Denim Review: James Icon Motorcycle Skinny Jeans

As you’re all probably aware by now, I try on a lot of jeans. Pairs upon pairs. And if you’re anything like me, you’re probably cringing at the thought. Finding the right fit, the perfect length, something that actually flatters your body – it’s no easy feat. The process can cause serious emotional stress. But then you find them – the jeans that make your heart, your legs and your butt happy. I mean, am I right? They’re all involved.

I had the percolation of these feelings when I first laid eyes on these James Jeans Icon Moto skinny jeans. Something about their detailing just grabbed me. True, jeans always look better on the fit model online than they do on me, but I had this vision that I couldn’t not love these jeans. Sure enough, when I pulled them on, buttoned the closure and turned to face myself in the mirror, I was in love.

The Denim

Unlike the James Couture jeans I tried out a couple of weeks ago, these fit like a perfectly-molded glove from the get-go. They have a lot of stretch (very similar to their ‘Twiggy‘ jean), especially in the (contoured) waistband. This is ideal for me as a strong size 27, but if you teeter between, you can probably size down. They’re also cut from an incredibly soft denim (97% cotton, 3% Lycra) and will hug you like a denim legging. They have a 7 and 3/4 inch rise (mid) and an inseam of 29 inches. The opening hit me just at the ankle with minimal bunching.

The main difference, and what sold me on these jeans is the stitching and detailing on the thighs and knees. There’s fading and irregularity in the dye around the seams, which gives the denim a more worn in and antiqued look. In the black, which is quite nearly charcoal, the effect is like what might happen to your favorite leather jacket after years of wear.

Styling Ideas

I absolutely love ‘moto‘ inspired style. From boots to leather jackets to these jeans, I think they’re the perfect counterbalance to many of my preppier pieces. So on that note, don’t go wearing all your moto gear at the same time. I’m pretty sure you’re not a member of Hell’s Angels. Let motorcycle-inspired pieces add edge to your usual uniform. These jeans would look killer with pointy toe pumps and a silk blouse for a night out, or a super-soft sweater and wedge suede booties for everyday. All-in-all these are a really fun and easy-to-wear alternative to colored or printed denim if you want to spice up your denim look without stepping too far outside the box.

[Photos by Amanda Boyce.]

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Tagged as: denim review, james icon, james jeans, motorcycle style, skinny jeans