Madewell first entered my orbit back in high school, when my denim standards were beginning to outgrow the racks at Forever 21, Zara, and T.J. Maxx. I became enamored with the idea of a one-stop denim destination—one that offered every silhouette, wash, and rise I could possibly want, all under one roof. At the time, the price point felt like a stretch compared to what I was used to spending. But for premium denim that actually delivered on fit and fabric, I was more than willing to make the investment.
More than a decade later, Madewell remains one of the most reliable players in my closet. If anything, the brand has only sharpened its point of view. While their accessories now hold just as much real estate in my wardrobe as their denim, jeans are still where they shine brightest for me.
Of the dozen-plus pairs I’ve collected over the years (excessive, maybe, but I stand by it), none get more wear than the Madewell Dean Easy Straight Jeans. I own them in four washes and rotate them constantly—a true rarity in my denim drawer. So what makes this particular pair worthy of repeat status? Let’s get into it.
PSA: It’s a great time to shop these jeans, as most washes are on major sale. But it gets even better, because you’ll get an extra 30% off with code LONGWKND.
About The Madewell Dean Easy Straight Jeans
For anyone searching for the sweet spot between a loose jean and a classic straight leg, the Dean Easy Straight delivers. For years, I struggled to find a true straight fit that worked. Most pairs felt either too snug at the hem or overly fitted through the leg, defeating the purpose of that relaxed, effortless silhouette straight jeans are meant to offer.
Over the past year, I’ve also moved away from rigid high-rise styles. Personally—and across many of my clients—I find a mid-rise far more flattering and wearable day to day. The Dean strikes that balance beautifully. It’s structured enough to feel polished, yet relaxed enough to avoid looking fussy or overly buttoned-up.
Another standout is the range of washes and fabrications. From vintage-inspired fades to more structured denim blends, each version fits slightly differently—which, in my case, justified owning more than one (or four).
In Monessen Wash
The Monessen Wash was my first foray into the Dean Easy Straight, and the pair that sparked the entire obsession. If you’re looking for an entry point, this is a strong one.
Though labeled a rigid denim, they’re surprisingly soft, with a broken-in feel that’s comfortable from the start—no lengthy break-in period required. The wash leans vintage-inspired, complete with a raw hem, subtle distressing near the pockets, and a slightly yellowed, sun-faded finish that mimics a true thrifted find.
I reach for this pair most in the warmer months, where the lighter wash feels seasonally right. They look especially good styled with a loose cuff at the hem, which enhances the relaxed straight-leg shape.
In Birkdale Wash
The Birkdale Wash is my newest addition—and quickly becoming one of my most worn. I’m especially obsessed with Madewell’s extra-soft but zero-stretch Airy Denim fabrication, which manages to feel incredibly comfortable throughout the day while still maintaining the polished look of a true rigid jean.
The wash itself is a perfect year-round mid-blue, with minimal whiskering and a clean finish that makes it endlessly versatile. It wears like your quintessential straight-leg denim—the kind you spend years searching for to anchor your everyday outfits (or maybe that’s just me).
In Greendale Wash
The Greendale Wash is similar to the Birkdale at first glance, thanks to its comparable mid-blue tone, but the two differ in fabrication. While Birkdale comes in Madewell’s Airy Denim, Greendale is offered in a more traditional rigid construction.
Visually, Greendale leans more worn-in, with heavier fading and whiskering that give it a distinctly vintage feel. It reads slightly more broken-in from the start, which makes it an easy choice for casual, everyday styling.
I tend to wear this pair with a simple white tee and an oversized blazer for that effortless, lived-in look. It’s one of those reliable washes that pairs seamlessly with just about anything.
In Foundry Wash
The Foundry Wash comes in Madewell’s SoftDrape fabrication. This is a zero-stretch denim made with lyocell and a hint of wool, setting it apart from the brand’s Airy Denim (which blends lyocell and Tencel). The result is a slightly heavier weight that feels especially suited for this time of year. However, it still maintains that soft, drapey feel that makes them comfortable for all-day wear.
The wash itself is deep and saturated, with minimal fading or whiskering. It’s a rich, inky dark blue that feels increasingly hard to find. These jeans are polished, versatile, and ideal when you want a cleaner denim option that still reads relaxed.
How to Style the Madewell Dean Easy Straight Jeans
While I’m typically all about juxtaposition when it comes to styling—think blazers with dresses or sneakers with tailored trousers—I actually prefer to keep things more classic when working with a straight-leg jean.
I’ve found that a slim base layer, like a fitted turtleneck, tank, or simple tee, creates a clean foundation and allows the denim’s shape to take center stage. It also leaves room to layer an oversized blazer on top without the outfit feeling bulky or overworked.
I also like to experiment with tucking the jeans into boots for a more directional, streamlined effect. The way the straight leg subtly balloons over the shaft of the boot adds shape and gives the denim a slightly more fashion-forward feel, all while still staying true to its classic roots.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.
Products included in graphics linked within article. Feature graphic images credited to: Tinsley Crisp and Madewell.
The post These Madewell Jeans Are So Good, I Own Them in Four Washes appeared first on The Everygirl.
