The denim brands to know
We all can appreciate that denim has a place in our wardrobes. Whatever your age, shape or style, denim is quite often the starting point of our outfit, given its unrivalled versatility. Our love for denim started back in 1873 when a certain gentleman named Levi Strauss created the first pair of blue jeans in San Francisco.
These jeans were originally designed for gold miners but soon were adopted by cowboys and farmers in the 1930s. After years of only being worn by men, the brand created the ‘Lady Levi’s’ (also called Lot 701), the world’s first pair of denim jeans for women. Designed for women working on farms and ranches and for holidays at dude ranches, they liberated women at a time when trouser styles were few and far between and were considered decidedly unfeminine.
Following the second world war, women were expected to don the role of the doting housewife and adopt a ‘feminine’ image – which meant jeans were a no-go. Until the 1960s that jeans were back, and they became the symbol of empowerment, women’s rights and cultural revolution. In the early 1970s, Vogue featured blue jeans on its front cover for the first time, firmly cementing their fashion status and planting jeans into every woman’s subconscious.
Today there are so many denim brands, however, jeans can be hard to get right. So, here's our round-up of denim brands to know for both men and women...
#1 A.P.C.
A.P.C. jeans have a cult following all of their own, thanks to the brand’s use of premium denim and a no-nonsense, minimalist approach to design. The A.P.C. Petit New Standard, with a straight low-rise, slim leg and fitted ankle (for a similar fit but a slightly less fitted ankle, go for the Petit Standard). For women, the Tallie Jean has a lightweight feel with a low-rise waist, a straight leg and a slightly cropped length they are a comfortable and flattering shape on all.
#2 Good America
Founded by London business women Emma Grede and Reality mogul Khloe Kardashian, Good American was the largest denim brand launched to date. With diversity and inclusivity at the core, Good American also has a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Currently, 70% of Good American's denim collection is made from responsible materials and the brand has even managed to garner the elusive B Corp certification.
#3 Tramarossa
Merging Italian tailoring with classic denim, Urbano Chemello started experimenting with denim in his tailoring studies. Starting his brand in 1967 he transferred his skills in tailoring suits and trousers into jeans. When his sons took over the company in 2003 and the brand's popularity grew making the
#4 Isabel Marant
Isabel Marant is the iconic Parisian designer whose relaxed tailoring with her androgynous, bohemian aesthetic has become globally popular. We wanted to spotlight her denim pieces for both men and women, inspired by her personal wardrobe needs. These are timeless jeans that are versatile but stylish for a lasting wardrobe.
#5 Diesel
An iconic brand through the 90s Diesel was known for its raw denim, provocative fashion and progressive marketing. Since the new direction in 2020, the brand has made the ultimate comeback with denim at the core of their collections. If you are looking for standout denim pieces, then Diesel should definitely be on your radar.