THE DENIM BRANDS AND STYLES OF JEANS THAT I CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF

I am a jeans girl through and through. In fact, most days you’ll catch me in some variation of jeans and a tee, with a blazer if I need to look a little bit more put together. So if you want good jeans, I’ve got you covered.

A few things about me and jeans that you should know, though. I don’t care about price tag and labels, I care about fit and feel. My favorite jeans are vintage Levi’s that I picked up for $20 at a thrift store. I wear them almost every day and they’re more comfortable than my $200 pair will ever be. Just because everyone is raving about a certain style or brand, doesn’t mean they’ll be right for you. We’re all individuals with our own unique bodies, so I don’t believe there is truly a one size fits all kind of jean. It doesn’t mean the brand or jeans are bad, it just means it maybe isn’t the best brand for you and your body. For example, there are some popular brands that others will rave about yet when I try them they’re uncomfortable and don’t fit me right. Gap jeans, however, never let me down. I don’t know what they do to there jeans, but no matter what style I get, they always just seem to fit and feel right on me. It definitely takes some trial and error to find “your” brand, but once you do it makes jean shopping so much better. So take your time, try your jeans, find the ones that work for YOU and your body.

FOR SIZING REFERENCE- my body shape is somewhere between hourglass and apple. I have a bit of a booty, especially when I’m really working out and I generally wear size 4/6 or 27/28 (but I will size up a few sizes for an oversized look and in vintage Levi’s). I prefer high rise, a straight cut and a longer hem. I’ve been known to get my favorite pair of denim in two sizes, one regular length and one in an extra-long cut specifically to be able to pair them with heels.

my 5 favorite denim jeans brands

GAP

WHY I LOVE THEM

Where do I even begin?! There are just so many reasons I love my Gap jeans. First of all, I’ve all but grown up in Gap. Their jeans just fit me like a glove so I can’t help but reach for them again and again. Besides the fit, I think their quality is great, they’re thick and heavy weight so they just really hold up well and last, they have cuts that are just really flattering and I also love that so many of their jeans come in several in-seam (length) options (because if you’re a tall girl you know how challenging it can be to find lengthier jeans, especially ones that work with heels).

HOW THEY FIT

I find Gap jeans to be true-to-size and I love that they offer multiple in-seam size options.

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE STYLES

Any of the high rise pairs, especially the High Rise Cheeky Straight Jeans and their High Rise Wide Leg Jeans

LEVI’S

WHY I LOVE THEM

Levi’s are a classic for a reason, they just work. Now, I must admit, for me, I prefer vintage Levi’s. I think the quality is a little better and I just prefer the fits. But overall, Levi is just good, classic denim that lasts.

My favorite place to get my Levi’s is from the men’s section of thrift stores, but there are tons of great vintage Levi’s sources these days, and even Levi has a secondhand page on their site.

HOW THEY FIT

I find Levi’s to run small so go up a size or two for the best relaxed fit, especially in vintage pairs.

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE STYLES

Anything that is straight leg and more casual and relaxed; my absolute favorites are 501 Original Fits from the men’s section of thrift stores but I also like 501 straight leg and 90’s style jeans.

MOTT & BOW

WHY I LOVE THEM

When I want a jean that’s a bit more form fitting, slender and lightweight, but still solid, I go for a pair of my Mott & Bow jeans. I tend to reach for them more for date night/going out outfits, but I do have a pair of the Slim Boyfriend Mercer jeans that I sized up in that I’ll grab for more casual looks. The best part about these jeans is that, while they have some give and stretch that forms to fit your body, they never stretch out and lose their shape.

HOW THEY FIT

They’re more form fitting and slender, but they do give a bit so I’d say stay true to size for the Mom jean styles and for a more fitted look, and go up a size or two if you want a more relaxed look. I also love that they offer multiple in-seams on their denim.

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE STYLES

I love the Mom jeans, especially the Allen jeans, and the Slim Boyfriend Mercer jeans.

ONE TEASPOON

WHY I LOVE THEM

These are my go-to casual jeans. They’re just soft, comfortable, breathable and I love the washes. Oh, and they last. I’ve had one of my pairs for close to 8 years now and they still look good as new.

HOW THEY FIT

I find One Teaspoon jeans to run large, so either size down one size or stick to your usual size to keep a more relaxed fit.

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE STYLES

I really like their relaxed styles, like the bandits and awesome baggies.

CLOSED

WHY I LOVE THEM

These are great jeans when you want something with a bit more structure and maybe even a fun detail or two. Heavyweight denim, great washes, sometimes the fits can be a bit funky and sizing can be all over the place, but when you find the fit/size that works for you, they’re truly some of the most comfortable jeans.

HOW THEY FIT

I find their denim to typically run true-to-size, although there are a few slimmer styles where I’ve sized up one size.

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE STYLES

The pedal pushers are my favorite!