist (when they say this pair has an ultra-high waist, they mean it), I feel like I could maybe have sized down to a 2 – but I’m enjoying how comfortable this pair is. Well, except for the length.

I like to shoot the photos for my reviews without any alterations because I want to give you a realistic look at a garment – but this pair is destined for a hem date with my sewing machine. I plan on keeping them on the long side, but I want to be able to wear this pair with flats without dragging them on the ground.

Other than the length and a smidge too much fabric at the waist, I do have one other little gripe with this pair, and that’s the pockets. They feel comically tiny for such a high-waist cut, and they’re set up a bit too high on the bum. I know, I know, it’s supposed to be lifting – but on me, it comes off a little awkward. I guess the good news is I can’t see myself from the back!

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Carrie High Rise Wide Leg Jeans (Black)

Alyssa wears the Carrie Wide Leg Jeans in black with a black tank, black heeled sandals, and a silver bag in two photos

For whatever reason, my brain can’t seem to comprehend that these jeans and the previous ones are both the Carrie High Rise Wide Leg Jeans. If I had to drill down on why they trick my eye, I’d say it’s because of the dye. The Black denim here is an incredibly deep, rich color with no fading whatsoever, while the True Blue looks lived-in. The former feels buttoned up, and the latter feels ready to get down.

There’s room for both vibes in my world, and I relish having a trouser-like black pair of jeans in my wardrobe for dressier occasions.

I recommend taking your usual size in Universal Standard’s solid black denim, and I’m glad I took a 6 here. Something about the deeper dye leads to much more of a holds-you-in feel, and I’m certain that sizing down would leave me with a pair that is way too snug at my waist. But in your normal size? Well, I think the kids would say that this pair leaves your waist snatched.

Still, they’re not quite perfect – while I don’t mind the pockets on this pair so much because they disappear into the dye (they’re still a little too small and a little too high, but much less noticeable), the legs are far too long for practical wear. To the sewing machine I go, friends.

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Joni High Rise Curve Slim Leg Jeans

Alyssa wears the Joni Jeans with a blue tank and white sneakers

Alyssa wears the Universal Standard Joni Jeans with a blue tank and white sneakers

Is this it? Is this the pair of jeans that will make me fall back in love with skinnies again? I felt it was only right to add a slim pair of jeans to this roundup, and with a curvy fit, the Joni High Rise Curve Slim Leg Jeans seemed like the best way to dip my toe back into the skinny jean water.

The fit and fabric of this pair are impeccable—despite the fact that slim jeans always read the same as skinny jeans on my curvy legs, save for the opening at the ankle. There is significantly more ease throughout the leg in the model photo than in my personal experience, but I don’t think it’s worth sizing up and losing the proper fit at the waist. Anyway, I like the structure of this particular denim fabric in a curve-hugging jean the best.

I will say that I feel like Universal Standard misses the mark with whiskering in general, and this pair is no different. It reads as unnatural to me and looks a bit crooked to my eye. I want whiskers that look like I earned them through years of adventures. I’m not reaching for this pair that much at the moment, but I’m glad to have them in my drawer for the day skinnies return to my frequent rotation.

*this product is no longer available and a comparable item is linked

FINAL THOUGHTS ON US DENIM + AN EXCLUSIVE UNIVERSAL STANDARD DISCOUNT CODE

Alyssa wears two styles of denim included in the Universal Standard sale

Denim may be one of the most challenging categories to shop for, but for once, size availability isn’t the issue. With comfortable, stretch denim available in the industry’s largest size range, 00-40, I genuinely appreciate how accessible this brand has made its clothing. While I’ll be the first to admit that Universal Standard’s clothing can sometimes lean more “basic” than “trendy,” denim is one category where their styles feel refreshingly contemporary.

The comfort and styling of their jeans have led my denim drawer to be largely dominated by this brand. If I’m traveling in jeans for any length of time, chances are I’m wearing Universal Standard denim. That said, one word of caution: due to the high-stretch content, you should avoid tumble-drying your US denim. Instead, machine wash on cold and hang to dry. It’s a small price to pay for the quality and comfort you get, but it’s well worth it.

Should you decide to order any of the pairs above (or anything else!), I’m happy to share that readers of Wayward can save 10% on their next purchase from Universal Standard – even on top of sale! – by using code INFS-AMBWAYWARD. Be sure to leave a comment sharing which styles you’re stacking – and thanks for supporting the brands that support this blog!

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Looking for more of my favorite Universal Standard pieces? Find them all in one place!

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Is denim your toughest category to shop for, too? If so, what’s the next toughest one?

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3 Comments on “A BIG Review of Universal Standard Denim (Updated for 2024)”

Allie Mackin says:

March 29, 2023 at 2:26 pm

AGREED. Jeans are a challenge for sure. In fact I have to do a major jeans purge and get some new ones. Glad you found some pairs that work for you.

Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com

1. Alyssa says:
  
  March 29, 2023 at 2:57 pm
  
  It’s funny – my partner never complains about finding jeans in his size, because they’re sized in a way that makes sense. But jeans in the women’s section are always a toss-up.
  
Amanda says:

October 29, 2024 at 3:46 am

Great outfits, although in my opinion the baggy jeans are a bit off