Disclaimer: Bluffworks sent The Peak Lapel this pair of jeans for free for the purposes of this review.
We’ve taken a look at Bluffworks in the past and have been quite happy with their products. They make “tech wear”, or clothing that looks like it’s just typical, average, normal clothing but actually has all sorts of special technical properties that make it stretch, water-resistant, sweat-resistant, stretchy, and so on. Their suit, for instance, is washable! Recently, though, they released a new item: Travel Jeans ($125). The concept of travel jeans is not new. We’ve reviewed a whole bunch on this site in the past. But this is the first time that Bluffworks is taking a swing at them. So, let’s get into it, shall we?
Style & Design
These are your standard pair of jeans. Nothing specific, really, to talk about here. The stitching is a little bit brighter than I am typically used to seeing on jeans, and the color blue I also find to be perfect, where it is neither too light nor too dark. Great for pairing with blazers, or with more casual wear. They only offer one color at this time though, so if you don’t like it, you’ll have to go elsewhere for your Travel Jeans. Beyond that, this is a standard fair pair of jeans. A-
Quality & Construction
These jeans feel sturdy and well made — and for the price they had better be. The fly and button are sturdy and strong, and feel good. All the stitching is neat and clean, and the stretch and comfort of these jeans truly is there. They are a little bit stiff at first, but they break in with a wash or two. They denim will also fade a bit with those first few washes as they are died, and it might wash out a bit. This is all normal and to be expected, but the jeans were a bit stiffer than I am used to with other Travel Jeans from other companies, so that is something to keep in mind. These jeans are also not selvedge, though they are still quite clean when rolled/cuffed. It’s hard to say where these rank compared to, say, Banana Republic or Bonobos. I think, in my estimation, these are more jeans than those are. The competition is more stretch pants that are also jeans, while these are more a solid pair of denim that also has a nice amount of stretch. A-
The Fit
(Note: I am 6'1 and 170 lbs. and usually wear a size 31x32 pant in a slim or extra slim fit.)
They offer two different fits for this pair of jeans. There is regular and slim. For this review, I went with the Slim, and found it not quite slim enough. I prefer a much more significant taper below the knee which these don’t have. They are more of a slim-straight than a true slim fit — though that all depends on what you are used to. The 31x32 measured 7.00” at the leg opening, while most of my denim is closer to 6.50”. Again, this is not an inherently negative thing — it just is what it is. I do think, though, that many people prefer their denim more tapered than their chinos, and so an even slimmer offering here would be appreciated by many. A-
Value & Conclusion
Bluffworks Travel Jeans — $125: I think, overall, these pants are quite good, but nothing amazing. While we were especially blown away by Bluffworks’ suit, these jeans are just merely “solid.” There is nothing negative, really, to say about them. They get the job done in a slightly different way than their competitors, and I am sure will have many ardent fans. Their price is high, but then, so are all Travel Jeans and tech-wear in general. This is a good product, it’s just not quite as revolutionary as some of their other offerings. Final Grade: A-
Giveaway
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