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Pros
- Large range of washes
- Classic fits
Cons
- Less-trendy cut options
Mott & Bow makes a mean pair of slightly more formal denim for everyday wear, including these slim-but-not-skinny dark-wash beauties. You can dress these up or down, which, really, is what makes a great, versatile pair of jeans.
A whole generation of denim-heads cut its teeth on A.P.C., and there’s a good reason why: The Parisian label’s signature jeans are just that good. Do they take some serious wear before they’re truly comfortable? Sure. But that’s kind of the point: You beat the hell out of them so you can make them your own.
Kelly Slater’s label has been based on sustainability and ethical production from the jump, so it’s not a shocker that the brand’s very good jeans are made in a Fair Trade–certified facility from organic (Italian!) cotton. Not a shocker—but still very appreciated.
Pros
- Refined silhouettes
- Expertly executed washes
Cons
- $$$
The entire world of Ralph Lauren is built on an idealized, incredibly stylish version of America. So, yeah, of course Polo makes pairs of perfectly executed distressed jeans that look like you’ve loved them for years.
Pros
- Unique design ethos
- Refined materials
Cons
- $$$
- Frequently sells out
Rei Kawakubo is a doyenne in fashion, one of the first designers to really look at clothes beyond their performance or as mere pretty things. And with her brand, Comme des Garçons, she revolutionized womenswear with her Dada-esque designs. In 1978, she introduced a men’s line, overseen by her protégé, Junya Watanabe. Under Watanabe’s eye, the collection stayed true to Kawakubo’s vision, reworking proportions and playing with fabrics, especially denim, that brought—and continues to bring—his pieces into the realm of high art.
Pros
- Classic fits
- GapFlex stretch technology
Cons
- Quality isn’t as high as other in brands
The brand that started out by selling old Levi’s from a single store in San Francisco has slowly turned itself into a denim powerhouse and another favorite around the Esquire office.
Pros
- Reliable design
- Range of cuts and washes
Cons
- Pricey
J.Crew needs no introduction; the company has been around for decades, growing from a catalog business to a brick-and-mortar behemoth to an e-commerce giant. Throughout this evolution, the brand continuously offered styles that are made to last a lifetime, which include a vast selection of jeans in all cuts and washes. Alongside its cashmere and Ludlow suits, the brand’s denim deserves a place on the list of its greatest hits.
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