Denim trends may come and go (and when they do we make sure to cover it), but no matter how many seasons go by and how many new styles may emerge, there are a handful of jean brands on the classic end of the spectrum that we just won’t quit. You know as well as we do that jeans are the cornerstones of our closets and the building blocks of countless outfits, so it should come as no surprise that our individual denim stacks are more like towers (as in, we own a lot of jeans).
It’s only natural, then, that we’ve come to favor a select few that we turn to time and time again. These are our failsafe pairs that have stood the test of time and many closet cleanouts and are still left standing in our wardrobes today. Since we’re so devoted to the labels we think are the best jean brands out there, we’re sharing them here along with the exact jean styles we love so you, too, can find “the one” (AKA your next go-to pair). Keep scrolling to discover and shop them all.
“Levi’s is the denim brand I always come back to time and time again. No matter how many trendier jeans I try, nothing comes close to their classic shapes and although I there’s a special place in my heart for vintage Levi’s, the brand’s new offerings have really impressed me, as well, in particular, their ribcage fits.” — Anna LaPlaca, associate editor
“Madewell jeans are my new jam. I tried the black skinny jeans when the brand launched the men’s line a few seasons ago, and they’ve become my new go-to. Comfortable and classic.” — Bobby Schuessler, senior market editor
“For me, denim is all about the fit, and Agolde has jeans that are cut to perfection. I get compliments on this pair of high-waisted jeans more than any others in my closet. They’re truly one of my holy grail basics.” — Kristen Nichols, managing editor
“Re/Done has been a favorite of mine from the start. I initially was drawn in by their reworked Levi’s styles (back when that’s all they made), but I love their new denim just as much. They’re usually one of the first brands to jump on a new trend, so you know you can always look to them to have the freshest styles.” — Allyson Payer, senior editor
“I’m not a big skinny jeans wearer, unless they’re by Citizens of Humanity. All of their jeans have a vintage feel that’s just cool, and the skinny jeans have a perfect ever-so-slight slouchy fit that’s very appealing to someone like me who favors a looser fit as opposed to skintight.” — Payer
“In my book, Goldsign is far ahead in terms of denim silhouette trends. The second i’m ready to retire a denim trend that I’ve been into for a while, I look to Goldsign because I know they’ll already be offering whatever’s fresh feeling, even if I didn’t know exactly what I was looking for. They were quite early on the shift to longer hemlines over cropped styles, and they will surprise you with a sprinkling of exceptional basics with a fashion-forward twist.” — Kat Collings, editor in chief
“I clean out my closet all the time, but my SLVRLAKE London jeans just never even come close to the “go” pile. They’re the perfect rise and cut, that feels very current and classic at the same time.” — Nicole Eshaghpour, senior market editor
“J Brand jeans are some of my most worn and loved pairs in my denim collection. No matter what the style or trend, J Brand nails the fit every time. Oh, and they are the most comfortable jeans out there.” — Lauren. Eggertsen, senior editor
“GRLFRND denim have some of the most flattering silhouettes and vintage-inspired denim washes. I particularly love their high-waisted slim leg jeans with just the right amount of comfortable stretch.” — Judith Jones, market editor
“I love Mother jeans. I got my first pair around five years ago, and I continue to buy the brand over and over again. I especially love their stretchy fabrics, as they’re the most comfortable jeans in the biz. I’ve even worn them for long-haul flights in the past, proving that they’re seriously soft and snug. Just watch for “super-stretch denim” in the product description.” — Erin Fitzpatrick, senior news editor
