I’m 29 years old, but people often mistake me for 21. I think it’s because I’m 5 feet tall and have a baby face. When I tell people my real age, they always say the same thing. “As you get older, you start to appreciate looking younger.” Maybe someday that will happen, but that day hasn’t come yet.
For this reason, I have spent years searching for ways to dress more maturely. I learned that maxi and midi skirts and dresses look better on me than short skirts, and that short, fitted jeans look much better on me than cropped or baggy styles. However, I am always on the lookout for new silhouettes and designers. For example, a few months ago, after hearing everyone talking about Khaite jeans, I went to their flagship store in New York and decided to buy them because they somehow made me look taller. Recently, my closet has been filled with Enza Costa and Kos maxi pencil skirts. Despite this, there is one brand that remains on my must try list. It’s Nili Lotan, especially its denim. Between TikTok, Instagram, and Substack (yes, I’m always online), all the fashion influencers I follow are raving about Nili Lotan jeans. They all talk about fit, feel, and quality, but I noticed that everyone, no matter their body type, looks a little more sophisticated and sophisticated in jeans, and naturally, I was intrigued.
I’m easily persuaded, but I always need to see for myself, so I headed to Nili Lotan’s Tribeca store to try on the brand’s top four best-selling denim styles: Shon, Joanne, Megan, and Florence. Without further ado, keep scrolling to see how each pair fits and how they make me feel and hopefully look more grown-up.
nili rotan sion jeans
(Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)
My review: Whether you’re a long-time fan of Nili Lotan or you’re new to the brand, you’ve probably come across the cult-favorite Shon pants. This barrel-leg silhouette has appeared in the closets of celebrities such as: Fashion editors and content creators, including Anne Hathaway and Emma Roberts. Aside from our recommendations, Shon pants are highly praised for their ultra-soft fabrics, practical-inspired pockets, and comfortable, flattering fit. To further explain its popularity, the brand has an entire section and landing page devoted to all things Shon, from wool and cotton styles to leather, corduroy, and the Japanese denim I tried on.
So let’s get into the review. First, as the polite store clerk kindly informed me, Shon pants tend to run large. I usually wear a size 25 in jeans, so I chose a 24, but I probably would have been fine with another size down. 24 fit, but sits a little lower at the waist than the intended mid-rise style.
I love the unique curved silhouette and knee seam detail. It flatters your figure while giving you that classic barrel leg look. No small feat for someone like me who is only 5 feet tall. I was especially happy to see how the legs tapered gently at the ankles instead of pooling on the ground.
Overall, these jeans are perfect for those looking for stylish yet comfortable denim. This is the perfect pair if your goal is to look put together with minimal effort.
Size range: 23–32
Wash: 3
Inseam: 26 inch
Sizing tips: size down
Buy jeans:
Nili Lotan Joan Jeans
(Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)
My review: When I asked the clerk to choose a best-selling style, she hesitated before suggesting Joan, warning me that it would be too long. But I knew it was one of the brand’s most popular pairs, so I insisted on trying it on and cuffing it underneath for photos. And I’m really glad I did. It’s certainly long. They’re longer than most jeans I’ve worn, but they’re near perfect in every other way. Additionally, Nili Lotan offers free hemming in-store and online. Available for all types of pants (denim and non-denim) at the store. Only the brand’s denim is sold online, and buyers can bring their purchases to a Nirirotan store.
The Joan features a high-rise, straight-leg silhouette and is made from non-stretch Japanese denim, so it runs slightly smaller. The entire leg has a clean fit, yet is subtly relaxed, and the back pockets are set high, creating a lifted effect. It comes in three washes, but I love the Dark Rinse because it feels particularly sophisticated in the winter when paired with a black sweater or coat.
If I were to compare these to another favorite denim, they’re most similar to Khaite’s Danielle jeans, but with a little more flexibility and almost half the price.
Size range: 24–32
Wash: 3
Inseam: 34″
Sizing tips: size up
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Nili Lotan Florence Jeans
(Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)
My review: Anyone who claims patch pocket denim is outdated has never seen Florence jeans. Nili Lotan has revamped this popular French back denim trend by making the front pockets slightly larger compared to other styles, launching it in three very 2025 washes (black and two distressed shades of medium blue that evoke vintage charm) and constructing it with Japanese denim for a high-quality look and feel. The Florence jeans run true to size, but are quite snug, especially in the upper thighs. Their style cascades into a long bootcut hem, giving an added nod to 70s fashion.
When it comes to the ’70s, these jeans exude an easy-going, bohemian spirit, giving off a relaxed vibe that aligns well with the big trend toward bohemian-inspired fashion that’s been making headlines this year. Looks equally good in combination with Billowy You can pair it with a blouse, as well as a simple T-shirt or short jacket.
Size range: 23–32
Wash: 3
Inseam: 34″
Sizing tips: Works true to size
Buy jeans:
Nili Lotan Megan Jeans
(Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)
The lack of front pockets is a bit new for me, but I love the thick waistband that flatters and makes a statement at the waist. We can imagine insiders pairing these with calf-length heeled boots and a fitted leather jacket, or ballet flats and a polo sweater. The versatility of this pair makes it a must-have in any It girl’s wardrobe.
Size range: 24–32
Wash: 2
Inseam: 28 inches
Sizing tips: Works true to size
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Source: Latest from Who What Wear – www.whowhatwear.com
