Everyone wears jeans, but with so many brands and styles to choose from, it can be hard to build a strong jeans rotation that you are genuinely happy with.
At this point, you know it's probably a good idea to stay away from skinny jeans made from thin and stretchy denim, and hopefully, you always look at the fabric composition of what you're buying. But with denim trends coming and going season after season, it can feel like a struggle to keep up with all that. Nobody wants to be the bad pants guy in the group, so let's get on with fixing that.
Below is a selection of jeans that will not only upgrade your outfits but also make you feel great. After all, that is the power of a good pair of jeans.
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You will see brand new and vintage, classic and colourful, traditional and experimental, clean and patchwork, lots of wash and no wash, and everything in between. And if you haven't already, check out my post about cool shoes to wear on those wet, rainy days, or the one about repair tips, which also includes some interesting denim mending techniques.
The Classic
Let's start with a staple that should be part of your jeans rotation. A pair of washed, straight-fit blue jeans is always a good idea. Check out this vintage pair of MiUSA 505 Levi's for a great example. In general, these are the kind of jeans you will probably find easy to thrift. If you want to buy second-hand, solid brands to look out for are Levi's and Wrangler. Just make sure they fit you well and make you feel comfortable. You can work them into most of your fits and wear them every day until they fall apart, and even after that. (Read more about this in my last article)
If you are really keen on buying new, then the brand Sunflower has some great classic-looking blue jeans. The wash on these looks amazing and I love the colour. If you are looking for a looser fit, they also come in a more relaxed version.
Whether new or second-hand, make sure the jeans are made from 100% cotton or other natural materials, and try to find a pair made in a country where workers' rights are likely to be respected.
The Colourful
While blue jeans are a timeless choice, don’t hesitate to explore other colours. The Twisted Belted Pants are a classic design by Lemaire, and they have consistently released new versions in different colours. This green garment-dyed pair is at the top of my wish list. They have a subtle twist in the side seam, which creates a unique silhouette. One of those pairs that can be dressed up or down, depending on the style you want.
They have just released two acid-washed versions of the same silhouette, which also look very interesting. As a fan of the brand, I highly recommend you check them out and keep them on your radar.
The Digitally Printed
Jeans are at their best when they are nicely worn in. The geniuses at Our Legacy certainly think so, as they have decided to digitally print over a pair of mint jeans, giving them a unique distressed look without tearing a single thread from the fabric. The result is very original and looks great teamed with a brown full zip polo and a pair of their infamous Camion leather boots in Coney Cognac.
If you want an even weirder printed pair, Camprelab has a new clothing collection including a fantastic pair of printed jeans in three colourways. You can't go wrong with any of them, but I love the black pair.
The Patchworked
Patchwork jeans may not be very trendy now, but I am sure they will be worth having in 2024 and can be a great addition to your rotation. This pair by Junya Watanabe and Levi’s looks very unique and will be a conversation starter for sure. You can pair it with a black T-shirt, a brown mohair cardigan, and a nice pair of Paraboot suede shoes.
The Raw
Raw denim has been very in lately, which is really cool. I love how dark indigo selvedge denim looks and feels. A thick pair of jeans like the RS-100x Indigo Selvedge from 3sixteen can make even a basic fit look amazing. They are based on the 501s from 1947 and will make you feel like a million bucks. Combine them with a nice pair of black boots or loafers, a heavy white T-shirt and maybe a black leather jacket and you have a solid everyday fit.
The Thrifted
Denim is a tough fabric, made to be durable and worn in over time, which is why jeans are the perfect garment to thrift.
Raw denim enthusiasts like to experience the colour fading and the shape of the pants changing wear after wear. Every pair almost moulds to your body and only gets better with time. And that’s what makes vintage and second-hand jeans so worthwhile.
All the pairs of jeans I have just shown you can be found, in one way or another, in your nearest second-hand shop. And most of the jeans I have bought in the last two years have been thrifted. I recently picked up a fantastic pair of Wrangler jeans in a second-hand shop here in Vienna for 30 Euros (or around 32 USD).
I saw them on one of the racks in the thrift shop and immediately thought they were kind of similar to the Terek Jeans in the Olive Denim colour by the brand A Kind of Guise.
So, if you have a clear idea of what you are looking for, there could be a gem waiting for you at a fraction of the price compared to buying new. Just get inspired and go looking.
One last tip: make sure you know what suits you best. Even if I wanted to wear straight, tight jeans (which I don't), I know that they just don't fit my body type. Knowing things like this can allow you to gradually find your personal style and be the cool pants guy.
Camprelab ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥