I first laid my eyes on the Reformation Cary jeans at the Soho store in New York City. It was love at first sight. The Chesapeake Studded pair caught my attention, and I knew I had to try them on. I grabbed my best friend, and we both made our way to the dressing rooms, which were surprisingly luxurious and technologically advanced. As we stepped out of the rooms, we were both delighted and shocked. Despite having completely different body types, we both loved the subtle slouch, give, and swingy feel of the jeans. It was almost like these jeans were made for us.
But I couldn’t help but wonder, could these jeans be universally flattering? I needed more opinions, so I enlisted three fellow PS editors to join me in testing these jeans through our Vetted series.
I reached out to Alexandra Avdey, Vice President of Buying at Reformation, to get some insider information on the Cary jeans. She shared that the Cary was first launched around the time when customers were shifting away from the super skinny fit. The silhouette was inspired by the brand’s bestselling Mason trousers, which have a similar leg opening. And as expected, the high-rise Cary in the signature Colorado wash became an instant hit. This led to the launch of a low-rise version in September 2024, which is currently the brand’s top-selling denim style. One of our editors had the chance to test the low-rise in Ondine, while I personally own the low-rise in Cleary, which is the third most popular style.
“The Cary is designed to fit like your favorite pair of well-loved vintage jeans. It’s fitted through the waist, and relaxed at the hips and thigh with a wide leg. You can go for your true size or even size up for an ultra slouchy fit. These jeans aren’t meant to be super tailored, so if you prefer a more fitted look, I would recommend trying a straighter style,” Avdey says.
One of the key highlights of Reformation’s denim collection is their commitment to sustainability. The Cary jeans are made with regeneratively grown cotton and TENCEL™ lyocell, with the fabric composition varying slightly across different styles. And when it’s time to retire these jeans, they can be recycled through RefRecycling, the brand’s recycling program. To ensure the longevity of these jeans, Avdey suggests washing them on cold and air drying them.
The Cary has a 32-inch inseam, which wasn’t ideal for some of our more petite editors. However, Reformation offers free in-store alterations, making it convenient for customers to customize the fit of their jeans.
But don’t just take my word for it, keep scrolling to read the reviews from our editors who tested four different cuts and colors of the Cary jeans.
Editor 1: The Cary in Ondine
“I had the opportunity to try the low-rise Cary in Ondine, and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. As someone with a pear-shaped figure, I was concerned about the fit around the hips and thighs, but these jeans were incredibly flattering. The wide leg was also a nice change from the skinny jeans I usually wear. Overall, I would highly recommend these jeans to anyone looking for a comfortable and stylish option.”
Editor 2: The Cary in Cleary
“I am absolutely in love with the low-rise Cary in Cleary. The fit is perfect for my hourglass figure, and the wide leg adds a touch of drama to any outfit. I also appreciate the fact that these jeans are made with sustainable materials and can be recycled. I have already received so many compliments when wearing these jeans, and I can confidently say that they are worth every penny.”
Editor 3: The Cary in Colorado
“I was initially hesitant to try the Cary in Colorado, mainly because I wasn’t sure if the high-rise would suit my body type. But as soon as I put them on, I was blown away. The fit was just right, and the high-rise actually accentuated my curves. These jeans are incredibly comfortable and versatile, making them a must-have in any wardrobe.”
Editor 4: The Cary in Black
“Black jeans are a staple in my wardrobe, so I was excited to try the Cary in this classic color. And I was not disappointed. The low-rise was perfect for me, and I loved the vintage feel of these jeans. They are also
