Grlfrnd Karolina Jeans

Jeans Shopping is Not for the Faint of Heart

Finding the perfect pair of jeans can be an epic quest. The Holy Grail of denim – that magical combination of fit, fabric, wash and style that makes your butt look amazing. As a curvy girl, I know the struggle is real. But I was determined to find my soulmate jeans, and I had heard great things about GRLFRND’s Karolina style. So I embarked on a journey to discover everything I could about them and whether they lived up to the hype. Come along for the ride!

I’ve never been a skinny jeans kind of girl. I need something with more stretch and forgiveness in a classic silhouette. Mom jeans are okay, but I find the rise is often too high and ends up being unflattering. I love a good straight leg or bootcut, but they can exaggerate my hips. The Karolina, with its contoured waistband, button fly, and slim-but-not-too-slim leg seemed like a potential perfect fit.

But jeans shopping fills me with dread. The dressing room lighting is fluorescent-harsh, and nothing makes you criticize your body more than pinchable waistband gaps and visible panty lines. Not to mention the psychological torture of figuring out sizes when every brand seems to use a different system. I knew I needed to prepare if I was going to survive the process.

So I did my homework on the GRLFRND Karolina jeans to arm myself with knowledge before braving the denim battlefield. If I could understand the sizing, fabrics, and fit ahead of time, hopefully I’d shortcuts some of the frustration. Here’s what I learned in my quest to find my ideal pair.

What Exactly Are GRLFRND Karolina Jeans?

Los Angeles-based GRLFRND Denim is known for their vintage-inspired, supermodel-slim fits. The Karolina is one of their signature styles, beloved for its just-right straight leg silhouette. It sits below the natural waist, with a contoured waistband that is thick and rigid at the back for a smoothing effect, and angles down slightly at the front.

The Karolina has a button fly, five pockets, and a raw unfinished hem. It comes in a range of premium denim fabrics with varying amounts of stretch and in a rainbow of different washes. From distressed and ripped styles to clean dark indigos, it seems like there’s a Karolina to suit every woman’s personal style.

Deciphering the GRLFRND Size Chart

Jeans sizing is confusing, but GRLFRND makes it slightly simpler by using numerical sizes 2-12 based on waist and hip measurements. The size chart lists a size range for each number along with stretch fabric percentages.

For example, the size 6 (my usual size) has a waist of 26″-28″ and hips of 36″-38″. The fabric content percentages indicate amount of stretch – 77% Cotton, 21% Polyester, 2% Elastane has minimal stretch while 64% Cotton, 30% T400 Modal, 6% Elastane has maximum stretch.

I found this more straightforward than the typical 00-20+ system most brands use. Just measure your hips and waist, find the size with the closest match, and choose higher or lower stretch based on preference. Easy peasy!

Selecting the Perfect Wash & Distressing

With the sizing question solved, I could move on to the fun part – picking the wash! GRLFRND offers the Karolina in a range of blue and black tones ranging from dark indigo to medium denim. I ultimately decided on a medium wash for versatility.

Some Karolina styles also feature intentional distressing like ripped knees or thigh holes. While cute, I worried excessive rips would snag on my curvy bits. I decided to go for minimal fraying on the hem only. The dark wash Karolina jeans have very subtle whiskering and fading as well, giving a worn-in look I love.

Trying Them On In-Store for the Best Fit

Once I selected my size and wash preferences online, it was time to head to the store to try them on. I visited several department stores and boutiques, eventually tracking down four different Karolina options to try.

The size 6 ended up being spot on. The waist was snug but not uncomfortably tight and the hips and butt had enough room without gaping. The contoured waistband smoothed everything out and stayed in place while I moved around. The fabric had the right amount of stretch to be comfy without losing its shape.

I did size up to a 28 inseam for a little extra length. With heels or boots, the regular inseam would have been too short. Trying everything on in person definitely helped nail the fit.

Breaking Them In for All Day Comfort

My new jeans felt great in the dressing room for five minutes, but I was curious to see how they’d hold up all day. On my first full wear, I was thrilled that they passed the comfort test! The waist stayed put and didn’t dig in. The fabric kept its structure but had enough give that I didn’t feel restricted.

There was some minor gapping at the back waist as I sat and moved, but not enough to bother me. And no painful pressing into my belly after a big meal! The jeans felt like they were made for my body – a rare unicorn find.

Perfecting My Look from Day to Night

A good pair of jeans should transition effortlessly from running errands to dinner and drinks. Another perk of the Karolina is how well they work for both casual and dressier situations.

During the day, I paired them with sneakers and a graphic tee for weekend errands and a cozy oversized sweater and booties for a coffee date. Dressed up at night, they looked great with some strappy heels and a silky cami.

I love the dark wash for going out – makes my legs look extra long! The medium tone also works year-round – lighter for summer with sandals and tropical prints, darker for winter with leather jackets and rich hues. These jeans really do it all!

Worth the Investment for Premium Quality

At around $200 the Karolina jeans are an investment, but I find the price justified by the fit, fabric, and construction. They are made in the USA with premium denims designed to mold to your body and last for years.

I have budget jeans that fall apart after a few wears and washes. With proper care, these should hold up beautifully and be worth the cost per wear over time. Waiting for sales or buying pre-owned can also help cut down on the price.

For me, paying more for an impeccably fitting pair that makes me feel amazing is worthwhile. Though it did take some trial and error to find the perfect fit, I’m glad I took the time to get it right. You can’t put a price on confidence!

Keeping Them Looking Fresh Wash After Wash

High quality jeans deserve proper laundering care. I try to avoid over-washing, spot cleaning when possible, and doing gentle machine cycles in cold water when needed. Hang drying helps maintain the shape and color too.

Inside out washes can prevent fading and retain the vibrancy of the indigo. Protecting the dye and finishes will keep my Karolinas looking like new season after season. Following the included care instructions helps justify the investment too!

Expanding My Collection with More GRLFRND Denim

Now that I’ve found my holy grail jeans in the Karolina, I’m hooked on GRLFRND! I love the focus on a vintage vibe with a modern flattering fit. Next on my list to try are the Sylvia straight leg, Mariela bootcut, and Resolve distressed boyfriend – all in my new perfect size 6 of course!

I used to dread jeans shopping, but getting the sizing and fit right has given me the confidence to keep exploring. Understanding what works for my body makes pulling together the perfect pair so much easier. I can’t wait to grow my collection of these vintage-chic denims.

Flattering Jeans Do Exist – Don’t Settle for Less!

If my journey has taught me anything, it’s don’t settle for denim that’s anything less than amazing. No more pinching waistbands, awkward gapping, embarrassing transparency issues, or restrictive can’t-breathe fabrics. With some savvy research and trial and error, you can find your dream jeans too.

For me, the Karolina in a dark medium wash and size 6 ends my search for the perfect fit. The waist-smoothing band, tailored leg, and body-sculpting super stretch denim combine into a magical alchemy of confidence-boosting perfection. If you think great fitting jeans don’t exist for your body, don’t believe the lies! Your denim soulmate is out there, go forth and find them. You deserve to feel just as amazing as I do in my GRLFRNDs!