The designers that we have chosen to carry on jeans.com are without exception the most creative and hardest working people in fashion; Unlike other apparel designers, jeans designers have to make a product that is very durable and also cutting edge fashionable. Their daily work day is like Project Runway, but 100 times worse, as Nordstrom's, Barney's New York and other retail powerhouse make incredible demands on quality, fashion, and extreme delivery times. In the past few years a number of denim brands have been calling themselves "premium jeans" with impunity. No More! The Jeans.com editorial staff is dedicated to educate you and bring you the real premium jeans brands.
As in all good things, our measuring stick was very simple. Who are the people behind the most amazing pair of jeans. All of the people involved with the brands we selected are the industry leaders, starting with Frank Mechaly of Rockstar Jeans, to the incredible Dahans - Albert of Stitch's Jeans and Jerome of Seven Jeans and Citizens of Humanity Jeans, as well as Danny Guez of People's Liberation, William Rast, and now Dylan George, as well as Julien Jarmoune of Black Orchid. Their products distinguished themselves by the incredible workmanship, the limited availability of the denim fabric, the small productions of cuts, the constant quality of the creations, the obsessive attention to the fit, and the almost cult like following by industry connoisseurs.
We have studied, tried on, washed, pulled, opened up, dissected, conducted fit tests, visited dye houses and denim mills, talked to designers, manufacturers, trim reps, and gathered as much information as possible on several variety of premium jeans, and they finally decided to feature these "Best of Jeans" brands.
Black Orchid Denim
Known for his innovative designs and creating the great success of J and Company jeans, reputable designer
Julien Jarmoune has taken his life-long passion and talent to new heights.
After extensive research of an industry dense with ostentatious designs, he realized there was something missing in the denim market: an elegant basic jean.
Through combining his knowledge, design capabilities, and sheer determination, Black Orchid was born as a classic line appealing to women of all ages.
The unicorn of the orchid family - the Black Orchid - is the rarest and most desired and often believed to hold unique powers.
Black Orchid denim is derived from the same concept of rarity and beauty found in something so basic and affordable.
Chip and Pepper
Chip & Pepper Jeans, with its headquarters in Los Angeles, CA, has emerged as a leading American brand of premium denim since its launch in 2003. Its rapid popularity spawned by a celebrity cult following and a loyal customer base. The brothers bring their wild and crazy personality to the design and philosophy of the brand. Chip & Pepper is bringing fun back to fashion!
Look at this video of Chip Foster explaining the wash process for a pair of jeans.
Dylan George Jeans
Denim designer Danny Guez presents his highly anticipated lifestyle brand, Dylan George, for both men and women for Spring 2008. Guezs new line establishes a new standard of apparel by marrying exquisite fabrics and handcrafted finishes with innovative, fashion-forward designs and an ultra-flattering fit. The line reflects the refined yet casual elegance of the new jet set exemplified by the exclusive Los Angeles scene where the brand is based.
What sets Dylan George apart from the hundreds of other denim brands in todays market is the authentic washes. Anyone can make a pair of jeans that looks good but feeling good is the key. Using premium fabric and a European fit, Dylan George has created authentic, vintage-inspired washes for a price consumers can afford. Every pair fits to perfection and with the wide range of washes, there is a pair for every occasion from casual to upscale.
So whats next from the tireless visionary Danny Guez? No one knows. But one thing is for sure, it is certain to be another statement of inimitable premium fashion.
The collection has become a staple in the closets of Hollywood stars such as Alessandra Ambrosio, Anne Hathaway, Cameron Diaz, Christina Aguilera, Eva Mendes, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Alba, Kate Beckinsale and Nicole Richie.
Red Engine Jeans
Founded in 1999 by James Boldes, Red Engine confidently entered into the denim market, quickly becoming a business that has achieved cult-status among denim connoisseurs who demand the very best from his or her jeans. Jim, former Vice President of Production at Guess?, built Red Engine from the ground up, and literally began operations out of his garage. Red Engine has stayed focused, exclusive, and strongly maintains its commitment to produce a premium vintage inspired line that features cutting edge wash techniques.
Rockstar
What is Rockstar?
Rockstar was born out of a never say die attitude and a belief that being a rockstar is an attitude not necessarily reserved for musicians only. A rockstar to us is someone who has an iconoclastic approach to the world. Rockstars follow their own path and do things their way.
Stitch's Jeans
The creator of Stitch's (R&D Surplus), Albert Dahan, is brightening up the denim world. Stitch's, steeped in "Rock n' Roll" style now has expanded its line to include embellished denim, brushed twill, crushed velvet, leather jackets and new washes and colors reflecting the change in season.
Stitch's Jeans began with a search for the finest and most unusual indigoes. All denims have undergone extensive washes using patented aging processes.
WESC
WeSC is a street-fashion brand for intellectual slackers. The name (We Are the Superlative Conspiracy) symbolizes what the company represents: a group and family of good, competent people working towards the same ideals and goals. WeSC aims to address like-minded people, who are awake and aware, regardless of race, religion or financial background.
People within the Superlative Conspiracy share the values and lifestyle of the WeSC founders, who were all avid skateboarders, snowboarders and, above all, creative minds. Late in 1999, the founders of WeSC joined forces to deliver a broader selection of street fashion for men and women.
Antik Denim Jeans
Antik Denim has quickly become a recognized premium denim brand in the U.S. and internationally. The manufacturing of the collections is distinguished by a craftsmanship and care reminiscent of a lost art. Each pair is individually decorated, chasing an era when things were made by hand. Exclusive Japanese, Italian and American fabrics are used for their quality and comfort.
Antik Denim is a favorite among style-conscious men and woman. The brand offers a complete wardrobe in addition to jeans, including vintage-styled T-shirts, bags, and belts. Red Carpet celebrities include: Johnny Depp, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, Teri Hatcher, Julia Roberts, Hilary Duff, Lindsay Lohan, Ashlee Simpson, Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopes, and Vince Vaughn.
Antik Denim is destined to become the new American classic. Its not about denim: its about the pleasure of denim. Antik Denim's comfortable fit, premium material, and an attention to details has raised the bar.
Citizens of Humanity Jeans
Many people have been wearing jeans designed by Jerome
Dahan without ever knowing it. Jerome began his denim career as one of the
founding designers of Lucky Brand jeans. After working alongside his mentor,
Adriano Goldschmied, for many years, Dahan left to create 7 for all Mankind.
Now with his latest creation, Jerome is again redefining the world of denim.
His creativity with denim fabric knows no bound.
Denim of Virtue Jeans
Denim of Virtue is a California-based premium denim company inspired by the finer things in life. Known for its detailed craftsmanship, we create timeless pieces for all occasions from fine dining to even house barbeques. Thus, Denim of Virtue jeans has become a staple item in everyones closet.
All styles derive from the principles of Virtue on the notion that it brings love, justice, value, quality, innocence, kindness, hope, and character. Denim of Virtue believes that through Virtue one can emerge into the world of finer things. Through the goodness in ones heart, follows the finer things in life, says Denim of Virtue.
Our primary objective is to find a balance between sexy and classy. Fit, detail craftsmanship, quality, and even production are all perfected in Los Angeles California, which is the birthplace of premium denim. Always focusing on new designs and creativity, Denim of Virtue, continues to touch the minds of denim lovers.
So how do you wear your Virtue??
Monarchy
Established in 2004, Monarchy Collection is a leading Men's and Women's young contemporary brand, sold in better specialty department stores and boutiques worldwide. Know for their unique graphics, top quality fabrication, and superior fit, Monarchy has become a favorite among the trend setting Hollywood elite.
Monarchy's target demographic includes Men and Women between the ages of 18 and 40. Monarchy has several divisions including Monarchy, Monarchy Black, Monarchy Watches and Monarchy Fine Jewelry. Celebrity fans are far too extensive to list, but include Ashton Kutcher, Mark Wahlberg, Ryan Seacrest, Usher, Jessica Biel, Natasha Henstridge, Shannon Elizabeth, Slash, Jeremy Piven, Tyrese Gibson, Jake Gyllenhall, Nelly, and several others.
Plush Jeans
Plush Premium Denim is an all-inclusive denim brand including jeans, crops, jackets, dresses and skirts. Plush Premium Denim offers the highest quality denim from Japan and Italy. This denim works in perfect unison with hand crafted, multi-processed wash treatments creating a ultra sexy feminine collection with a touch of edginess.
Each denim piece is hand draped and tailored. The creative force behind the collection is Cindy Lang, co-founder and designer. Cindy lends her genuine passion for denim and firsthand industry knowledge to her collection.
Plush Premium Denim is constantly introducing newness into their brand by incorporating detailed embellishments, unique washes and creative destruction. The collections' impeccable attention to fit and detail is inspired by and created for the sophisticated, modern young woman.
Stephenson
Amy Stephenson is a New York designer who travels back and forth between SoHo and her new home in Los Angeles that gives her access to the most capable denim factories and wash houses in the world. Her goal? To design devastatingly sexy, pure and clean denim clothing for the woman who craves understated luxury
Allison Izu
"Allison Izu, the company, came out of my own frustration with the fashion industry and my obsession with fit and details. I worked for two years creating my own basic fit patterns for petite women 5' 4" and shorter. And then, I decided to launch my first collection concentrating on a very difficult piece of clothing for every woman, denim jeans!", Allison Izu (Designer)
She not only brought up the hemline to a 31" and 27" inseam (usually a 35" inseam), but also created a proportionate waist-hip-knee-ankle ratio. By bringing up the "knee break" Allison was able to create the long, lean look that we all yearn for. The designer also did subtle changes in back yoke proportions, pocket proportions and placement of details. Allison Izu re-design current silhouettes specifically for the petite frame.
Level 99 Jeans
Level 99 offers an edgy take on denim-based sportswear. Wearable, accessible and modern, this distinctive collection is hand crafted for superior fit and attention to detail. Using only premium fabrics and the highest quality materials, Level 99 incorporates current trends without being dictated by them. This versatile collection incorporates a variety of styles, pockets washes and finishes.
Marlow Jeans
The latest brainchild from Albert Dahan, Marlow combines vintage Italian with a Japanese twist. Using expensive fabrications and unique washes to produce a finish quite distinctive, Albert has again, delivered an exceptional product aimed at a contemporary fashion conscious consumer. He continues to design with an attitude that delivers new meaning to lifestyle brands. Look for this brand to expand and explode!
Stemming from worldly known brands Da-Nang and Stitch's Denim, Marlow is the new contemporary brand that is available to all shoppers. Each pair of Marlow Jeans are made with quality and washed at least 4 times in order to get their amazing soft touch!
Recession
Recession Denim, as its name makes plain, was born in New York City amidst the economic chaos of September 2008. Creator, Daniella Siri set out to establish a premium-quality denim brand that offered irresistibly trendy, yet classic denim without the premium price tag. Each pair of Recession Denim is made with the mindset, were in a recession thus the only jeans we need are the ones that always look great and will last a lifetime, says Daniella. These jeans come in a 33" inseam or in some styles a petite friendly 29" inseam.
YANUK Jeans
Yanuk is a premium denim line that offers the best in denim fabrications with the authentic vintage wash techniques. Unique design and detail with a relentless attention to fit are what sets Yanuk apart competing contemporary denim brands on the market. Yanuk jeans are noted for their flattering fit that has a butt-lifting effect. Essentially, Yanuk's mission is to make you love your butt!
Iron Army
It all began about three years ago in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, when Steve Opperman & Steve Dubbeldam had just finished some overseas travelling. They started to get intrigued with the idea of blurring the line between fashion and art, creating wearable art.
The name Iron Army was there from the beginning, inspired by a verse in the Bible, Proverbs 27:17 that says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another". The quote is found screened on the inside of their jeans. They began altering jeans, practicing on friends' pairs, until something clicked.
Steve and Steve started with a small quantity production company, then made the big decision to move the production down to Los Angeles.
Revel Seven
Organic Denim. Effortless. Luxurious and casual. Approachable and accessible. Low maintenance. Adaptable, resilient and relevant. Revel Seven honors the earth and those who inhabit her, incorporating a vintage sentiment into sophisticated and contemporary denim.
Revel Seven bridges the gap between traditional, crunchy organic clothing of years past and the current denim-driven sportswear trends, offering stylish clothing with a conscience.
Blue Cult
Blue Cult
Blue Cult, Inc. was founded in 1999 by French designer David Mechaly and partner/wife Caroline Athias, Blue Cult, Inc. delivers stylish denim with hand-rubbed finishes. Blue Cult jeans are elaborately detailed with unique stitching and craftsmanship. Blue Cult jeans include special ring-ring construction that is sure to flatter the natural shape of the body.
Coil
Coil
Coil is a vintage inspired brand that is a pioneer of fashion, styling, and detail. Designed to adorn the bodies of jean enthusiasts, Coil offers todays customers the finest premium denim jean with a great fit and exceptional washes. Designer Frank Mechaly redefines the distressed look of Coil premium jeans and brings them to life.
Frankie B
Daniella Clarke, creator of denim line Frankie B., world famous for popularizing the shocking how low can you go hip hugger, is truly living the Los Angeles fairy tale.
Swept off her feet at just sweet 16 by former Guns N Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke, the two married and had a daughter, Frankie, who would later be immortalized when her mom started a denim line in 1998 and named it after her wee one.
Gridlock
Los Angeles based woman's denim line, Gridlock denim, launched in 2009 with quite possibly the greatest innovation to jeans since the zipper itself; back pockets that can be removed and replaced in a matter of seconds.
Gridlock combines high quality chemical free denim and back pocket materials consisting of leather, suede, and embroidery applications in a variety of fits.
Whether your built like J-Lo or paris Hilton, Gridlock has a pair for you.
HA-67
HA-67 is a contemporary line with a true vintage spirit. After much success in Europe and Japan, HA-67 has now opened its doors to the USA, as it is now designed and produced in Los Angeles, California.
Michael Mechaly the former brand president for Sacred Blue and Coil denim is the proud founder and designer of HA-67.
At Jeans.com we were very impressed by Michael knowledge of his products, the workmanship of the denim, as well as the comfortable fit. This brand will make a name for itself in the denim world by pure word of mouth.
Kill City
"I NEVER QUITE FIT IN WITH THE CROWD. I HAD LONG HAIR AND RODE A SKATEBOARD. I WORE DIRTY SURF TRUNKS AND TORN UP RED VANS. ONE DAY I SAW IN THE NEWSPAPER A PUNK ROCK SHOW. IT WAS HALLOWEEN 1979 THE GERMS, FEAR AND BLACK FLAG AT THE HONG KONG CAFÉ IN CHINATOWN. THREE WEEKS LATER MY HAIR WAS CHOPPED AND SPIKY. I WORE MOTORCYCLE BOOTS, TIGHT BLACK JEANS AND A BOWIE DIAMOND DOGS T-SHIRT WITH THE SLEEVES CUT OFF. I WORE A CHAIN AROUND MY WAIST AS A BELT AND POSSIBLE WEAPON IN CASE THE JOCKS CAME AFTER ME. I WAS A PUNK ROCKER MY STYLE WAS ALL MINE, EVERYONE STARED AT ME. I WAS ALL ALONE AND COMPLETELY FREE. MAKING DIFFERENT CLOTHES IS MY LIFE. FINDING, CREATING AND DISCOVERING YOUR OWN STYLE IS WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT. I HOPE YOU CAN RELATE TO WHAT WE DO AT KILL CITY."
Drew Bernstein
Founder/CEO
LTB Jeans
LTB is fast becoming one of the USA favorite pair of jeans, after having conquered all of Europe with its style of premium denim.
The brand is based and manufactured in Turkey, using the best cotton available to weave into denim fabric. The fit and styling will make you come back for more.
M75
M75 is a vintage inspired denim line designed to adorn the bodies of jean enthusiasts around the world. Our new design team from Europe has added amazing detailing to each garment and has, created many new styles and washes. All of M75 jeans are produced in house using the finest Italian and Japanese fabrics. Our #1 priority is to ensure the quality of each pair, down to the last stitch.
Mavi Jeans
Founded in Istanbul in 1991, Mavi Jeans designs a full collection of denim and separates for men and women. Mavi sells to specialty stores, better department stores, and specialty chains in 50 countries including the United States, Canada, Turkey, Australia, Germany, England, Denmark, Italy, France, and The Netherlands. Mavi has 180 retail stores with flagships in New York, Vancouver, Montreal, Istanbul, Berlin, and Frankfurt.
ROCK REVIVAL Jeans
Inspired by the legends of Rock and Roll, Rock Revival's
denim collection for men and women reinvents authentic tailoring with edgy,
gothic detail translating into every stitch and wash. Each piece is handcrafted
from the finest denim from Japan.
Brown Label Jeans
Brown Label established in October 2004 started simple with a goal to create a premium denim collection founded on innovative designs with intricate detailing, progressive washes and fashion forward fits. Positioned amongst Males and Females ages 20-45, the line is comprised of hand crafted custom designs recognized by denim purest. Designed and manufactured in Los Angeles, California, the denim is imported from Italy and Japan, an important element to keeping the high level of quality and edge that Brown Label brings to the market.
Ed Hardy Jeans
Ed Hardy men's denim is the brainchild of Christian Audigier & Joseph Sfez two legendary fashion icons bringing the raw Rock n' Roll attitudes of tattoo art and premium denim.
Designed with denim protégé Manu Sfez & Audigier side by side. The denim brand has grown from a humble vintage & raw denim collection adding denim blazers, jackets & cargo's along the way.
Our unique finishes & washes are a staple along with our most popular feature "The Rhinestone".
Ed Hardy men's denim has been getting massive amount of requests from the celebrity world from hip hop giants such as Timbaland, Lil' Wayne & Lil' Jon to the movie stars such as Nick Cannon, Kevin Dillon from "Entourage" to name a few.