I sure am glad I read other reviews before ordering these recently-redesignated jeans so that I could order my old size and also one larger.
Background — I used to wear the "Natural Fit" until I realized that the tighter waist was causing a hiatal hernia (my job requires a LOT of bending at the waist). The correspondingly-sized "Classic Fit" jeans solved that problem completely for me.
These new "Traditional" jeans are NOT sized like the "Classic Fit". The size I used to wear now has almost 2" less at the waist (I physically compared the two) even though the remainder of the jeans fit as before. One size up, and the waist is once again OK ... but the rest of the jeans fit baggy.
I used to value LL Bean products for durability and consistency in sizing. Not anymore. What good does "durable" do me if I can't get something that fits the way I need it to, the way it always did? It would be my problem if my physical dimensions had changed, but they have not — it's definitely the jeans.
I'll have to make do with the larger size for now (I have to wear something to work; fortunately I'm in a nonpublic area so the funny looks will only be from co-workers!) but will have to start looking elsewhere for jeans that fit ME.
I bought these jeans in my usual size 8P. The waist is too tight and the thighs are too baggy. I got a pair of the Comfort Knit Jeans in the same size, they fit very well. These are going back.
I haven't bought jeans in a long time because most of them are geared for the younger set who like low rise, hip hugger styles.
I was also afraid to order online for fear of having to return items that did not fit. I read the descriptions and reviews for the traditional fit and the natural fit and couldn't decide what would be best. I am a size six with a defined waist and slightly full hips and about 5'4" tall. I took a chance and ordered both the traditional and natural fit in a six in the regular length.
I was pleasantly surprised when the jeans arrived and both styles fit very well even though the leg length is a tad too long. I save the traditional fit for days when I'm at my best and the natural fit for days when I've broken away from my usual eating regimen. As for the length, I'm hoping that a few washes will shrink the length a little bit.
In addition to the fit, I think the fabric weight is excellent and the jeans are very well made. I will definitely order them again. It's nice to know that someone still makes jeans in a traditional fit. Not all of us like pants that hit below the belly button!
