There’s a reason I Am Denim keeps appearing in conversations about comfort-led fashion. These jeans are often mentioned alongside names like Kate Middleton, Eva Mendes and Katie Piper, but the real interest comes from people searching for something far less glamorous and far more practical: jeans that don’t hurt.
For anyone who has struggled with bloating, scars, abdominal surgery, endometriosis, IBS, IBD, postpartum changes or menopause-related sensitivity, finding wearable denim can feel impossible. I Am Denim exists because of that problem, not in spite of it.
This review takes a close, honest look at the Above & Beyond Extra Tummy Friendly High Waist Skinny Jeans, the pair most people search for, and answers the questions buyers actually have before spending £110 on jeans.
Above & Beyond Extra Tummy Friendly High Waist Skinny Jeans
Why I Am Denim Exists at All
The brand was founded by Sophie Cooper after abdominal surgery left her unable to wear standard jeans without pain. Instead of accepting that discomfort was “normal”, she redesigned denim from the waist down.
That origin matters. These jeans are not styled first and adapted later. They are engineered around comfort, then shaped to look like everyday fashion.
That design order is why they feel so different when you put them on.
Comfort: Where These Jeans Really Stand Apart (10/10)
Comfort is the main reason people search for I Am Denim, and it’s where these jeans genuinely deliver.
The built-in belly band is soft, wide and supportive without compression. It holds gently rather than squeezing. There’s no digging in, no sharp pressure and no waistband roll when sitting, bending or moving.
They are particularly suitable for:
- abdominal scars
- c-section recovery
- stomas
- bloating that changes during the day
- tender or inflamed stomachs
If you’ve ever had to unbutton jeans in the car or avoid denim altogether, the difference here is immediate.
Fit and Inclusivity: Designed for Bodies That Change (9/10)
The fit is intentionally forgiving without being shapeless.
The high waist offers full coverage, which matters for scars and sensitivity. The four-way stretch denim adapts to daily changes in your body, especially bloating or discomfort that fluctuates.
Many people who usually avoid skinny jeans find these wearable because the restriction is gone. The only reason this isn’t a full score is that skinny cuts are still not everyone’s preference, regardless of comfort, but of course I Am Denim do have alternative styles available.
Support Features: Thoughtful, Not Gimmicky (10/10)
Every support feature serves a purpose:
- soft recycled belly band
- full tummy coverage
- gentle shaping without compression
- suitable for seated wear
- protects sensitive areas
- no rigid seams across the abdomen
Nothing here feels like a marketing add-on. The support is integrated and practical, which is rare in denim.
Style: Normal Jeans, Quietly Smarter (8/10)
These jeans look like regular, well-cut skinnies. The wash is flattering, the rear shaping gives a natural lift, and nothing about them screams “comfort wear”.
Style scores slightly lower only because trends move towards straight and wide-leg cuts. If skinny jeans aren’t your thing, that’s a personal preference rather than a design fault.
Quality and Craftsmanship (9/10)
Every pair is designed and hand-finished in the UK, and it shows.
The stitching is neat, the fabric feels premium and the stretch holds its shape well throughout the day. These don’t sag or lose structure after a few hours.
The only reason this isn’t a 10 is that long-term durability always needs time to prove itself, and some people prefer heavier, traditional denim. For comfort-led design, the quality is excellent.
Value for Money: Expensive, but Not Inflated (8/10)
At £110 RRP, these are not impulse jeans.
However, they replace something many people have given up on entirely. If you’ve been buying cheaper jeans that sit unused because they hurt, the value calculation changes.
These jeans cost more because they do more. The price will still be a barrier for some, but for the people they’re designed for, the difference is felt immediately.
Who These Jeans Are Best For
These are a particularly good choice if you:
- struggle with bloating or abdominal pain
- have scars or sensitivity
- are postpartum or post-surgery
- need jeans you can sit in all day
- want denim that adapts rather than restricts
They may not be the best choice if you:
- dislike skinny jeans entirely
- want rigid, structured denim
- prioritise trend-led fashion over comfort
FAQs: I Am Denim Jeans
Are I Am Denim jeans good for bloating?
Yes. The stretch denim and soft belly band are designed specifically to adapt to bloating throughout the day without pressure.
Are I Am Denim jeans suitable after a c-section?
Many customers wear them post-c-section because the waistband sits high and avoids direct pressure on scars. Always follow medical advice during recovery.
Do I Am Denim jeans offer tummy control?
They offer gentle support, not compression. The aim is comfort and protection, not shaping or flattening.
Are I Am Denim jeans true to size?
Most people find them true to size, but if you are between sizes and prioritise comfort, sizing up can work well.
Final Verdict: Are I Am Denim Jeans Worth It?
If you’ve never struggled with jeans, these may feel expensive.
If you have struggled, they can feel like relief.
The Above & Beyond Extra Tummy Friendly High Waist Skinny Jeans are designed with empathy, not trend cycles in mind. They don’t punish bodies for changing. They support, adapt and stay comfortable.
For many people, they are not just better jeans.
They are the first jeans they’ve been able to wear again at all.
