What is special about good American jeans?

Earlier this month Khloé Kardashian and Emma Grede launched a buzzy new denim brand called Good American Denim. The cause for the buzz (beyond the obvious Kardashian affiliation)? This new line will run from size 0 to size 24. Could Kardashian, known for her skinny-jeans-and-bodysuits uniform, and Grede, a businesswoman who happens to be married to one of the founders of Frame Denim, really create a brand that looks as good on a size 0 as it does on a 24? And every size in between? With a cast of 13 women (one for each size the jeans come in) ELLE.com put them to the test.

Emily, size 14

What's your #1 issue when it comes to buying jeans? I'm larger around my stomach, but I have skinnier legs, so it's often tough for me to find jeans that don't bag at the knee, but aren't too tight at the waist.

How did you feel when you tried on these jeans? I really like these jeans. They were comfortable (and high-waisted, yay!) but also fit in the knee. I'm not that short and not that tall, so it can be hard to find the right length, but these were perfect and hit right at the top of my booties. The only thing I'd change is I'm not so into jeans that have a different wash at the knees and thighs from the rest of the jean (#teamdarkdenim). However, now that I've tried these, I know I'd really like to check out the rest of the line.

How do you think these jeans fit you? These were true to size, for sure!

When I find an amazing pair of jeans I feel: Powerful.

Brooke, size 4

What's your #1 issue when it comes to buying jeans? I finally disavowed skinny jeans (they're really just calf prisons designed by the patriarchy!) Freeeeedom! But now I can't figure out what should replace them.

How did you feel when you tried on these jeans? Like I looked better in them when I was in high school. They're a little too light and too torn for my taste.

How do you think these jeans fit you? They fit but are very stretchy. Maybe too stretchy. I could pull them down without unbuttoning. Which is comfortable, but I'd be concerned about them sagging.

When I find an amazing pair of jeans I feel: Like Ponce de León, the intrepid 16th-century Spanish explorer who legend has it discovered Florida while seeking the fountain of youth.

Julie, size 0

What's your #1 issue when it comes to buying jeans? Not knowing what size I actually am.

How did you feel when you tried on these jeans? Like I could comfortably sleep on a red eye.

How do you think these jeans fit you? The denim is super stretchy. I could size up or down and it wouldn't be a problem.

When I find an amazing pair of jeans I feel: Like Pablo. JK JK. I feel like taking butt selfies.

Leah, size 2

What's your #1 issue when it comes to buying jeans? The #1 question I ask of my jeans is: Do you make my ass look good? Good jeans have the power to do this. Once that's checked off (pocket placement is everything) then I consider length (I generally like my denim to hit just above my ankle, but that's always an easy fix) and leg width.

How did you feel when you tried on these jeans? Like I was wearing leggings! They were very comfortable and very tight. Good plane jeans.

How do you think these jeans fit you? True to size. They were snug (a little too snug for my liking) but, hey, they are meant to be skinny jeans.

When I find an amazing pair of jeans I feel: Confident and comfortable. The best combination.

Gena, size 10

What's your #1 issue when it comes to buying jeans? Waist-to-hip ratio—jeans that fit my butt tend to gap at the waist. My #2 issue, if you're interested in that as well, is length and being too lazy to get things hemmed.

How did you feel when you tried on these jeans? Overall, I like these jeans. They have my two key elements of a good pair of jeans: a super high rise and a dark rinse. They are very, very stretchy, which is comfortable, although not always the most flattering on me, but it did eliminate the dreaded waist gap problem. I would wear these for sure.

How do you think these jeans fit you? I tried these on in three different sizes and honestly didn't notice much of a difference between any of them. That said, I settled on a pair that's my typical size, so they seem pretty true to size to me.

When I find an amazing pair of jeans I feel: I'll let you know when I find a pair.

Mckenzie, size 18

What's your #1 issue when it comes to buying jeans? Finding a pair that are big enough to fit my thighs and butt, but small enough in the waist to avoid that awkward gaping problem. Ugh.

How did you feel when you tried on these jeans? I felt great! I tend to go straight for the Forever21+ line for my denim, because I find their jeans to be more forgiving than other lines—especially non-plus brands. But to my surprise these jeans slid on very easily and were extremely comfortable.

How do you think these jeans fit you? True to size. Perfect fit on the thighs and butt without the horrible huge waist! They felt snug and comfortable, even without a belt (which I never skip). Also, I loved the high waist.

When I find an amazing pair of jeans I feel: Badass (and relieved, because it doesn't happen that often LOL).

Annalisa, size 24

What's your #1 issue when it comes to buying jeans? Finding jeans that fit all of my curves. A lot of times the jeans that are large enough to fit my hips are too large in the waist area, leaving a gap between the jeans and my lower back.

How did you feel when you tried on these jeans? I felt great! I loved the stretch in the jeans—it made the jeans super comfortable and they hugged my curves in all the right places.

How do you think these jeans fit you? They fit pretty true to size, and the stretch definitely helped too!

When I find an amazing pair of jeans I feel: Ready to take on the world.

Nikki, size 6

What's your #1 issue when it comes to buying jeans? Like most cuties with booties, the dreaded waist gap.

How did you feel when you tried on these jeans? I liked them! I'm generally not into severe distressing, but I found that these not only felt nice but also photographed pretty well.

How do you think these jeans fit you? I probably could have gone down a size.

When I find an amazing pair of jeans I feel: On fire!

Areina, size 22

What's your #1 issue when it comes to buying jeans? Being a size 22, the #1 issue for me is finding an actual pair of jeans in any store that isn't specifically catered to the 'plus' size.

How did you feel when you tried on these jeans? Honestly, I felt super excited to try them on. Maybe it was the atmosphere, maybe it was my preconceived idea that I would look just like Khloé(if not a little shorter, haha) once I got them on. There is certainly some hype about these jeans! Everyone is talking about them. I felt like a celeb.

How do you think these jeans fit you? The jeans run absolutely true to size and fit perfectly in the waist and on my behind, but they were a bit baggy at the ankle, which was weird. The destruction was awkwardly placed—I wasn't really into the frayed hole way down my leg on my shin. Random.

When I find an amazing pair of jeans I feel: Like I need to take 27 selfies of my booty and immediately post them all over social media because I look so good.

Alexis, size 20

What's your #1 issue when it comes to buying jeans? Fit. I have much larger thighs and hips than waist so I often have pants that fit my bottom, but have an annoying gap in the waist. I often have to buy one or two sizes up and get jeans tailored, which isn't convenient.

How did you feel when you tried on these jeans? I felt good trying on the Good American jeans. They have a great stretch in them and were super soft and comfortable. They looked and felt great.

How do you think these jeans fit you? The jeans were my true size and didn't tug or gap anywhere. I did realize halfway through the shoot that they looked and felt even better when I pulled them up higher onto my waist. They had so much give yet weren't loose!

When I find an amazing pair of jeans I feel: Sexy, confident. Casual, yet cute.

Denise, size 16

What's your #1 issue when it comes to buying jeans? Making sure the jeans have a flattering fit, giving a fantastic 360-degree view (especially in the thigh and derriere area), and are affordable!

How did you feel when you tried on these jeans? I like that Khloé is giving fashion versatility for women of all sizes. Some of the jean styles were a bit adventurous for my personal style, but are definitely on trend. Once I tried on a few pairs, I found a great wash and fit that made me feel confident…and a little sexy!

How do you think these jeans fit you? The jeans run pretty true to size. They have great stretch and are proportionate to the hip, thigh, and leg, especially for those ladies that are vertically challenged like me. Some of the jean styles I noticed had a little more spandex percentage so were more stretchy that others. Which means if you like them a little more snug, you could potentially go a size down. Who doesn't love that?!

When I find an amazing pair of jeans I feel: Like I've conquered the world! It's a fab find that I can't wait to share with all my girlfriends!

Jessica, size 12

What's your #1 issue when it comes to buying jeans? Thigh-to-waist ratio! I've got some thick thighs and hips, so I often have to size up in jeans or find a pair with really good stretch to accommodate my legs while still being flattering. Once I do that, though, I'm often left with pants that have a gap around my waist and only look good with a belt or need to be altered. I just feel awkward and like I'm better off in a dress.

How did you feel when you tried on these jeans? I range from a size 8 to 12, but frankly the 12s were just too big. Too long, too loose, and did nothing to flatter my figure. I tried on a size 10 and size 8 and felt amazing, though! The fabric smoothed in all the right places and has a great waist-to-thigh ratio that made me feel curvy and womanly without feeling restricted at all. I would definitely buy these jeans but would try on multiple sizes before settling on one.

How do you think these jeans fit you? Large in the waist.

When I find an amazing pair of jeans I feel: Like Beyoncé. Bootylicious.

Kristina, size 8

What's your #1 issue when it comes to buying jeans? It's difficult to find a pair that feels sturdy—not starchy!—enough to flatten my tummy but not flatten my backside at the same time.

How did you feel when you tried on these jeans? I really, really liked them. They hugged my butt perfectly, nipped in my waist, and felt comfortable enough to do yoga in but didn't obviously look like jeggings (the worst). I loved the way they hit at my waist. Sometimes high-waist jeans awkwardly hit right below the belly button then there's some unflattering spillage that happens when you sit down, not to mention the nuisance of constant pulling-up that goes on throughout the day! This pair quelled any of those worries. I didn't want to take them off!

How do you think these jeans fit you? I tried on both a 6 and 8 and each one fit perfectly. This 8 felt true to size—no uncomfortable pinching or sucking in required.

When I find an amazing pair of jeans I feel: Like I could literally be wearing a potato sack on top and still feel confident.

Nikki Ogunnaike is the senior digital director of Harper's Bazaar, where she oversees a team of editors and writers who cover the culture of style across the website, video, and social media. She has previously held roles at GQ, ELLE, Glamour, InStyle, and Vanity Fair. You may also recognize Nikki from her time as the host of Snapchat’s Online, IRL and IGTV's The Run Through. In her free time Nikki enjoys running half marathons, learning about wine, and watching reality TV without an ounce of shame.  

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