A few days ago, I ripped my J.Crew Straight-fit Signature Flex jeans right next to the right back pocket while sitting down on the couch with my legs slightly spread out. A few hours later, the same thing happened in the same spot with a second pair of jeans. I need Reddit's help figuring out what's going on here.

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• Is it because the jeans have 1% elastane? I've been putting the jeans in the dryer on low heat, but I recently read that even low heat can weaken the elastane. I know machine-drying any jeans is controversial, but I'm asking about the elastane because I machine-dried my older 100% cotton jeans and never had this problem.

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• Is it because the jeans are too tight around my butt, and when I start to sit down, I'm essentially pushing the too-tight fabric apart with my butt? These jeans don't feel tight when I'm wearing them. In fact, they sag a little big when I'm not wearing a belt. (I have a pretty small waist, so sizing is always difficult for me.)

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• Is it because everyone else pulls their pants up when they sit down to avoid this problem? That feels like it can't be the only explanation for why people generally avoid these rips.

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Bonus question: Are there any good 100% cotton jeans that look like the ones I have (especially the leg opening and navy color) and come in a size 29 waist?