YouLookFab Forum » Topic: What is with expensive jeans?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: What is with expensive jeans? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 05 Apr 2026 11:41:39 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php annagybe on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans/page/2#post-2338753 Sat, 16 Sep 2023 18:44:33 +0000 annagybe 2338753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I used to buy lots of premium denim, seriously spends stuff. Like R13 and Chimala (like Judy above).  My most recent jeans purchases were American Eagle. I’ve gained a lot of weight, trendy jean cuts don’t exist in premium brands. Even Good American has more skinnies.  I recently went to Australia to visit family. It’s winter down there, and I forgot to pack jeans. So off I went to a Westfield. Ended up buying super cheap ones on sale from Kmart, Anko brand I think. One pair was   8$ AU and the other 12$ AU. And they were cute actually.   I’m tired of the pandemic sweatpants.  Last week I was getting my glasses fixed and I stopped by Nordstrom. I know everything has gone up in price, but even then I shocked at the prices. There was a cute skirt by Mother, I think it was over $300. A jacket, over $600.  ETA, I guess if I found a really cool pair in my current size, I might be tempted. DonnaF on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans/page/2#post-2338344 Mon, 11 Sep 2023 23:03:41 +0000 DonnaF 2338344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Okay; all those Frame (premium denim) jeans finally arrived. The ones that were supposedly Petites most definitely were nowhere near petite length. The size which would normally be too small was definitely too small. They were nice, but I did not feel like I had died and gone to heaven. For the most part I'm not a BLUE jean person so I don't think it makes sense for me to spend extra for blue jeans. Now if I had blue eyes. . .or if true (vs faded) black straight or bootcut jeans were to show up at a decent price, I would consider them.  Carol on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans/page/2#post-2337822 Wed, 06 Sep 2023 11:18:14 +0000 Carol 2337822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ suntiger--they are pretty! very 70s vibe with that waist.  Anonymous on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans/page/2#post-2337598 Mon, 04 Sep 2023 16:05:20 +0000 Anonymous 2337598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't wear jeans often, so never felt much need to spend a lot. But- then I found these in a boutique. I paid somewhere around $100 for them, cause they were exactly what I was looking for. Full length, bootcut, pull on, high enough in the rise to cover my entire Brazillian backside, and just the right shade to go with my palette. Totally worth it. Zaeobi on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans/page/2#post-2337564 Mon, 04 Sep 2023 11:57:59 +0000 Zaeobi 2337564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm then I suppose you & I may both have better luck with non-designer denim lol. My Lee's have some interesting details that help with fit, like elastic only in the sides of the waistband. Big disclaimer though is that: A) I don't wear jeans often so I don't own that many (have already described all my pairs in the comment above lol), and B) I've never actually tried any *truly* designer jeans (just going into Levi's & being frustrated with all their rises not fitting over my junk in the trunk was enough to put me off lol). Carol on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans/page/2#post-2337561 Mon, 04 Sep 2023 11:36:31 +0000 Carol 2337561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Zaeobi--hmm, you know that's funny--Lee's work for me, too, and every pair I've had has been secondhand, so maybe vintage. I, too, have a big difference between waist and hips.  Zaeobi on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans/page/2#post-2337557 Mon, 04 Sep 2023 11:11:46 +0000 Zaeobi 2337557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not always, but I've generally noticed that higher-end brands tend to cater to a different fit model. So if you're really tall &/ or thin, you may have better luck with their denim. For me personally though, I need a little stretch because I have a substantial difference between my waist & hips. Similarly, I've found brands like Levi's don't fit me right for some reason, but vintage Lee's work well on my frame. My other pair of jeans are from Peruvian Connection (the most I've ever paid for denim) & I've noticed the fabric requires less constant pulling up. They're also in a pretty floral design. So I suppose high-end denim is a mix of better fabric and unique designs, but for certain body types. Carol on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans/page/2#post-2337365 Sat, 02 Sep 2023 04:09:37 +0000 Carol 2337365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ DonnaF--They look nice in the waist and seat, like you said.  DonnaF on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans/page/2#post-2337363 Sat, 02 Sep 2023 03:44:28 +0000 DonnaF 2337363@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ In the interests of *research* I just ordered a few more pairs of Frame sale jeans *just to see*, lol. Carol on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans/page/2#post-2337355 Sat, 02 Sep 2023 01:09:38 +0000 Carol 2337355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ DonnaF--Wow, those look great! Now I need to try some premium denim. Those may be a size up, but with a fun belt, they could go anywhere.  DonnaF on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans/page/2#post-2337352 Sat, 02 Sep 2023 00:32:26 +0000 DonnaF 2337352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This thread got me curious as I’d never even tried in on premium denim. When these Frame jeans (in Petite!) went on sale for $114 (very high for me) down from $285, I decided to order them. They were amazingly flattering despite being so big they slid down and stuck out quite a bit at the waist in front. They hung well and didn’t cup or wrinkle below the seat which is a common problem for me. In short, I now understand the attraction of premium denim. Unfortunately, a size down is unavailable. Carol on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans/page/2#post-2336940 Tue, 29 Aug 2023 20:54:25 +0000 Carol 2336940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ judy--those are lovely. Style Fan--I bet the premium jeans do fit better in terms of rise, etc. Great photos. I can see that some are on sale, but perhaps they're worth full price, too.  Carol on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans/page/2#post-2336939 Tue, 29 Aug 2023 20:50:12 +0000 Carol 2336939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ unfrumped--Your are selling me on the bootcuts. I remember when I used to have a lot of those. Especially if you really do wear them with boots--it's a cool look.  You sound like me as well--curious about all the denim out there but pretty satisfied to try on a couple and settle on the best one.  Premium denim remains for me  an ideal, but I'll settle for a solid mall pair.  Sal on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans/page/2#post-2336938 Tue, 29 Aug 2023 20:48:00 +0000 Sal 2336938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think denim manufacture is very water and dye intensive.   I think thrifting is just as ethical than buying new "sustainable brands" - which are expensive and not aways in the right sizing etc for everyone. Carol on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans/page/2#post-2336937 Tue, 29 Aug 2023 20:45:12 +0000 Carol 2336937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ catherine--great point about ethics. The closest I get to ethical shopping is thrifting, but I should get my undergarments ethically. I bet there are a lot of good ethical jeans out there.  Style Fan on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans/page/2#post-2336762 Mon, 28 Aug 2023 20:56:55 +0000 Style Fan 2336762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wear jeans whenever I can.  I prefer jeans to any other bottoms in my wardrobe.  I have tried jeans from almost everywhere.  I like 100% cotton. Expensive jeans fit me better.  The denim is of better quality.  The rise works on my body.  They are long enough.  They are better designed. I liked a pair of high-rise, wide-legged jeans from Banana Republic, but they did not compare to those I got from Citizens of Humanity. I am 5'7", and some lower-priced jeans are not long enough, and the rise is too short even when called high rise.  The fit is off. These are my jeans.  I find Citizens of Humanity fits me the best.   judy on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans/page/2#post-2336732 Mon, 28 Aug 2023 17:05:34 +0000 judy 2336732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sally that's funny about the contest.  I know it's a badge of honor for all the whiskering, fades etc...and all the special names they have for them.  Whatever gives our life meaning, right?   I started my raw denim journey with unisex ones from APC about 12 or more years ago?  (time, who can keep track!).  They were good, I really loved them.  Then I had some weight gain, so had to let them go. When I was going to replace them with a bigger size, I found the brand Chimala that made women's jeans at the Madewell site.  They only made lighter wash broken in ones, but really good quality. (I still have a few of those!).  In 2016 Chimala did some raw ones, ordered these: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://lagarconne.com/products/pch01bss17-chimala-wide-tapered-cut-selvedge-jeans">https://lagarconne.com/product.....edge-jeans</a> The fabric was amazing.  Thick and dark with little flecks of white in it.  That faded of course, but the denim is still incredible. I ordered these in early 2020: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://lagarconne.com/products/pch04ass18-chimala-monroe-cut-jean">https://lagarconne.com/product.....e-cut-jean</a>. These were a lighter weight of denim right from the start and not as nice as the other pair.  They are fine, but there's no comparison in the denim.  So even within the same brand, there are differences! Or did I wash them too early?  That makes a difference too in how it ages.   Okay, obsessive rant about raw denim over ! unfrumped on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans#post-2336704 Mon, 28 Aug 2023 15:33:49 +0000 unfrumped 2336704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m not as much a jeans person as some are. Or “ denim”, which is a term used now, for jeans that I never used in my life except for non- pants ( denim shirt, jacket). But I do have use for several pairs, as there are some “ dressing opportunities” that just beg for jeans. I don’t aim for trendy or fashion forward but mostly for silhouettes that work best with casual or barely smart casual. Bootcut, “ girlfriend”, some types of straight. I haven’t tried on any $ 500 types and not likely to. Whereas I might try fairly expensive tailored pants. It’s harder for me to do some of the trendy jean styles because the stiffer fabric doesn’t lend itself to fitting waist and still flowing over hip & thigh and fitting in the seat. Or sizing down for good rear fit and then the crotch is too snug for my liking or they feel binding. Hard to explain I guess. But I still try to go by fit, fit, fit. When I have enough energy, I’ll try on a range in a local department store that includes some “moderately premium “ brands, because I’m experimenting to see if there’s a “ me” brand or style out there. I was shopping with DD2 in another city last year and tried on some Hudson bootcuts. I really like how they looked, and didn’t feel too constrained, so I just bought them rather than trying to hunt for something similar. So I’m to some extent ready to go with opportunity rather than a strict price point. Brooklyn mentioned long jeans- the Hudson ones were way too long, and raw hem, but I didn’t want to hack & leave raw, so got them hemmed. But one problem with loooong bootcut is cutting off the widest flare and making them closer to mini- bootcut. I have culled some mini-bootcut Paige jeans that are lower rise, more muffin- top prone. That was hard, because I liked the dark wash but I knew I’d wear them seldom and then split wears, instead of getting the most out of the Hudson’s. My others are a JJill boyfriend ( more slim/ girlfriend), a Loft straight in 2 sizes, and an ON wide leg that I bought in late spring and was too hot to wear— kind of became unsure of my choice but missed return window. So I’m going to try styling for fall ( full length, so can do boots but also my regular most comfortable athletic sneakers. Carol on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans#post-2336697 Mon, 28 Aug 2023 15:14:08 +0000 Carol 2336697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet--All those are lovely! I am especially in love with all the flared blue denim ones. They have just the right length and amount of fading. Thanks for sharing. Brooklyn--I really do like those baggy Collusion ones.  Baggy is a statement enough, but when you add in the extreme whiskering, they take on a life all their own. But I would definitely wear those Veronica Beards. I'm a sucker for whatever you call that line down the front--that technique. Thanks for sharing.  Sally--I love challenges--I don't know if I could do this one. It reminds me of the one-dress  challenge. But I bet you the final "weigh-in" is really lively.  Staysfit--sounds like you know your jeans.  I hate losing a brand like that. I lost a shoe brand I loved--one I could run all around the city in, but it wouldn't break the bank. That was a hard loss. I'm glad you like your Simon Miller jeans. It makes me consider shelling out good money for something I need.  catherine on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans#post-2336693 Mon, 28 Aug 2023 15:02:12 +0000 catherine 2336693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Premium denim is a relatively new thing for me, and I always thought it was a little bit crazy to spend that much on jeans. It was probably seven years ago that I found a pair of Paige jeans at The Rack for about $30. Wow! I have never looked back. There was just no comparison to anything else in my closet. Another brand that I found at The Rack is Fidelity Denim. These are difficult to find and often sell out quickly. They are pretty expensive but have a great fit. One other thing to remember is that premium denim MAY be made more sustainably and MAY provide better factory working conditions. Of course, this is not universal. I don’t care that much about the trendiness, but fit, feel, and ethics are my major considerations. If you wear jeans a lot, it might be worth a try. I really like seeing the comments here, too. Carol on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans#post-2336687 Mon, 28 Aug 2023 14:37:46 +0000 Carol 2336687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal--stretch v. no stretch definitely makes or breaks a look, huh? I can see how cropped flares might be harder in no stretch. I'd have to figure out how to pull that off.  Judy--glad this thread inspired you to pull them out! You know, I had a little drawstring purse from Japan that was dyed indigo. If it's a similar dye, I can see the appeal.  MsMaven--interesting, maybe I will be exploring new brands. I just saw a Gloria Vanderbilt jean skirt on Poshmark that was quite tasteful, but alas, too short for what I need right now. Angie--what a fun capsule--thanks for sharing it! I am into that pink jumpsuit, but trying to figure out where I could wear it outside the coolest parts of NY and LA. That color block pair I would wear immediately. And I've not seen a cropped tapered pair until that picture! Thanks for the Zara tip--I will remember that.  Jaime--I'll roll around an idea in my head for many months, so I'm not even sure I need jeans yet. Do you live in a big city? Because they do have great thrifting.   Staysfit on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans#post-2336670 Mon, 28 Aug 2023 12:05:40 +0000 Staysfit 2336670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I buy at all price points. Most of my collection is in the mid to high price range. A pair of jeans lasts me about 3-4 years.  I don’t find that higher prices improve longevity but in my experience it does improve fit given my long rise, inseam and muscular legs.  The most expensive jeans in my collection are a pair of Simon Millers which are several years old. I saw them on a fashion blog and fell instantly in love with them.  I finally found them on sale on Far Fetch and didn’t hesitate despite the price being over $500.  They were too long so tailoring added to their cost. I still love them and wear them regularly so I have no regrets. My favorite jean brand of all time, J Brand, went out of business a few years ago. This has been difficult as no other jean brand has fit me as reliably.  Rag &Bone, when they are long enough are a close second, but they are often not long enough.  Veronica Beard is becoming a brand I like as they can be long enough but the fit in the rise can be wonky at times.  I also have Frame, L’Agence, Mother, Levi’s and Hudson jeans in my collection. Historically, when a Frame style fits they often become a workhorse in my wardrobe. However, Frame jeans often run too narrow for my legs.  I recently found a pair with a similar cut to the Simon Millers and am hopeful they will become new favorites.  Sally on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans#post-2336662 Mon, 28 Aug 2023 07:04:47 +0000 Sally 2336662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wear jeans a lot but don't really buy expensive brands. I find low to mid priced jeans fit me just as well.  I also find they wear well.  I am tempted to buy a pair of raw denim jeans (which are generally quite expensive) and do the fade challenge.  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/raw-denim-fades">https://melmagazine.com/en-us/.....enim-fades</a> .  If I do, I'll do a thread about it.   Carol on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans#post-2336646 Mon, 28 Aug 2023 02:32:46 +0000 Carol 2336646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, so many great ideas and photos! I am going to wind down with a movie for the rest of the night, and then examine all this in the morning. Thanks.  Brooklyn on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans#post-2336645 Mon, 28 Aug 2023 02:16:52 +0000 Brooklyn 2336645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My jeans tend to last 2-3 years at most. If I like them, I wear them to death. I used to buy AG jeans during the skinnies period because I’m a hard fit for skinnies and they were the only jeans I could find that could be relied on to fit me well. I have also occasionally worn Rag and Bone jeans. I think their denim washes are superior to what I see at a lower price point. I had one straight leg pair that I wore during the skinny period that were my favourite pair of jeans ever. I still miss them. But they didn’t last any longer than my other jeans (despite multiple repairs by me). At the moment my most expensive pair are my Veronica Beard flared jeans. I got those discounted on The Outnet. The attraction for them is that they are very long. I like my jeans super long and that is still hard to find. At the moment my favourite everyday jeans are Collusion from ASOS. They were very inexpensive. I think the bronze pair and the extreme baggy pair are pretty fashion forward. I also have one Zara pair. They are current but a bit less out there than the ASOS jeans. Good for quiet days! And cargo jeans from H&M, also inexpensive. Janet on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans#post-2336630 Mon, 28 Aug 2023 00:31:45 +0000 Janet 2336630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It occurred to me to look at my denim purchases of the past four years. Here they are, not counting two pairs of Old Navy boyfriend jeans (two different washes) which were $25 each, IIRC. For the sake of full disclosure, I’ll include the Maria Cornejo pants since they are denim but not really cut like jeans. I note that a couple of these were under $100, but the others definitely over that mark, a couple significantly so. But I have worn the heck out of these. It would seem I purchase an average of two pairs of jeans a year, and then wear those jeans for many years — I have some jeans in my closet that date back about 7 years. I don’t mind the expense for something I wear so much. I do think my “better” jeans are softer right from the start than my cheaper ones, which seem to need more breaking in. Jaime on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans#post-2336628 Mon, 28 Aug 2023 00:25:26 +0000 Jaime 2336628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Being a rather spoiled second hand shopper, I have or have had jeans from (in order of preference) Citizens of Humanity, Agolde, Frame, Mother and probably some other premium brands at some point. (Rest assured I did not pay premium prices for any of them.) I do think the cuts and material are a bit to a lot better than fast fashion brands, but I think you can find decent jeans at many price points. Do you have access to a big mall? Because trying on a variety of jeans might be the best answer to your question. Angie on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans#post-2336626 Sun, 27 Aug 2023 23:59:20 +0000 Angie 2336626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carol, my clientele run the gamut with how much they spend on jeans. There is everything from $10 at goodwill and $40 at Old Navy, to $1500 for a designer brand - plus everything in-between!  Some clients do VERY well with fit and quality from Old Navy, Gap, Wit & Wisdom, Jag, Lane Bryant, KUT, Eloqui, Zara, Loft, Mango, M&S, and the like. Others have stellar luck at J.Crew, NYDJs, Boden, Pilcro, Madewell, Levi's, Everlane, G-Star, COS, Massimo Dutti, and the like. Then there are the premium brands that cost in the hundreds of dollars like Paige, Rag 'n Bone, Mother, Frame, AG, Citizens of Humanity, Joes, to name but a few. Designers like Veronica Beard, Polo by Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, GANNI, Cinq a Sept, Essential Antwerp, and Elie Tahari make jeans, and they are in the same premium price points.  And if you want a pair of jeans from Gucci, Versace, Chanel, Isabel Marant, and the like - you will pay top dollar.  Personally, I'm nodding along with Janet and Suz. Like Suz, my style is "trendy on the bottom" and more classic up top. I am an early adopter of jeans trends, and wear fringe trend jeans (and pants). That's part of what makes fashion fun for me! Premium denim brands tend to make fringe trend styles first, and that's why a larger portion of my capsule is premium. (Although Zara makes fringe trend jeans first too). I live in a climate wear I can wear jeans for most of the year. It's money well spent. Also, white jeans are my thing! Dressy jeans can be worn to work with clients. I will pay premium price for polished, fab fitting, good quality, on trend  jeans.  Here is my current jeans capsule. You'll see premium brands, AND non-premium brands: MsMaven on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans#post-2336623 Sun, 27 Aug 2023 23:12:46 +0000 MsMaven 2336623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I remember when Gloria Vanderbilt came out with stretch jeans in the 1990's. They fit so well--so fab. But wait, that was a long time ago. I don't know if they are still around. Worn lots of different brands over the years. My favorites are Joe's and Paige. I don't think I've ever paid full price for a pair of either. Always on sale somewhere, A few pair of AG and NYDJ have done well for me. Once upon a time Gap and BR did well for me--but they are no longer what I'm looking for.  Besides the fit, the fabric and stitching are important. I like the softer finishes. I don't like extremes--don't like too skinny or too wide. But then, I'm not the typical jeans customer. And my body keeps changing.  To sum up, fabric, fit, and more classic styles make the difference for me.  judy on "What is with expensive jeans?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-with-expensive-jeans#post-2336622 Sun, 27 Aug 2023 22:59:07 +0000 judy 2336622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carol, Japanese raw denim is kind of a whole thing, an obsession...mostly the domain of male hipsters !  Some make youtube videos reviewing them (only a few companies make women's jeans).  They are my fellow denim heads! I have learned that the superior quality the Japanese mills achieve has to do with the old looms that they use combined with a careful indigo dyeing process that can make the denim very unique in color and thickness and texture.  This thread reminded me of an old pair I have that have aged beautifully, with lots of interesting markings on them.  So I pulled them out of the closet and am wearing them right now.  I bought them about 7 years ago online at La Garconne.