An honest review of Nili Lotan Shon jeans & pants

One of my most-clicked but lowest-converting links is for my Nili Lotan Shon jeans (formerly known as Emerson jeans). I think I know why: While these jeans are truly unique-looking in terms of fit, they are definitely an investment. I feature both my Shon jeans and pants on the blog frequently because I actually wear them a lot in real life. I've been trying to buy fewer but better-quality pieces over the last few years, and while I obviously still love a bargain, when I find a truly transformative, holy grail piece of clothing, I'm willing to spend accordingly. Here's why the Shon is worth the splurge.

The Shon jean vs. the Shon pant

While I'd like to say the Shon pant was my Nili Lotan gateway drug, it was actually the Flavie trouser—a pleated, wide-leg silhouette—that I tried first (and now own in two colors). After seeing it all over IG and Substack, I decided to try the Shon pant, and while I have yet to try a pair of Nili Lotan pants that I haven't loved, the Shon is definitely my favorite. The silhouette is what I'd call an articulated barrel cut. The waist is high, the thighs bow outward, then a stitched dart at the knee brings the calf back inward. The overall shape makes you look a little bowlegged to be honest, but in a so-wrong-it's-right kind of way. I have a straight body with narrow hips and I like the curved effect that the silhouette creates. My Shon pants are 98% cotton2% elastane and it's the softest brushed twill fabric I've ever felt; my Shon jeans are 98% cotton/2% polyurethane, and the denim is on the lightweight side, with a nice slouch to it. I wear both all year round.

This is the Shon pant

And this is the Shon jean

What size to order

If you have the opportunity to try the Shon on in person, I encourage you to do so. Advice on the Internet ranges from taking your normal size (or even going up a size, which honestly seems nuts to me) or going down up to three sizes—which, considering the smallest size the Shon is offered in is a 24, that might be difficult for those of you on the lower end. I am almost always a size 6; my Shon pants are a size 2 (e.g. I went down two sizes) and my Shon jeans are a 27 (e.g. I went down one size). I probably could have gone down two sizes in the jeans, but I find that the denim fabric doesn't have as much give as the brushed twill. Two things to note: One, in spite of sizing down, both pants still fit pretty roomy. I tend to wear a belt with both, and even if I'm feeling bloated, I still have space to breathe. Two, that said, your body type—and how you like your clothes to fit—will likely influence what size you end up with. This is why I recommend trying them on in person if possible, but if not, you may have to do a little return-and-exchange to find the right fit.

My honest review

Yes, the Shon jeans are expensive (for the record, they've gone up in price since I've bought them); they occasionally do go on sale, and you can also find them on The Real Real. And while I haven't tried on every barrel jean or pant out there, I've tried on quite a few and nothing else fits as well as the Shon. There's just something so cool about the shape. It's slouchy and a little arty, but not too weird. It feels like a true classic with a twist, and it elevates whatever you wear with it. These pants are so comfy, I wear them all day and even when I'm traveling. And, if I'm being honest, having to size down is a little self-esteem boost. I would honestly buy these in a few more colors, like black and green, but Sean told me I needed to stop after two pairs. Then again, when you find something you truly love, it's ok to buy it in allll the colors!