Where to Find the Best Denim

Buying a pair of jeans is like buying a new car; it's an investment that requires care. And from the moment purchased to the handle and care applied once worn, the proper care of any product is essential for long-lasting quality and happiness. Yet why has the hunt for denim products made so many of us irritable and unhappy? `

The key to finding high-quality and long-lasting denim is research. Lucky for you, I have done a handful of that research. Listed below are a few of my favorite, sustainable denim brands.

Levi's Strauss and Co.

Immigrating from Bavaria, Germany to San Francisco, CA at the peak of the Gold Rush, Levi Strauss recognized a need among hardworking people: clothes built to endure anything. With the help of friend and tailor Jacob Davis, the first manufactured tough denim waist overalls in 1873, now known as "blue jeans." Levi’s Strauss and Co. is an inclusive brand for all customers and is a strong advocate for sustainable fashion through its efforts of secondhand purchasing options for customers to thrift vintage pieces that they can Buy Better, Wear Longer.

Levi’s Strauss and Co. is a household name that continues to prioritize the manufacturing of “clothes built to endure anything.” Whether purchased wholesale or thrifted, Levi’s Strauss and Co. continues to be one of the leading manufacturers of high quality denim at reasonable prices. Buying jeans is like buying a car: it’s an investment. And since the purchase of my first pair of Levi’s denim jeans, I have never once felt unhappy or dissatisfied when looking in the mirror. Quality never goes out of style so make your Levi’s Strauss and Co. investment, I suggest the classic 501 Original Stretch Cropped Women's Jeans!

True Religion

Founded in Los Angeles, California in 2002 Jeffrey Lubell for its Super T stitch denim design, True Religion emerged onto the scene. The company's iconic horseshoe was born from the silhouette of a Buddha's smile, and their hardware was inspired by the romance of denim's 140-year history. The company’s Be So Bold attitude has sparked the fashion world with bold statements of unique self-expression. With well-known figures like Bella Hadid, Emma Roberts and Devon Lee Carlson sporting the brand, there’s no doubt that True Religion stands for high quality, long lasting denim.

Purchasing my first pair of True Religion Jeans on sale at age 11, prior to the company's bankruptcy in 2013 and bounce back in 2020, I can only speak highly of the company’s denim. What makes True Religion a unique and easily identifiable company is the craftsmanship of their products. Sported on the back pocket of True Religion denim jeans, the iconic horseshoe symbol born from the silhouette of a Buddah’s smile, continues to be a key trend and inspiration of early 2000s style. If you're looking to make a purchase, I suggest the Jennie Big T Jean.

Gap

Founded in 1969 by Don and Doris with the goal of making easy to find denim that does more, Gap became yet another household name of fashion. The company quickly grew to fame in the 90s after gracing the cover of Vogue Magazine’s 100th anniversary issue featuring Supermodels like Christie Turlington, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford.

Gap was the first denim brand I grew up knowing, wearing, and having filled my closet since the first pair of Baby Gap jeans fit my chunky body at the ripe age of 6 months. As a kid you never question the quality of the clothes you wear and it was not until age 10 that I began wondering. It helped having parents who prioritize quality over quantity and as I grew older and worked to buy my own clothes, I understood the importance of production information. Gap was and still is my go-to store when purchasing jeans and it was not until I was thirteen years old, yes thirteen years old, that I FINALLY outgrew Gap Kids and moved onto adulthood of women’s denim. My most favorite pair of Gap denim is thrifted, along with the majority of my closet, and not once has that pair of denim weakened or lost it’s fit. And to this day, I still have my 6 month old pair of Baby Gap jeans that I can’t wait to see my kid wear. If you're looking to make a purchase, I suggest the High Rise Cheeky Straight Jeans!

Reformation Vintage

Originally selling vintage clothing in 2009 out of Los Angeles, Reformation Vintage quickly grew to become a larger company with an emphasis on sustainability through the production of their own products. The company’s emphasis not only centers on sustainability, but body positivity and self-love. Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option. Reformation is no.2.

I can honestly say that putting on a pair of Reformation Jeans is the best feeling in the world. Beyond being a sustainable company with emphasis on body positivity, Reformation creates look good feel good jeans with its elaborate and creative designs. Between their intricate and playful designs to traditional denim style pants, the company has reached new levels of success by being a trustworthy brand with high quality products. One of the many aspects I aspire about this brand is their efforts to be a transparent company and informing their customers of product production. If you're looking to make a purchase, I suggest the Zebra Julia Jean!

Amuse Society

Founded by Mandy Fry and Summer Rapp in 2014, Amuse Society became known for its contemporary and young beach lifestyle products. A mix of beach and street, bohemian and rock and roll, Amuse Society is a ready-to-wear label in Southern California.

Amuse Society jeans are the epitome of comfort. The products truly reflect the company’s “ready-to-wear,”contemporary beach lifestyle aesthetic. The simplicity and traditional style of Amuse Society denim products make styling any and all outfits easy. Whether going out or staying in, Amuse Society denim is comfortable and perfect for all events. If you're looking to make a purchase, I suggest the Gabi Crop Flare WVN Denim Pant!

Wrangler

Founded in 1904 by C.C. Hudson and tailor Bernard Lichtenstein, Wrangler began developing a line of jeans specifically for cowboys and rodeo use. Today, Wrangler stands for not only the cowboy theme, but also the western roots and tradition of the brand. The signature “W” letter embroidered on the back pockets has become one of the most recognizable symbols in the world of denim.

Wrangler jeans are great if you are looking for classic denim with a wide range of styles ranging from High Rise, Flare & Wide Leg, Western, or Bootcut. If you're looking to make a purchase, I suggest the classic Wrangler jean, Wrangler 11MWZ Women’s Slim Jean!