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

Madewell is known for its timeless, vintage-inspired denim and effortless wardrobe basics, offering high-quality jeans at a mid-range price point. In contrast, Good American is a modern, trend-focused brand built on body positivity and size inclusivity, with a premium price point reflecting its specialized fits designed to flatter a wide range of body types.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right denim brand for your style and needs.

Madewell: The Home of Timeless, Effortless Denim

Madewell has become a go-to for shoppers who want reliable, stylish, and comfortable jeans that last. The brand appeals to women aged 25-40 who appreciate minimalist, vintage-inspired pieces that can be easily integrated into their everyday wardrobe. Their commitment to quality materials and classic designs has cemented their status as a fan-favorite in the denim market.

• Product mix: A strong focus on classic denim cuts, including skinny, straight-leg, and high-rise jeans, alongside versatile tops, dresses, and accessories.
• Price point: Jeans are positioned as a mid-range investment, typically retailing between $80 and $150.
• Quality & Materials: Known for durable, soft denim with a comfortable amount of stretch. The brand prioritizes sustainability, often using recycled fibers and responsible manufacturing practices.
• Style & Aesthetic: The overall vibe is minimalist, effortless, and vintage-inspired. Expect classic washes and simple designs that serve as a versatile foundation for any outfit.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a size range from 00 to 24. Most styles are considered true to size, but the fit can vary depending on the fabric's rigidity, so checking the size guide for each pair is recommended.

Madewell excels at creating high-quality, sustainable denim with a classic feel, making it perfect for building a lasting wardrobe.

Shop Madewell: madewell.com

Good American: The Leader in Inclusive Fit & Modern Style

Co-founded by Khloe Kardashian and Emma Grede, Good American launched with a mission to redefine fashion for the modern woman by prioritizing body positivity and an inclusive fit. The brand caters to women of all shapes and sizes who feel underserved by traditional denim sizing. Their focus is on creating confidence-boosting jeans that combine a flattering silhouette with current trends.

• Product mix: Offers a wide variety of trendy denim fits, cuts, and washes designed to flatter diverse body types, as well as a collection of basics, bodysuits, and activewear.
• Price point: Positioned as a premium mid-range brand, with jeans typically priced from $125 to $200.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes innovative, high-stretch fabrics engineered to provide a snug yet comfortable fit that retains its shape all day long.
• Style & Aesthetic: The style is modern, trendy, and empowering. You'll find of-the-moment details like distressed finishes, unique washes, and ultra-high-waisted cuts.
• Sizing/Fit: A leader in inclusivity with a size range from 00 to 24. Jeans are specifically constructed to eliminate waist gaps and provide a figure-hugging fit that celebrates curves.

Good American is the ideal choice for anyone prioritizing an exceptional, comfortable fit and contemporary styles that embrace and flatter every curve.

Shop Good American: goodamerican.com

Madewell vs. Good American Comparison

Price Comparison

Madewell offers a more accessible entry into the world of premium denim, with most of their jeans falling in the $80 to $150 range. This pricing makes them a great value for shoppers seeking durable, classic styles without a hefty price tag.

Good American sits at a higher price point, ranging from $125 to $200. This premium cost reflects the brand’s significant investment in fit technology, inclusive sizing, and high-stretch, shape-retaining fabrics. While more expensive, many customers feel the price is justified by the superior fit, especially for those who have struggled to find well-fitting jeans elsewhere.

Quality & Materials

Both brands deliver high-quality products. Madewell is known for its sturdy yet soft denim, often incorporating sustainable and recycled materials. Their jeans feel substantial and offer a classic-meets-comfortable wear experience designed for longevity.

Good American focuses on performance-driven denim with significant stretch. Their "Always Fits" denim is a notable innovation, designed to stretch up or down a full size while maintaining its shape. The material is soft and engineered to contour the body, which sets it apart from more traditional denim fabrics.

Product Selection & Style

Madewell's collection is tightly focused on timeless style. You’ll find a well-edited selection of perfect straight-leg jeans, flattering skinny fits, and vintage-inspired wide-leg cuts in classic blue, black, and white washes. Their aesthetic is ideal for someone building a minimalist, versatile wardrobe.

Good American offers a broader and more trend-forward assortment. Styles include everything from extreme high-waist cuts and modern flares to edgy distressed finishes and fashion-forward washes. It’s the better pick for shoppers who want their denim to make a statement and reflect current trends.

Fit & Sizing

This is the most significant point of difference. While Madewell offers an inclusive size range, their fits follow more traditional denim patterns. Most shoppers find them to be true to size, but those with curvier proportions might sometimes experience waist-gapping, a common issue with standard-fit jeans.

Good American was created specifically to solve this problem. Their jeans are designed with a contoured waistband and more room in the hips and thighs to ensure a gap-free, body-hugging fit. Their extensive size range from 00 to 24 is their core mission, making them the superior choice for anyone who prioritizes a precise, curve-flattering fit.

Sustainability & Ethics

Madewell has established clear sustainability goals, focusing on using Fair Trade certified materials, recycled fibers, and reducing water usage in their jean production. They are very transparent about their eco-initiatives, making them a strong choice for the environmentally conscious shopper.

Good American also emphasizes sustainability through eco-friendly fabrics and ethical manufacturing. Their core ethical positioning, however, is deeply rooted in diversity, empowerment, and body positivity. Both brands are making positive strides, but they focus on different aspects of what it means to be a responsible company.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really comes down to your priorities in a pair of jeans: classic style and value, or a modern, tailored fit.

Choose Madewell if:

• You prefer timeless, versatile denim styles that can be worn for years.
• You have a "straight" or less curvy body type and find standard jean sizing works well for you.
• Your budget is under $150, and you're looking for the best quality at that price.
• You appreciate a minimalist, vintage-inspired aesthetic.

Choose Good American if:

• Finding a perfect, gap-free fit for a curvy figure is your number one priority.
• You love modern, trend-driven denim with contemporary details and washes.
• You're willing to invest more for a pair of jeans that feel custom-made for your body.
• You want to support a brand with a powerful message of body positivity and inclusivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Madewell or Good American jeans cheaper?

Madewell is generally cheaper, with jeans priced between $80 and $150. Good American is a more premium brand, with prices typically ranging from $125 to $200.

Which brand has better quality jeans?

Both brands offer excellent quality, but their focus differs. Madewell's quality is in its durable, classic denim fabrics and construction. Good American's quality is in its innovative, high-stretch materials and fit technology designed to flatter and last.

Is Good American sizing accurate?

Good American is designed to be very accommodating. Due to its high-stretch content, some styles can fit multiple sizes. It is highly recommended to consult their detailed size charts and customer reviews to find your perfect fit, as it may differ from your size in other brands.

Does Madewell run true to size?

For the most part, yes, Madewell jeans run true to size. However, fits can vary slightly between different styles and fabric compositions (e.g., rigid vs. stretch denim), so it is always a good idea to check product descriptions for specific fit guidance.

Which brand is better for curvy figures?

Good American is the clear winner for curvy figures. The brand was founded specifically to address the fit issues curvy women face, like waist gapping, and their designs are engineered to hug curves perfectly.

Do Madewell and Good American have sales?

Yes, both brands have frequent sales. Madewell is known for its seasonal promotions and specific percentage-off events, while Good American often offers bundle deals and discounts for first-time shoppers.

Where can I buy Madewell and Good American jeans?

Both brands sell directly through their respective websites. Madewell also has numerous standalone retail stores and is available at department stores like Nordstrom. Good American has a smaller physical retail presence but can also be found in select department stores and online marketplaces.

What are the return policies for Madewell and Good American?

Both brands offer customer-friendly return policies for unworn merchandise with tags attached. However, the specific return window and conditions can change. It is always best to check their websites directly for the most current information before making a purchase.