Top 5 Denim Brands…Today (literally for the next 24 hours!)
Ok, let’s get into the top 5 Denim Brands…Today
As soon as I’m done writing this, the Top 5 Denim Brands will be outdated. Why? Denim is an ever evolving marketplace. There’s a new brand created in what feels like every month, just about every retailer, brand or designer has a range of denim in their collection every season and I’ve yet to meet a client, friend or family member that doesn’t own at least one pair of jeans.
Let’s take a step back…did you know?
Jeans were created in the late 1800s for miners. The material was good for working. It was durable and could easily be worn time and time again in harsh working conditions. It’s function superseded its need to be a fashion staple then…
Now – well it’s taken a lot of dips and dives and peaks through the years, but for the past century and a half, it’s been a fashion staple. In 1873, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis — turned denim, thread and a little metal into what has become the most popular apparel on earth. It also happens to be my favorite! Why?
So here’s the thing, not only is it versatile in terms of material and material composition (I’ll spare you the details) but it can easily be designed and manufactured into many different forms. Have you heard of the Canadian tuxedo?!
Let’s get to it. Right here, right now, here’s my favorite denim brands list…
AGOLDE
The brand was founded in 1993 by Ron Herman and Adriano Goldschmied, but it’s now owned by Jerome Dahan (he’s the genius behind 7 for All Mankind and Citizens of Humanity, to name a few). When he re-launched AGOLDE in 2014, it stood out…and now it’s a major player in the denim world.
AGOLDE Riley
She’s a straight fit, modern, light denim wash and a subtle frayed edge. My favorite pairing is the unexpected – a black silk cami and strappy stiletto sandals.
AGOLDE 90’s Mid Rise Loose Fit
Of course I’m going with black – but I do have a love for almost all of the denim colors from AGOLDE. They’re really well done in my opinion and highlight your best assets!
MANGO
Wait what? Yep…I would normally put Zara in this place but I’m not. They’ve messed up too many times for me to count and at the moment, we aren’t friends. Mango has done a stellar job of providing current styles in quality materials at amazing prices. Here’s my top 2…
MANGO Culotte High Waist Jean
I’ve always dreamed of finding the perfect fitting jeans in this creamy white color. I’ve tried them all on from every brand. I promise this. These are legit! They fit well, wash well and wear nicely. Plus, if you’re on the shorter side, just cut off the bottoms and let them fray. It’s such a good look.
MANGO Decorative Rips Relaxed Jean
If distressing, rips or fraying aren’t your thing, keep scrolling! This style is all of that and it’s done well. For this $79.99 price tag, you can’t even touch this look with any other brand for this quality, color and fit.
Rag & Bone
To them, it’s all about doing things the right way, not necessarily the easy way. Their styles are meant to be timeless and their denim collection is always at the forefront of their collection. I’m not so much of a betting type of person, but I’d be willing to bet that they’ll always stay true to their roots in quality denim.
Rag & Bone: Nina – High Rise Cigarette
A black skinny is easy. This one is a bit “more” than that. The denim quality is top notch and the fit works for just about any and all body types. Don’t believe me…order them and see for yourself!
Rag & Bone: Maya – High Rise Slim
Slim isn’t skinny – did you know that? This style has a slim fit through the hip and thigh, but it’s not form fitting. The 100% cotton denim will hug you in, but it shouldn’t be restrictive – I take that back – it’s not a legging afterall!
LEVI’S
This is my one hope at a brand that won’t age with this blog post! They’ve been around for over a century (do you remember I said that earlier) so I’m pretty sure they’ll be around forever. The coolest part is that while their styling has changed, their materials haven’t been compromised. You can not only buy these fresh and new, but you’ll easily find some amazing vintage fits at your local consignment or second-hand store.
Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle
This color is everything that’s right in denim trends now. It’s a solid, medium wash with no fading. It’s flattering, rigid and fits well – for those who can stand to dress without an overabundance of spandex!
Levi’s Secondhand
I said it earlier – but here’s the direct link to Levi’s own Second-hand shop. Secondhand is sustainable and pre-worn but I can guarantee you’ll find one-of-a-kind styles that are lifetime favorites!
R13
Founded by and designed by Chris Leba in 2009, this brand is paving the way for denim in ways that no one else ever considered. This elevated brand (high price tag) isn’t just marked by denim alone. The edgy, fashion forward collection remains unique in its own right while the denim collection continues to break boundaries.
R13 Crossover Jean
These will break the bank – but you’ll be the most badass jean wearer of all time at the same time. Which do you choose? Honestly, they’re really fashion forward and I hesitated to include them here, but R13 is paving a new way for denim in terms of shapes and silhouettes and I’m here for it. Several other brands have followed in their footsteps to create knock-off versions of the crossover. But I can promise you this – if you can splurge for the hefty price tag of $495 and you’ve got some well seasoned styling skills, you’ll be obsessed!
Faster than I imagined and just while I’ve been writing this blog post there have been additional brands coming to mind that shouldn’t be left out. Here’s a few to keep you moving…but truthfully, the list is endless. I’ll without a doubt revisit this topic every so often to keep you updated on all the newness in the world of denim.
