I'm a Stylist—These Are the 7 Jeans Brands That Are Genuinely Worth Investing In
We all know how hard it can be to shop for jeans, and it's especially hard when you've decided you'd like to invest in a designer pair—then they really, really have to be perfect. It's worth the hunt, though. Denim is a fabric that, as an experienced stylist and editor, I can genuinely say is worth spending that bit more on. Not only because the quality and sourcing of the denim is likely to be much better (and more sustainable), but the fit will have had so much more attention in the design process (and will be much less likely to sag after a few seasons' wear). Plus, we get an awful lot of miles out of our denim—jeans are the ultimate wear-anywhere wardrobe piece after all, so the cost per wear quickly creeps down if you buy one or two pairs of perfect designer jeans and wear them on repeat. That's girl math, right?
Anyway, back to the crux of the matter—you're on the hunt for a pair of designer jeans that are truly worth your hard-earned cash. So, where do you start the search? That's where I come in. Over the last ten years of working in the fashion industry, I've tried hundreds (and I mean hundreds, honestly) of pairs of jeans from different brands across high street and designer labels. I'm not a dress connoisseur, I'll admit, but when it comes to denim I'd happily call myself an expert.
Below I've listed the seven women's designer jeans brands that have passed my trials and tests with flying colours. It's no coincidence that so many other industry insiders—from influencers to my fellow stylists and editors—are obsessed with them, too. Of course, everyone's individual denim tastes and needs are different, and I'd say that any style you choose from these brands will have the longevity you're looking for—but I have also added in links to the particular pairs I'd personally recommend along with the brands' bestsellers for your perusal. Now, that wasn't so painful was it? Happy jeans shopping!
7 Women's Designer Jeans Brands Worth Investing In:
1. Agolde
Style Notes: Agolde always set the tone for the season's cult denim, but their '90s Pinch Waist style are an all time classic that influencers and editors love year after year.
Shop Agolde Jeans:
2. Citizens of Humanity
Style Notes: Citizens has always produced classic denim, but they've become the brand to invest in this year thanks to the popularity of their Ayla jeans (as seen on Brooklynn, here) which seem to suit everyone.
Shop Citizens of Humanity Jeans:
3. Re/Done
Style Notes: Re/Done started life reworking classic vintage Levi's, and although their repertoire has extended to so many different shapes and styles, I still rate their 90s Loose as the best straight legs around.
Shop Re/Done Jeans:
4. Khaite
Style Notes: You can always depend on Khaite to produce ultra-luxe, polished denim styles in perfect fits. The Danielle is the style that is almost always sold out.
Shop Khaite Jeans:
5. Mother
Style Notes: Mother focuses on creating timeless shapes and styles in beautifully soft denim. I'm especially a fan of their cropped styles.
Shop Mother Jeans:
This two-tone pair has really caught my eye.
6. Frame
Style Notes: Although Frame has many, many jeans shapes now that it executes brilliantly, I'll always look to them for being the best at flares.
Shop Frame Jeans:
Black jeans are a great alternative to tailored trousers for more casual occasions.
7. Toteme
Style Notes: If you like your jeans to look polished, and come in timeless designs that are easy to dress up or down, I'd encourage you to check out Toteme's offering.
Shop Toteme Jeans:
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.
Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.
Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.
When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.
Emily is currently on maternity leave.
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