Brief History: Lane Bryant is one of the leaders in plus size fashions in the United States with over 650 stores (that's not including all their sister stores, Catherines and Fashion Bug). Lane Bryant provides stylish fashions in a wide selection of apparel from casual and career to evening and wedding wear; as well as a collection of accessories, hosiery and intimate apparel for plus-size women in sizes 12 - 32.

In 2007 they introduced to their customers a revolutionary new way of shopping for jeans with the sole purpose of providing most women a better fit. Their new program called Right Fit Jean resulted from a combination of typical complaints women had in finding the right fit and plus size body research. The research led to three distinct body types which they've categorized by color: Right Yellow (straight from waist to hip), Right Red (slightly curved from waist to hip) and Right Blue (fullest at hip).

When you visit the Right Fit Jeans section at Lane Bryant you'll be asked to choose from four styles of jeans: Stretch Classic, Stretch Bootcut, Stretch Flare, or Houston Pant. Bear in mind the style you pick will also affect how the jeans will fit. Once you pick a style you'll need to click on the link to figure it out your size. A new browser window will pop-up explaining the right fit process. At this point you will need a soft tape measure to get your waist and hip measurements. Waist measurement choices range from 34" - 52" and hip choice ranges are on a sliding scale of three options depending on the waist size you enter. When you're done entering the information press go and a Right Fit Size is given to you.

According to the site's size converter I am a Right Fit Blue Size 8 which describes me as fuller at the hips. With your size you can continue to shop by clicking on your color option which is also represented by a square (yellow), triangle (red) and circle. In this screen you can pick the color or wash of your jeans and your new size. The drop down menu will list the numbers 1 - 10 as well as P for Petite and T for tall.

Product: Stretch Boot Cut Dark Rinse Denim / Stretch Book Cut Medium Vintage Sandblast.

Description: These cotton/spandex jeans have traditional five pocket styling, embroidered back pockets and single-button closure with zip fly. They are machine washable. The inside seam is 32 1/2" (29 1/2" for petite and 35 1/2" for tall).

Packaging: Secure plastic wrap.

Price: $39.50 US.

Comments: There have been two recurring complaints that I've read. The first is that they stretch quickly loosing their initial form fitting as when first purchased; to which the going recommendation is to go a size smaller than Lane Bryant's recommendation. I find this happened more so for the dark denim than the lighter shade. It is important when doing your measurements to make sure your tape measure is pulled taught. I personally don't mind the relaxed fit (it's been my experience that all denim loses it's shape when worn until it is washed again). If you like your jeans to fit tighter then going a size (or two smaller) may be the way to go but I would be wary of this as I'm sure Lane Bryant is still improving their fitting guide and denim material. If you've never worn them before I recommend following their fitting guide for the first pair.

The second is that the dark denim has a distinct smell, even after they are washed a few times (and especially out of the dryer). My seamstress recommended adding a cup of vinegar to a regular wash (with the jeans inside out of course) which I found helped immensely but I still notice a slight "manufacturing" smell if they get wet (like from snow or rain). I emailed a Lane Bryant rep about this and she said the company is aware and is working on correcting the problem.

The whole process of finding the right size is relatively easy for anyone who has done any kind of internet shopping but newbies may find it a bit confusing their first time out.

Satisfaction: High! I love them! Especially the Vintage Sandblast which seem to fit a little bit better. These are the best fitting jeans I've had in a long time. I haven't worn jeans in years because the waist usually comes up to my rib cage which makes them uncomfortable to sit and stand and move in general. They fit fabulously to the waist with no embarrassing gape in the back. I would like to see a little heavier denim but so far they seem to be wearing well. I haven't wanted to stay in jeans all day for ages. I highly recommend giving them a try.

*Update - LB is now offering a career pant using the same technology.

Visit Lane Bryant for your own Right Fit Jeans. Have you tried the Right Fit Jeans from Lane Bryant? Add your opinion to our forum thread dedicated to this topic.