These jeans retain their shape very well and the dark black looks very sleek. The rise and inseam are perfect for me. I am usually a 27 in J.Crew and Madewell but a 26 in AG & J Brand. I took these in a 26. My only complaint is that they are not as stretchy as I would like. I think they will break in and feel fine, but at first, I feel like I have a little-limited range of motion in my knees considering how skinny they are in the legs.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
