Good American vs. Spanx Jeans: Which brand should you buy?

Good American specializes in premium, fashion-forward denim with an extensive size range (00-24), prioritizing high-quality materials and body-positive fits. In contrast, Spanx leverages its shapewear background to create jeans with built-in tummy control and smoothing technology at a more accessible price point.

Let's compare these two brands to help you decide which pair of jeans is the right fit for your wardrobe and budget.

Good American: The Inclusive Denim Authority

Founded by Khloe Kardashian and Emma Grede, Good American is dedicated to crafting stylish, high-quality denim for a diverse range of body types. The brand is known for its body-positive marketing and a design philosophy that ensures every pair of jeans fits well, regardless of size, making it a go-to for women seeking trendy cuts and a confidence-boosting fit.

• Product mix: Their core offering is denim, available in dozens of styles from skinny to wide-leg, complemented by a full line of apparel, including activewear and casual essentials.
• Price point: Jeans are priced in the premium category, typically ranging from $130 to $200.
• Sizing/Fit: A major strength, offering sizes from 00 to 24. Their website provides detailed size guides and fit information to help customers find their perfect match.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes premium denim with excellent stretch and recovery. Many products incorporate eco-friendly materials like recycled fibers, and the hardware and stitching are built to last.
• Style & Aesthetic: Modern, versatile, and trend-focused. While they offer classic styles, they are also quick to release high-waisted, wide-leg, and split-hem fits that are currently popular.
• Sustainability: The brand is transparent about its commitment to ethical manufacturing and sustainable sourcing, making it a solid choice for conscious shoppers.

Good American is ideal for shoppers prioritizing inclusive sizing and premium, fashion-forward denim backed by a commitment to sustainability.

Shop Good American: goodamerican.com

Spanx: The Shaping Innovators

Founded by Sara Blakely, Spanx built its reputation on innovative shapewear before expanding into apparel. Their jeans bring that same shaping expertise to everyday denim, focusing on creating a smooth, sleek silhouette with built-in tummy control and comfortable stretch fabrics that hold their shape all day.

• Product mix: While known for shapewear, Spanx offers a growing collection of jeans, leggings, and activewear all designed with function and form in mind.
• Price point: More accessible than Good American, with most jean styles retailing between $80 and $150.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing runs from XS to 3X. The fit is designed to be compressive and shaping, so some customers recommend sizing up for a more comfortable, relaxed fit.
• Quality & Materials: Jeans are made from flexible stretch-blends and engineered compression fabrics. Features like hidden tummy control panels and contouring waistbands are standard.
• Style & Aesthetic: The focus is on classic, figure-enhancing silhouettes like high-rise skinny and straight-leg styles. The look is clean and polished, designed to flatter rather than follow fleeting trends.
• Sustainability: The brand is incorporating more eco-friendly fabrics and responsible manufacturing practices, though its primary focus remains on functional performance and design.

Spanx is perfect for anyone seeking jeans that visibly smooth and shape the waist and hips at an affordable mid-range price.

Shop Spanx: spanx.com

Good American vs. Spanx Comparison

Price Comparison

Good American clearly positions itself as a premium brand. With jeans starting around $130 and going up to $200, it's an investment in quality materials and an expansive size range. You can often find deals during major sales events, but the everyday price point reflects its high-end positioning.

Spanx offers a more approachable entry into enhanced denim, with prices generally falling between $80 and $150. Their value proposition is clear: you get the brand's trusted shaping technology for a price that competes with many mid-range department store brands.

Quality & Materials

Good American excels with its use of high-quality, durable denim that feels substantial while offering significant stretch. They incorporate sustainable materials and focus on constructing a jean that will last for years, with reinforced stitching and quality hardware. The fabrics are designed to hug curves without feeling restrictive.

Spanx's denim is all about function. They use unique stretch blends and proprietary shaping fabrics with concealed core-shaping panels. While very comfortable and effective at smoothing, the materials can feel less like traditional denim and more like a high-tech synthetic blend. Their longevity depends on following care instructions to preserve the elasticity of the shaping panels.

Style & Aesthetic

If you're looking for trendy fits, Good American has you covered. They offer a huge variety of styles, from classic skinny and bootcut jeans to modern wide-leg, flare, and straight-leg options. Their aesthetic is contemporary and versatile, easily dressed up or down for any occasion.

Spanx keeps its focus narrow and effective. Their denim line primarily features sleek, high-rise silhouettes designed for maximum flattery. You'll find functional and timeless styles like skinny, straight, and flare jeans, all built around their shaping technology. Their range is less about chasing trends and more about providing a reliable, flattering staple.

Fit & Sizing

This is where the brands differ most. Good American's commitment to inclusivity is its biggest selling point, offering an extensive size range from 00 to 24. Their detailed sizing charts and consistent fits across various styles make it easier for women of all body types - especially those with curves - to find a perfect fit online.

Spanx uses a more conventional XS to 3X sizing model. Because their jeans are designed with a compressive fit, some shoppers find they run snug and opt to size up for more breathing room, particularly around the waist. The fit prioritizes contouring and holding you in rather than accommodating a wide variety of body shapes in the way Good American does.

Sustainability & Ethics

Good American is vocal about its commitment to sustainability, using recycled fibers, eco-friendly washes, and traceable materials. They also highlight their dedication to ethical manufacturing, making them a preferred choice for consumers who prioritize environmental and social responsibility.

Spanx is making progress in sustainability by incorporating more eco-conscious materials, but it's not the central pillar of their brand identity. Their messaging focuses more heavily on the functional benefits of their clothing. Shoppers can find some sustainable options, but it requires more searching than with Good American.

Which One Should You Choose?

While both brands make excellent products, they serve different needs and priorities.

Choose Good American if:

• You struggle to find jeans that fit your curves and appreciate a wide, inclusive size range (00-24).
• You are looking for trendy, modern styles like wide-leg, flare, or split-hem jeans.
• You value premium, durable denim and are willing to invest in a higher price point.
• You prioritize shopping from brands that have a strong, transparent commitment to sustainability.

Choose Spanx if:

• You want built-in shaping technology that smooths your tummy and hips.
• You are looking for a reliable, figure-flattering fit at a more accessible mid-range price.
• Your style favors classic, sleek silhouettes over fast-fashion trends.
• All-day comfort with a supportive, body-hugging feel is your main goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Good American or Spanx jeans more expensive?

Good American jeans are more expensive, typically costing between $130 and $200. Spanx jeans are more affordable, usually priced from $80 to $150.

Which brand is better for curves?

Good American is specifically designed to accommodate and flatter curvier body types, with a more inclusive size range and contoured fits. While Spanx can work for curves, its compressive nature may feel too restrictive for some.

Do Spanx jeans have real pockets?

Many Spanx Jean-ish® styles feature faux front pockets to maintain a smooth front profile, but most styles have functional back pockets. It's best to check the product description for each specific style.

Do Good American jeans run true to size?

Yes, Good American jeans are widely regarded as running true to size. Their detailed online fit guides are very helpful in selecting the correct size for your body shape.

Which brand offers better tummy control?

Spanx is the winner here. Their jeans are engineered with built-in shaping panels specifically designed for tummy control, offering a noticeably sleeker and smoother midsection.

Which brand is more comfortable?

Comfort is subjective. Spanx offers superior all-day comfort for those who appreciate a secure, held-in feeling. Good American offers comfort through its soft, high-stretch premium denim that feels less compressive and moves naturally with your body.

What are the return policies?

Both brands offer fairly standard return policies. Good American typically allows returns within 21 days for a refund, while Spanx offers a 30-day window. Always check their official websites for the most up-to-date return information before purchasing.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Good American has a more central and transparent focus on sustainability, using recycled materials and ethical manufacturing practices across its product lines.