My parents dressed my sisters and I in all kinds of jeans when we were little. Our dad, who owned the original jean bar at Fred Segal on Melrose before opening his namesake Ron Herman stores around Los Angeles, would bring us the best European denim from his buying trips to Milan and Paris. Our mom, who worked alongside my dad, was skilled at getting everyone in our family to look casually in-sync without ever matching. The individual members of a California retail tribe, were we.
I wish I had those jeans today so I could dress my kids, ages five and two, in them. Although, Chrissy’s Chipies (above) would likely be a tough sell – a lot of kids won’t wear denim today. “Track pants and joggers only,” my fellow Jean Stories co-founder Florence Kane texted when I asked what her sons Alec and Magnus wear. Mom and stylist Rebecca Ramsey told me she recently heard a kid call jeans “hard pants.” Ouch. (And, funny.)
Today, I am here to say that cool, comfortable kids’ jeans, from companies that are not Zara, do exist. (Yes, Zara makes great jeans for kids, but you don’t need me to take you shopping there.) I prefer to show you more rarified things, like the Mini Boden Pull-On Pant, which is my daughter Georgia’s favorite. I started buying British-born Mini Boden when I lived in London, and I tell everyone I know in L.A. who will listen how much I love it now. The clothes are quality, with a level of playfulness that feels appropriately wholesome and good. Here is another fun, pull-on style (just in). And how sweet is this denim dress?
For children five and under, I feel elastic waistbands are the way to go. Rebecca, my stylist friend whose son Gus is often in hip, harem-style patchwork pairs, directed me to the ones from Milk Teeth. For babies, All Small Co makes a chambray pant that’s roomy (i.e. diaper-friendly) and very, very soft. (For those who may be new here, I consider chambray a legitimate member of the denim family and a qualifying fabric for this letter.)
It’s hard for me to believe that the 3T Levi’s Trucker Jacket chain-stitched with my daughter’s name (below) is too small for her now. It was given to me before she was born (such a great gift), and seemed huge at the time. Of course, I’ll keep it forever.
Jean Genie Vintage Co – the excellent, Jenna Lyons-approved source for authentic, Made in U.S.A. Levi’s run by Meg Younger in Charleston, South Carolina – has a selection of really great kids’ jackets. I bought one (below) that’s still a bit big for my son Walter and plan to get it customized by Brooke Jaramillo at Large Lemonade. (Again, such a good gift and the holidays are near.)
A few more finds: In search of a denim shirt like the one my littlest sister Kim is wearing in the family photo above, I found this one from GAP (that’s 50% off at checkout). This denim blouse from Louis Louise with these jeans from La Coqueta (yes, that La Coqueta, of Spanish party-dress perfection) would be darling. Chore coat-lovers will appreciate Bellarose’s Pitt jacket and also this one from The Simple Folk. Click, I promise it’s cute.
P.S. If you’re interested in vintage Levi’s jeans for kids, Meg the Jean Genie told me she has a selection not currently listed on her site that she’ll sell to JOJ readers; DM her @jeangenievintageshop to inquire.
Last week, I invited you to Ask Me Anything About Jeans and I am happy so many of you did. Here’s a question that came in from “a petite 5’3” gal” in the United States:
Hey Jane! I’m searching for a good black jean...currently wear B—sides Plein Jean in a black wash, but need something else (especially for a petite 5’3 gal like me!). What are you fave black denim pairs? – Megan Vetri xxFirst, I love the Plein Jean from B-Sides, too, and it helps knowing what Megan is already into. I sent her to look at FEEL’s Genuine Jean in black because, like the B-Sides Plein, it has a straight leg and 100% cotton (non-stretch) construction. The editor and consultant Celia Ellenberg swears by FEEL’s Genuine (she wore them for a Jean of the Week last summer), and Celia is also 5’3.” “I have agonized over buying a pair of FEEL jeans for a few years now,” Megan replied when I sent her my rec. “This might be a sign to take the plunge!”
The other style I suggested Megan try is Mother Denim’s Tomcat Ankle in a black wash called Lasting Impression. I’ve long been a fan of the Tomcat – it’s a solid, button fly high-rise top block that comes in different colors and leg shapes. The Ankle is straight and easy on shorties (it looks really cropped on the model, but that model is 5’10”), and I like Lasting Impression’s tonal hardware.
Jean of the Week: Elizabeth Kelly
It’s hard for me to talk about children’s clothing without mentioning Nights by Wilder, the kids’ pajama company designed by Elizabeth Kelly, who also happens to have great taste in jeans. At the moment, Elizabeth is all about a pair of Slvrlakes that look especially pretty with a Fair Isle cardigan from the next-gen heritage line &Daughter. Both pieces are nearly sold out, but we can still get inspired. Around Elizabeth – multi-business owner and mom of three – it’s hard not to.
As for her pajamas (or pyjamas, as Nights by Wilder is an English company)… none are chicer. Ethically produced between India and London, the colorful sets and nightgowns are pouf-sleeved, smock-shaped, and finished with soft wooden buttons. I love them for my kids (especially when their school hosts “Pajama Day,” a very American tradition that makes me bonkers). “I’m currently working on matching mama ones,” Elizabeth told me. I honestly cannot wait.
What are your jeans?
My jeans are the Grace by Slvrlake. They are a wide leg style with paneled details in the perfect mid-blue wash. Slvrlake does denim so well. The founder Louise [Edgley] (a friend), has nailed craftsmanship with quality and style. I admire the brand’s approach to trends, which they don't follow, sticking to their own timeless, classic rules. It makes them shine in the denim market. They also follow a sustainable, ethical production process and this is essential for me when searching for jeans.
Best memory?
My fondest memory wearing them (so far) is a bit cheesy but I took my kids to their first concert – Harry Styles 'Love On Tour' – and we danced non-stop for 2 hours, which for me makes them the perfect jeans. They have to be able to move!
What kinds of jeans are you most into these days?
I like my jeans to be high-waisted with a straight or wide leg. It's a versatile, elegant style that works with my lifestyle and they make me feel good and cool. I am also into a vintage wash – not too dark, or over-dyed, or distressed. I like them to be feminine with minimal branding and of course a great cut. I am also into a perfect crop for the summer months, often these need a bit of tweaking to get right. It's important that I can wear both trainers and heels with them, and that I can do the school run and dinner and still feel stylish. I generally wear my jeans with shirts, knitwear, silk blouses, and a vintage tee and blazer. I've just discovered the perfect belt from By Malene Birger, which has become a staple for me.
I will never revisit the skinny, low-waist jeans! Those days are well and truly gone.
What’s your denim philosophy? When buying jeans, what matters most?
At 40, I think I've finally mastered purchasing timeless styles vs being influenced by trend. I’ll no longer fall for a jean just because they fit.
I definitely buy into the buy-better-buy-less mantra and am more interested in where my clothes come from and a company's stance on ethical production and sourcing of fabric. Jeans truly are the foundation of my wardrobe and my fail-safe option when I'm being fussy. I have definitely clocked up some hours searching and trying on jeans!
Elizabeth Kelly is the designer of Nights by Wilder, a children’s pajama company focused on ethical production. She is also the co-founder of @skrt_london. Elizabeth lives in Hertfordshire, England with her husband and their three children.
I love helping people find jeans and send many thanks to Megan and everyone who submitted questions last week. Keep them coming. More letters will be answered in the letters to come. Liking, shopping, sharing, commenting, and subscribing at any level is a great way to show your support for my work. As always, thank you for reading.
Jane
"Hard pants" punched my gut hard.
What a great newsletter (& boy did I love the very in sync denim dressing of your youth!). I think kids over the age of 5 still need elastic in their waistbands - my eldest is 7 and a very capable dresser but for ease of pulling on and off for toileting and her busy, on-the-go activities, elastic it is all the way! Here in Australia, there is a label called Huxbaby (or Huxkid for ages 2+) and they often do incredible 100% denim pieces but with elastic waists and generous fits around the seat. All three of mine have worn (more like thrashed!) their items until holes appeared :)