There's nothing like a little unseasonably cool weather to remind us of why we love the uber-versatile skinny jean look: they pair perfectly with boots, and you can also wear 'em with sandals and wedge heels, too. But when it comes to a pair of simple, Spandex-enhanced jeggings, are the higher end design names worth a triple-digit price tag?
We compared two similar pairs side by side to find out.
The Contenders
AG WEY Denim Legging ($162 at the Denim Lounge, pictured left) vs. 1969 Mid-weight High-rise Legging Jeans ($69.95 at Gap, pictured right).
The Style
Both jeans have five pockets, a button closure and zip fly. The AG jean has a bit more detailing, with stylish contrast stitching on the back pockets and silver hardware. This breaks things up visually, but the Gap pair's simplicity works just as well. You can also expect a bit of gathering down at the ankle and around the knee for both pairs.
The Fit
Gap and AG each went with super stretch denim, aka, a magical mix of polyester, cotton, and spandex. So while they're obviously tight, they're not actually uncomfortable. The 1969 pant comes up about an inch higher than the AG at the waist, which may help elongate the leg, or, conversely, make your waist too long, depending on your perspective.
The Wardrobe Life
We all know jeggings, as popular as they currently may be, are something of a wardrobe risk. Though they are continuing to be a good versatile pick for fall and winter, the days when no one thought this trend would fly are still too recent to completely forget.
For now, though, they're not going anywhere, so you can bank on the durability of design of each to last at least as long as the trend does...and probably quite a bit longer, too.
The Verdict
Gap wins today. The two styles are similar enough in terms of design and cut to work that neither stands out as far superior to the other, and both are made well enough to last at least a few seasons. That makes price the trump card in this debate.
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