Image source: POPSUGAR Photography / Yerin Kim
Like many people, my relationship with denim is complicated. I found jeans that I loved, but not without flaws. I was deeply rooted in the recent conversation about standing jeans on TikTok. I’ve always accepted that I have stand-up jeans that look good but are too tight to sit in all day. And conversely, I have fitted jeans that I’m not obsessed with style but are actually comfortable enough to sit in for hours. However, a new pair of jeans The Consistency Project (TCP) completely redesigned my thinking around the two categories. In short, fitted jeans can be just as fashionable while maintaining their comfort. (Besides, I just call them jeans now.)
“Fit jeans can be just as fashionable while maintaining their comfort.”
Described as “an experiment in new American workwear and lifestyle through thrift, rework and design,” TCP is part design studio, part shop, breathing new life into existing materials. Natasha Halesworth, who originally started TCP as a passion project, launched the Asian-American owned company in 2017. While the small brand also develops and sells revisited pieces of its own, it specializes in customizing clients for vintage workwear and denim, namely deadstock, Stan Rays and Levis, in person and virtually shopping appointments. I recently visited TCP’s studio in New York’s Chinatown, where my own pair of vintage Levi’s were fitted. These became the very pair that made me forget all my so-called standing jeans.
After measuring my waist and inseam, Maddy, the studio assistant, drew out a set of jeans that varied in height, wash, and style. TCP offers a wide range of styles to suit different dimensions and body shapes. During the hour-long appointment, she provided a comfortable, inclusive experience and listened to my preferences while I, a very picky shopper, tried different styles.
TCP sources second hand pants and then marks each pair based on their flat waist measurements. According to the brand, this approach is more reliable than modern pant sizes due to the natural fiber of the material. While vintage Levi’s are made from 100 percent cotton and thus maintain their dimensions over time, most newly produced Levi’s are made from elastic and other stretchy materials. This explains the discrepancy in sizing in modern denim that has led to the existence of stand-up jeans. Maddy encouraged me not to look at the numbers and just think about how the jeans feel when you wear them. Aside from the uncomfortable, restrictive abdominal feeling that standing jeans can cause, consumers are often unaware of their actual jeans size, leading them to buy and squeeze into jeans think should be right.
Finally, I landed on a pair of vintage 550 Levi’s jeans in a classic light blue wash. My very first mid rise jean, the jean had a straight leg and a relaxed fit that still hugged my curves. After I made my decision, Maddy and design lead Nikki fitted me and instantly hemmed the pants to my preferred length. While I immediately fell in love with the fit and comfort, it wasn’t until a few weeks of constantly reaching for these jeans that I realized I felt comfortable sitting in both and Stand. Now I have a better understanding of how jeans can and should Feeling.
What I like about the Consistency Project customization experience
I’ve owned a handful of Levi’s jeans, but this is my first vintage pair. As soon as I put them on, I immediately noticed the difference in the quality of the denim. It was thicker and heavier than regular contemporary jeans with little to no stretch. But because they fit so comfortably, the rigid fabric didn’t feel uncomfortable and tight. Although TCP generously gifted me the pair I went home with, the price of the jeans was a moderate $165, including the free shopping appointment.
I also love that I was introduced to a style that I wouldn’t normally reach for in a regular shop. These jeans have now become an absolute wardrobe staple – I combine them with baby t-shirts, casual knitwear, hoodies and much more.
What is worth sharing about the Consistency Project’s fitting experience
If you are local or in the NYC area, I highly recommend an in-person appointment. During my experience, the TCP staff really took their time to help me find the right solution and didn’t push me into a decision. In fact, there’s no pressure to leave your appointment with an item to buy; They can always come back after they’ve had a refill. If you come by in person you can also take a closer look at the cool patchwork jackets, workwear and accessories and see all the work in action.
For whom the Consistency Project is best suited
If you are not completely satisfied with your favorite pair of jeans, I definitely recommend you to visit the store. In addition to vintage Levi’s jeans, TCP shoppers also fit Stan Ray painter’s trousers. The brand also sells updated jeans, jackets, patchwork pants, tote bags and more that have been developed in-house. These are sold online and at his NYC studio.
Where is the consistency project available?
Custom made-to-order, in-house pieces and found vintage items are available both in-store and online. The TCP Wavy Pant in Gray Blue/Earth ($425), TCP Classic Checker Patchwork Pants in Coral Pink ($225, originally $315), TCP (Re)Workwear Chore Jacket ($300), and TCP Mini Tote ($300) some of them are unique pieces available for purchase.
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