Gap Authentic Fit vs. Aflani Straight Leg Denim

Alfani Straight Leg – $29.99 – $39.99 VS. Gap Authentic Fit – $54.50

Note: Macy’s.com and Macy’s in-store don’t always produce wall to wall continuity.  The pair of Alfani Straight Leg jeans I tried on in the store were listed as a $29.99 “Everyday Value.”  Under $30 for a great looking jean is a steal, but for some odd reason they sell for $39.99 on Macy’s.com.  Color selection in the store was limited to a medium-dark but not inky blue (thus the “unknown” in the chart below for darkest wash), so it might be worth the extra $10 to buy them online if you choose.

Alfani’s Alfani Straight Leg jean seems to be trying to appeal to the same guy that The Gap’s new-ish Authentic Fit jean is going after.  Somebody who thinks a Levi’s 501 is a little too slim, but won’t be walking around in loose or baggy fit either.  It’s a middle of the road silhouette.  Not too bulky, not to taught, neither boot cut nor tapered.

But at between $30 and $40, can someone buying the pair from Alfani expect the same quality and fit as a pair of denim from the Gap?  Stack the two up next to each other and you’ll see there’s some surprising results:

WINNER:

The Alfani pair claim to be straight fit but they look like they have a hint, just a small hint, of boot cut flare at the cuff.  Which might be a good thing if you like boot cut jeans but don’t like the bell bottom extreme.  The fit was surprisingly good.  Trim but with plenty of room to move, and the rise was a modern low to medium.  For the details, the back pockets are a little busy, but the hardware is a you-don’t-see-it-enough dull silver finish.

The only wash they had in stock was a medium-blue color called “Ocean,” so the jury is still out on the Alfani Brand.  But if their darkest wash comes in a similar deep navy like the Gap Authentic Fit, then next time you’re looking for a pair of dark blue denim save yourself $15 – $25 and get the in-store Alfani brand.