The Best Denim Comes From These Editor-Approved Jeans Brands

Aside from its cult following and supermodel fanbase, this made-in-L.A. brand harnesses a spontaneous, indie spirit throughout each collection.

Sizes: Petite, regular

Price range: $-$$

Best for: Nonconformists

Founded in 2014 by sisters Julie and Marie Skall, this Danish lifestyle brand is focused on mindfulness—pledging not only high quality garments, but a commitment to animal welfare, supportive working conditions, and natural materials. These Allison jeans are available in two inseam lengths.

Sizes: Regular

Price range: $

Best for: Ethics-based buying

Citizens of Humanity takes a no-frills approach to denim. In other words, you’ll find high-quality fabrics and modern, multifaceted silhouettes that can be worn over and over.

Sizes: Petite, regular

Price range: $$

Best for: Minimalists

Triarchy is a brand that prides itself on Earth-friendly fabric, developed under the commitment to responsible, quality fashion and plastic-free denim. You can read more about the brand’s environmental impact here.

Sizes: Regular

Price range: $$

Best for: Sustainable style enthusiasts

As another brand pursuing admirable sustainability initiatives, AG enables you to freshen up your blacks and blues with other washes, like this summer-ready pair of white cropped jeans.

Sizes: Regular

Price range: $-$$

Best for: White and colored washes

Thanks to the array of low-rise styles, boyfriend fits, and raw hems, Slvrlake brings a perfect touch of street style to the table. Pair the brand’s Mica jeans with a simple white tank and a pair of metallic sneakers.

Sizes: Regular

Price range: $$

Best for: Streetwear picks

Madewell jeans are for everybody and every body. The brand offers a “tall” and “taller” option in addition to its petite and plus size ranges, and Madewell does denim in every wash and fit you could think of.

Sizes: Petite, regular, plus

Price range: $-$$

Best for: Versatility

Re/Done makes a point of repurposing existing styles, including brands like Levi’s and Hanes. You can also visit the Re/Done marketplace to find rare vintage and collector’s denim, like these ’60s Patch Levi’s.

Sizes: Regular

Price range: $$-$$$

Best for: Vintage collectors

In addition to zeroing in on sustainability optimization, DL1961 keeps up with every season’s trends. Shop this brand for forward-facing fashions and refreshing details on ordinary cuts.

Sizes: Petite, regular, tall

Price Range: $-$$

Best for: New collections

If you thought American Eagle jeans were so 2010, think again. The brand is always bringing in new styles to keep up with trends, and I was pleasantly surprised at the number of compliments I received on these baggy, skater-style jeans. If you put unintentional wear and tear on your clothes (as I do), you’ll also find relief in the fact that AE jeans are always reasonably priced.

Sizes: Petite, regular, plus

Price range: $

Best for: Practicality

For sleek silhouettes that go great with a pair of pumps, try Reformation. While the brand doesn’t offer denim options in extended sizes, it does offer some styles in cropped and long lengths.

Sizes: Regular

Price range: $-$$

Best for: Dressing up

For women under 5’4”, there is a never-ending struggle that can accompany shopping for new jeans. Nelle is designed specifically to fit petite shoppers. “At 5’1”, I always had to stand on my toes and imagine what my new jeans would look like hemmed,” said founder Madeleine Cohen. “We believe everyone deserves clothing that fits off the rack...”

Sizes: Petite

Price Range: $$

Best for: Petites

No one accommodates curves better than Khloe Kardashian and Good American. In addition to the brand’s petite and curvy lines, the standard denim collection is also available in sizes up to 32 plus. You can also shop Good American denim by preferred features, like “waist slimming” or “butt enhancing.”

Sizes: Petite, regular, plus

Price range: $

Best for: Plus sizes

Wearing denim to the office still commands some type of dress code, and your ripped, faded jeans probably won’t qualify. When you grow weary of skirts and slacks, 7 for All Mankind has a plethora of clean-cut, sophisticated styles that go perfectly with your favorite blazer or blouse.

Sizes: Regular, plus

Price range: $

Best for: Casual Fridays

One of the best denim brands of the moment, FRAME denim is an influential premium brand beloved by coast-to-coast celebrities like Miranda Kerr, Bella Hadid, Taylor Swift, and Kendall Jenner.

Sizes: Petite, regular

Price range: $-$$

Best for: Luxury denim

Jeans haven’t always been synonymous with comfort, but Everlane’s loose and casual styles make them ideal for vacationing or relaxing on weekends. And while the brand doesn’t have plus or petite-specific collections, it offers a curvy fit option and varying inseam lengths.

Sizes: Petite, regular, plus

Price range: $

Best for: Relaxed styles

Established with the first pair of waist overalls in 1873, no denim roundup could ever be complete without Levi’s.

Sizes: Petite, medium, plus

Price range: $

Best for: Everyday staples

As you start shedding your winter layers, turn to ÉTICA for the cool-girl denim that will add a little extra oomph to your easiest ensembles. This brand also takes initiative on sustainability practices and environmental philanthropy.

Sizes: Regular

Price range: $

Best for: Artistic details

One of the original heavy hitters in the premium denim sphere, Paige provides every style, silhouette, and wash imaginable. Dainty details like sailor buttons or form-fitting flare add a softer touch to classic jeans.

Sizes: Petite, regular, plus

Price range: $-$$

Best for: Femininity

Favorite Daughter is equipped with all of the classic styles you need, plus some trendier pieces as well. And if you vouch for the denim-on-denim look, this brand offers a lot of denim vests, shirts, and jackets that you can match perfectly to a pair of jeans.

Sizes: Petite, regular

Price Range: $

Best for: Matching denim sets