Who Really Has “Good Jeans”?
Have you ever thought to yourself “What makes good jeans?” I definitely have since Sydney Sweeney claimed her genes were the ones to purchase. Did I say genes? I meant jeans.
Good jeans depend on the fit, the length, and the way they hug the waist. But speaking of Sydney: we have all seen her controversial ad with American Eagle. Despite some misgivings, the brand has experienced a surprising spike in their sales—I guess all press really is good press. But are her jeans really are worth all the hype? AE jeans, which range somewhere between $50-$60, don’t fit right, according to many online reviews say they don’t fit right—just like the ad, there’s something off.
So if you don’t want to fall victim to a swampy situation down there, here are five other jean brands our team recommends.
Jeans are the foundation of your wardrobe, so it makes sense to keep it safe and invest in heritage. If you want dependability, meet Levi’s. The quality has proven to be reliable, and the resell market is quite popular with E-Bay, Depop thrift store, and even Soho shoppers. Levi’s, especially their iconic 501s, don’t depreciate like other brands. They range from $50-$100 depending on the style, which might cut close to your budget—but consider them an investment. Vintage Levi’s build personality for your wardrobe. The denim does the talking, you do the walking. Or strutting!
We’ve all been to the 5th Avenue store, right? If you haven’t yet, you’ll find yourself stepping into a world known for its basics and comfort wear—but their raw Japanese denim is the standout. Quality meets comfortability meets affordability, since most of their jeans are on sale for $30. You’re buying quality here. Uniqlo’s jeans claim to be 100% cotton, so the wearability in the market is unmatched. These jeans are a good basic staple to build with for your day-to-day style, and you get to play with the customizing in each pair—painters, I’m talking to you.
Looking for a Canadian tuxedo to start out your fall wardrobe? Gap has you covered. Their jeans are great quality denim and they store a variety of other jean products like jackets and shirts. They have a more unique and personalized look for each style and tend to hug your waist better over time. Let’s not forget about their most recent ad with Katseye (the girl group popping up on everyone’s social media feed), where stars like Lara and Yoonchae manage to portray their visual identity in an array of denim. The advertisement, compared to Sweeney’s, is a great testament to the diverse style you achieve with Gap’s denim.
Their catch-phrase—“Denim that loves your body!”—isn’t all bark. These jeans have got some serious bite to them…by that, I mean you’ll be looking like a snack. They will hug your curves in all the right places. If you’re looking for great size diversity and inclusivity in your jean brand, this is the one for you. Wearing Good American jeans is a love letter to your body, and everyone will feel the confidence radiating off you once you slip them on. This brand is at one of the higher price points on our list, ranging from $125-$200, but they don’t disappoint in quality or style. In the long run, it might be worth investing in some good jeans that will stay by your side through thick and thin.
Nobody does a good baggy pant like Zara. Fill all of your skater fantasies with their variety of barrel and balloon-cut jeans. Ranging in all shapes and sizes, this brand excels in grunge and streetwear. Nothing screams NYC Fashion like the over-sized look, and let’s face it, affordability is every college kid’s fantasy, so these jeans, priced around $50-$80, won’t be too devastating on your bank statement.
Jeans, like people, are full of variety and personality. It’s not just about looks, but also feel. So pick the ones that make you feel confident, and strut your stuff. Jeans bring versatility to your closet and are a perfect “when in doubt” reach when you’re already 10 minutes late to class. (It’s not your fault, girl. That alarm totally didn’t go off.) When walking around NYC, you want to make sure your pants are comfortable and durable to combat anything the crazed city life decides to throw at you. So next time you need to upgrade your wardrobe, put a little budget aside for some good, old-fashioned jeans.