Lisa Armstrong
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Drop a dress size by wearing a particular brand of jeans? OK, it borders on a mixed metaphor and to rub salt in, it’s hokum. How to make a product that helps women go down a dress size? Er, get your factory to mark all the size 12s size 10.
But bear with me, because I’ve tried this particular brand, and while the dropping a dress size is a shameless, although admittedly eye-catching sales ruse there are some dramatic benefits to the jeans themselves.
Firstly, they make your legs look longer. Really. How? I probably wouldn’t be sticking my neck out if I suggested that it has something to do with the cut. Secondly, they make them look slimmer. And this I can explain, because I have experienced at first hand the suction power of the stretch denim they use, which incorporates a patented “criss-cross panel”. Suffice to say they’re so stretchy you could use them as a hammock, but don’t, because that same suction that lifts your bottom and makes it considerably perter than it has for some time.
Thirdly, they come in some very dark shades of denim, which is flattering, smart, versatile and fashionable. Fourthly, despite the compression which exerts a remarkably effective corseting effect (no more rolling bands of flesh), they are far and away the most comfortable jeans I have ever worn. Anything that allows women to enjoy the comfort of leggings without actually having to wear them is a genius product in my book.
Fifthly, they are high cut. Scary – but not as scary as flashing that overexposed whale tale and muffin top again. Plus they don’t make you look like a pear, as some high waists do; presumably that’s down to expert cutting too.
Sixthly, they are currently stocked in 11 styles, from drainpipes to flares and half a dozen different finishes, from pale denim to blue black, gunmetal to black.
The only mild criticisms I’ve come up with are the slightly too orange stitching and the price, although £85-£145 for something this comfortable, durable and flattering isn’t unreasonable.
Sounds too good to be true? If you’ve been permanently damaged by the past decade’s emphasis on Jeans With Very Pretentious Names (True Religion, 7 for All Mankind), then yes. In which case, brace yourselves, because the name of above wonder jeans is the Tummy Tuck. Furthermore, they come from a company called Not Your Daughter’s Jeans (NYDJ), which launched them in 2004 in the US where they’re now stocked in 700 stores.
Much as I admire the American knack of not brushing a potential obstacle under the carpet (in this case the fact that not only your daughter, but anyone with any ambitions of still being vaguely cool, would be aghast at the idea of wearing jeans called Tummy Tucks) but instead confronting it head-on and turning it into a shared joke, I’m not sure about this particular case. Still, at least the branding is discreet, confined to a detachable tag and lettering inside the waistband. All of which poses some kind of soul searcher: would you wear a pair of jeans, however wonderful, called Tummy Tuck? It depends, I guess, on how big a fashion victim you really are.
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I would also like to thank Delia of Torpoint for mentioning Martha Jupe. It was a pleasure to visit the shop and the alteration service they offer is second to none - the jeans were professionally shortened and returned to the shop, ready for collection, in less than 24 hours. Service with a smile
Maureen, Coventry, West Midlands
Have they reached stockists in Northern Ireland yet?
Brenda, Belfast, Antrim
Many thanks to Delia of Torpoint who gave Martha Jupe of Liskeard in Cornwall as a supplier. Such knowledgeable and pleasant service and at far less than I was quoted to buy online. I bought two pairs, straight and boot-legged. They also do Peruzzi trousers which also flatter. Heaven!
Brenda, Belfast, Northern Ireland
I just want to say that the the points made in the Times article are so true. My 2 friends and I were converted when we all bought a pair of tummy tucks in the little village of Aberfeldy in Perthshire, Scotland.
These jeans are wonderful and do everything they say on the label, worth every penny or should I say pound!!!
I won't leave home without them now. They have been to Spain and are visiting the States in the autumn.
isobel marley, inverkeithing, fife
Tummy Tuck Jeans are also available in Cornwall!!!
"Martha Jupe" in Liskeard have a whole size and style collection, with stock being regularly replenished.
I tried some on today, but sadly they did not have the colour I wanted
will definately be going back for a pair when the new stock arrives they are they are amazing!!!!!
Delia, Torpoint, uk
I have just bought my third pair of the tummy tuck jeans, they are comfortable flattering and they keep bringing new styles out which are great. I order all mine online through www.vassoullamichael.co.uk they arrive quickly and have great customer service. Get on their website and see for yourself.
Linda, CANTERBURY, UK
What a crass statement from Brooks, of Munich. Every new generation seems to think THEY invented jeans. I know of ladies in their sixties and older who still look fantastic in jeans. One day Brooks, you'll realise that you've become a little older than you'd like. It happens more quickly than you think - at what I must assume is a young and tender age - and will you suddenly give up on jeans? I think not. I think you'll be going - disguised perhaps?! - to shops like Vassoulla Michael to buy them.
Mark Smith, Whitstable, UK
They feel great, got mine at W,mann in Ossett of all places!
joanne, mirfield, west yorkshire
How old are these ladies who are still wearing jeans?? Jeans of any persuasion belong on young, slim bodies - not on flabby bodies over the ages of 25.
Brooks, Munich, Germany
With regard to Liz' comment about Catch 22, isn't that true of many clothes? No-one in their right mind dresses to look worse surely.
By the by, you can buy the tummy tuck jeans online in the UK now, at http://www.shape-wise.co.uk
Mark Smith, Whitstable, UK
I bought them in the USA and they look amazing. Does anyone know if there is a retailer in The Midlands?
Anne Smith, Stratford upon Avon, England
Why bother? You're only going to get rumbled the minute you get naked together, or put your bikini on, and you'll be so used to the gorgeous refelection with jeans in the mirror that you'll end up being more unhappy that you were before...a bit of a catch 22 situation perhaps?
Just a thought.
Liz, gutersloh, Germany
Ragdale Hall Health Hydro in Leicestershire are also stockists of the Jeans - they're fantastic!
Claire, Leicester, England
Via on High Street in teddington stocks them
AA, Teddington,
I wore my new tummy tuck jeans last night and spent the whole night with people asking me if I had lost weight. They looked great and I felt great in them. I got mine in Vassoulla Michael's boutique in Broadstairs. Well worth the money.
Nicky, Ramsgate, england
You can buy them @ 'MEDICI' 17/18 Margaret street W1W 8RP. They are open monday - friday from 9.30am till 5.30. Telephone 0207 323 2049.
Gill, London, UK
Hi Guys.
You can either get them via the stockists medici on 0207 323 2049 or at www.ilovejeans.com. I bought mine at Fenwicks They really work! I got mine today and they make my bum look amazing!
Louise, Uxbridge, UK
Just bought a pair having discovered them a week ago. It is all true! They are great! Sadly, even their own website does not allow orders. I bought mine in the states.
TTT, Scotland,
I second that. Where is a shop in London that stocks the jeans?
Sharon, london,
Tummy Tuck jeans, NYDJ, does a shop in London (central or west) stock them. Cannot buy jeans and shoes ONLINE! Please let me know of a shop/store stocking these fabulous sounding jeans. susie stanley.
Susan Stanley, London,