These
jeans are better than NYDJ, in this 40-yr-olds opinion. I find NYDJ to be too mom jean like, due to the pockets being too high in the back.
Levi's 512 manages to position the pockets just right as well provide a high enough rise as to avoid the dreaded muffin top. Also,
Levi's 512 have just the right amount of stretch to be comfortable yet hold their shape (so they aren't falling off by the end of the day).
SIZE: I am in between sizes 10 and 12, so I ordered one of each. The size 10 fits best, although the size 12 is handy on cold days paired with thin leggings for warmth underneath.
LENGTH: I am 5'7" and do not wear
heels over an inch or so; so I usually wear a 31" inseam. I always, always hang dry
pants and
jeans because the dryer inevitably shrinks the length, making them unwearable.
Regular-32" length: I found the Regular-32" to be more like 30" after washing and hang drying. I am keeping them, though, because I think they'll be fine with a super flat pair of
flip-flops in the summer.
Long-34": Long-34" fit perfectly after washing and hang drying. They feel just a tad bit longer than my normal 31" inseam and they do not drag the ground with shoes on.
WASH: I ordered
Indigo Rinse and Shadow Blue. The
Indigo Rinse was VERY dark. Almost too dark, in my opinion. Then again, I am not a big fan of super dark or black
jeans. The Shadow Blue, on the other hand, was just right. Not too light, as to make me look larger than I am; but not too dark either. The Shadow Blue is definitely my favorite.
Overall, I found
Levi's 512 to be the absolute winner when put against NYDJ. Besides that, how can you go wrong for the price.