Breaking in jeans is a unique pain I subject myself to that in the moment never feels worth it, but once it’s done I forget the struggles of bending over, sitting down and just generally being a person who needs to be able to do more than just stand there. I had long coveted a pair of Decade jeans to call my own. They seem to be the quintessential cool person jean with every pair I saw on someone else being an amazing fit, even with the variety of body types.
This past summer I decided to treat myself to a pair of the Alex jeans in Porto. The site describes the style as the perfect unisex jean that is slim without being too skinny with a comfortable rise. I call them my Barbie leg jeans because when I first got them I could only sit like Barbie, a bend in the waist, none in the knees. Since getting them I have *nearly* broken them in. Since I got them at the beginning of summer I didn’t actually wear them for the first few months of owning them because Vancouver was a heat dome, the planet is on fire and even being naked was wearing too much this summer. Below is my break-in process so far.
Determining my size / about ratio-fit
I was lucky enough to be fitted for these jeans with Decade designer and founder, Molly at a pop-up making it super convenient to try on multiple sizes. Their site is also a great resources for determining your size. What makes Decade Studio unique is their Ratio-Fit, a concept created by Molly. It uses tons of data using the proportions and measurements of real people to formulate three fits available in an impressive 25-50 size range. It also takes weight distribution into considering. The Alex fit is for those who find they carry weight in their tummy, or if you have no hips, or butt (ME). The Pamela is best suited for those who carry weight in their butt and thighs while the Bonnie fit is for those in-between both.
Initial fit
Lord, have mercy. While getting the jeans on were easy, doing anything in them was near impossible. A standing jean if I’ve ever worn a pair, my friends were subjected to me undoing my pants at every get together while I tried to break these jeans in. When I’m upright, best butt ever. When I have to sit down, don’t judge me. I have to undo my pants. Initially they felt tight EVERYWHERE. Through the bum, across my midsection, throughout my thighs and behind my knees. I tried not to wear them any days where I wouldn’t have to wear them all day but rather out for the occasional errand or lunch. Unsure if this was me trying to slowly ease into discomfort or if I have been going jean-free for way too long (hey, we are in the third year of a pandy, cut me some slack.)
Current fit
My guess is that I have worn them less than a dozen times but they’ve already relaxed a fair amount. I don’t think they’re completely broken-in quite yet since I have yet to wear them for more than a few hours at a time but I don’t usually have to undo my buttons after a large meal (doesn’t mean I don’t, just means if I’m in public I can resist.) Not that I would wear my jeans to a workout (I’ve seen other people do it, and honestly, send them to jail) but I could probably do one slow squat in these now.
Final Verdict
Decade Studio checks off a lot of boxes for me. With a limited amount of SKUs they are really able to focus on quality without mass production, made with Italian denim and is handmade in Portugal, locally and female-owned, size-inclusive. I’ve met Molly a handful of times, and let me tell you, she’s great. Worth supporting 100%, her passion for inclusivity and quality pieces really shines through when you ask her about Decade. The website, fit guide, and images of multiple models in multiple sizes is so useful. Still on the fence? You can also book a virtual fit-session with Molly to find your ideal fit.
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