Reformation Abby vs. Cynthia Jeans: I Put Both to the Test and Here are My Results

Most days out of the week, you can bet I’m wearing some kind of denim jeans. I’ve always been of the mindset that nothing looks chicer and more effortless than a crisp button-down shirt and jeans combo. If you looked inside my closet, you’d guffaw at the number of baby blues I have hanging amidst the rest of my clothing, and that’s not counting the few I have stashed in my dresser, either. When there are so many denim styles to be appreciated, from straight-leg jeans and wide-leg jeans to distressed washes and white jeans, what kind of fashion editor would I be if I didn’t try them all? After spending time trying Agolde jeans and Abercrombie & Fitch jeans, it was only a matter of time before I reviewed Reformation’s offerings.

Intrigued by the brand’s sustainability efforts, I ventured into their denim collection made from regeneratively and organically grown cotton and found that two styles that were begging to be compared: the Abby straight-leg jeans and the Cynthia straight-leg jeans. (There’s even a Reddit thread about the two.) For the past three months, I’ve worn both pairs of jeans to many dinner dates and weekend outings in Los Angeles, and I have *many* thoughts about each one’s fit, length, feel, comfort and so much more.

Here’s everything you need to know about Reformation’s Abby and Cynthia straight-leg jeans if you’re looking to buy a pair for yourself.

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Before we get to all the nitty-gritty details on the two jeans, let’s talk returns. I’ve dealt with plenty of items that look cute online but unfortunate in person, so I appreciate a company that can save me from a headache. I’ve always had a pleasant experience with Reformation’s return policy because it’s simple and stress-free. First, you have up to 30 days after the delivery date or in-store purchase to return (for full credit or RefCredit) or exchange any unworn items, but once that 30-day window closes, it’s nada, zip, zilch. If you purchase a huge haul of items that ship in separate packages, your return window depends on when each shipment arrives.

Online returns are free if you decide to keep some or one of the items from your purchase, but if you decide to return everything, you will be charged a return shipping fee. Reformation determines your return shipping fee by country, which you can reference here. Psst: In-store returns are free, so you can always drop items off in-person if you want to avoid extra charges. The only thing exempt from Reformation’s easy, breezy return and exchange policy are final sale items.

Reformation’s sustainable jeans may appear nearly identical in price, cut, length and outside appearance, but they couldn’t be more different in person. When it comes to looks, the Cynthia jeans—which I know my petite friends will love—delivered on all fronts, making me feel like a fashionable French woman in her vintage Levi’s, except I didn’t have to rummage through thousands of pre-loved pairs. Still, the Abby style ultimately came out on top, especially with its true-to-size fit. Comfort, quality, style, you find it all in Abby, plus an extra inch in length for my taller girls. At the end of the day, both of Ref’s bestsellers are keepers and, let me tell you, they sure do make some of the best jeans for flat butts.