Universal Standard is a favorite apparel brand of mine; offering their entire collection in sizes 00-40, Universal Standard makes quality clothing I find great for us grown-ass women. Workwear, loungewear, coats, dresses, activewear, cashmere and tees… but Universal Standard is best known for denim.
The Universal Standard denim collection is extensive, with a fantastic range of cuts, styles, and washes, and a few styles are also available in lengths. A quality weight, but with so much stretch you could nap in them, Universal Standard jeans are stylish without being too trendy and have plenty of deep functional pockets. Able to see the jeans on a range of body sizes (the denim home page shows styles on sizes 4, 18, and 22) and ages (from 22-72), you can get a feel for what Universal Standard denim will look like on your body.
I am updating this post from 2021 because, since its publication, Universal Standard has introduced many new denim styles and retired a few. I wanted to update you with their current offerings and promo codes to help you save at Universal Standard through March 31, 2024.
Universal Standard Promo Codes
I have two different Universal Standard promo codes for the Wardrobe Oxygen community to celebrate the denim collection. One is for new customers, and one is for those who have previously shopped at Universal Standard.
Universal Standard New Customer Promo Codes
Want to see what all the hype is about Universal Standard denim? Through March 31, 2024, use code INFS-ALISONBOGO and get a free T-Rex or V-Rex t-shirt ($50 value) with any denim order. Visit this link to see the shopping instructions and peruse the denim offerings.
If you don't want the tee but are a new customer wanting to save, use code INFS-ALISONDENIM50 for $50 off denim available at this link.
Save 15% at Universal Standard
Whether you are a previous customer of Universal Standard, or if you just think this sounds like a better deal for your order, use code INFS-ALISON15 for 15% off your order through March 31, 2024. This is a great way to try the new denim or stock up on favorites. This promo can also be used more than once in case you forget something with your first order.
What is Universal Standard?
Universal Standard was founded by two friends who were heading to a networking event and one had nothing to wear. Being plus-sized, she knew she couldn't just head to a store and find something to wear. She took her straight-sized friend with her to Fifth Avenue in NYC to see the dismal offerings available in her size.
The two agreed there needed to be universal wardrobe staples of great quality and fit available to the 67% of the female population that wears a size 14 or larger. And with that idea, Universal Standard was born.
Since its start, Universal Standard has expanded their size range to sizes 00-40 with some styles in petite. Because the brand began with size 10/12 the smallest, that is why Universal Standard's size range may seem unusual.
What Size I Wear in Universal Standard
For reference, I am 5'3″ tall. with brands like Talbots, Madewell, and Old Navy, I usually wear a size 14 or 32 jean. With Universal Standard denim, however, I am almost always a 12. Universal Standard has a size chart on each product page specific to that garment; do not rely on your standard size elsewhere but instead take your measurements to get the best fit with their denim.
Universal Standard Denim Review
This is not my only review of Universal Standard denim. I have shared the best Universal Standard jeans for petites, and I also did a Universal Standard denim haul with six different styles. For this Universal Standard denim review, I am focusing on styles that are currently available (and not on clearance/final sale), and that I personally own so I can share my honest thoughts.
Universal Standard Bae Jeans
When thinking about the best jeans for petites at Universal Standard, one of the best options is the Bae jeans. Such a popular fit, the Bae is now available in a 26″ inseam and a 30″ inseam and a plethora of denim colors and washes.
IMO, the Bae Jeans from Universal Standard run large. Above, I am wearing the 26″ crops in size 12 and I think I would have been more comfortable in a 10. They don't stretch larger, but they sat on my hips and I feel in the selvedge wash they would have looked better with a trimmer fit.
I also have a pair of the faded Baes and they are too a 12; while they seem to be less loose on the waist I think because they're distressed they don't look or feel as obviously roomy. If in doubt, size down but expect to fall in love with the “boyfriend” fit, stretchy but solid denim, and the deep pockets.
Universal Standard Dakota Denim Skirt
Denim skirts never look right on me. As someone with a soft belly and a butt, they often look more like a lampshade than a garment, snug over the body and flaring out below the rump. I was curious about the Universal Standard Dakota Denim Skirt since US is so good with working with curves.
With the same quality stretch denim as the rest of the collection, this denim skirt is incredibly comfortable, has deep pockets, a slit that isn't so high it will show something by accident, and works far better with my curves thanks to strategic side panels. I am wearing a 12; it's snug but not uncomfortable. I am curious how a 14 may work, if it would be a straighter fit or end up too roomy or long.
Universal Standard Denim Chore Jacket
I think I wore denim jackets so much I got them out of my system. While I still have several from the past (including the Universal Standard Kelsey in distressed) I never reach for them… except for the Universal Standard Denim Chore Jacket. The fit feels very now, and the look is really premium.
The Denim Chore Jacket runs big; mine is an XS and I can fit a bulky sweater under it. It's supposed to be oversized and long and relaxed. With buttons on the sides for design as well as function (far more comfortable when sitting, create a different effect, etc.) and a heavier less stretchy denim that looks as though I found it at a thrift store, I find this denim jacket fits better with current fashion trends.
Universal Standard Etta Jeans
The Universal Standard Etta Jean is a high-waisted straight leg that is deceptively stretchy in all directions while looking like premium denim. Available in an extensive selections of colors and denim washes, the Etta Jean is available in regular (28″) and long (31″) lengths. I am wearing a 12 Regular in Aged Indigo.
If you want a classic 501's style jean but with stretch and comfort and size inclusivity, the Etta Jean is for you. A high but not too high waist (remember I am 5'3″), a leg that is straight, and two lengths so you can go ankle or full length; this is a really versatile style.
The Etta Jean is one I say if in doubt, size down. Since going through perimenopause and the passing of my mom, my body is in flux and the size 12 fit me when my body is larger and are a little loose when I am my most consistent size and shape.
Universal Standard Joni Jeans
The Joni Jean from Universal Standard is a slim-fit jean designed for curvy figures that have over a 10″ waist to hip difference. With hidden stretch in the premium denim, these are jeans that will move with you without shimmying down or bagging out by the end of the day.
The Universal Standard Joni jeans are available four washes/colors, and two inseam lengths of 27″ and 32″. I am wearing size 12 with the “regular” inseam.
Three years later, these jeans are still in my closet and worn regularly. Even as my body has changed and fluctuated, I still find them comfortable and the wash looks good. They're a favorite with an untucked linen shirt and sneakers or sandals; I also like them with boots and chunkier sweaters.
Universal Standard Farrah Jeans
I was hesitant to share the Universal Standard Farrah jeans in this review because the wash I have is on clearance, Final Sale, clearly being discontinued. There are still two darker washes still being replenished, and these are by far my most worn Universal Standard jeans, so I decided to include them.
If you are too short for most flared jeans, you may too fall in love with the Farrah. With a 31″ inseam, for me they are the perfect alllllmost ground-skimming length with boots and platform sneakers.
I have washed these jeans dozens of times, half of those times in the dryer and they still look and perform great. I have heard the darker washes of the Farrah jeans run a bit more snug; the 12 is perfect for me in the faded but I would consider ordering a size larger if I got another pair in the darker washes.
Hearing from the Wardrobe Oxygen Community
Now I'd like to hear from you! What Universal Standard denim do you recommend? When you share your feedback (recommendation or PSA), please share some details about the body wearing the jeans. Height, shape, and age; even type of shoe you wear (heels or flats or sneakers) are factors in determining what denim will work for whom. Thank you for helping to make Wardrobe Oxygen an even better resource for apparel shopping!