The Best Denim Brands to Shop This Season

Designed for comfort and durability and with infinite styling opportunities, there’s no denying the blue jean’s status as a wardrobe essential. And whether you are a straight-leg selvage loyalist or prefer breezy ’70s-style flares, there’s a fit and wash for everyone. To sift through the overwhelming variety of options out there, we’ve narrowed down the seven best denim brands to shop this season.

Amo

This recently launched line by co-founders Kelly Urban and Misty Zollars merges the best of vintage elements—think perfectly faded distressing and released hems—with modern details like design-patented seam construction and handcrafted washes. Top picks for the season include the cropped bootleg Jane jeans, which can be worn with everything from flats to heels to boots, and the signature slim-fitting Twist style, which features leg-lengthening twisted outseams.

Courtesy of Agolde

Agolde

Helmed by industry vet Jerome Dahan, Agolde turns out premium denim using its in-house manufacturing facilities to help keep prices down. Alongside the ample jean assortment, you’ll also find skirts, oversized jackets, and a “Feel Good” collection that’s made with organic cotton and produced sustainably. Try the label's newest style: the ’90s-inspired Jamie jeans—the high-rise waist and slightly relaxed, straight cut feel equal parts edgy and comfortable.

Courtesy of Denim Refinery

Denim Refinery

This e-boutique originally started off as a denim customization service offering wax coatings, laser prints, and more, but it is also a goldmine for one-of-a-kind vintage jeans, shorts, and jackets. Founder and creative director Janet Sung’s expert curation includes coveted Levi’s staples like the universally flattering 505s and rare Big E’s, as well as Wranglers and Lees—all of which are factory washed and softened in a unique process that maintains the time-honored fit and finish. An added convenience: Sizing for each product is based on actual waist measurements rather than what’s on the label (since vintage tags can be unreliable).

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4 denim styles to try right now:

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Courtesy of Closed

Closed

Known for its welt-pocketed Pedal Pusher jean inspired by a postman’s uniform, Closed’s denim has since expanded to cover everything from updated riffs on its iconic original and other high-waisted styles to classic skinnies and wide legs—all featuring meticulous tailoring and Italian-milled fabrics. The German brand just released a mini capsule EQL collection made up of completely unisex separates, including a cool slouchy jean that gives off the most authentic borrowed-from-the-boys vibe.

Courtesy of DL1961

DL1961

We all hate it when our favorite pair of jeans bag out at the knees or rear. Thankfully, DL1961 has a cutting-edge solution for that. The brand uses an innovative blend of ethically sourced cotton and stretch fabrics that retains 98 percent of its shape even over multiple wears and works to lift and sculpt. Shop over 20 different styles—including petite and maternity options—in a rainbow of finishes, and don’t miss the limited-edition Jessica Alba-designed collaboration featuring timeless silhouettes in rich inky washes.

Courtesy of Industry Standard

Industry Standard

A strategic direct-to-consumer model and founder Nicole Najafi’s luxury brand experience (which includes stints at Balenciaga and Lanvin) keep this minimalist denim collection affordable without sacrificing style or quality. The tightly edited selection of pared-down designs is a skinny jean lover’s dream (even the Remy boyfriend style is a bit more fitted through the leg and waist). The brand also offers monogramming in various thread options for a really personalized piece.

Courtesy of 3x1

3x1

Specializing in selvage denim, the New York-based brand operates out of its flagship store in SoHo, which also doubles as a literally transparent atelier where customers can view every part of the design manufacturing process. Along with custom and down-to-the-last-detail bespoke services plus a classic core collection, 3x1 also turns out limited-edition styles that are perfect for those looking to take their workwear up a notch.

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