Finding Jeans -- or Persistence Can Pay

I've been wearing the same two pair of jeans for a year and a half now. They are dying (one pair was second-hand when I got them, the other I've just worn the crap out of), and I must replace them, which I have been trying to do for a year. But I have these fit issues (which I won't go into now) and nothing ever works.

And it's so frustrating. I'd go into a series of stores, each of which carries maybe three different brands, trying on the most promising three or four pair in each store, putting my shoes back on to trek to each successive establishment, trying to hurry as my husband and toddler waited (very patiently, I must add) at every stop.

So last night I went to TJMaxx all by my lonesome:

14 pairs in my size range in styles that I thought I could be caught dead in, some were even cute.

11 different manufacturers (best reason to go to a store like this!)

All 14 fit fairly well around the hips, tush, and thighs.

1 pair was generally too big in the waist (and they were adorable, more like denim trousers than jeans; too bad they didn't have those in a smaller size for me to try)

10 pairs gaped at the back waist to varying degrees, from "obvious that I'm wearing underwear" to "what kind of lace does said underwear have around legs?"

1 pair cut into my belly, causing stuff to squish over the top, and gaped at the back waist (talk about adding insult to injury).

1 pair gaped in the back and gave me the Supreme Wedgie (okay, maybe that's when the injury happened).

1 pair fit! Truthfully, a bit snug, but wearable. I'd try the next size up by that maker, but all identifying marks have been obliterated, which could be part of the reason for the $16.99 price tag. These are some one-and-onlys. Don't worry, I'll be sure to enjoy them. Until they die. And I get to do it all over. But at least now I have a method!