The Ultimate DL1961 Jeans Review: My Experience With Their Premium Denim

As an avid jeans-wearer and self-proclaimed denim fanatic with over a decade of experience testing and reviewing jeans, I‘ve developed some pretty strong opinions on what makes a great pair.

From the perfect amount of stretch to that magical mix of softness and structure, jeans require a delicate balancing act to check all my boxes. So when I first heard the buzz around DL1961‘s sustainably-made, sculpting skinny jeans, my interest was piqued.

Could these boutique jeans really rival my beloved 7 For All Mankind skinnies that molded perfectly to my shape after years of wear? I had to find out.

In this hands-on review, I‘ll share my impressions after extensively testing three of DL1961‘s top-selling styles. From sizing and stretch to fabric feel and quality construction, I put these premium jeans to the test on my own body (and butt) to see if they live up to their $150+ price tags.

Overview: DL1961‘s Focus On Fit + Sustainability

First, a quick rundown on the DL1961 brand. Founded in 2008 by sister entrepreneurs Sarah, Zahra and Maliha Ahmed, DL1961 prides itself on sustainability, innovation and inclusivity.

Using recycled water bottles, plant fibers and low-impact dyes in their production methods, DL1961 minimized environmental footprints in an often wasteful industry. They also donate a portion of sales to local women‘s shelters which is a nice bonus.

But perhaps most impressive is how they‘ve made fit their priority. Their proprietary Instasculpt fabric blends moisture-wickingModal and sculpting XFIT Lycra to create lightweight jeans that contour your form.

Instasculpt along with DL1961‘s flattering stretched designs target common problem areas like hips, thighs and rear. So not only are their jeans sustainable, but they also promise an ultra slimming effect.

Now onto the most important factor: how do they actually fit, feel and wear?

I tested three top styles to find out.

My Experience With The Florence Instasculpt Skinny Jeans

The Florence Instasculpt High-Rise Skinny Jeans ($178) were my first pick. In a classic dark Elsinore wash, this style utilizes proprietary Instasculpt fabric along with lift-tuck technology to contour and shape.

I chose my typical size 28 initially but found them too tight in the waist despite the substantial stretch. After exchanging for a size up, the 30‘s were perfect.

Upon first trying them on, I immediately noticed how lightweight and almost second-skin-like they felt. The smoothing waist hit right at my belly button for that ultra high-rise elongating effect.

The sculpting fabric also provided compression and hold through the hips, thighs and rear for a super flattering shape. The back pockets sat nice and high for a lifted derriere.

Over a few wears, the Instasculpt skinnies softened up even more while retaining structure. I love how they contour my shape rather than squeeze – no uncomfortable digging or restriction of movement.

The High-Rise Florence skinnies quickly became my new go-to jean for day and night. They simply make my legs look long and lean! For $178, they beat out my beloved 7FAM skinnies as my #1 pair.

Pros: Slimming fit, lightweight & breathable feel, flattering back pockets
Cons: Run at least one size small, expensive

Putting The Emma Instasculpt Bootcut To The Test

Looking to try a new silhouette, I opted for DL1961‘s Emma Instasculpt Bootcut Jeans ($168) next. Known for their contouring lift in front and sculpted, rounded shape in back, I was eager to see if a bootcut could capture me like their skinny did.

I ordered my typical size 28. Out of the box, the mid-rise Emma jeans immediately hugged my waist and derriere for a rounded, lifted look. And the sculpting XFIT Lycra blended seamlessly into the bluesign® approved cotton for incredible recovery and shape retention.

The subtly flared legs balanced out my curves for a long, lean silhouette. And they quickly molded to fit like a glove without any uncomfortable digging or restriction when sitting or moving.

However, the Emma bootcut wasn‘t quite as slim through the hips and thighs as I prefer a jean to fit. But for curvy girls, this style would be ultra flattering.

If you love a modern bootcut with a contoured waist and pert rear, the Emma Instasculpt jeans deliver big time! For my stick-straight shape though, I personally favor their Instasculpt skinnies over this style.

Pros: Flattering back pockets lift the bum, quality shape retention
Cons: Less slim through hips/thighs than typical skinny jeans

Reviewing The Bridget Straight Crop Jeans

My final pair for testing was DL1961‘s Bridget Instasculpt Straight Crop jeans ($178). Marketed as their "original Instasculpt jean", this relaxed straight leg style ends in a cropped ankle.

I chose my standard size 28. Out of the packaging, the lightweight fabric felt super soft yet retained the right amount structure through the legs. The cropped wide-leg silhouette balanced out my petite frame for a modern flattering shape.

They sat perfectly at my waist and molded to my form with each wear. The smoothing fabric gently held in my stomach while contouring my backside.

By day five, the Bridget straights felt like I‘d owned them for years. From morning coffee runs to late nights out, this versatile cropped pair became a fast favorite.

Between the three styles, I‘d rank the Bridget straight crops as most comfortable thanks to the relaxed leg. But the Florence skinnies still win for super flattering shaping power.

For their innovative fabrics alone, DL1961 jeans beat out my worn-in 7FAM and AG skinnies as new go-to‘s. And the fact they match comfort with sustainability? A major win-win.

Pros: Ultra-soft feel, relaxed cropped fit, lightweight & breathable
Cons: Subtle looseness through leg (not as lean as a skinny)

How Does DL1961 Compare To Other Premium Denim?

In the high-end denim space, DL1961 goes toe-to-toe with veteran labels like 7 For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity and J Brand. But do their jeans actually stack up?

In terms of sizing, you‘ll want to size up in DL1961 as most styles run small. Whereas COH and 7FAM fit true-to-size once broken in. For reference, I‘m a solid size 28 across brands but size up to a 30 in some DL1961 fits.

Price-wise, DL1961 clocks in around the same mark as competitors at $150 to $180 per pair. Only Frame and AG tend to exceed $200 for their newest releases. Citizens of Humanity offers the best deals under $100 on sale.

For fabrics, no brand beats DL1961‘s smoothing, sculpting Instasculpt material. Combining sustainable Tencel, XFIT Lycra and contouring tech, their jeans retain structure and lift better over time.

When it comes to stretch, Frame and 7FAM lean firm and rigid at first for that tight molded look. Whereas DL1961 and Citizens feel softened out of the bag with substantial built-in give.

In terms of sustainability, DL1961 leads by incorporating recycled water bottles, low-impact dyes and transparency around ethical factories. Only LA-based Warp + Weft matches their green production methods.

So while the established brands still edge out DL1961 when it comes to nailing fits, their focus on comfort, recovery and eco-friendly processes give them a clear competitive advantage.

What Do Other Customers Have To Say?

Scouring online reviews across retailers, the response towards DL1961 is definitively positive. On sites like Shopbop, Bloomingdale‘s and Amazon, most customers praise the lightweight feel and bum-sculpting effect of Instasculpt jeans.

However, I did notice consistent complaints around sizing. Many shoppers warn to size up, citing smaller-than-average fits. There are also some reviews mentioning quality and durability issues after minimal wears.

Here‘s a brief overview of feedback from key sources:

• Shopbop – 957 reviews, no rating. Most rave about comfort and stretch but advise sizing up, especially in Instasculpt material.
• Amazon – 138 Florence Instasculpt Skinny reviews averaging 4.3 stars. Lots of praise for flattering waist and lift. Again, size up recommendations predominate.
• Bloomingdale‘s – 91 reviews of the High Rise Florence Instasculpt Skinny at 4.4 stars. Users love the soft feel and slimming silhouette. Complaints on small waistbands.
• InStyle – "The jeans sculpt your body, lift your butt, and adapt to your shape after just a few wears."

The bottom line? If you get the sizing right and invest in DL1961‘s specialty Instasculpt fabrics, most shoppers report their jeans check all the boxes in both sustainability and style.

Finding The Perfect Pair: DL1961 Fit Guide

Based on testing three standout styles first-hand and researching hundreds of customer reviews, I‘ve put together a handy fit guide for finding your ideal match:

For a skinny jean: Order the Florence Instasculpt style one to two sizes up, especially if curvy. Once molded to your shape, they create a smoke-show silhouette.

For a flattering bootcut: Try the Emma Instasculpt in your normal size. The contouring fabric hugs curves while subtly flaring the leg.

For a relaxed straight fit: The Bridget Instasculpt style runs pretty true-to-size. Size up only if very curvy or wanting an ultra slouchy feel.

For best stretch recovery: Stick to DL1961‘s proprietary Instasculpt material tagged in most jean names. The XFIT Lycra retains structure wear after wear.

See the size chart for each specific style prior to ordering. And don‘t hesitate to exchange for a different size if needed to get that perfect mold-to-you fit.

Are DL1961 Jeans Worth The $150+ Price Tag?

For premium denim approaching the $200 mark, DL1961 jeans don‘t come cheap. But based on my extensive testing and comparisons, I firmly believe they merit the investment if you secure the ideal size.

While I initially balked at spending over $350 for three pairs of jeans, I haven‘t stopped wearing them weeks later. The innovative four-way stretch fabrics provide unmatched comfort while looking polished and put-together.

I also love that I don‘t have to baby these jeans to prolong their life. The Instasculpt material bounces back wear after wear so they keep fitting like my trusty broken-in 7FAMs without fans aging distress.

Considering fast fashion brands only withstand a few wears before losing structural integrity, DL1961‘s ethics, innovation and quality give them a clear edge to justify higher pricing.

For reference, my favorite Levi‘s typically last around one year before ripping. These DL1961s will easily outlive and outperform those cheaper pairs. So factoring in cost per use, DL1961 delivers value.

Could you find cheaper designer denim that offers similar fit and feel? Absolutely. I still adore Frame, Citizens of Humanity and AG for nailing quintessential skinny and bootcut silhouettes.

But now that I‘ve experienced the magic of DL1961‘s smoothing Instasculpt fabrics sculpting my shape, I personally won‘t shop other brands without trying this size-inclusive, sustainable label first.

Ways To Save On DL1961 Denim

I know not everyone can splurge $150 or more on a single pair of DL1961 jeans. But don‘t let the luxury price tag completely deter you.

Shop The Sales And Discount Section

DL1961 offers discounts of up to 50% off on last call and outlet items. The selection rotates frequently so keep checking back for newly-added markdowns on best-selling styles.

Use Sitewide Promo Codes

Around major holidays and events, DL1961 runs special limited-time sales offering 15% to 20% off site wide. Sign up for their emails to get news and exclusive coupon codes sent straight to your inbox.

Buy Pre-Loved On Resale Sites

Gently used DL1961 jeans resell for majorly marked down on sites like Poshmark and Mercari. I scored a pair of like-new Emma Instasculpt bootcuts for only $36! Consider secondhand if you want major savings.

Split Payments With Klarna

One final way to make DL1961‘s designer denim more affordable is using installment payment services like Klarna (0% APR). Break up charges into 4 interest-free payments over 6 weeks.

TL;DR: Key Takeaways From My DL1961 Review

After extensively testing and wearing DL1961, I stand firmly behind this sustainably-made denim brand – especially their smoothing Instasculpt fabric fused with contouring XFIT Lycra.

My top pros:

• Proprietary Instasculpt fabric molds perfectly to your shape
• Smoothing waistbands hold you in without squeezing
• Quality construction and materials built to last
• Sustainable production methods and ethical factories
• Trend-proof versatile silhouettes flatter most figures

Potential cons to note:

• Styles run very small, size up 1-2 sizes
• Few customer complaints over quality issues
• Short 20-day return window so get the right fit immediately

So if you prioritize comfort, ethical processes and durable investment pieces, I confidently recommend trying DL1961‘s sculpting jeans for yourself.

Start by ordering your regular size and one size up to find the ideal mold-to-your fit. Have questions or want personalized suggestions? Leave a comment below!