ME+EM Jeans: Every Fit Compared, With Sizing
ME+EM jeans are cut mostly from Italian cotton denim, in fits named for what they do: the Leg Elongator kick flare, the Engineered Barrel, the Very Wide Taper and the Super Wide. Most have a mid waist and a rigid, non-stretch finish. The ME+EM Leg Elongator Jean in Authentic Dark Wash ($470) is the one to try first. Every pair is on our ME+EM page and in the denim edit at Coveti.
This guide compares every current ME+EM jean fit, explains how they size, and shows what to wear with each.
ME+EM jean fits at a glance
| Fit | Leg | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leg Elongator | Tailored, kick flare | Full | Lengthening the leg, heels and boots |
| Crop Kick Flare | Kick flare | Cropped | Flats, ankle boots |
| Engineered Barrel | Curved barrel | Ankle | Loafers, petite heights |
| Tailored Barrel | Pleated barrel | Ankle | A smarter barrel look |
| Engineered Curve | Dramatic barrel | Cropped | A bolder shape |
| Very Wide Taper | Wide, tapered | Full | Volume with a neat ankle |
| Super Wide | Wide | Full | Long, fluid lines |
| Straight Crop | Straight | Cropped | Every day |
| Slim Crop | Skinny | Ankle | Tucking into boots |
The fits, one by one
Leg Elongator. ME+EM calls it the ultimate everyday staple: fitted at the waist, falling to a kick-flared hem that gives the illusion of height. It comes in Authentic Dark Wash ($470) and Black Wash ($530), the black made in Italy from a midweight Italian cotton denim. ME+EM makes it in two leg lengths. For a shorter version, the Crop Kick Flare Jean in Authentic Mid Blue Wash ($430) is fitted at the hips with front patch pockets.
Engineered Barrel. Engineered seams create a curved crop leg. The Engineered Barrel Jean in Authentic Dark Wash ($450) is the classic, and ME+EM notes that it suits petite heights. There is also a leopard print Brown Multi ($470) version, a lightweight denim, and a Charcoal Wash ($470) pinstripe denim.
Tailored Barrel. The Tailored Barrel Jean in Black Wash ($450) adds single pleats and a side seam insert for a smart, tailored barrel. Also in Authentic Dark Wash ($450).
Engineered Curve. The Engineered Curve Jean in Charcoal Wash ($450) has a straight side seam that curves in at the hem for a more dramatic barrel, with a high waist and a button fly, in organic Italian cotton.
Very Wide Taper. The Very Wide Taper Jean in Authentic Dark Wash ($470) is a lightweight, rigid Italian cotton denim with a very wide, tapered silhouette, also in Black Wash ($470) and an Ecru/Indigo pinstripe ($470).
Super Wide. The Super Wide Jean in Authentic Dark Wash ($470) is a fluid, lightweight non-stretch denim with front patch pockets that keep the hips flat. The Super Wide Flare Jean in Authentic Mid Blue Wash ($530) adds a super-flared hem and pressed front creases.
Straight and slim. The Straight Crop Jean in Authentic Dark Wash ($450) is midweight Italian denim with fading and distressed patches. The Relaxed Straight Crop Jean in Charcoal Wash ($450) is the relaxed version. The Slim Crop Jean in Authentic Mid Blue Wash ($430) is ME+EM’s modern skinny, with 2% elastane for stretch.
How ME+EM jeans fit
ME+EM sizes its denim by waist in inches: the brand’s model is a UK 8 and wears a 26. Most styles are rigid, non-stretch cotton, so they feel firm at first and soften with wear, and they will not stretch out the way a stretch jean does. ME+EM says most fits, including the Leg Elongator, Engineered Barrel, Engineered Curve, Super Wide, Crop Kick Flare and Straight Crop, fit true to size. Two are different: on the Tailored Barrel and the Very Wide Taper, the brand recommends sizing down from your usual size because of the relaxed fit. The Slim Crop is the only style here with elastane; choose your usual size. Our ME+EM size guide has the full size conversions.
What to wear with ME+EM jeans
- Leg Elongator: a tucked silk shirt, a blazer and a heeled boot. See what to wear under a blazer.
- Barrel: a cropped cashmere jumper and a loafer. Our barrel-leg trousers guide has more.
- Very Wide Taper: a fitted knitted vest over a shirt; see how to wear a knitted vest.
- Super Wide: a fitted knit, a long wool coat and a pointed flat.
- Any dark wash: a silk baby tee for dinner; see our evening tops guide.
For trousers beyond denim, read our ME+EM trousers and jeans overview.
How to care for rigid denim
Wash jeans inside out, cold, and as rarely as you can: every five to ten wears is plenty. Dry them hanging, never in a tumble dryer, which shrinks cotton and fades the wash. Rigid denim relaxes slightly at the waist with wear and tightens again after a wash; this is normal.
Frequently asked questions
Do ME+EM jeans run small?
Most fit true to size. ME+EM recommends sizing down on the Tailored Barrel and Very Wide Taper because of their relaxed fit. Sizes are waist in inches; a UK 8 is typically a 26.
What is the ME+EM Leg Elongator jean?
A mid-waist jean fitted through the waist and hip that falls to a kick-flared hem, designed to make the leg look longer. It is cut from Italian cotton denim.
Are ME+EM jeans stretchy?
Most are not. They are 100% cotton rigid denim. The Slim Crop Jean has 2% elastane for comfortable stretch.
Which ME+EM jean is best for petite women?
The Engineered Barrel Jean, which ME+EM says works well for petite heights, and the Crop Kick Flare. Both have shorter leg lengths that show the ankle.
Where are ME+EM jeans made?
Many ME+EM jeans use Italian cotton denim, and some, such as the Leg Elongator in Black Wash, are made in Italy. ME+EM is a British label designed in London.
How much are ME+EM jeans at Coveti?
Current ME+EM jeans on Coveti range from $430 to $530 depending on fit and fabric.