I worked in the premium denim industry for several years at a few different brands, so I’d like to think I know a thing or two about good jeans. At one point, I probably owned over 60 pairs of jeans, but over time I’ve become more selective in my denim investments now that I don’t get the pleasure of enjoying employee discounts.
When it comes to jeans – especially pricier denim – I look for classic styles in timeless washes so that I can really get a long life out of them. My jeans need to be comfortable without losing shape, feel hefty without feeling stiff, and make me look and feel great.
I live my life in jeans, and since they’re a staple in everyone’s closet I’m a big believer in investing in pairs that make you feel fantastic. Enter the brand AYR, whose jeans I tried a couple years ago and instantly loved. In today’s post, I’m sharing a full review on two of their best-selling denim styles, The Pop jeans and The Secret Sauce, along with a super comfy non-denim pant, The Voila.
Shop The Pants
The Pop
The Secret Sauce
The Voila
AYR Jeans Review
AYR stands for All Year Round, and as the name suggests, the brand prides itself on making pieces for every season and every season of your life. They make clothing for men and women. And other than a classic button up shirt approved by Oprah, probably best known for jeans. Co-founded by Maggie Winter and Jac Cameron, AYR produces its pieces in small batches to reduce waste and tests every item it makes on the team to ensure the perfect fit. All jeans are made in California.
For sizing reference, I am 5’ 4” and wear a 4 or 6. In denim, I am typically a 28 but sometimes do a 27 or even 29 depending on the brand.
AYR Pop Jeans | Gold Sandals | Woven Bag | Eyelet Top (Shop Similar)
The Pop Jeans
When I tried on the brand’s best-selling style, The Pop, it was love as first wear. Good jeans are difficult to find and shopping for them can be overwhelming. But when I put these on I felt a certain type of relief and confidence that I really haven’t felt in a while with denim. I have never made a decision about purchasing jeans so quickly.
The material was everything I was looking for: soft, thick but not too thick, with a slight stretch but not like leggings. They fit like a glove without pinching at my stomach or looking too tight. And somehow magically make my bum look lifted, but not huge.
Honestly, these may be the perfect pair of slim jeans, with a cute and subtle kick flare.
Here’s the 4-1-1 on this style:
- Name: The Pop
- Silhouette: Slim straight cut with the slightest kick flare at the bottom and designed for a slightly cropped ankle fit.
- Front rise: This varies ever so slightly based on the wash, but on average the front rise is 10”
One thing I love about AYR jeans is that many of their styles are available in a short inseam and regular inseam. For The Pop, they’re available in three lengths so you can really choose exactly where you want the hem to hit you. I went with the 25” inseam to hit a couple inches above my ankles to show off my shoes. This length is a versatile one because it works with a lot of footwear options from ballet flats and sandals to heels and high ankle boots.
AYR recommends the 25” inseam for anyone 5’4” and under, the 27” inseam for 5’4” – 5’7, and the 29” inseam for those over 5’8”.
If you’re looking for a classic slim cut jean, I highly recommend these Pop jeans. Don’t let the kick flare scare you. As someone who isn’t super tall, straight leg jeans can look weirdly tapered on me and not straight at all. The subtle flare at the hem provides some balance and actually gives the illusion of a true straight leg.
The sales associate recommended taking a size down, so I went with the 27 and they’ve been perfect. They give just a little bit without becoming baggy or morphing into another size.
If you’re between sizes, I’d recommend sizing down one size.
AYR Secret Sauce | Short Sleeve Sweater | Leopard Belt | Converse Sneakers | Black Crossbody Bag
The Secret Sauce
I also tried on The Secret Sauce, which is their wide leg jean. These are next on my AYR wish list! These felt on trend, but not trendy, and a wide enough leg without looking bagI also have The Secret Sauce, which is AYR’s wide leg jean. These feel on trend, but not trendy, and a wide enough leg without looking baggy or sloppy.
Like The Pop, The Secret Sauce jeans also have a bit of stretch in them but don’t bag out. They are comfortable while still having some structure. I feel held in but not restricted, which is especially important given that they have a high rise.
Fit Details:
- Name: The Secret Sauce
- Silhouette: High rise, full length wide leg.
- Front rise: 11”
- Length recommendations: Grab the short inseam if you’re 5’6” and under, otherwise get the regular inseam.
Take your regular size in these. Although I am a 27 in The Pop, I’m a 28 in this fit. If you’re between sizes, I would suggest taking the larger size. Since I am 5’4” I went with the short inseam, and the photos illustrate how the jeans fit me right out of the box with no hemming.
AYR Voila Pants | Striped Tank (similar) | Black Blazer | Black Sandals (similar)
The Voila Pant
Honestly, there are some days where hard pants just won’t do, and that’s when I turn to wide leg trousers.
There pants are delightful. They’re made from stretch silk, yet somehow super sturdy and whenever I wear them I’m not paranoid about them pulling or sweating through them.
The elastic was it makes them super comfy, but since they’re made from silk they still feel dressy. You can wear these just as easily with an easy tee as you can with a blouse or a blazer. I like these a lot; I’m even thinking about purchasing another color.
I originally bought the Voila pant because I was looking for a versatile pant that I could dress up or down, that wouldn’t take up too much suitcase space while on a recent trip to Paris. They fold up small and although they sustained a few wrinkles, those came out super quickly and easily with only a few passes of my travel steamer.
It was never my intention to wear them as actual travel pants on the plane, but after I wore them a couple of times I realized they’d also totally work for this. They’re just as comfy as my go-to sweatpants, so if you’re in need of a pair of chic travel pants where you can just freshen up and go, your seriously need to consider the Voila. (They also make a matching button down shirt for that effortless, quiet luxury vibe.)
Fit Details:
- Name: The Voila
- Silhouette: High rise, full length wide leg pant
- Front rise: 11.5″
- Length recommendations: None, this style doesn’t come in length options. But I am 5″4″ and did not need to get these hemmed (the inseam is 29″)
These seem to run on the smaller size. I am a 4/6 and am right on the cusp and in between sizes on this style’s size chart. According to the brand’s website, a small is a US 2/4 and medium is a US 6/8. I took a medium in these, but I could probably also do a large for an even looser fit. I’d recommend sizing up, especially if you’re between sizes like me.
Are AYR Jeans Worth It?
In short, yes, AYR jeans are worth it. Whenever I buy an investment piece of clothing, I always consider the value it offers. Feeling confident and comfortable in something is priceless.
I also think about cost per wear of an item. Jeans are a part of my near-daily uniform. So for me it’s important to invest in denim that won’t stretch or rip, and to find silhouettes I can wear for years. Think about all the less expensive but so-so fitting jeans you have in your closet. Chances are, you’re never excited to wear these jeans. So, they either spend more time on their hangers, or you wear them out of utility but never feel totally amazing in them.
You deserve to feel great in your clothes no matter what!
Trust me when I say this: it’s much better to have a few pairs of high-quality, well-fitting jeans that you feel amazing in than a ton of jeans that are just okay.
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4 Responses
Thanks for the review! Which wash did you get in the Pop? Does the denim have stretch?
Hi Jenny! I am pretty sure this wash is Laid Back. Yes, there is a perfect amount of stretch in them! They mold to your body and hug it, but you can comfortably sit and they don’t bag out!
Thank you for the review! I’ve been looking for pictures and a solid review in my size, and found it! Did you get the secret sauce Jean? I was hoping to see pictures of those too. I’m currently waiting for the Roadie to arrive.
Hi Nicole, you’re welcome! I didn’t end up ever getting them, but they’re on my list next!
I have the Lala and went up one size, and the Voila and took a medium. I hope that helps with sizing.