My Top Five: Denim

I love denim.  I mean loooove it.

The very first thing I started spending real money on was designer denim.  I will never forget when 7 for all Mankind hit the market at over $100 a pair.  Up until that point, I had maybe spent $50 or $60 on my best pair of jeans.  It was a shock to the industry, but the public accepted and 7 for all Mankind broke the threshold and forever changed the landscape for how we buy denim.  Soon after, new brands started to pop up everywhere.  Rock and Republic, Mavi, Rockstar, Frankie B.  Celebrities even got into the mix with (successful!) premium denim lines.  Remember William Rast, Justin Timberlake’s company?  Edun by Bono?

Today’s styles have (thankfully) taken a more reigned in approach. The over styled pockets and super low waistlines of the early aughts are but a distant memory.

There are five companies out there right now that I think are killing it with their denim lines. My favorites… #5 – The Gap
Technically not designer denim, I had to put Gap on the list because they are the only brand that can hold up to premium denim lines. The variety of washes and styles are endless and you can almost always walk into The Gap when the entire store is 40% off. Snug to fit without pinching your waistline, they are incredibly comfortable yet still look polished. In college all of my friends wore Long and Leans. I like their Always Skinny and Legging styles.

#4 – Mother Denim
At almost 100% cotton, they are by far the softest pair of jeans I’ve ever owned. You can literally sleep in them. A subtle “M” is stitched on the back pockets to break up an otherwise blank slate, and upon first wear they will mold to your body. This is a great jean to keep in rotation as opposed to wearing 24/7 because all of that cotton can lose its shape faster than other brands.  Favorite style: The Looker. 

#3 – Frame Denim
Frame denim is a newer brand for me but when I found them I fell hard. Their jeans are a combination of London street style with LA manufacturing. Made of cotton, spandex and polyester, they will never sag or lose their shape. They’re cut with a higher rise in the back to lift the derrière and multiple points on the legs to slim the thighs.  Favorite style: Le Skinny de Jeanne. 

#2 – Current/Elliott
Current/Elliott kills it in every capacity: skinny, boyfriend, low-rise, high-rise. No matter what your shape, they have a style that will look great on you. I think what makes a pair of jeans stand out most is the wash. The best dye houses on the planet are in Los Angeles and it’s no surprise that’s where Current/Elliott is manufactured.  Favorite style: The Stiletto.

#1 – Rag & Bone
Hands down my favorite denim brand ever. They mold to your body like Jennifer Lawrence’s Mystique costume in X-Men, yet still have the weight and structure of jeans, not leggings. They will always button with ease even on your bad days. The back pockets are slightly smaller than other brands, which is ultra flattering on every shape. I can’t praise these jeans enough. Stop what you’re doing and go buy them. Now.  Favorite style: Mid-rise Skinny.