Ann Taylor LOFT Jeans Review | Girlfriend Jeans (2024)

I love jeans. Prior to blogging I worked in the beauty industry, and before that I spent five years in the denim industry. Even before my “real adult” days, I worked in retail selling jeans. They are part of my weekly – if not daily – uniform, and I always love shopping for a good new fit or wash. I also know how challenging it can be to find the perfect pair of jeans. I recently tried LOFT’s newest denim silhouette, the girlfriend jean. They are comfy, casual, and perfect for every day, and in this post, I’m sharing a full review and two ways to wear them.

Thank you to LOFT for partnering on this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

LOFT is an Ann Taylor sister brand that skews more casual and playful. From affordable jeans and sweaters to cute accessories and their Lou & Grey loungewear line, I promise you can find something cute that catches your eye.

Over the course of the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to try a handful of LOFT jeans. (My current favoriteblack skinny jeansare from LOFT.) I’d put LOFT denim in the company of Banana Republic or Madewell, but with better pricing, since all LOFT jeans are under $100.

Ann Taylor LOFT Jeans Review | Girlfriend Jeans (1)

So, what exactly are girlfriend jeans? These jeans are fitted (but not suffocating) at the hip, and then have a straight leg all the way down. If you remember boyfriend jeans, they’re basically a slightly more tailored and therefore more polished fit. There are some days when you just want a pair of comfortable jeans that don’t hug your body. And on those days, you’d grab your girlfriend jeans.

The LOFT girlfriend jeans are available in three colors: a light wash, a medium indigo, and a dark wash.

If you’re looking for a rigid denim, you’ll want to pass on these. However, if you want a cotton jean with some stretch, these are for you.

The Girlfriend Jeans Size Reference

For size reference, I am a solid size 4 and wear a size 27 (sometimes 26) in jeans. These are a 27 and fit comfortable, without digging into my body. I would say based on this, they fit true to size.

Rise

LOFT girlfriend jeans are labeled as mid-rise, but don’t let that deter you from at least trying them. High-rise jeans typically fit my body better, but I really didn’t feel like these felt super low. Even categorized as mid-rise, these have a rise of 10.5 inches. For reference, Madewell’s Perfect Vintage Jean – that they categorize as a high-rise – is only half an inch higher at 11 inches.

Inseam

These jeans are full length but meant to be cuffed at the hem. The full inseam is 27 inches.

I’m 5’4” and I cuff these jeans twice.

How To Style The Ann Taylor LOFT Girlfriend Jeans

Casual with Sneakers

When wearing girlfriend jeans with sneakers, make sure that you have your denim cuffed so that the hem hits a couple of inches above your ankle. This is an opinion, but unless you are wearing classic heels, straight leg styles paired can make your legs look shorter than they actually are the length is off. If you don’t like the cuffed look, then invest in a tailor; they will help you get the perfect length for your girlfriend jeans.

You can’t go wrong with a tucked in crewneck tee and classic sneakers, but when it’s cold outside, layer up with a hoodie and a cropped puffer jacket.

Shop LOFT girlfriend jeans

Shop my puffer jacket

Shop my waffle hoodie sweatshirt

Elevated with Booties

Try a pair of heeled ankle boots if you want to elevate your outfit.In fact, I love the tailored look of a fitted turtleneck with a long coat. You could even pair with a blazer or a long cardigan.

This is a great “in between” look for a lunch or dinner.

If you’re looking for affordable denim, take a look at LOFT. I love that their jeans are affordable, and there really is a style for everyone. As someone who lived and breathed denim for year in corporate America, I can attest that LOFT makes quality jeans for the price.

As for the girlfriend jeans style: They are a great, comfortable fit if you don’t want skinny jeans but you also don’t want baggy jeans. Kind of like Goldilocks. These are just right. These run true to size, with a little bit of stretch, and fit straight through the leg.

Don’t get caught up that LOFT calls these mid-rise. These have a 10.5″ rise, and let me tell you, that’s a high rise for most jeans out there!

As someone deeply entrenched in the denim industry for over five years, having worked both in retail selling jeans and later transitioning into the beauty industry before entering the world of blogging, my passion for jeans runs deep. I've had the opportunity to explore various brands and styles, gaining an intimate understanding of denim characteristics, fits, and trends. My experience is not just theoretical; it's hands-on, having spent significant time in the denim industry and keeping up with the latest offerings.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about LOFT's newest denim silhouette, the girlfriend jean:

LOFT as a Brand:
- LOFT is introduced as an Ann Taylor sister brand that is more casual and playful.
- The brand offers a range of products, including affordable jeans, sweaters, cute accessories, and Lou & Grey loungewear.
Overview of LOFT Jeans:
- LOFT jeans are described as comparable to Banana Republic or Madewell but with better pricing (all under $100).
- The author expresses a personal preference for LOFT jeans, citing a current favorite pair of black skinny jeans from LOFT.
Girlfriend Jeans Definition:
- Girlfriend jeans are defined as fitted at the hip but not suffocating, with a straight leg all the way down.
- A comparison is drawn with boyfriend jeans, indicating that girlfriend jeans are a slightly more tailored and polished fit.
Variety in Colors and Fabric:
- LOFT's girlfriend jeans come in three colors: light wash, medium indigo, and dark wash.
- The fabric is described as a cotton jean with some stretch, not rigid denim.
Use Cases and Comfort:
- The author highlights the suitability of girlfriend jeans for comfortable wear, especially on days when comfort is essential, such as when sitting on the ground or traveling in a car.
Size Reference and Fit:
- The author provides a size reference, stating that she is a size 4 and wears a size 27 in LOFT jeans. The girlfriend jeans are said to fit true to size.
Rise and Inseam:
- LOFT girlfriend jeans are labeled as mid-rise but with a rise of 10.5 inches, providing context about the fit.
- The inseam is mentioned as 27 inches, and the author, at 5'4", cuffs the jeans twice.
Styling Suggestions:
- Two styling options are presented:
  - Casual with Sneakers: Recommends cuffing the jeans to hit above the ankle, pairing with a crewneck tee, sneakers, and layering with a hoodie and a cropped puffer jacket.
  - Elevated with Booties: Suggests trying heeled ankle boots and pairing the jeans with a fitted turtleneck, long coat, blazer, or long cardigan for a more polished look.
Affordability and Quality:
- The article emphasizes LOFT's affordability and asserts that the brand offers quality jeans for the price.
Final Thoughts on Girlfriend Jeans:
- The author concludes by describing LOFT's girlfriend jeans as a comfortable fit, comparable to Goldilocks—neither too skinny nor too baggy. The jeans are praised for being true to size, offering a bit of stretch, and featuring a 10.5" rise, which is considered high for most jeans in the market.