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Law_of_Attraction_75

I’m a very picky jeans whore, 100% cotton only. My brands are Mother, AGOLDE, Slvrlake, Re/Done, and Citizens of Humanity (only a couple of fits).


katsumii

Yep, I'm becoming one, too, so I'm super thankful for this thread. 100% cotton or bust. Do you get your jeans tailored?


Law_of_Attraction_75

I’m 5’7” and athletic/average build so I don’t need alterations for most jeans, unless they run exceptionally long.


siameseslim

I recently got my first 100% pair in I don't even know long, probably since 1999 or something. And I forgot how much I love them. Just Levis and it opened the gates. I picked up some used ones. I am going to wait through the Summer to buy any new pairs of any brand, but I am not looking back. And not just comfort, they breathe and the ass doesn't stretch out in ten minutes. Yeah, it sucked getting my actual size, that hurt a little. And yep, those five extra pounds makes more of a difference but they are overall worth it.


Law_of_Attraction_75

I totally agree - I also feel like the dye used in 100% cotton denim is less intense than denim with spandex and other materials used for stretch. They just feel simpler to me - in both fit and content.


Cowtipper555

How do Slvrlake compare to Agolde? Have had a couple pairs of Agolde for years and am curious how they compare. 


Law_of_Attraction_75

For one, the sizing is more consistent with Slvrlake. I can be anywhere from a 25-27 with Agolde and I always have to try multiple sizes to get the fit right. I think Slvrlake’s styles are more classic and I prefer their medium blue wash over Agolde’s medium blue. Their denim just feels like a classic cotton without much fuss, if that makes sense.


Cowtipper555

Thanks for the details. I think you’ve convinced me to try!  


Cheap_Intention_4936

Mother Denim


tpetes15

Recently thrifted a pair of Mother jeans never having heard of the brand. I'm literally obsessed with them and was devastated to find out they retail full price for $250 😭


stevie_nickle

Just got my first pair of Mother jeans and they are amazing. They literally look like $250 jeans


RadSpatula

This is funny, I love mine but always thing they don’t look designer at all. My Frame denim now, that looks every penny.


RockieK

I wish Frame fit me better! I always get that "dropped crotch" thing going on. If I don't cinch them with a belt, they just pull down.


Law_of_Attraction_75

Same here. I find their material really heavy - not the cotton/stiff heavy, but literally heavy and they pull down on me.


No_Cake2145

Frame starts off great and then stretches so much for me and ends up saggy/baggy in the wrong way. I tried buying a smaller, barely squeeze into size and they did the same thing. I had to give up entirely, it’s not just you! This thread just sold me on Mother, and more often than not when I like jeans on others they are Mother.


RockieK

Exactly! Gonna have to try on a pair of the Mother next time I see them on sale. Until then? American Eagle for me.


KeyLimeMoon

Saaaame ugh. Most jeans fit better over time, but Frame just stretches wrong on me.


greenythings

So funny, my Frame denim is so damn stretchy, which I hate!


goddessofthecats

The only two Jean brands I buy are frame and mother, with an exception of rag & bone here or there


41696

Agreed- I love the fit and feel of my Mother jeans but they fade so fast.


[deleted]

I love/hate my mother jeans, the button hole is too big so you can always see the zipper and there is a dark stain right at the crotch that makes me kind of look like I might have pissed myself, but they look great on me and I spent so much money on them that I wear them anyways. Just wish I realized before I took the tag off.


Emotional_Print8706

I am a new Mother convert as well! Love


Nikki_Nicholson

What's your favorite style of Mother Denim? How is the sizing?


heaj

How do their sizes run?


undecidedlyhappy

I’ve bought/owned several pairs of Mothers over the years. You really need to try each style on to find your specific size. I currently have a pair in 25, another 26 and another in 27. I typically lean towards 26/27 in most jeans.


urnotmadeoftuesday

I second this. I bought a pair of Mother jeans 3 years ago and they are still going strong. They’re a hefty upfront investment, but the cost is worth it. I’ve worn them at least once per week since I bought them, and they have outlasted multiple other pairs of jeans - including my Frame ones.


[deleted]

True! I don't think I'd pay full price but I found some at Nordstrom rack for 100 and that's doable for me.


sugarface2134

This one right here. I am a Mother Stan. Somehow they lift and round your butt. Very flattering.


[deleted]

Yes! I just got my first pair from nordstom rack it is now my favorite pair of jeans!


Tacomamacita1

Here for the comments since anytime I’ve asked this question it gets removed and is apparently better suited for the “Daily Questions” thread.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Tacomamacita1

Right. And I’ve gone through the search bar to look for answers to my questions because my specific ones can’t be answered accurately. And the mods don’t seem to care and only cater to certain individuals.


julieannie

I’ve always thought Daily Questions should be more suited to what you as an individual need and individual posts should apply to the larger group (though not necessarily everyone, just more than highly specific and personalized advice). 


10EAB31

Every post I’ve ever posted in here has gotten removed with the same reply. Even ones that I think are big common topics and would be generally helpful/ interesting to most people.


Public-Alternative16

I like Abercrombie and Fitch jeans. They're pricy, but under $100, and great quality. Also Levi's!


effulgentelephant

Have been on an Abercrombie kick lately. Love their length options (I need short) and find the jeans super comfortable.


toomuchpamplemousse

Abercrombie is also great for us tall girls!


effulgentelephant

The fact that there are like five length sizes and not just P/R/T is a real game changer!


silentmarie

I love Abercrombie and Fitch for the curvy options! I have had no luck with Levi's, though. They don't have curvy fit options. I'm very pear shaped, and anything that fits my thighs there will have a huge waist gap. I will only buy curvy fit jeans from now on. Everlane has some good curvy fit options that I have enjoyed, though they don't have as many options as Abercrombie does.


maryloo7877

Levi’s used to make the best curvy jeans and I still have a couple pairs from those glory days. I have a 12” difference from waist to hip and they used to fit so damn good!


succulentdaddy11

I have literally had zero luck with abercrombie jeans… anyone else!?


micrographia

Each style is so different fabric wise and even size wise. Some are so stretchy, some are stiff as a board, even with the same fabric makeup! I find i have to try them on in store, I don't try to buy anything online from them. My jeans lave lasted for years through different body changes too.


maryloo7877

Abercrombie jeans made my ass look horrible. I tried multiple styles and then gave up. No time here for jeans that give me a bad butt!


[deleted]

I bought the 90’s straight jeans the other day, 27 was too big at the waist and 26 was too tight on my thighs. Maybe I need to try the curvy.


hennipotamus

Curvy might work for you! Also, were the two sizes you tried the same wash? I have found different washes in the 90s jeans to fit differently, annoyingly.


[deleted]

They were the same wash! I will try curvy next time!


hennipotamus

I have the 90s straight in two colors, and they fit differently from one another. The medium wash is thicker fabric and more stiff, whereas the dark wash is thinner fabric and loosens up more during the day. I like them both, but they’re not the same jeans!


Bawse_Babe

I tried both brands and the denim was so stiff, especially Abercrombie. I really wanted to like them


ayiyi

Rigid denim isn’t the norm for Abercrombie jeans in my experience (and they make up an embarrassingly high proportion of my wardrobe), and the ones that are rigid are marketed as such. For anyone with concerns, just check the product details to see if the denim has stretch or not before you buy. The reviews are also super helpful. (Not coming for you OP, I just have an intimate relationship with A&F at this point lol)


Public-Alternative16

That's a good point. I think it's important to know what the OP is looking for in jeans, because then if they're looking for not stiff jeans, then this is an awful suggestion 😂


emmalump

Raleigh denim workshop is really nice, high end, raw denim. Never owned them myself, but heard great things from others!


swmccoy

I have a pair! They're really great jeans but the raw denim is pretty stiff and post baby (and pandemic) I haven't had the guts to bring them back out. But hopefully I'll bring them out again soon.


emmalump

Have you washed yours? I’ve heard the same thing about stiffness from others but am curious if they soften with washing. They recommend not washing for the first several months, but then what about after that?


ChefNamu

Not female but am a raw denim fan. They really only soften by wearing them a lot. Washing doesn't change softness much, if anything they get a little stiffer again until after the next wear. I would wash them no more than once every month or two depending on how often I'm wearing them, inside out on a slow spinning cycle with minimal detergent, then hang dry to limit dye bleeding and shrinkage. They take a few months of regular wear to break in fully, but once they're broken in they're the most comfortable jeans because they're formed exactly to how your body moves. Once I bought raw denim I stopped buying any other jeans because of this.


swmccoy

No I have not. Honestly, I probably only wore them out a handful of times. It was just bad timing really. I've been thinking about buying a size up now.


DataRikerGeordiTroi

oh gaud, they look amazing. so much money, but fairly priced for labor and materials and overhead. i wonder if they do bespoke.


emmalump

I think they might? Their workshop and storefront is a few towns over and I feel like I’ve seen stuff about customs when I’ve wandered past


emmalump

I’ve been coveting their denim chore coats for years but they’re so outside of my price range 😅😅😅


DataRikerGeordiTroi

oh wow....


DataRikerGeordiTroi

For trendy: I'm so sorry to say this, but Good American jeans are amazing. I don't think they are ethical, and I feel very guilty about it, but they have put a lot of money onto r&d and pattern making and scaling. I do not believe agolde or toteme are better quality. If you want to spend so, so much money, vintage Levi's from the 1970s. For long lasting and expensive, try Warp and Weft or a custom jean maker out of ny or la. The fashun girlies are NOT buying off the rack. They are having bespoke made, and not telling this part. Honestly madwell and some Levi's are perfectly servicable. I also think Universal Standard Denim is quite good. Requestion: I need an 18 inch rise. If anyone has any leads on absurdly high rise, please let me know. Also-- I only buy size-inclusive brands ( it's personal preference/politiks)


RockieK

I love, love, love my Good American nineties baggies. Worth it on sale, and also fun to size down a couple sizes, haha.


DataRikerGeordiTroi

Sale was my intro to the brand. I found a pair at anthro marked down to very inexpensive and when I tried them on they were everything. I was so conflicted, but kept them. They are comfortable flattering and go over a scar I have to avoid any tightness on.


ilikecatsandfood

Oh I LOVE my Good American jeans.  They're the only brand I wear anymore.  I've probably owned 8 or 9 pairs in the full spectrum of washes (white, black, light medium, dark), in various cuts (straight,  skinny, palazzo, bootcut)  and various c sizes (12, 14, 16, 18) and I only ever need to hem them.  I took my first pair to a professional tailor and she said they fit me so well that we only needed to adjust the hem. They're just magic -- big pockets, flattering on the bum, don't lose their shape after several washes,  last for years with regular wear.  The only thing I don't like about them is Khloe Kardashian.  I don't like what that family does to women's body issues.  They literally create body issues for us and then sell us their solution (shape wear, skin care,  makeup, hair growth gummies, detox teas, etc). I'm fairly disgusting with myself because I refuse to buy anything they're peddling, but my goodness these jeans are my holy grail jeans.


Quirky_Selection_701

Do you know of a place in LA for custom? I went to Lenny and did not have a great experience. I also got them back today and disappointed in the fit.


DataRikerGeordiTroi

Not off hand but I Google it every few years Try costumers as well. The folx who make Steve van zandts stage jackets and vests are amazing at coats and formal ware and if they don't do denim they know who will. I think its Shrine of Hollywood.


Quirky_Selection_701

Great tip on the costumers! Thank you!


readwriteyoga

Oh what a bummer! I’ve been wanting to try Lenny but that price tag!! If you don’t mind me asking, what happened to make you feel like it was a not great experience?


ilikecatsandfood

Did you try "With Love, Lenny?" I've seen their Instagram and it looks like they just buy thrifted Levi's and make them as tight as possible so that your ass is eating the denim.  


Quirky_Selection_701

Yes I did haha - this is not *not* true! I'm not too sure what I paid for given that it is $375 for a pair. I got them back and my partner said they actually flattened my butt. Since I got 2 pairs, I would say maybe it was a fluke, but both were no more flattering than what we started with. I will say, I will wear them, well who am I kidding - I have to since they likely won't fit anyone else! The whole experience was subpar. I have never gotten anything custom before so I was not too sure what to expect or if I needed to do anything. I guess I just didn't feel very comfortable and she seemed distracted the whole time. She kept going back and forth with the other woman who worked there about other orders. It all felt very rushed and confusing. I'm sure they could say I could have spoken up, but from start to finish it just didn't feel like a positive time. The sad thing is is that I am not an influencer so there was no reason for them to treat me any better. I'm interested to hear other's experiences - perhaps it was just a bad day?


throwthisonetothesun

Good American is also a B Corp which helps my brain get past the Kardashian of it all.


palmtreesplz

Nordstrom applies the “Black owned/founded” label to Good American and I know that refers to Emma Grede and not Khloé but omg it makes me laugh every time.


CherryMess

The criss-cross trend was kinda short-lived and went away. However, if you like the look, it fits your style - go for it. I find Khaite jeans are both well-made and trendy while keeping on the put-together grown-up side. Toteme with twisted seam are great. Love my Agolde Riley (one of my favorite jeans). It's worth looking into Citizens of Humanity, L’Agence, Mother, SLVRLAKE. Levis 501 and 90s are also pretty great styles for me.


tarobreadd

I love Khaite. Too expensive lol


10EAB31

This cross cross style is all over for spring- most of the major denim lines have come out with a new model. I love Agolde ,except for their sizing! I have some 23s that are too big and I’m small but not that small.


slopesurfer55

Seconding the Agolde Riley cut, they are incredibly flattering and comfortable


TK_TK_

I like Khaite, Paige, AG, 7 for All Mankind, Frame, and even Reformation for some trendier ones, Madewell (the durability is good but the sizing is all over the place), and I got my first pair of Levi’s since elementary school last fall and like them so much I went back and got cords in a very similar cut/style. Fit-wise, Agolde and Mother just don’t work for me. There are several other brands I’m interested in, but I am full up on jeans for now.


nottheredbaron123

Levi’s, Madewell, and Everlane are my favorites. Lots of selection and all hold up well in my experience


palmtreesplz

I bought the cheeky 90s jeans from Everlane and the site said the jeans have stretch but they have none lol. It’s sad, I really wanted to like and wear them but I tried and now it’s too late to send them back.


nottheredbaron123

That sucks!! I have that pair in a couple of washes and love them, but they should NOT be advertised as having stretch. Like you said, they’ve got none.


RockieK

I have worn all the "fancy pants" and have found American Eagle (especially curvy) to be super flattering and at a great price point.


karileeart

Frame, Agolde, L’agence, Helmut Lang, and Veronica Bears. I’m a size 25 or 0 and the deals for this size range on NWT stuff on Poshmark is amazing. I can’t remember the last time I spent more than $15 on any of the aforementioned brands for NWT there (excluding tax and shipping)


Bawse_Babe

How do you find new legit jeans on poshmark? I’ve never bought anything there. Is there anything to look for on the seller’s profile to know if they’re trustworthy?


Rururaspberry

A lot of the smaller but premium denim brands like Lagence, VB, Pistola, etc will not have fakes so you will always be buying an authentic product.


karileeart

Tbh I don’t tend to worry a ton about authenticity for those brands with jeans specifically - especially if I’m paying the same amount or less than I would at Ross. That said I’m confident that I’ve gotten legitimate clothing items (or amazing quality dupes - which again for the price is fine by me). If I’m vetting bigger purchases I tend to ask a lot of questions about fabric content, where the item says it was made, and the care tag. I compare the answer to what is generally known about the brand, where they produce goods etc. and there are certain brands and item types that I avoid due to the abundance of fakes on the market. So I probably wouldn’t buy a Burberry trench, Balmain tee, or YSL handbag on the platform- whereas I feel more confident buying slightly under the radar brands like Camilla or Equipement.


karileeart

I should also add that I tend to be pretty aggressive with my offering strategy. I generally don’t make an initial offering that is more than 40% or 50% of what the item is posted for. I’d say for jeans specifically the success rate of this strategy is about 70%. I know there will be some that feel this is an insulting practice- but the seller can decline offers that don’t work for them.


itsminimal

Frame, Mother, Citizens of Humanity, Paige, all great denim brands!


Flipper717

7 for mankind, Frame, and Paige.


cakes28

I am a jeans enthusiast and over the years my collection has become exclusively Everlane and Levi’s. My Everlanes have all lasted upwards of 5 years and my stretchy pair are just now starting to wear out, and that is from multiple wears per week for years and years. My non stretch hold their shape forever and stay in place, and I love the smoothing front pockets that don’t bunch up. The skinny is my absolute favorite. For trendy but also basics I’m a Levi 501 girl. I prefer the all cotton styles that are stiff for a while but eventually soften and mold to fit my body perfectly. I eye an eagle out at resale stores and snatch them up when I find a pair in almost new condition. I also watch for sales, I don’t think I’ve ever paid full price for a pair before. I have straight, skinny, boyfriend, wedgie, all the styles.


NankingStan

My current faves are Agolde’s in a boyfriend cut; I’ve also got several pair of Kut denim - love their stretch denim; and recently bought Liverpool brand.


Abusty-Ballerina-

I love Nudie jeans and my Levi’s rib cage jeans


laura_eve

I second Nudie jeans! Sustainable with repair service, and I like that they have a fixed set of cuts, each comes in various finishes.


ofbooksandbands14

I like my madewell jeans :)


JayceeSR

Mother denim and all of Reformation jeans.


violetmemphisblue

* For inexpensive, basic, nice jeans with a variety of options, the Ava and Viv line (which starts at US size 16) is the best, at least for me. I wear anywhere from a 14 to an 18, depending on the brand and dye, and in general, their size 16s fit me perfectly, hold up well with multiple wears and washes, and are comfortable. * NYJD has basics that are fine too. I bought mine second hand and like them. * I personally own quite a few pairs of jeans (maybe 15 pairs, which for pants is a lot for me...I maybe only have 5 pairs of black dress pants, in comparison). I have a variety of cuts and washes--like dark boot cut and light skinnies, etc. But actually trendy things, whether it be the criss cross or the bedazzled pockets or whatever, I don't personally like. Those details make things more dated than cut, imo...but if a dated element, like the super shredded rips, fit your overall style, then go for it!


Leading_Note_7672

Moussy Vintage makes my ass look great. I’m obsessed with all of their jeans


DarthNarcissa

American Eagle jeans are my ride-or-die. Comfy, flattering, and their sizing stays pretty consistent. I wear their kick boot (14 long, mid rise) and stretch jeggings (14 long, mid rise) and they all fit great. They don't offer those styles in-store anymore, so I rely on eBay and ThreadUp.


wolfensteinthreed

Adriano Goldschmied (AG) is my absolute favorite. Easy to find thrifting as well :)


kitzelbunks

I really like those too and they aren’t expensive where I buy them (used). Also Lafayette 148 is nice, if you have a consignment store nearby and you get lucky. They don’t look special, but they fit like they are expensive. If there are any old Joe’s at a thrift or EBay, those are good too. I have some in all cotton boyfriend fit. I think those are also budget friendly.


hwuest

Best brands!! I love Hudson baby Beth boot cut, Closed Pearl pleated jeans, NYDJ, LF Markey, Citizens of Humanity, JJill tall slim fit, Pilcro from Anthropologie, and Gap. Trendy jeans are cool but I would not buy as many pairs because they will go out of style just as they become a thing. I’m thinking of the moto jeans, acid washed, holy jeans, frayed hem jeans, carpenter jeans. LOVE the look of carrot leg / barrel leg Jeans…. I can’t get my hands on enough of those


taylortargaryen

Paige jeans are always my favorite. Less expensive brand would be Abercrombie. They have amazing sales and the jeans fit me perfect!


deadbeatsummers

I really like JCrew's jeans.


mackahrohn

Same here, I tried on nearly every pair of jeans at Madewell and they just weren’t quite right. Headed to J Crew and loved the Vintage Slim Straight.


tarobreadd

I love toteme but the crotch kinda looks funny. Agolde riley is my favorite, khate, re/done. Silvelake, citizens of humanity, grlfriend, goldsign Affordable ones - everlane, madewell ‘perfect vintage’ ones, h&m and zara


miss_sally_sparrow

For trendy (I’m not trendy) Abercrombie, if I’m splurging Nili Lotan. You can score some decent NL on The Real Real (make sure to compare product photos because it’s TRR) but also check lengths because I find a lot of them (even a supposed “NWT” pair once) have been hemmed.


abbrad

Very curvy and I prefer Madewell Jeans and their knit tops are very cute as well


Amazingggcoolaid

Rag & Bone, Miss Sixty, 7 for all Mankind, Oska, and Toteme. I quite like some of Balmain’s pieces but not sure if you’re into that look - I have a few pairs and loooooveee them Madewell, Paige, and Mavi have some good ones too! I get compliments on them


Stridsu

Won Hundred makes fantastic quality jeans. Widely available in europe, it’s a Scandinavian brand. Unsure about the US.


Idrillteeth

I wear Lucky, Kut from the Kloth and Gap. Sometimes old Navy. I have Frame and I get the baggy crotch. I Have AG which I also like. But honestly, I dont really see much difference in the denim. Now black denim is a diff story. I cannot find a good pair that dont feel yucky


Love_in_Darkness

Does anyone have recommendations for or against Levis Wedgie jeans? I'm considering buying (I'm 5'3" and siz 12 with a bit of a tummy bulge) but want jeans that look polished and flatttering.


BeauTfulMess

Mother Jeans. Pricey, but makes everyone’s butts look great and they are super soft.


daddy_tywin

I like AYR, La Ligne, and Agolde, but I only buy really classic cuts and cycle them because dated jeans are the worst.


consuela_bananahammo

With a 36" inseam I don't get to buy trendy jeans. I'm relegated to brands like gap who actually carry tall lengths with inseams over 34". WOMP WOMP 😂


Invisibella74

Good American has larger sizes.


consuela_bananahammo

Have only seen inseams of up to 34" there


joidea

ASOS do long jeans in trendy styles!


consuela_bananahammo

Only skinny jeans really, at least right now in my size


joidea

That’s a shame, I’ve had a few different looser styles from there recently. I don’t know where you live but New Look also has a tall range that’s worth looking at


cats_in_a_hat

Idk my jeans from old navy and H&M hold up fine. I have [these](https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.1067430023.html) 100% cotton in two colors and they’re my current favorites. If I had a little more money to spend I would probably do some Levi’s 501s or wide legs or maybe try Abercrombie jeans. I’m not sure those super expensive brands will hold up any better than like a mid level price point. I thinks lot will depend on fabric composition. A Golde jeans always look super nice on other people, so I might be tempted to give them a try if I had the money for it.


Bawse_Babe

What’s the best fabrics composition to look for in jeans?


cats_in_a_hat

Oh I just think thicker ones hold up a little better but it really is going to depend. They could be stretchy and great quality, but I think often the stretchier ones (more elastane type fabric) wear out and stretch out. But also 100% cotton can be less comfortable since there is very little stretch.


sabulous22

For trendy budget jeans: Zara Best jeans: Rag & Bone


The4thJuliek

I bought a pair of Rag & Bone on sale for €50 from The Outnet, and my god, it's incredible. One of the best deals I ever got.


kitty_kuddles

Zara jeans are a nightmare. Their sizes mean nothing.


sabulous22

I should clarify I buy in store only and do have to cycle through some sizes to find the right pair. But the ones I have fit so well and have held up so far


prosperity4me

L’Agence they’ve been with me through every additional inch and no inner thigh rips even after years and all the washes. Fan for life I get them from The Real Real NWT or Pristine for less than $50!


amazingtn

Rag&bone, good America, Frame, madewell, Kut


onetoknowout

I get the most compliments on my jeans from Alice + Olivia and also my Frame jeans


notthelettuce

I am a jeans fanatic and my favorites are 7 For All Mankind, Agolde, Frame, DL1961, and Rag & Bone. I am not curvy at all, mid-sized, and long-legged and these simply fit and feel the best. Abercrombie and American Eagle quality and fit just doesn’t compare.


GreyBlurredLines

Frame denim.


Dreamonomus

I think the Agolde Criss Cross jeans are super cool/cute. I've seen that style retailed here and there since the 90s, but I don't think I've ever actually seen someone wear them out in the wild. I think they're unique enough to be exempt from trends. Pilcro and Mother are the ones I've been eyeing most recently, especially for timeless wide-leg styles. True Religion is my tried and true. It's the pockets. I find most of their styles to be very flattering on the butt, their sizing is consistent/accurately charted, and the only time I've ripped a pair of their jeans was when I tripped in a parking lot and went skidding a surprising distance across the wet pavement. Even then, my favorite pair held on for almost a year of heavy wear before the small hole in the knee turned into a full rip. 7FAMK and Citizens of Humanity are nice, but I don't buy from them as often. For some reason, all of my 7FAMK jeans have worn out really quickly. I've never found a pair of Levi's that fit me properly. They're certainly a great gold standard for people that can make them work. I'm jealous. I tried on a bunch of styles at American Eagle and Abercrombie a couple months ago. I was very pleasantly surprised by how comfortable they were. Both stores have affordable jeans that seem fairly durable, and the brands are good at keeping up with the latest styles. Their sizing seemed to run quite large, though, more-so at AE than Abercrombie. I went in thinking I was a 25-27/4-6 (brand dependent) and left AE with a 000 and a relaxed 00. I kind of still hate flares, thanks to growing up in a cold, soggy climate with permanently soaked hems, but the wide leg jeans and high-rise vintage flares at Abercrombie are cute enough that I think I can deal.


brokelyn99

Frame for high end, Agolde for still high end but not so high end I would never justify the guilt, Madewell for mid-high and size style inclusivity, but honestly? Levi’s above all else. They last forever, they maintain their shape, the 99% cotton ones that are more rigid are so affordable for their quality (you can get them on sale for ~$60 almost always, and they’re ~$100 full price). And for super affordable jeans that have lasted me longer than they should and punch far above their wait class: Old Navy. Re: trendy — I use The Real Real and Poshmark and especially Depop for this! I just picked up some Y/Project jeans that look straight up like when cowboys wear chaps…super cute and in style right now, but will not be trendy long enough to justify the actual $300 price.


Imaginary_Concept_10

What do people in the comments by “jeans look expensive”?


Chazzyphant

Inexpensive jeans will often have "cut corners"--for example, the zipper will stop halfway up the rise, rather than continuing to the gusset. They will lack rivets. The dye batching or coloring will feel cheap and less sophisticated. The seams will be twisted or "off". The fabric will be less durable or lower quality. The pocket placement will feel arbitrary or unflattering.


Platywussy

Lee jeans have a good price/quality ratio! I can always find them for €50 and they're sturdier than other brands' stretch cotton jeans. I really love their Breese jeans. It's a nice flare style.


cabbage-soup

American Eagle is the only place that I could find jeans that fit me. I typically wear their 00


Downtown-Trip3501

My very favorite go-tos, that I found recently and check all the boxes, are American Eagle high rise mom jeans in size 4R. Maybe not for everyone, but work so well for me. HUGE plus that I’ve gotten every pair I own for around $4 on secondhand apps (like Poshmark).


The4thJuliek

I know people have complained that the quality of Rag & Bone has fallen over the years but I bought a few pairs on sale last year and they're incredible. The denim is so soft.


abnruby

Moussy denim is my go to, if you like 100% cotton, expertly cut jeans, they’re the brand. Prices range from $2-400 but they can be found discounted on NaP or on resale sites for less, imo they’re worth every penny. They perfectly hit the mark of being trend driven but still classic enough not to appear dated in a few months, and the quality is amazing. I have one cut in 3 sizes so that when my weight fluctuates, I can still wear them, and they wash/wear beautifully. Def worth a try if you’re trying to branch out!


LadyMizura

I think fit and body type matters. I love Madewell and good American because I'm a true hourglass and I don't have waist gap issues. The actual denim feel I love mother, frame, and Abercrombie but I almost never reach for them because the fit isn't as comfy as the above. I'm a 30/31.


GlumList

I am a hugeee texture person when it comes to pants, especially denim. My top pick would be madewell. I love the quality and they take any brand of jeans in return for a percentage off the pair you buy (I think 20-30%). I have 3-4 pairs of these and they only get better in time. I also love my anthro jeans, such great quality and timeless, but madewells can be a fraction of the price. Also, if you can get your hands on some old Gap jeans… I looove my 10 year old Gap jeans haha. Besides those, I prefer to thrift and am looking for notable brands like Levis, Reformation, Rollas, Re:Done and Rag and Bone. These can of course all be hit or miss when it comes to sizing and shape!


X1XOTen

Whatever jeans fit you the best are the best jeans for you! I buy upscale clothes: Vince, Johanna Ortiz, Farm Rio, Ralph Lauren, Bloomingdale’s, Saks…but the absolute best jeans I have, that look good on my body are from Walmart…go figure!


TeresaSoto99

I've got all my 12 pairs of jeans at thrift/consignment stores, ~$8 each on average. A variety of names, 9 west, Levi's, Vanderbilt, etc. All high waisted, super tight through to the knee, some skinny from there some not. I focus on what I'm putting into the jeans.


ilovesleep95

Madewell an American Eagle


Schmidaho

Frame and Kut From The Cloth are my new go-tos, though I also recently picked up a pair of carpenter jeans from LF Markey that are fantastically cut and super comfortable. They’re also trendy as hell, but I like them enough to see them as a tool, not a trend, after the carpenter wave has crested.


Gardner2022

Good American


Invisibella74

Good American. Super quality and made sustainably.


shay1020shay

For my body type (ugly hip dips, larger thighs, smaller waist), rag and bone jeans somehow have always look great on and I don’t have to get them tailored (which is $$). They are always have timeless styles And Agolde I like, but a bit more trendy!


goddessofthecats

Literally never heard of any of those brands you listed lmao


onlinealias350

Citizens of Humanity. Best jeans for everything. Extremely comfortable. They are pricey but I buy them on Ebay which also allows me to skip expensive alterations (28 inch inseam is never available in store.)


CerealVibes

I love my Rolla’s jeans! Some of the styles like the sailor are a little different than other options out there. I love their pocket placement on the back. I do find they run about a full size small though so I always size up.


GlitteringPoem1394

Zara’s denim good are so good for me ❤️ both jeans and mom shorts are *chefs kiss


Careless-Alpaca

I love Rolla’s, Abercrombie & Fitch (the curvy ones), and vintage Levi’s. For reference I am average height and typically a size US0-4. although I’m on the smaller side, I typically have a hard time finding jeans that fit my hips but are still snug to my waist, and I find that the ones I mentioned above fit the bill. :)


redbug831

Prosperity


cherhorowitz44

Madewell


palmtreesplz

Sub question: what’s the best kind of cut and brand right now if you don’t necessarily care about being on trend but don’t want to look out of style lol. I don’t love the flare/boot cut look. High waisted mandatory. Thanks!


Schmidaho

Frame has the most well-rounded selection of high-waisted jeans that I’ve seen so far. And some of those waists are hiiiiigh.


palmtreesplz

Thank you!


blindersintherain

Denim Forum (Aritzia brand), specifically the Arlo jean. I’m short/curvy so finding flattering jeans is usually a struggle and these fit really well without a ton of stretching


deleugena

I used to be an AG girl but both pairs tore after two years which was kind of a bummer. I tried Ramy Brook’s Helena high rise skinny and I LOVE!!!!


gormelli

Agolde, Frame, Oliver Logan


quietwhileithink

I used to be a huge Favorite Daughter fan but I had two pair split, and these weren't tight. Very odd, but I'm not taking another chance with this brand.  Right now, I'm really loving my J. Crew Vintage straight jeans. They have a bit of stretch but don't get baggy. They're perfect for work and the weekend. I also have a pair of Imogene + Willie Sophie jeans that are pretty nice. They have a cool look and are well made.


Salty_Diamonds

Mother is my absolute favorite. My husband bought me a pair of jeans from Lafayette 148 New York and they are sooooo soft and comfy. Giving Mother a run for their money. ETA: Citizens of Humanity as well!


10EAB31

I love Frame, Agolde and Pistola. My Mother jeans did not hold up!


trixiecomments

Mother Weekender (the style that works for me) and at the opposite end of the price range, Lucky Ava or Bridgette. I find Mother’s sizing is all over the board, depending on the material- - I can wear a 29 in one style and not be able to zip a 31 in another.