I Pulled the Receipts—These Are the Only Places Our Editors Buy Jeans
We all have that one pair of jeans we just keep going back to like a comfort blanket. It's nice to switch things up, but among the endless options on the internet, it can be tricky to figure out which denim brands are truly worth it. Before you start thinking about the silhouette, cut, or colorway you want, you're going to want to decide on a brand to choose from. When you know which brands make the best jeans, that trial-and-error part of shopping becomes a tad easier.
For us editors, there are a few brands we like to keep on rotation. Some focus on classic and vintage-inspired silhouettes made for everyday wear, while others specialize in unique and trend-forward styles meant to make wearing jeans a little more exciting. Below, we've rounded up the denim brands you can always spot at the Who What Wear offices because we can't stop wearing them. Included are the under-$100 Free People jeans we've been praising since last spring and the investment-worthy Tibi jeans our editorial director is obsessed with. You can also see how we've styled our favorite jeans in case you need a little denim outfit inspiration.
Agolde
Editor Favorite: '90s Pinch Waist High-Rise Straight Leg Jean
If vintage-inspired silhouettes are what you're looking for, Agolde is the brand to turn to. Ask any person in fashion where their favorite jeans are from, and their list is most likely going to include Agolde. (It's hard to find '90s-like jeans elsewhere!) While the '90s Pinch Waist Jeans are a classic and reliable silhouette, the brand also experiments with cool and playful shapes, like the Criss Cross collection that features asymmetrical waist detailing.
Free People
Editor Favorite: Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
There are some days in the office where quite a few editors show up in Free People jeans. We love FP for its trend-forward styles and comfortability, as most of its jeans are stretchier and less rigid than traditional brands. Also, almost all pairs come at an under-$150 price point, which we feel is accessible for good-quality denim.
Levi's
Editor Favorite: 501 '90s Jeans
It doesn't get more classic than Levi's. Founded in 1853, the brand's trustworthy jeans have truly stood the test of time. The 501 Jeans are probably the most famous pair of jeans, worn by the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, and Cindy Crawford. For a fresher look, our editors love wearing the Ribcage and Dad styles.
Citizens of Humanity
Editor Favorite: Ayla Baggy Wide Leg Jeans
Whether you're in search of the viral barrel-leg jeans that have been peppered all over your social media feed or looking for a simple straight-leg style, Los Angeles–based brand Citizens of Humanity has it all. Whatever way you like your denim, there's a style available here.
Tibi
Editor Favorite: Sid Jeans
Tibi may not be specifically known for its denim, but the brand offers more of the "IYKYK" picks of the fashion set. The jeans are still easy enough to wear every day but always have refreshing and unique touches that make them stand out from any regular pair of jeans. A Who What Wear favorite? The Sid Jeans, which feature a wide-leg silhouette that fades to a balloon-like shape and tapers at the floor.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Editor Favorite: High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean
Denim as a fabric can be rough and heavily structured, so it's hard to find jeans that fit just right and are within an affordable price range. That's where Abercrombie & Fitch comes in. The brand offers denim in short, regular, long, and curve sizing—meaning you'll find the perfect pair sized to your specific proportions.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, Yusra Siddiqui found her way to the team after graduating with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, Nylon, and Allure. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest social media trends, and diving deep into all things Gen Z-related.
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