There is nothing like a great pair of jeans. Denim is a wardrobe staple, and great jeans are a foundation for most modern women's wardrobes. Their versatility and durability make them perfect for everything from a picnic in the park to a night out on the town.
Finding the perfect pair of jeans can be a challenge, given the sheer volume of brands to choose from. This guide outlines some of the top designer denim brands.
7 For All Mankind was one of the first designer labels to burst onto the denim scene, way back in 2000. Based in Los Angeles, celebrities and denim enthusiasts were excited by their unique cuts, fit, washes and styles. It was unlike anything else available in the market at the time.
7 Jeans remain one of the most popular brands today, offering jeans for women and men. It even has a maternity line.
Paige Premium Denim
Paige Premium Denim was founded in 2004 by fit model Paige Adams-Geller. Paige was the fit model for 7 Jeans and many other brands for years before she decided to start her own denim line. Her denim philosophy is that you don't have to be a size 0 to find a great pair of jeans. Her line aims to provide designer denim solutions to all body types.
Paige Premium Denim jeans are known to be flattering in the rear. Hence, many of the cuts are tight in the thigh area because they are lifting your butt. These jeans look good on many different body types and are available in women's, men's, maternity and some extended sizes - up to a 34.
Many people fell in love with J Brand Denim's skinny jeans when they first came on the scene in 2005. The brand was co-founded by denim manufacturer Jeff Rudes and former stylist Susie Crippen. They created a line of jeans lauded for their simple yet sophisticated lines and cuts.
J Brand has several different styles and labels to please discerning denim consumers. There is the classic Burgundy label, their basic jean line; the Blue Label, which is a curvier fit with more room in the hips and thighs; the eco-friendly Green Label and the Black Label, made with more luxurious fabrics. They also make a maternity line and men's jeans.
AG Jeans
Adriano Goldschmied Jeans, or AG Jeans, launched as a small line in 2000. Focused on recreating vintage washes, their line grew and is now widely available. This high end designer denim brand has a style and fit for all body types, but is especially celebrated by curvy women. The AG Legend cut is known to be incredibly flattering, with perfectly placed pockets, the right amount of rise and no waist gap.
True Religion Brand Jeans are at the higher end of the price range of designer denim. The brand launched in Los Angeles in 2002 stressing quality and workmanship in their products, which are all proudly made in the U.S. True Religion is a line well known for skinny jeans, which are celebrity favorites. The prominent True Religion horseshoe stitching on the back pockets has led to many impostors and copycats. These jeans are one of the most frequently copied designer denim labels.
Levi's denim brand needs no formal introduction. Their classic 501 cut is legendary, and it is not uncommon for a pair of vintage Levi's to be traded like currency. With the surge in popularity in boutique, designer label jeans, Levi's has stayed in the game with a variety of styles for men, women and children.
Levi's website includes a unique feature that has become quite popular as styles and fits have evolved. Levi's understands that trying on jeans can be a frustrating and challenging process. They have tried to remove some of the guess work with Curve ID, an interactive feature on the website that walks the consumer through a series of questions about body type and prior experience with fit. After answering the questions, the site recommends a personalized Curve ID for you, and directs you to styles that will be the most flattering for your body type.
Rock and Republic
The Rock and Republic jeans brand was inspired by rock and roll, and it shows! The line features sleek silhouettes, and is aimed at consumers looking for forward-thinking, edgy designs. The progressive styles are loved by celebrities and fashionistas. Many Rock and Republic styles have unique flares like flecks of silver embedded in the material. Rock and Republic is certainly one of the most fashion-forward denim lines available to consumers, and their price tag and high-end department store availability reflect this.
Diesel is an Italian brand favored by the rock-and-roll crowd. The most lauded Diesel cuts are the skinny jeans made popular by their best customers - hipsters and musicians. Diesel makes a women's line, a men's line, and jeans for boys and girls as well. They are well known for high quality and durability.
Joe's Jeans is another line of designer jeans popular with celebrities and consumers. One thing that sets Joe's Jeans apart from other denim brands is that they are one of the few companies that create a line of petites for women. This makes them a favorite with shorter women everywhere.
Like other designer lines, Joe's uses high-quality materials, focuses on craftsmanship, and offers a comprehensive line of jeans to fit multiple body types. Joe's Jeans have a women's, men's, kids' and maternity line.
When it comes to designer denim, every brand will have their own appeal based on your personal preferences as well as body type, budget, and other considerations. It's also important to remember that while having a pair of designer jeans is a great addition to your wardrobe, fit and comfort will always be more important than brand recognition.
If your Old Navy jeans make you look fabulous, then rock those bad boys! However, if you are looking for a quality jean that maybe worth spending a little extra, try on a few of the brands listed above and see what some truly designer denim can do for you!