DENIM
Today we’re looking at Denim! In my first post – A Beginners Guide to Cultivating Style – I briefly discussed the need for good denim.
what is she?
Denim is a very strong, durable cotton twill fabric. The twill weave gives it a subtle diagonal pattern on the face (front) of the fabric. Color is achieved through a dip process where denim is dipped into indigo dye baths. The more dips, the darker the denim. Now denim usually undergoes chemical processing to give it more personality ie: highs and lows (wash color). The lighter the denim, the more processing it may have undergone to achieve the light wash color. Stonewashing also gives denim its worn in look as well as enzymes are added for softer handfeel.
Great lesson Leesh, move on already!
I mention all this just to show that denim is one of the most versatile fabrics because of its ability to be manipulated, processed, and engineered. Denim can change as you change. Both in appearance and fit. Sometimes we want a more rigid denim with little to no stretch because we want that true authentic look and feel to our jeans. Sometimes we want denim with a higher stretch and hidden tummy control panel to mold over our curves. Ultimately we want to look and feel good in our jeans!
Let’s shop!
These jeans (pictured to the right) are from H&M – I bought them because they were high rise, rigid jeans in a great wash. They have a button fly closure and I cut the inner hem splits myself. I wanted the hem a little wider and the jeans to feel a little more Leesh.
Acne Studios – amazing luxury denim. My favorite selvedge jeans are from here. Had the waist taken in and been living my best life ever since!
Reformation – great quality denim that looks and feels good!
Madewell – is another great shopping destination for great denim. They do have a higher price point but you will definitely get what you pair for. Jeans that will last in a wide assortment of washes in several fits. *Pro Tip: get your jeans tailored so that they fit at the waist (how you imagine) and are the correct length. One sure way to come across as polished is fit! And fun fact, I worked at their Soho retail location – good times!
Levi’s – the OG’s of denim. Every shape and size, wash and finish, mens and womens. This brand is a favorite for a reason you will have them forever! Hurry they’re whole site is 30% off right now! They also offer tailoring for small alterations.
Agolde – amazing quality and great washes!
Everlane – great quality jeans in unique washes and fits!
Gap 1969 – creating great jeans for the whole family forever. A classic shop for good denim.
Free People – okay hear me out! Free People as retailer carries many great denim brands! They always have unique offerings for not your run of the mill pair of jeans with interesting embroideries, washes, colors, patches, designs etc.
Zara – you can really come up on a great pair of jeans here! They tread the line of rigid and stretch well. Beware of sizing though. If you aren’t sure your size, definitely go IN STORE and try them on. If they aren’t local, follow the size guide, read the care label to see if they have stretch (significantly affects fit), and order two sizes to try at home.
Abercrombie & Fitch – classic denim styles with moderate stretch in a wide range of sizes and washes. Easy and cute! Hurry, they have 15% off all jeans right now!
Target – listen, Target is that girl for a reason: she’s trendy and cute and won’t break the bank! Go in with an open mind, an idea of the wash you’re looking for, and search away! Definitely try them on as Target’s jeans are made with mass market in mind so many of their offerings have higher elastic content (meaning more stretch). Depending on the fit, size up or down to get them to sit right where you like the, **Pro Tip: when jeans have more stretch, size down (if you can). No matter the denim, it’s a cotton so the fabric will give as you wear especially those with more stretch.
NYDJ (Not Your Daughters Jeans) – a great option for the more mature crowd looking for good jeans with secret (shaping) weapon capabilities!
What jeans do you like? Where do you like finding your staples? Sharing is caring – drop your suggestions in the comments!
Remember: live unLeeshed!
Great suggestions! I also love Good American! They just fit! Do these jeans work for curvier girls? It’s hard for me to find jeans that fit both in the waist and thighs.9
hi Jas! So a good fit for waist and thighs can be so tricky! Everlane has great options, Good American is good too and Gap has also reworked their fit. I will say your best bet though is to have the waist taken in by a tailor on a pair you love. I know that’s an extra (feels unnecessary) step but I guarantee you’ll love that they fit you EVERY time. In my experience that has been the best. Hope this helps!
I’m loving these options. It’s so hard for me to find good quality jeans that fit, so thanks for the tip on getting jeans tailored.
I actually recently tried Everlane’s high waisted jeans and they fit like a dream- no weird gap of fabric in the back!