Denim is a wardrobe staple. Ever met someone who doesn’t wear denim? A little strange if you ask us… Jeans are as much a part of the fabric of our culture as apple pie or rock ‘n’ roll . You probably have a few treasured pairs in your closet that fit like a glove. Denim, when done right, feels like an old friend, always there for you making you feel good each time you wear it. The jeans, not your friend, of course. So if you are searching for a new denim brand to add to your collection, here are 7 that should be on your radar.
Jeanerica
This is a brand that makes a wide variety of basic styles of jeans and other wardrobe staples, like sweatshirts, t-shirts, and jackets. Nothing is too flashy here, but the quality is what stands out for Jeanerica. All of their clothing is made from sustainable fabrics, with a dedication to the perfect fit based on traditional denim styles, such as boot cut, loose, slim, casual, and tapered fit. Their denim looks a bit like old school Levi’s – classic and timeless. The denim that Jeanerica makes comes in all different washes, so whether your favorite is dark denim, light, or anything in between, you’ll be able to find the styles you normally gravitate towards. Try their Vintage 97 tapered fit first, since it’s mid-rise, roomy around the thighs, and tapered from the knee to the ankle. It’s the perfect pair to wear with your favorite sneakers on any casual Saturday.
Nudie Jeans
A Swedish denim company founded in 2001, Nudie Jeans is passionate about their product from start to finish. They are also committed to sustainability and using 100 percent organic cotton from a transparent production line. Their “Dry Jeans” are the mainstay of their line, which they call “drys.” They’re pre-washed and pre-distressed pairs that are destined to become your new go-to. All of the colors are fairly dark indigo denim that is made to last, looking better and better as you wear them. The Lean Dean Dry Deep Selvage is crafted with Japanese denim from Kurabo Mills that’s meant to replicate how denim looked when it was first made in the US 120 years ago. How often do you get to know exactly where the fabric of your denim jeans comes from? A pretty cool concept, indeed, from Nudie Jeans.
Mott & Bow
The concept of elevated basics is what Mott & Bow strives for in all of their denim styles. They consider their styles, “the jeans you’ll reach for every time”, and it’s true – the comfort factor of Mott & Bow is second-to-none. They even have breathable jeans that you’ll want to wear even in the hottest months of summer. One of their best sellers is the Slim Wooster in dark blue. They do have a high stretch factor, which they classify on each of their denim as a percentage. The Slim Wooster is a combination of cotton, polyester, and elastane for a 35 percent stretch dynamic. So if you like some give in your denim, this is a brand that caters to that need. One of the best services they offer is a Home Try-On Program. All you do is buy your first pair, and they’ll send you an additional pair that’s a second waist size. Send back the one you don’t love. It’s just that easy to find the ultimate pair of Mott & Bow to add to your collection of denim.
Naked & Famous Denim
A funny name for a brand that says they aren’t a normal denim company. Cheeky and fun, everything that Naked & Famous does is geared towards crafting awesome jeans from the best rare fabrics. The clothing is all made and sewn in Canada with sourcing fabrics of all different types from Japan. They make some truly weird denim including rainbow fade, scratch n’ sniff, cashmere blends, glow-in-the-dark, and the list of oddities goes on and on. There are also oddball collaborations, like their Ricky and Morty denim or Friday the 13th collection that’s coming out in October, just in time for Halloween, of course. With a flagship store in NYC that you should visit if you live in the city or are headed there on business at some point, Naked & Famous makes some of the most unique denim styles on the market today. For denim that stands out, get a few different pairs and be significantly cooler than all of your friends with this hip brand.
Frame Denim
A company that’s not too flashy, Frame Denim creates jeans that you don’t have to think too much about. They make skinny, slim, straight-fit, workwear, and athletic styles. Plus, if you like your denim shredded, Frame Denim has you covered with their L’Homme Slim Indigo Shredded. Get on the waitlist though because this pair is already highly coveted, and it hasn’t even officially launched yet. Their styles are offered in many different colors and washes, including white denim and black. Founded in 2012, Frame Denim comes out of Los Angeles, California with a dedication to sustainable and fair manufacturing practices. The denim fit guide on their website is especially helpful in figuring out which of their denim will work for your own frame. With free shipping and returns for up to 30 days, it’s easy to buy a few pairs to figure out which ones will be your perfect fit.
OrSlow Denim has been around since 2005 as a Japanese brand that emulates the best of American hardcore denim. They base all their denim on early and mid-20th century styles that are basic and timeless. The 107 Slim-Fit Selvedge Denim Jeans are cut from tough selvedge denim for a slim fit and constructed with traditional five pockets and contrast topstitching.
Glen’s Denim
A high-quality brand that comes from the genius of Glenn, obviously. So who is this Glenn guy? Glenn Liburd is the denim lover who started Glenn’s Denim in 2019 at the age of 62. His styles pay homage to those that were popular in the 70s and 80s, on the streets where culture thrived, in cities like NYC and San Francisco. Working as a pattern maker and designer for 30 years gave Glenn the ability to create the best denim possible. Glenn’s Denim is made with the highest standard, small-batched in Glenn’s own workroom. With styles that run the gamut from slim-tapered, slim-straight, slouchy, or relaxed wide-leg in all different washes, you’ll have no trouble finding an ideal pair to wear from an indie brand with heart.