Editor’s note: The Shop TODAY team updated this article with current pricing.
Over the years, I’ve been open to testing a lot of fashion items, but I can’t lie; I was a bit hesitant when my editor asked me to try a pair of pull-on jeans ... with an elastic waistband, to boot. Let's just say they required me to stray from my usual denim style.
Lee Sculpting Slim Fit Jeans
- Very soft
- Sculpt and slim
- Small waist gap in back
Colors: Five | Sizes: 4-18 | Lengths: Short, regular and long | Fabric: 71% cotton, 25% polyester, 4% spandex
However, I felt better after running the pants by a fashion designer friend who told me pull-on jeans were actually trending. And then there was this — they were Lee brand jeans. In my youth, you were either a Levi’s or a Lee girl. I was the former — loyal to the brand with the iconic red tag on the back pocket. Like an old friend, my perfectly broken-in Levi’s hugged me in just the right places and were my go-to jeans for all the important events in my life, including my first day of college.
But the pair of Lee jeans my editor sent me didn’t look like the rodeo riders of my past, with their U-shaped saddle crotch and button fly. Instead, they had the look and feel of a jegging. Because I’d never given this brand much of a chance when I was younger, I was curious to see how they’d look on my body years later.
Now, I can honestly say my 20-something self would be happy I gave them a try.
Why I like these jeans
These jeans were designed to sculpt and stretch while retaining their hold, and the manufacturer states you can wear them all day without any sagging or bagging. There are three styles in the Sculpting line: a traditional zip-up skinny jean and two pull-ons — the skinny and the slim leg. The skinny is tight in the leg from the hip to the ankle, while the slim is more fitted with less of a hug. I opted for the slim leg.
They slim and sculpt
It’s hard not to be drawn to a pair of jeans that promise to sculpt or slim. The truth is — these do both. They’re also soft and comfortable, like a pair of jeggings, but these offer more substance.
Now, I can honestly say my twenty-something self would be happy I gave them a try.
The material shapes well over the body, thanks to its malleable fabric mix. And the 3-inch slimming waistband sits right in the middle of the waist — not too high, not too low — great for anyone who’s looking to disguise a muffin top. The absence of both the zipper and the button closure makes for a comfortable feel and flattering appearance, as does the lack of functioning (and potentially bulky) front pockets. I hate a skin-tight leg on jeans — one that makes removing pants a nightly struggle — but the roomy lower leg on these pants makes it so they’re easy to take off.
The collection ranges in size on Amazon from 4-18, with short, medium and long inseam options. I’m normally a 2 short in pants but 4 short is the smallest size these jeans come in. I found the length to be a little long if I’m in flats, but fine if I’m wearing heels (cuffing the pants at the ankle helped).
The jeans come in a few washes, though I decided on Infinity and Expedition. I liked them both equally, but the darker hue feels more appropriate for dressier moments.
They offer plenty of styling options
If you’re going to wear a pair of slimming jeans with a 3-inch elastic banding, why not show it off? While testing, I threw on a few hip-grazing and tucked-in tops, though I'd occasional throw some long, flowy blouses into the mix.
When it comes to shoes, it’s easy to pair these jeans with designer sneakers to wear to brunch or dress them up with an ankle or full-length boot for a night out. The narrow bottom opening is also ideal for sandals or flats.
What to consider
I initially noticed some gapping in the back, which isn't uncommon with pull-on jeans. I washed them in hot water (be warned: the directions advise cold) and threw them in the dryer (the label says to dry on low or air dry). Though, they didn’t shrink as much as I had hoped they would.
Since there’s a little too much fabric in the butt, I like to reach for these jeans when I know I'll be sitting for long stretches of time at my computer or if I’m headed out on a road trip. However, some straight-hipped reviewers complain the pants tend to slide down their bodies.
The bottom line
If you’re looking for a pair of super-soft and affordable pull-on slimming jeans that won’t bag or sag, these are worth purchasing.
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Colleen Sullivan is a freelance writer for Shop TODAY, tackling topics such as beauty (with a recent anti-aging piece), or fashion, writing about finds similar to this one.
