Identifying Durable Jeans That Stand the Test of Time

Buying jeans might seem straightforward - just walk into any store, grab a pair, and you're set. But my readers know better than to settle for flashy bell-bottoms dragging along the ground or jeans covered in tacky logos and embroidery.

To really assess the quality of your jeans, you’ll need to inspect them more closely than you might think. But hey, a little extra effort is worth it if it means you walk out with the perfect pair, right? 😉

Brand

Now, I’m not one to harp on brands for no reason, but when it comes to jeans, the right brand can be a real game-changer, especially if you’re not well-versed in denim. A trusted name can be your safety net.

Naked & Famous

While many brands pump out jeans, not all of them do it well. Recently, Saint Laurent denim has gained a lot of attention, though it comes with a steep price tag, so let’s save that conversation for another time.

Denham

When it comes to premium denim, Japan leads the pack. Japanese mills and artisans produce some of the highest-quality denim out there. Brands like Naked & Famous (Canada), Denham (Netherlands), and A.P.C (France) all use this superior material.

Allsaints

Personally, I’m a fan of Nudie, Naked & Famous, and Allsaints. These brands offer great skinny or slim-fit options in dark washes that go with just about any outfit.

Nudie Jeans

Finding the right brand is like discovering a tailor who gets your measurements perfectly every time. When you find a brand that fits your style and body, hold on to it. A relationship like that is hard to come by. 😎

Material

With jeans, price often reflects durability. Cheaper pairs tend to lose their shape and wear out faster, so invest in quality denim. While jeans originated in America, Japan is now the reigning king of denim production. Unlike American factories, which have modernized for efficiency, Japanese mills still use vintage looms from the 1920s, producing fabric with unmatched character and quality.

Denim loom

There are two main types of jeans: basic and selvedge. Basic jeans are made using standard methods, while selvedge denim has a distinctive edge inside the seam, which not only looks cool but also reinforces the fabric’s durability. Selvedge denim is crafted on old shuttle looms using high-quality threads, making it more time-consuming to produce but worth every penny.

Selvedge edge on jeans

That red line along the cuff of selvedge jeans? It’s a mark of quality and adds a unique touch when you roll up your cuffs.

Fit

Jeans were originally designed for laborers, with wide, loose cuts for maximum comfort. But once they hit the fashion scene, everything changed, and now we have countless styles to choose from.

Slim-fit jeans, which are snug from the knee down but comfortable through the thigh, are a go-to for men. They strike the perfect balance between youthful and formal. If you don’t already own a pair of slim-fit jeans, it’s time to start there before experimenting with wide-leg, skinny, or super-skinny cuts.

Color

The most versatile jeans come in three colors: black, indigo, and a lightly washed blue. While white jeans have become trendy, they’re best saved for summer, especially in a place like Vietnam, where the roads aren’t exactly kind to light colors. Dark jeans, on the other hand, are perfect for just about any occasion..

As for jeans in colors like red or orange? Even I wouldn’t dare. Those days are long gone, reminiscent of boy band fashion at its peak. 😬

Details

Take a close look at the stitching - it should be neat and tight, with no stray threads. Some low-quality jeans might look fine on the outside, but flip them inside out, and you’ll see poorly finished seams that could tear with just a few wears.

Modern sewing techniques have made it easier to produce clean seams, but jeans with rivets at the pocket corners still provide that extra layer of durability and quality assurance.

Washing

Believe it or not, the less you wash your jeans, the longer they’ll last. Raw, dry jeans haven’t been pre-washed or treated with pumice stones, which means they fade naturally over time. This gives them a unique look that denim enthusiasts love - no two pairs age the same way.

If you’re wearing raw denim, aim to wash them every six months. For regular jeans, a weekly wash is fine. Hand washing is ideal, but if you must use a machine, go easy on the detergent and stick to a gentle cycle.

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