The best jean brands to know, according to a fashion editor
The long (and exhausting) search for the perfect pair of jeans may feel like a daunting process, however once you find 'the one' they'll be the most integral part of your capsule wardrobe and you'll wonder how you ever got dressed without them.
Looking for your perfect pair? The answer probably lies with the brands specialising in denim, as you know they'll deliver on form and fit, as well as style credentials. Yes, they may be more of an investment piece, but we think it's worth the plunge as the payoff is tenfold – ultimately saving you time, money and jean-induced stress for years to come, and not to mention making you feel great every time you put them on.
Looking for a new go-to denim silhouette? Meet the barrel jeans. This pair from Citizens Of Humanity will be your new favourite style for wearing off-duty with ballet flats, or dressing up in the evening with a simple black top and heels. Want something a little more classic? Agolde is the brand to know for simple yet flattering, perennial shapes – their straight leg jeans have '90s appeal that's still just as covetable today.
Shop the best jeans brands...
Mother
It takes just one look at these SoCal inspired styles in super soft fabrics to understand why Mother denim has a cult following of celebrity fans including the likes of Gigi Hadid and Meghan Markle. We particularly love their slouchy shapes and slogan tees full of modern '70s nostalgia. Don’t forget to check out their collaboration with fellow LA brand Clare V while there’s still time.
7 For All Mankind
Launched back in 2000, 7 For All Mankind was one of the first denim brands to perfectly encapsulate that casual, laidback cool surely inspired by their LA base, and translate it into luxury denim. Their jeans still remain a leader of the premium denim pack even 24 years laster through new innovations, such as converting two of their best-sellers into sustainable styles, and introducing new sustainable products each season.
DL1961
For denim that feels good, looks good, and even does good, DL1961 is the name to know. Not only has this family-owned brand patented its own cotton and lycra combination fabric for skin-like denim that’s both comfortable and will keep its shape, their ultra-absorbent fibres and waterless processes use only 10 gallons of water, compared to the usual 1,500 gallons for the average pair of jeans.
Citizens of Humanity
Just because we wear them every day, it doesn’t mean denim shouldn’t be considered a luxury wardrobe piece. Citizens Of Humanity certainly think so, with each pair taking up to 50 steps to produce and passing through the hands of 40 skilled artisans before being hand-inspected. Try their infamous barrel leg shape and you’ll soon understand how special the right pair of jeans can be.
Agolde
Taking classic silhouettes and reworking them for the modern day is what AGOLDE does best. Their denim has that great vintage quality, effortlessly mastering the iconic '90s straight slouch but bringing it into the 21st century with contemporary twists and created using up-to-date laser technology, ozone machines and high-efficiency wash methods. What’s not to love?
Frame
Originally setting out in 2012 to create the perfect pair of skinny jeans (who could forget the style that defined the 2010s), founders Jens Grede and Erik Torstensson have since expanded their offering into more must-have shapes, but their original inspiration of the easy elegance of French style still remains at the heart of every piece. It’s surely what makes their ongoing collaboration with the legendary Ritz Paris hotel is such a roaring success.
Jeanerica
A relative newbie in the denim arena, Stockholm-based label Jeanerica is more than capable of holding its own amongst the California heavyweights when it comes to lust-worthy jeans. Set on bringing denim back to its European roots through both culture and craftsmanship (it was originally used for sail making in 15th century Italy), but with an American influence of timeless designs, Jeanerica have a subtle style for every denim lover.
Slvrlake
Want your denim to do more than just weekend off-duty? Slvrlake’s styles forgo the frills, logos and distressing process in favour of simply great, expertly tailored, well-cut jeans that feel just as polished as your favourite pair of trousers. Wear them with everything from day to night.
E.L.V Denim
Sustainable British brand E.L.V Denim (the E.L.V. stands for East London Vintage ), takes 100% up-cycled materials and transforms them into unique fashion pieces. Their signature contrasting colour jeans, like all their collections are designed and produced locally to their London base.
You Might Also Like
