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What is with expensive jeans?

Carol

(website)

Veteran

In a good way! I'm asking to be sold on expensive jeans. What are the benefits? How are they different from other jeans?

In high school I bought a pair of CK jeans that were considered quality at the time. My mother made me throw in some money, because she refused to pay the full price.

I know good jeans have been a cult item for years, and the prices go really high. I suppose for me I'd consider "expensive" starting at $120.

Right now I buy conventional quality jeans--CK, Lee, etc., and I rarely pay more than $40 or $50.

But I am so curious about these nice jeans...what's the deal?

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46 replies

Latest reply was from annagybe

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I think most of the difference is in the styles — the designer brands tend to be a bit more trend-forward.

I have had very good experience with more expensive denim, quality and longevity wise. But honestly my Old Navy boyfriend jeans seem quite well made too.

For some reason I don’t have good fit experience with mid-tier brands like Banana Republic, JCrew never worked for me ever, and even Gap isn’t great on me either. A lot of jeans are cut too short for me, and tall versions are too long in the rise. But… I’ve had better luck fit-wise with higher end brands like 7 For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, AG, and most recently even Mother. Anthropologie’s Pilcro line can sometimes work well for me. Lucky Brand used to work but I think their quality has gone downhill and the fit is not as good.

I’m not an easy fit in pants or jeans (short rise, wide hips but not much of a booty, thick thighs, long inseam), so when I find a pair that fits, is long enough, is flattering and has the right vibe, I’m willing to shell out for them. I wear jeans nearly daily from late September through May, and I tend to wear my favorite styles and cuts for years, so it’s worth investing in good denim for me. Other folks who are often just wearing jeans on weekends and are an easier fit, may not feel as inclined to spend as much. I actually kind of envy people who can find jeans nearly anywhere!

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Obviously it depends on intended use! If you want a workwear item, choose the cheap jeans (I choose cheap stretchy pull on jeans for workwear).

But if you want Fashun…. Fancy jeans are fab!

I remember once in grad school. One of my classmates had a “glow up “ over the summer: changed her hairstyle, got into fitness, etc. And she bought a new, expensive pair of jeans that fit her perfectly. I was so wowed by how great she looked on the first day of school, I remember it to this day! And it was the jeans that pulled the whole look together. She wore them almost every day that whole year, so she definitely got her money’s worth.

judy

Veteran

I think it depends on what you are into, denim style wise and also how often you wear them. And if you are a snob :). I can say that because sometimes I am! I don't go to an office for work, so wearing jeans has been part of my everyday outfit...though I've recently branched out to some cotton chino's, painter pants, and parachute ones. I think there are probably great cuts, styles and washes at every price point...Old Navy, Gap, H and M. I love 100 percent cotton jeans, and I've been into Japanese denim for about ten years now. Those jeans are still going strong, so clearly worth the investment. I also have some good British ones and now American brands too. It's all what about what gets you excited, right? And what fits! A great fitting pair can be a match made in heaven.

LJP

Veteran

I’m with you on the premium price issue . I understand Janet’s point about the more forward / trend -aware designs and the quality of the denim itself but ..like $800 blazers , I don’t wear them enough anymore to justify spending that much . You’re in the UK , right ? Here in Canada , premium denim is very expensive and rarely goes on sale ( or if it does its end of season with less common sizes available ) . I’m lucky in that I fit any old brand and because I don’t need more advanced design ( I wear them on weekends only ) , I’m totally fine with lower and mid-tier brands . I suppose if I could wear them to work and had a robust social life wherein I was out in restaurants and bars often then maybe I could justify pricey jeans - but nope. I’m probably 100 years older than you too though

Dee

Veteran

Yes I’m with you too, on what makes these premium jeans worth their price tag. I’m figuring the denim quality is better and I suppose the cut and design. I’m fortunate that I can usually fit into most types of jeans. I don’t like jeans with excess stretch or polyester in them that some lower price points use. My favourites right now are my couple of pairs of Levis’s, a loose cut from Uniqlo, and a bootcut from ON is pretty good too.
Full disclosure, I’ve never actually tried on any premium denim either, but since I’m fairly satisfied at a mid range price point, I’m not likely to bother.

Jules

Veteran

I never got into the $200-$300 jeans, and wasn’t impressed the one time I tried some on. However in the stretchy skinny jeans era I wore $120 Yoga and Mavi brand, because I found they had thicker, more flattering fabric blends and colours lasted longer. Eventually Gap came out with a version that suited me fine too, but I never found the lower end brands I otherwise favoured (Old Navy, Joe Fresh) were as good at skinny jeans for my body, so jeans became a relative splurge for me, as the basis of my wardrobe.

But! I always wore boyfriend jeans from those same cheap brands, in fact Old Navy often seemed to have the best 99 or 100% cotton jeans for me. So with the current trends of wider legs, looser fitting, non stretchy jeans I’ve been perfectly happy with ON and Gap jeans, plus a couple of pairs from Everlane when Gap brands didn’t have the trendy style I wanted quite yet. I’ve tried Banana Republic a couple of times too, but they haven’t worked out as well, plus they don’t feature mid size models.

cat2

Veteran

The only time I have stepped up to premium denim was during the skinnies era. I loathe skinnies, and premium was the only place I could find straight leg jeans. Absent that I have always been able to find jeans I genuinely like at a lower price point.

Irina

Veteran

I think higher end brands offer better quality fabric but not exclusively. Jeans are hard to fit and we sometimes prepare to pay premium for it. I never wore a high end jeans myself, am able to find them from mid range brands. But Gap, Old Navy or Zara don’t fit me and I gave up trying. Pants or jeans live in my closet for about 3 years. For a consumer like me, it is not worth paying more than $200 for it.

LJP

Veteran

I admit to not having tried on premium brands either - simply because they aren’t widely available at retail in my city . And I’m not about to go into a boutique and try on Tibi denim or AGolde and then walk out . What’s the point ?

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Janet--I think you hit it on the nail--trend/design factor. These jeans often look more stylish. I had a college roommate who bought expensive black pants (not jeans), and they looked great. We passed them around like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I'm guessing that no matter the item, style sophistication goes up with price.

Jessikams--same thing with any friend I had who wore expensive clothes. They always looked like they owned the party, or something!

Judy--Japanese brands, interesting. Can you try them on in person, or do you have to order online? How did you find out about them?

LJP--I also probably wouldn't buy really nice ones unless I had a plan for how to use them, and frequently. Doesn't stop me from fantasizing, though....
I am in the U.S. And your picture looks pretty young to me!

Dee--the jeans you have sound pretty good, I'll have to keep them in mind. I think I tried on premium denim once, at Nordstrom, when the saleswoman immediately drew me to the expensive ones. Now if I had been looking for that, fine, but I was 25...not in the market. I got frustrated and scared her away so I could look at the normal ones.

Sal

Veteran

I keep a small denim wardrobe - 3-5 pairs at a time. The most I have spent is $280 nzd for a NZ brand called Workshop - this was years ago. Levi’s here cost around the $150 mark depending on the style as a ballpark and the price range is $60- $500.

I have bought such a range of denim over the years - anything with stretch doesn’t wear as well as those without. Same with distressing - it leads to wear more quickly. I find mid and dark wash both wear equally well.

I think premium quality can have better fits, and nicer denim. I couldn’t comment on how it wears though as I haven’t purchased enough.

LJP

Veteran

Oh ! Sorry - not sure why I decided you lived in the UK - oops !

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I will spend on jeans because they're a core item in my wardrobe and I wear them multiple times a week in winter; plus, I'm "trendy on the bottom" as Angie puts it, i.e. I tend to wear more fashion-forward pieces on the bottom and classics up top, so a current looking jean is key to my style.

Having said that, I equally love lower priced jeans! Right now my closet includes some from Old Navy and Gap, and Zara, as well as high-mid-range from Everlane and Anthropologie, and designer from Paige and Citizens of Humanity.

I find the premium jeans tend to have better fabric and fit but that is not universal.

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Carol

(website)

Veteran

LJP--probably because of my acerbic wit!!

Jules--on the subject of skinny jeans, it did seem that the higher end ones always looked better back then. I remember lower-end ones bunched around your ankle instead of ending smartly at the ankle, and they also had a rise that didn't make sense...the better ones had the higher waists first.

cat2--isn't it funny how a trend dominates, and you can't find your normal style? I think the only ones who truly looked great in skinnies were teens and the very thin.

Irina--it is probably true that most of the better brands last longer. I had a pair of trousers from JCrew that were one of their nicer items at the time, and not only did they last long, they stayed stylish long.

LJP--yeah, it's only worth it to crash a boutique if it's something you're really thrilled about. And if the employees are nice...

Sal--it sounds like you really have experienced a lot of denim. I know no-stretch is coming back in style. I can't even imagine going back to no stretch...how will we sit down?

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Suz--yeah, those are all great! I like the balloon-pant ones. I lucked upon this high-waist, wide crop style of pant on Poshmark--I think they were Lee, and I wonder if they're vintage? It's hard for me to imagine Lee making that now.

Now you say winter--I wonder how this style will translate to winter. We're going to have to have some sleek, tall, stylish boots, because I don't know how the wide crop will look with Uggs!

Sal

Veteran

I prefer no stretch!! Or very minimal.

I am a bit boring with denim - I like straight leg, mid or high rise, and either full length or ankle length. I never liked skinnies particularly but wore them, boyfriends can work, flares I have struggled with wearing, and I thought I would go back to bootcut but haven't. After trying on a few wide leg denim pairs I think I prefer wide leg not in denim, in a softer fabric. I am not saying a blanket no, but that's my leaning right now.

My personal way of buying denim is to go somewhere with a range of brands or at least styles and try them on in store. It's not fun but comparison does help. Here the places I could do that would be specialist denim retailers, a few boutiques or department stores. I usually try on 6-8 pairs so doing that online is a challenge. I find this successful but perhaps a hassle which is why I don't get new jeans every year. I added a pair in 2021, and two pairs in 2020 and those are my current pairs.

judy

Veteran

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.

MsMaven

Veteran

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.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

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:

FRAME Paneled High Waist Wide Leg Jeans

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PAIGE Anessa Short Sleeve Jumpsuit

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Wide-leg High-rise Full-length Jeans

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Essentiel Antwerp Essentiel Antwerp Charmander Boyfriend Jeans

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Veronica Beard Jean Taylor High Rise Wide Leg Jeans

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The Way-High Jean

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Banana Republic

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Garment-Dyed Relaxed Coverall Jumpsuit

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Le Crop Colorblock Raw Hem Jeans

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Jonathan Simkhai Rinsed Denim Cig Jeans

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KUT from the Kloth 'Chrissy' Flare Leg Jeans (White)

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Jaime

(website)

Veteran

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.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

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.

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7 For All Mankind Dojo Tailorless Flare Leg Jeans

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Citizens of Humanity Emerson Mid Rise Slim Boyfriend Jeans

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Brooklyn

Veteran

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.

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Carol

(website)

Veteran

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.

Sally

Veteran

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. https://melmagazine.com/en-us/.....enim-fades . If I do, I'll do a thread about it.

Staysfit

Veteran

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.

Carol

(website)

Veteran

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.

catherine

Veteran

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

(website)

Veteran

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.

unfrumped

Veteran

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.

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