In Review: The Banana Republic Traveler Jean

B.R. SLIM Traveler Jean in Dark Rinse Wash – $118.00

Me: “Do these look like jeggings? They feel like jeggings. I don’t want them to look like jeggings.  Do they look like jeggings?”

The Mrs.: “No, they don’t look like jeggings. And as far as them feeling like jeggings, how would you know what jeggings feel like anyway?”

Good point. I don’t.

But I’m guessing this is what they’d feel like. And these just might be a game-changer for plenty of guys when it comes to the world of jeans. They’re that good.

 Size shown: 33 x 30 on 5’10″/185 and a 23″ thigh. Waist is too generous. Legs are right.

They certainly look more or less like a standard pair of jeans. But the feel is nothing like Levi’s, or, the similarly named Bonobos “Travel Jeans” (maybe this fabric from BR is what the previous incarnation of the Bonobos Travel Jean felt like? People have said the Bonobos jeans has changed).

The fabric is sourced from Japan, and has been engineered to possess “excellent elasticity.” They ain’t kidding. These things have a wild amount of stretch to them. And that’s a good thing it you’re part of the bigger-legs club, yet have struggled to find a pair of slim-fitting jeans that are actually comfortable to wear.

Just 79% cotton, 19% poly, and 2% elastane combine to make an oddly soft jean that moves so well you might be tempted to try some Van Damme-esque stunts.

The “Travel” label might be less about transportation & tourism, and more about the range of distance the fabric can cover.

Banana Republic also claims these to be both quick dry & breathable. Haven’t gotten em’ wet yet (I was excited when I got them on, but not that excited), but they’re very comfortable during a full day of wear, whether moving about or sitting still, glued to a computer screen.

A warning: They ARE a true slim through the thigh and calf. So if you’ve got a bit of an arse on you, you might want to size up in the waist. Size shown in this post is 33×30, and while they fit trim through the thigh and calf on my frame, the waist needs to come in by an inch or so. Don’t care. Love em’. Might take them to the tailor, might not. Besides, sizing down in the waist might have left the legs just too damn tight.

Are they flexible? Yes. They are flexible. Very flexible. 

Between the trimness of the cut, the dark blue of the “Rinse Wash” option, and the complete lack of contrast stitching around the pockets or anywhere else, these look as dressed up as a pair of jeans can get. Combine that with the flexibility, and they’ve got real potential to be an enormous favorite for those who find themselves dressing well in a smart-casual environment.

Currently available in multiple washes, and are all extremely well reviewed on Banana Republic’s website. At post time they’re carrying that annoying “BR Picks” moniker. So expect them to be excluded from promotions and codes for the time being. They HAVE gone on sale in the past (these were purchased for around $70 during a recent 40% off code), so sit tight.