Forget the Gen Zs proclaiming the death of skinny jeans and the often unflattering ‘mom’ jeans that flit in and out of fashion; a good pair of jeans is forever. With the right cut, fit, and wash, the best jeans for women transcend ephemeral trends, becoming a lifelong wardrobe staple. And while silhouettes are prone to change with the times, finding a style that suits you will serve you well, allowing you to buy once and buy well.
Whether you’re in search of the preternaturally cool allure that accompanies the perfect pair of low-rise baggy jeans or seeking the timeless appeal of high-rise straight-cut denim, these are the best local and international denim brands to peruse.
1. Outland Denim
Placing sustainability and ethical manufacturing at its forefront, Outland Denim pieces are made from organic cotton, without the use of harsh chemicals. The Australian brand also seeks to provide women with stable employment, training, and healthcare.
Key styles: Amelia High Wide Leg Pant, Athina Mid Rise Boyfriend Jean, Eda Mid Rise Straight Jean
2. Nobody Denim
Recently acquired by Outland Denim, Melbourne-born brand Nobody Denim is beloved for its commitment to local manufacturing and sustainable materials. Refined, tailoring-inspired styles are set to stand the test of time, with the Nobody Denim range going beyond jeans and also encompassing shirts, skirts, dresses, and jackets.
Key styles: Priya Shirt, Evelyn Jean, Kindred Mini Dress
3. Acne Studios
Purveyors of Scandi cool Acne Studios can always be counted on for a good pair of jeans. Available in a plethora of washes — including deliberately dirty styles — highlights include slim, regular, relaxed, and ultra-loose fit jeans; the former three being the most versatile.
Key styles: 1977 Regular Fit Jeans, Mece Vintage Regular Fit Jeans
4. Nudie Jeans
Designed to be worn and loved for life, Swedish brand Nudie Jeans offers a robust free repair program to ensure your jeans truly stand the test of time. With a commitment to sustainable and transparent manufacturing processes, their jeans styles skew traditional, with straight leg styles being their bread and butter (or needle and thread, as the case may be).
Key styles: Breezy Britt, Sally Straight, Clean Eileen
5. Carhartt
An American classic. Founded in 1889, Carhartt specialises in workwear that not only stands the test of time, but knows how to take a beating. The blue collar outfitter is the ideal choice for easy wearing denim with a utilitarian edge.
Key styles: W’ Simple Pant
6. P.Johnson
Approaching denim with the eye of a tailor, P.Johnson styles skew traditional. The Australian brand’s key women’s offering, the Chris Jean, is available in four washes and feature a high-rise loose cut that lends itself to semi formal and casual outfits alike.
Key styles: Chris Jean
7. Neuw
Fusing the best of both worlds, Neuw combines sombre Nordic design with a casual Melbourne aesthetic. The brainchild of three friends from Stockholm and Melbourne, Neuw styles reference archival denim pieces while employing a traditional approach to tailoring and pattern-making, resulting in contemporary styles with a vintage feel.
Key styles: Nico Straight, Daria Boyfriend
8. Jeanerica
The Swedes just seem to get it. Founded in 2017 by Acne Studios and H&M alumni, Jeanerica began with a tightly curated range of jeans and has since expanded into jackets, shirts, and t-shirts. However jeans remain their core offering, with classic styles defined by clean cuts and minimalist silhouettes.
Key styles: EW004 Eiffel, KW012 Kyoto
9. Totême
Stockholm-based brand Totême was designed to cater to the needs of everyday women, with refined pieces defined by their meticulous craftsmanship, elevated fabrics, and considered silhouettes. The brand’s denim offering subscribes to the same ethos, with classic cuts that allow for movement while remaining undeniably stylish.
Key styles: Classic Cut, Tapered Leg
10. AGOLDE
Californian brand AGOLDE possesses the enviable ability to translate vintage styles for a contemporary audience. Helmed by Jerome Dahan — co-founder of 7 For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, and Goldsign — AGOLDE styles are made with 100& organic cotton and defined by their laidback, insouciant aesthetic.
Key styles: Riley Jean, Low Slung Baggy
Words by Esmé Duggan
