Rolla’s Jeans Honest Review: ‘Suits everyone’
Touted as the latest "It girl’ jeans, shoppers are in a frenzy over the modern take on the vintage flare.
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I expect a lot from a pair of jeans - and I’m always in desperate search of that perfect pair. Those elusive jeans that a busy mum, like me, can throw on at a moment’s notice, knowing they’ll look and feel totally amazing, for any occasion.
I told you I expect a lot, and lately I’ve been wondering if such a jean even exists.
Recently, I delivered a detailed tirade to the news.com.au checkout team about how high-wasted, wide-legged jeans just don’t suit me. “Bring back skinny jeans,” I declared. I even tried to make my own personal statement by wearing my fave pair of skinnies to work, but no one really noticed and I just felt dated. I did hear rumours of skinny jeans making a comeback - but, quite frankly, it’s taking too long and I need to be more current.
But as a short waisted Gen X-er, I find high waisted jeans unflattering, especially with a straight or wide leg. Plus, I’m very particular about tops and well past the midriff stage (been there and done that) so never know how to style high rise jeans.
That was until I discovered Rolla’s collection, in particular the Sailor Jean.
Rolla's Sailor Jeans
Australian clothing brand, Rolla’s is known for producing super cool jeans that offer comfort and relaxed classic style. The Sailor Jean is one of their bestsellers, featuring a high fitted waist with a flare leg, like the traditional sailor uniform - as the name suggests.
Shoppers have been raving about them with comments such as “So flattering and comfortable!’ and “I love these jeans and always get compliments on them when I am wearing them”.
Even with my fear of high waists, these jeans piqued my interest. Could this be my perfect pair?
I was determined to find out, so when the opportunity arose to trial the Sailor Jean, I put my hand up faster than it takes to throw a pair of well worn skinnies in the bin. I also called on two other members of the news.com.au checkout team to join me. We’re all different ages and sizes so you’ll be able to see for yourself how these jeans work - you never know, they just might be your next perfect pair too.
SUSANNAH HARDY, PARENTING SHOPPING WRITER
What I tried: Sailor Jean - Birkin Blue
The minute I pulled these jeans on, I was in love with everything about them from the super dark blue colour to the wide flared leg.
Initially, the denim felt like it might be too firm and rigid, but this was so not the case. With one per cent elastane, there was just enough give for a comfy feel - but not too much to lose its shape. Even after ten minutes, I could feel the fabric easing around my body, yet still giving my mummy tummy the support it needed.
But what about the high waist I hear you ask? I have to say I love it. And combined with the flared leg, it’s an absolute winner. It actually makes my waist look smaller, (unheard of for me in a pair of high waisted jeans), and my legs look longer. They’re like magic jeans! SO flattering. And while the flare is obvious, it’s not over the top - and the length, just above my ankle, is perfect to pair with pumps, boots or casual trainers. I also love details such as the wide hem on the bottom and the two large front pockets.
Styling the Sailor Jean was not as tricky as I anticipated. I’ve been mostly wearing them with a long or short sleeve black tee. My Rolla’s consultant also suggested I double denim them, which I’m keen to try. As far as outer layers, these jeans looked great with my puffer, leather jacket or long wool winter coat.
Final verdict
Rolla’s Sailor Jeans has totally changed my mind about high rise jeans. I’m a complete convert and now reach for them everyday - which makes my life so much easier. I’ve worn them to work, the Sydney Writers Festival, Vivid, drinks with friends, the library - they’re just so versatile, easy to dress up or down and they look and feel smart and stylish, whatever chaos is going on in my day. Best of all they are comfortable and flattering - two words that I rarely put in the same sentence as ‘new jeans’.
It’s official, I’ve found the season’s perfect pair.
HARRIET AMURAO, SHOPPING WRITER
What I tried: Sailor Jean Long - Eco Ruby Blue
I have seen these jeans all over social media, and am well-aware of their cult following. So, when I was given the opportunity to try out these ‘It girl’ jeans, I gladly accepted and can confidently say that they’re worth the hype.
If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I always gravitate towards straight leg or wide leg jeans, so the Sailor Jeans were a no-brainer. I love the super high-rise waist, wide legs, patch pockets, dark-blue denim wash and vintage-look, and I especially appreciate that they come in a variety of sizes including in-between sizes.
The jeans fit me oh-so perfectly especially around my waist and hips, and they really elongate my legs - we’re talking legs for days. They’re also available in an ‘ankle’ length and ‘long’ length – I received the ‘long’ length so they touch the floor when I’m not wearing any shoes or when I’m wearing flat shoes (I’m only 167cm tall FYI) so I do prefer to wear my chunky platform shoes or heels with these jeans. If you’re any shorter than me, then you may want to opt for the ankle length.
While they are flattering, they didn’t really seem to do anything for my butt despite the pockets being “specially angled and shaped”. However, they’re super structured but not stiff and they have a little give so they were surprisingly comfortable.
Final verdict
Overall, I absolutely love these jeans - I love how timeless and versatile these jeans are, and can see myself pairing them with almost any outfit and easily dressing them up or down.
KARA BYERS, PARTNERSHIPS EDITOR
What I tried:Sailor Jean in Birkin Blue
I have long-term jeans buying anxiety. The combination of an hourglass body shape, a new body after having a baby and the years and years of low rise and skinny styles dominating is to blame.
Then I tried the Neuw Lola Mom jeans and things shifted. I felt ready to try again. And be even bolder.
I was sceptical about the shape of these jeans. A wide leg and front pockets on these hips? I didn’t think it would work.
But, my word, it has worked. I haven’t stopped wearing them and everyone compliments me when I do.
I have worn them for work (including days with meetings), a night out, my daughter’s birthday party - just for everything and going everywhere.
They’re super comfortable and they go with everything.
T-shirts, jumpers, blouses, shirts, sparkly tops, sandals, trainers, ballet flats - you name it, these jeans make it look even better.
I was nervous before trying them on. A few people in the team didn’t want to review them as they were worried they wouldn’t suit them, but as you can see from these reviews on three different people with very different body types, they suit everyone.
Susannah and I even went to see them in person as we were unsure. The store manager told us the secret to finding a great fit is all about assessing the fit of the seam at front and back and always bearing in mind that “just like a leather shoe, jeans will mould to your body over time.”
Final verdict:
True to size, a perfect blend of stiff enough to keep their shape but soft enough to wear on repeat, and they go with everything, these are magic jeans and you should definitely get some.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING JEANS
Style: There are so many styles to choose from these days, and of course styles come and go with the fashion. At the end of the day it has to suit you and your body.
Size: If jeans have some stretch, it’s always better to size up rather than down. They feel firm however they will give and you don’t want them to become to big for you.
Length: Think how you will be wearing the jeans and what shoes you will pair with them.
Budget: Jeans can come cheap but generally the ones that offer quality and great style are priced from $150 up. The Rolla’s Sailor Jeans retail for $169.95, which is a reasonable price for a great pair of jeans. But then sales events such as EOFY and Black Friday are great for picking up designer jeans at a more budget-friendly price.
WILL THE ROLLA’S JEANS STAY IN STYLE?
Absolutely. Wide-legged jeans are not going anywhere and this style from Rolla’s is so flattering they’ll definitely be in vogue for some time to come.
TOP TIPS TO STYLE THE ROLLA’S SAILOR JEANS
Pair with black top, such as a long or short sleeved tee for a good everyday basic look. You can try Rolla’s Edgar Top in Brick for a splash of colour or the gorgeous cropped Sailor Ladder Sweater in Cream - the perfect combo. Any outer such as a puffer, trench or winter coat is ideal, while down below, pair with some killer heels or keep it casual with trainers.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY ROLLA’S JEANS?
Rolla’s suggest the following when it comes to caring for your jeans:
- Wash jeans inside out, in cold water with a mild detergent
- Don’t leave them wet as the dyes and washing techniques used to create the look of your jeans can shift or bleed within fabric if left saturated for too long.
- Don’t put them in the dryer - although tempting when you really want to wear them and they’re not quite dry! This can cause the elastane fibre to snap leaving the fabric looking crinkly, wavy or misshapen
- Dry jeans in a sunny spot or in front of the heater
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CAN I REALLY PUT MY ROLLA’S JEANS IN THE FREEZER?
Yes, you can! It’s not quite the same as washing them, but putting jeans in the freezer helps refresh the fabric and get rid of some bacteria and odours.
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