By Kristen Philipkoski / Source: Eat, Sleep, Denim

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These Citizens of Humanity Melanie jeans are still available in several sizes, so I thought I’d finally write up my official review of these wide-leg, cropped, high-waisted specimens. I acquired them more than a year ago, and since then, scores of wide-leg, cropped copycats have emerged. (And just in case the CoH site doesn’t have your size, I’ve listed some similar alternatives at the end of the post).

Brand: Citizens of Humanity

Style: Melanie Wide-Leg Crop

Color: Retro

Price: $238

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Fit and Fabric:

I’m historically a 28 in Citizens of Humanity, and I’ve been wearing this CoH since the brand launched in 2003. The Melanie’s are a little different because they are 100% cotton with zero stretch. I’m sorry I have to say they this but they are snug in the crotch. It’s just an unpleasant word (and an unpleasant feeling) but, alas, how else to describe it? It’s more noticeable while sitting, not so much while standing. The waist is 10 and 1/4 inches high and sits slightly below my belly button. I’m 5′ 4″ and the length hits right about at my ankles. They are a little snug in the thighs, and fit at the waist pretty well, although there is a slight gap after wearing them for several hours.

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Look:

This silhouette in my opinion is extremely fun, though likely to be misunderstood by some. Certain heterosexual males might even consider them repellent. I believe they are the type of garment that inspired the Man Repeller blog. Still, if you care not whether heterosexual men or anyone else approve of your jeans, which I do not, they are refreshing, bohemian and substantial.

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Feel

As I mentioned above, these jeans are rigid with no stretch, and therefore, unless you size up, aren’t a great choice for sitting all day or lengthy traveling on a plane, train or automobile. I do like the sturdy feel of these jeans, and they hold their shape nicely.

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