https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 00:06:13 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535651 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 20:10:46 +0000 Anonymous 1535651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been pretty busy today, so sorry I've not chimed in till now.</p> <p>Yah, <b>Suz</b>, I've been reading your posts about winter outfits,&nbsp;and I'm like you - I wear skinny jeans all winter because they fit into boots nicely. So I don't mind investing in something good.</p> <p>Mostly, jeans fit OK on me (although back pocket placement sometimes is too low), so really what I'm looking for is something that looks nice. 'Nicer' to me means not too skin-tight clingy, thicker fabric, and visible, but not overdone whiskering. (Whoah, i sound picky!)</p> <p>I think I'll have a look at Nordstrom to see if they have anything premium. I'm trying to find some light wash jeans with nice whiskering that are not too clingy and I've not been able to find this in lower-end jeans without obvious stitching or back pocket embellishments.</p> <p>I'm thinking the bagging has something to do with polyester/spandex content being too high? Does this theory make sense to anybody? </p> <p></p> <p>ETA: Thanks for the links! I'll have a good look at them later.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535628 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 19:39:36 +0000 frannieb 1535628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yup Laura got it&nbsp;<br />J brand and Cookie jeans are my go to jean brands. J is premium cookie is a bit more then NYDJ (which I hate their jeans love their pants)<br />A lower priced curvy jean is Lucky jeans - try the different cuts</p> <p>Kut jeans don't work all the great on me&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535593 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 18:49:03 +0000 Keix 1535593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My denim wardrobe is currently about half Lucky Brand (I have narrow hips and a curvy rear, LOVE the Lolita skinny TTS and Dylan boyfriend sized down), half mid-tier premium (AG from Anthropologie--regular price ~$150, I usually pay +/-$100). I've tried on Rag &amp; Bone and love the fabrication/washes, but the fit isn't 100% perfect on me (I prefer low-rise to mid-rise in fitted jeans) to be worth $200+. I also have one pair of J.Crew skinny/slim-straight jeans that are the highly elusive opaque white jean with functional, invisible front pockets--BUT they bag out noticeably throughout the day and fit more like a slim boyfriend after 8 hours.</p> <p>I haven't found any BR jeans that fit me well--they're following the mid-rise revolution and low-rise options are slim pickings--but I've heard consistently good things about the fabric quality. Jeans bagging out in the rear and thighs is one of the problems I combat even with premium denim. Kut from the Kloth is usually too high-rise for me, and my last pair from the Rack stretched out terribly, but I may try sizing down next time there's a good price on a style that I like. Gap--never a great fit on my body type, and their newest jeans are mid- or high-rise.</p> <p>Anyway, to answer the OP: I do find that I need to pay for at least mid-priced denim to get the best fit and fabric. Lucky Brand falls under your $120 limit and have become my go-to for basic cuts/washes, but I still need to go to premium denim for more trendy styles or uncommon colors (e.g. colored skinnies that don't feel thin/cheap). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535552 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 18:04:04 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1535552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with annagybe and Angie - I think there's been a lot of improvement in midrange and cheaper jeans brands, so you don't need to consider premium unless you want to. Fit wise, I could wear ON sweetheart cut until the cows come home and if I waited for sales, I'd probably never spend more than 20 bucks. That's a little boring, though.</p> <p>I about had a heart attack the first time I spent a hundred bucks on a pair of jeans. I justified it to myself because they were made in the USA. I don't think I've spent much more than that. I'm sized out of a lot of brands and they tend to fit a straighter figure too. </p> <p>Jules, Lucky Brand makes plus sizes in their jeans, although it may be online only. Frannie introduced me to J Brand in plus, and I scored a secondhand pair from them that I really like. CJ by Cookie Johnson is another recent favorite for me. They do plus, but their misses also goes up to a 36" waist. Retail for the CJs is $100-150 but you can find them on sale occasionally and I got one pair from eBay earlier this year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535444 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 15:52:12 +0000 shedev 1535444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I buy whatever jeans have the design detail I'm seeking at the time. I just did a jean refresh. Here's what I got.</p> <p>Ameican Eagle in raisin. I also got a pair of dark blue.</p> <p>Joes midrise legging jean. I had tried on a pair of Hue leggings with the same pattern and the fit was terrible. These are so comfy.</p> <p>Paige Verdugo skinnies, I bought last years color at the Rack. It's a little more teal. </p> <p>I also bought DL 1961 in black camo. </p> <p>A lot of my jeans come from the Rack. They have a decent selection so I can usually find what I'm looking for. Kuts are my favorite non premium brand. They fit me well and hold up. After 60 wears, the baby boots are starting to fall apart. That is with washing after every wear.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535433 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 15:46:47 +0000 gradfashionista 1535433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My first pair of premium denim was 7FAM. They developed a hole in a critical area pretty quickly, but I darned it and have worn them since. That was two years ago. They still look great and haven't developed any holes since. Unlike my Gap and BR jeans, they reliably keep shape even after several wears. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535415 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 15:31:16 +0000 Marilyn 1535415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never felt the need to try premium denim.<br />My last two purchases have been Banana Republic's new "premium" denim.&nbsp; Both pairs fit like a glove, feel soft on my skin, and neither stretch out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535393 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 14:55:56 +0000 Angie 1535393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Personally, I think premium denim has peaked. It used to be better than it is now in terms of fit, fabric &amp; quality. &nbsp;Non-premiumn denim is catching up - and is in some instances bypassing premium denim. You might find this post interesting.&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2015/01/12/peak-premium-denim/">http://youlookfab.com/2015/01/.....ium-denim/</a></p> <p>I wear both premium and non-premium denim, and have equal love for both.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535382 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 14:48:00 +0000 annabelle 1535382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jules -&nbsp;</b>Lucky Brand seems to work well for curvy girls!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535380 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 14:46:18 +0000 Suz 1535380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have both premium and non-premium denim. My premium denim jeans tend to get more love and more wear.&nbsp;</p> <p>But it depends. Ultimately -- it's about fit and fabrication. Sometimes you can find a superb fit and great fabric at a lower price point -- if you are lucky. My white Kut from the Kloth Diana skinnies are one example. Style Fan, if you tried one pair of Kuts, you have not necessarily tried all pairs. They change the fabrication often. My white Dianas are an entirely different animal from my dark plaid Mias, which are again a different beast from my lighter plaid Mias. It pays to try, try, try again.&nbsp;</p> <p>When it comes to the premiums, I get my money's worth. My CoH Racer jeans are among my most worn wardrobe items and are now at pennies a wear. Why? Because they make me feel like a million bucks. They fit smoothly, flatter, don't bag out in an unpleasant way, the wash is just right, etc. etc. I'm trying a mid-rise version of a CoH skinny this season to see if I like it as well.&nbsp;</p> <p>I feel similarly about my Rag and Bone Dre slim fit BF jeans. They're the perfect "jean of that type." I also love my slightly baggier, slightly more swaggery True Religion Cameron BF jean. All cotton -- feels great.&nbsp;</p> <p>For me, it makes sense to buy premium denim if the fit and flattery is better because denim is my uniform in the fall/ winter/ spring months. I wear jeans almost every day. Why wouldn't I wear the best and most comfortable and flattering that I can afford? If I only wore denim occasionally, I am not sure it would be worth it to me.&nbsp;</p> <p>I buy my premium denim almost exclusively on sale, so have paid about $150- $170 Canadian for my jeans. Again, for me, it's absolutely worth that price, considering that I would pay about $90 for BR jeans (some of which I also really like, by the way).&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535347 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 13:55:53 +0000 Anonymous 1535347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok - you've all convinced me to try again. &nbsp; &nbsp;Actually I just remembered I bought some Current/Elliot jeans two weeks ago &nbsp;- lol. They're washed black though so I haven't worn them yet. &nbsp;The SA at my fave store talked me into them - that's how much i was paying attention to what brand they were. &nbsp;Like a lot of other American brands, these labels get up into the $300 plus range once they hit the Canadian market - which puts them into a "think carefully before buying" category. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535339 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 13:35:09 +0000 Colette 1535339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There used to be a big difference between premium and non-premium denim. I seem to remember a blog by Angie about how lower priced denim has upped their game, so to speak, and the gap in quality differences between premium and non-premium have decreased. (I just found the blog, &nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2015/01/12/peak-premium-denim/">http://youlookfab.com/2015/01/.....ium-denim/</a>)</p> <p>I shop all denim price points because I have such a difficult time with the fit. When I find a pair that is perfect, I pounce. Ironically my favorite jeans, and the pair to always receive compliments, are by Gap. I hope my new CE from NAS take the lead this fall. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535316 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 12:53:35 +0000 Jules 1535316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Premium denim in curvy sizes? My curiosity is piqued! Do you have any links? While I don't have the curvy hip/waist proportions as much anymore, I am around a size 14 right now which I had assumed sized me out of most premium brands. I also didn't know they did different fits (different cuts yes, but the same cut and size in different body type fits?), I thought these brands typically had a body type they were designing for and they stuck with that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535310 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 12:44:52 +0000 frannieb 1535310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A recent accidental convert to premium denim in curvy sizes. &nbsp;<br />One they fit me better then anything has ever fit me - I hadn't owned jeans forever and tried on a premium pair last spring and it was a love story between me and jeans.<br />Two they last longer - I have been wearing one pair non-stop two t three times a week and they do not stretch out get baggy or have I noticed &nbsp;the material going thin from rubbing in the inner thigh (a curvy girl problem)<br />So thos are my top two reasons for going premium though I am not just a premium jean girl because I found a style of Lucky jeans that fits me wonderfully and with some tailoring are just fab and they have been in heavy rotation this summer and are holding up wonderfully </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535295 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 12:31:10 +0000 Daria 1535295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interestingly, the only pair of jeans I ever owned that didn't hold up was </p> <p>7 for All Mankind. I really love my AG and Diesel (are they considered premium denim) pairs and in general premium denim is my preference if can snatch a pair on a good sale (bluefly or 6pm).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535279 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 11:34:46 +0000 Style Fan 1535279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The other point about premium denim that I forgot to mention is that it is usually made in the USA.&nbsp; I have been trying to buy clothing that has been made in the USA, Canada or Europe.&nbsp; Not always successful but I am trying.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535271 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 11:08:28 +0000 Tania 1535271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a recent convert to premium denim. I find that they fit and flatter better and feel more comfortable and hold shape better. It probably depends on individual bodies, but I had trouble finding non-premium jeans that felt/looked good. I still wore them, thinking there was no way I'd try premium. Once I did, I was a convert. I open to non premium but can see the premium works for me.<br /> For example, everytime I wear my Paige flares, I catch my husband looking at my backside. When he does that, I say, "I know! How do they do that!!! " and he tells me to get more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535268 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 11:05:23 +0000 kkards 1535268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>just like anything, you can find good and bad at every price point…..one thing about most (but of course not all premium denim), its made in the US. also, again, not always, but more often than not, new cuts and washes start in the premium brands and then filter down. buy what works for you style wise, size wise and price wise…. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535265 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 10:55:05 +0000 Style Fan 1535265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only buy premium denim now.&nbsp; I find the jeans hold their shape, feel better on, last longer and make me look better.&nbsp; I read an interesting article by a blogger (I don't remember where) comparing different jeans and premium won out.</p> <p>When I was in Florida I tried on the Kut from the Kloth that the fabbers all rave about.&nbsp; I didn't like them.&nbsp; I did like the Rag &amp; Bone.&nbsp; Of course I did.&nbsp; They were the most expensive.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535243 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 08:43:28 +0000 Bijou 1535243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have bought Armani and Frame jeans for the fabric, cut and fit. &nbsp;If I find great non-premium jeans, I will buy 2 pairs, because jeans that fit perfectly can be hard to come by. &nbsp;I will usually buy one pair initially, see how they work for me and if I am living in them, go back for a second pair. &nbsp;When buying anything, I think of $ per wear.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535182 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 04:36:38 +0000 annabelle 1535182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Anna&nbsp;</b>- I love how you have so much business information for us, on the fashion industry!</p> <p><b>All &nbsp;-&nbsp;</b>I don't know quite at what price point jeans become premium, but I will enjoy sharing my experiences and why I pay what I do for my jeans. For me, jeans are my daily uniform - my brand. </p> <p>I historically have had trouble finding jeans that fit well. (Is that truly universal?!!)&nbsp;Once I found a brand to fit, I would stick with it. For a while it was Lucky Brand, then Joe's Jeans, and now my favorites include some PRPS, Current / Elliott, AG Nikki and Elizabeth &amp; James relaxed skinnies. For me it was not about the price point, but rather how much better these jeans fit my shape. And I like buying Made in USA when I can.&nbsp;</p> <p>With pricier jeans, we are paying for two things: style (holes, fading, color, quality of fabric, finishes on seams and pockets) and fit. For me it's the fit that has sold me on buying jeans from shopbop.com almost exclusively. I think the only jeans I've spent more than $200 on are a pair with a unique finish and lots of holes in them.&nbsp;</p> <p>FWIW, I cannot buy women's jeans at the thrift store, even though conceptually I appreciate the reduce, reuse concept. I have good luck with women's tops and men's jeans but women's jeans... no. :)&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535179 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 04:25:54 +0000 Brooklyn 1535179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I may have been sucked in by the hype but I really like&nbsp;premium jeans. These are the sort of&nbsp;problems I have experienced with non-premium jeans (not all of them, but plenty):&nbsp;fabric going like cardboard over time, bagging and sagging (especially around the waist and butt), fabric too thin, pocket lining showing or puckering at the front, wearing away of fabric at the fly. I have not experienced this with any premium jeans.&nbsp;And they feel better&nbsp;on. (OK, that&nbsp;could be wishful thinking!)&nbsp;I do try to get them on sale. I have never spent&nbsp;$300 on them but have spent up to $200 AUD&nbsp;(about $150 USD). Honestly, on a cost per wear basis they are easily my most economical purchase. I wear jeans every single day other than the hottest days in summer.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535178 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 04:21:28 +0000 Sal 1535178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Premium denim is sold here but most people I know would only buy when on holiday in the US. &nbsp;NZ$ prices are exorbitant as in $500. &nbsp;While I could buy online I would need to try on and I am not prepared to work around this. &nbsp;So I settle for mostly chain store denim, or brands such as Lee or Wrangler.</p> <p>Do you think there is still a difference Anna now or has it evened up? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535170 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 03:56:00 +0000 annagybe 1535170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Premium jeans when they first emerged were a complete game changer in the fashion industry.<br />The fit, the fabric was hugely different. </p> <p>ETA 7 for All Mankind basically started the wave.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535129 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 02:45:10 +0000 Jaime 1535129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All my premium jeans are second hand (except the C/E jeans I just ordered but don't have yet). I have bought Gap jeans first hand, and thrifted Zara jeans. My favorite premium jeans are very old COH, Vince, and second hand R13 and they hold their shape beautifully. They wash well, see me through weight fluctuations and still flatter, and are staples for me. Zara jeans are not cut as perfectly and have terrible bagging problems. Gap bf jeans are good for me but the cut is slightly less sensational. If you have access to a store like Buffalo Exchange you can try on lots of different brands and time periods and see for yourself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535125 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 02:31:19 +0000 Anonymous 1535125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Waiting with anticipation for replies here ! I have some sort of mental block against paying $300 for a pair of jeans .i I know it makes no sense . However I don't see the difference between a $100 pair of jeans from BR , and then all the rest of them from Frame and Seven and whoever else for $300. I think this has been discussed on the forum before though, but I'm still curious and interested . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/premium-denimwhat-is-good-about-it#post-1535104 Fri, 07 Aug 2015 01:33:40 +0000 Anonymous 1535104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just wrote on lisap's thread that I can find excellent jeans for under $120.<br /> But really, when I think about it, I've never really considered premium denim.</p> <p>Is there something great about premium denim that you can't find at lower price points?</p> <p>Denim is something I'd be willing to spend more on, if it makes sense. </p>