Etienne Marcel Skinny with Side Zip in Khaki Review on Denimology
I love reviewing all denim, and somehow can never tire of the classic blue wash jean, but I am always so excited to discover and try new designs and washes from time to time! I had heard of Etienne Marcel denim from a local boutique, then later from a past review for the Skinny in Javel done by a previous Denimology reviewer. As a big fan of zippers and other hardware details, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a pair of jeans from this brand, which was born in 2011 and modeled after the fashion forward streets of Europe. The Paris-based design team studies the materials of the best innovators in fashion and style around the globe (especially from Italy, France and Japan) to ensure the highest quality possible.
I love that Etienne Marcel offers the classic jean as a foundation but then goes all out in all sorts of prints and detailing for anyone who is a creative at heart and likes to have fun with their everyday style! So when I finally got a chance, I settled on a jean I knew I’d wear and love for a good, long time, as something fresh and new in my collection.
I have such a huge variety of washes and colors in my denim collection but one that I was still lacking was a khaki, or olive green wash. When Etienne Marcel presented the opportunity to construct a review, it was initially a tough decision because all of their jeans look pretty darn amazing with their signature red zipper detail at either the hip or the cuff. I jumped on a pretty textured olive green colored khaki jean with red and gold zippers at the hem! These jeans are detailed with a gorgeous snakeprint-like pattern and are lightweight and soft with at 74% Cotton 24% Polyester 2% Elastic blend.
I had heard that Etienne Marcel runs small, so I had both my usual 26 and a 27 sent over to make sure the fit was right, and I ended up going with the 27. So, if you want to try one of these beauties, definitely size up! The legs were tighter than the waist (although I do have some muscle), but over time they stretched a little and softened to conform to my shape. The fabric doesn’t feel like your typical denim at all, and more like a twill, but it will not stretch out so far that it starts falling off your butt! My curvier athletic shape can be difficult sometimes, with a smaller waist and rounder hips, so over many wears I found they didn’t hug quite as tight but they became more comfortable, although maybe two or three times a day I do have to re-adjust a little, but not enough to need a belt. The fit is amazing though and I really cannot say anything negative about it and I’ve had so much fun wearing these around!
The print might look amazing online but once you get these in person, it’s something else. These jeans are a cropped skinny fit, at 13″ in the knee and 9″ at the leg opening (according to Revolve), and I’d say the rise is a lower one, probably about 7″. With my shape, usually higher rises fit more often but every now and then a low rise jean comes around and surprises me…this being one of them!
They really are beautiful…all zippers have a red backing with gold-colored hardware, including the fly, and they speak for themselves as there is no extra brand detailing except for a white printed “EM” on the usual brand patch location on the waistband and branded fly button and rivets. These jeans offer such an amazing addition to my closet, and open up a brand new box of outfit ideas and possibilities. I’ve worn them to work mostly, in a casual-but-business-casual look…and I would definitely wear them out to a night on the town as well!
If you are looking for something different and fun to add to your wardrobe, I would definitely suggest the Etienne Marcel Signature Skinny Side Zip Jeans in Khaki! If the green snakeprint look isn’t quite your taste though, I’d definitely suggest any of the other jeans from this brand. With such a wide range of classic and fun looks I can promise you no matter which one you choose, you’ll be looking amazing in any outfit combination, wherever you go!
See the review and all photos from the shoot on Denimology here. Shop the Etienne Marcel Signature Skinny Side Zip Jeans in Khaki here!