Blue Jean Baby

I recently reached a milestone in my fashion life. I finally own more than one pair of jeans. Let me explain...

For years I have relied on one pair of jeans from Lucky and let me tell you they were the real MVP. They truly were the perfect pair of jeans which, as a little person, are incredibly hard to find. But, they were getting worn down and I started to panic- shopping for jeans has always been a struggle (and, of course, the struggle is real). Why? I mean, jeans are a closet staple and can be found everywhere. 

Whether boot-cut, super-skinny or high-waisted, you want your jeans to fit perfectly. When trying on pants, I ignore the length because I know they are getting hemmed anyways. Instead, I would solely focus on how they fit around the waist and hips. Once I finally find a pair of jeans that feel good, I meet with a seamstress. In a systematic fashion she tucks, pins, and marks the denim. While she manipulates the fabric, I ask her to taper the leg, silently hoping this time she’ll listen. Why? Being a little person, having little legs means I’m literally cutting pants off at the knees. The shape of an average person’s thigh is not the same as a little person’s leg. 

A week later I would pick up my jeans from the seamstress. Once home I would try them on. They were the right length but they just...didn’t fit perfectly. I settled with them because what choice did I have? Clothes are not designed for people like me.

So, after years of relying on one pair of jeans, by some miracle I find a pair of jeggings in three different washes. I order them in two different sizes and try them on in Nordstrom as I wait for alterations. Now, I’ve been to this Nordstrom many times before and can identify some salespeople by face. Yet, I was taken by surprise when the seamstress walks in and goes “Oh hello there, how are you? It’s been a while.” I can’t help but smile as she gets to work. Without preamble, she tucks, pins and marks the jeans, taking care to taper the leg much to my surprise. Once finished, I tell her that the other two pants are the same, just a different wash. She responds, “Okay then, I’ll just do the others the same. No reason for you to try on.” Needless to say I was shocked. Yet, a week later, three pairs of jeans arrived on my doorstep...and they fit perfectly. 

You may ask, “Why can’t you just buy jeans in the kid’s department?” and that is a fair question. There are LPs I know who can and do shop in the children’s section. I’ve tried and could never make it work. 

Imagine having to wait twenty-five years to own more than one pair of jeans. I bet you can’t. For little people, this is an unfortunate reality. Giorgio Armani once said “Jeans represent democracy in fashion.” If that’s true, shouldn’t everyone have access to the perfect pair?