The Denim Guide
Classic for a reason, a great pair of jeans is a wardrobe non-negotiable. But finding the perfect fit takes a little know-how. Enter our new denim guide, where we break down fits, rises, washes, and more so you can discover your new favorite pair.
The Rises
When it comes to denim rises—where the waistband hits your natural waist—it’s all about personal preference. Depending on your shape, you might prefer the holds-you-in power of a higher or mid rise. For oversized fits, a low rise can keep your look from becoming too baggy.
Often found on wide- or straight-leg styles, high rises should hit an inch or two above your belly button.
Hitting at or just below your belly button, mid-rise jeans are extremely versatile, and work particularly well with tucked-in tops.
For those who dare to go a little bare, low-rise jeans sit on the hips.
Labels We Love
Get to know a few of our go-to denim brands and their must-have fits.
Rag & Bone
These edgy-meets-modern jeans combine impeccable British tailoring with a downtown New York sensibility.
Mother
Since 2010, the L.A.-based brand has crafted perfectly proportioned, vintage-inspired styles beloved by celebs and denim devotees.
Veronica Beard
Sisters-in-law Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard have perfected the art of effortlessly elevated denim.
Paige
Created by a former fit model, it’s no surprise that Paige’s meticulously designed jeans are exhaustively wear-tested to ensure a perfect fit.
L'Agence
This West Coast brand is the ideal combination of Parisian cool and Southern Californian ease.
Frame
With a focus on minimalist styles that flatter every body, Frame has been a major denim staple since launching in 2012.
AG
For over two decades AG has continued to evolve, creating premium jeans using eco-inspired practices and the latest denim technology.
Agolde
Locally manufactured in Los Angeles, AGOLDE is a fashion editor favorite, thanks to its vintage vibe and great fits.
Joe's Jeans
Since 2001 the brand has focused on offering body-specific fits in soft, moves-with-you denim.
Customer Favorites
FAQs
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Washing can cause your denim to fade and lose its shape, so the less you get them wet, the longer your jeans will last. When you do wash them, remember to turn them inside out, use cold water and a mild detergent, and let them air dry.
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In order to ensure an absolutely perfect fit, sometimes a trip to the tailor is necessary. Before you go, make sure to wash and dry your jeans to allow for shrinkage. And always go to someone you trust who has experience working with denim—like our on-site tailors, who can hem, taper, or distress your jeans.
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All jeans stretch, but depending on what they’re made of, some have more give than others. 100% cotton denim (also called rigid denim) has the least amount of give—they will stretch over time due to wear, but will feel snug at first. Denim made with 1-2% of a stretch fabric like polyurethane or elastane will have a bit of give. For a lot of stretch, look for 3% or more.
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Any pair of jeans that makes you feel confident and comfortable is the right pair for you, but in terms of which style you should choose, it depends on what you want to highlight. Skinny or slim straight styles are a good option to show off long legs, while high-waisted styles can add inches to those with shorter legs. For anyone worried about waist gap, look for pairs with at least a touch of stretch to ensure a snug fit.
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A good rule of thumb when choosing your denim wash: think of lighter options as more casual and darker ones as dressier. Classic blue denim falls somewhere in the middle and can be easily dressed up or down. Of course that’s not to say you can’t wear your favorite black jeans to a barbecue or your favorite white pair to a dinner party. Denim is all about looking and feeling your best.
