Inspired by this denim buying guide from Anna at The Anna Edit, I want to share my own version of a denim buying guide and my denim favorites. I’ve also got a request to film my denim collection, so that is in my to-do list for sure! But for now, I hope that this blog post will help some of you out on your denim journey!
First, jot down keywords and any denim-related concerns. Just like any brainstorming process, good ideas start within – start from what YOU want and like first. This will help to narrow down your list and filter out any unwanted things in your denim search. Then ask yourself these questions before you start shopping:
Know that there are a lot of options out there, and you will find something that works for YOU as long as you put in an effort to look. Be patient!
THE ICONIC LEVI’S 501: The straight-cut medium-rise 501s have a long history. They were popular among the gold rush miners in the 1800’s. They’re 9-oz blue high-quality sturdy denim with the iconic two-horse patch, rivets, a cinched waist, brace buttons (aka button fly created before the invention of the zipper), and a single back pocket with Levi’s signature “Arcuate” stitching” – read more here and here
POPULAR DENIM BRANDS: (* denotes my personal favorite brand – it’s either a good place to start with consistent quality and lots of options!)
RETAILERS THAT CARRY THESE JEANS:
Now that I have tried bought many but loved a few, I know exactly what MY favorite denim is: high-waisted, non-stretch 100% cotton, light or medium wash, medium weight denim with minimal rips and button fly. I am 5ft5 and wear 25 jeans with a 30” inseam.
With my measurements and all denim infor I needed to know, I can easily filter my denim search at any retailers online. I’d prefer trying on a few styles of jeans in store unless there is a specific trend of denim that I am after. For example, these criss-cross Agolde pairs that I have seen all over the place on Instagram, but I won’t be purchasing them because they are trendy.
My Favorite Styles of Denim (I’m 5ft5, wear 25 in jeans, and have slightly thicker thighs, flatter butt, and hip bone):
These are my most worn pair of denim this year for sure! Found them early this summer at the Aritzia store in Bellevue Square, WA! They didn’t have my size 25, so I just grabbed these in 24 and a few other styles nearby without any high hope. I love them right at the moment when I put my legs in. Is that weird? They were definitely a bit tight and difficult to sit in until now, but I love the fit and the wash so much!
These GRLFRND Karolina in Sixpence are THE MOST EXPENSIVE PAIR OF DENIM that I have to date. They’re about $250, eek! but they are the definition of good quality denim. Even though they’re claimed as skinny, they are actually not! I love the raw hem which make it easier to roll them up once or twice depending on what boots I wear with. The denim fabric is really thick yet stretchy, and they’ve stretched out a little bit but still very comfortable on. I wish I got these in 24, really!
I later bought another Karolina pair at REVOLVE in Bay Blue on final sale for $170, and they weren’t the same. The fabric is not as thick, and they’re quite tight on. The light wash and ripping definitely make them summer pair!
These high rise cheeky straight are my most favorite denim fit on me at Everlane. I love them more than the high rise skinny because they are just a lot more comfortable on. They come in Ankle, Regular, and Tall length and 7 different color washes. I have two pairs: Washed Black and Bone. I got both in size 24 instead of 25, my normal size.
Everyone should have at least a pair of black skinny jeans in their wardrobe. Then consider a white pair, gray pair, and a colored pair if you fancy!
I love TOPSHOP JONI jeans for years and years! They are almost identical to the Easy jeans at American Apparel, anyone remembers? Super comfortable, stretchy, and versatile. For the price, I think they are great high street version. I usually throw them in the wash with my normal clothes and ruined a few, but with minimal washing frequency in cold water, they will last you a long time.
EVERLANE SKINNY is great quality for the price as well. I have a full blog post reviewing them, here.
Up at this point, I’ve become weirdly picky when it comes to buying anything clothing-related and even with shoes. I can go on and recommend you get all of the denim that I have, but to be honest with you, the journey to the most perfect pair of denim is really PERSONAL. It’s taken me years of shopping to get to this point where I know what I like and look good on me!
Don’t just spend your hard-earn money on something your favorite blogger recommends. Sometimes even in photos, I can clearly tell that the jeans are very ill-fitting on them, but they won’t keep talking about how good they are. Kinda annoying, but yeah! I hope this post is helpful to some of you! Definitely comment below with any questions you have! I’ve tried to include as much information as I can, hence the super long post, but it will always be here for you go back and read on later! Thanks for reading!
READ OTHER SHOPPING GUIDES: