Buying jeans might seem like the easiest task - walk into any store, grab a pair, and you’re done. But let’s face it, not all jeans are created equal. Thankfully, you’re here, so I trust you won’t fall for jeans that drag on the floor or ones overloaded with flashy logos and embroidery.
To really get your hands on a solid pair of jeans, you’ll need to give them more than a passing glance. It’s worth it when you end up with a pair you love wearing. Let’s dive into the key details to look for. 😉
The Power of a Good Brand
Some might call me a brand loyalist, but hear me out - knowing the brand makes a difference. For anyone who isn’t well-versed in denim details, sticking with a reputable name is your safest bet.
Naked & Famous
Not every brand does denim well. Over the years, brands like Saint Laurent have gained traction for their trendy jeans, but they come with a steep price tag.
Denham
Japan dominates when it comes to premium denim. Their weaving mills use time-honored techniques and skilled craftsmanship to produce high-quality fabric. Top brands using Japanese denim include Naked & Famous (Canada), Denham (Netherlands), and A.P.C (France).
Allsaints
Personally, I’m a fan of brands like Nudie, Naked & Famous, and AllSaints. Their slim and skinny fits in dark tones make them incredibly versatile - you can pair them with almost anything.
Nudie Jeans
Finding your go-to brand is like discovering a tailor who understands your body. Once you find the perfect fit, stick with it. Trust me, it’s a rare bond worth cherishing. 😀
Material Matters
When it comes to jeans, price often reflects quality. Cheap pairs tend to lose shape and wear out quickly, so invest in durable denim that you truly like. While denim has its roots in the USA, Japan is now considered the reigning champion of high-quality denim material.
American factories prioritize efficiency with modern weaving machines, but Japanese factories stick to old-school looms from the 1920s. The result? Unique, long-lasting fabrics that stand out.
Denim weaving machine.
Jeans come in two main types: basic and selvedge.
Basic Denim: Standard material, mass-produced, and affordable.
Selvedge Denim: Higher quality, woven on vintage shuttle looms with a tightly finished edge (the red line inside the hem). Selvedge takes longer to produce, so it’s more expensive but offers unmatched durability and style.
The selvedge edge is located at the seam of the jeans.
When you cuff selvedge jeans, that red edge becomes visible, signaling premium quality and giving your outfit a subtle edge.
Nail the Fit
Originally designed for workers, jeans used to be roomy and utilitarian. Once adopted into mainstream fashion, they evolved into countless styles.
For men, the slim fit is the current gold standard - fitted from thigh to knee and tapered toward the ankle. It’s a perfect balance of modern and classic. Before experimenting with other styles like wide-leg or skinny jeans, make sure you’ve got at least one solid pair of slim-fit jeans.
Color Basics
When it comes to color, the top three are:
Black
Indigo Blue
Light Washed Blue
White jeans are trending lately but can be tricky to pull off in Vietnam’s weather and road conditions. Stick with darker tones for more versatility and fewer wardrobe headaches.
As for colors like red or orange? They’re a hard pass for me - too reminiscent of the boyband craze from way back.
Details Matter
High-quality jeans are all about the details. Look for even stitching, no loose threads, and clean inner seams. Cheap jeans might appear fine on the outside, but flipping them inside out often reveals poor construction.
For added durability, go for jeans with rivets at pocket corners. These small metal studs are a hallmark of sturdy craftsmanship.
Care and Maintenance
Here’s the truth: the less you wash your jeans, the better they age. Raw or dry denim isn’t pre-washed, so it fades naturally over time, creating a personalized look. That’s the beauty of premium jeans - no two pairs will age the same.
Click on the image to see the color evolution of raw denim jeans.
For raw denim, washing every six months is the sweet spot. For standard jeans, washing weekly is fine. Hand washing is ideal - soak them gently, then air dry. If you must use a washing machine, minimize detergent and set it to a gentle spin cycle.
A quality pair of jeans is an investment worth making. Pay attention to brands, materials, fit, and care, and you’ll have a wardrobe staple that ages gracefully and stands the test of time.
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