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Here’s an opinion that might as well be considered fact: we have never collectively talked about jeans this much. On the heels of a rather…controversial jean ad, at least four denim campaigns were released in the last month. There was the viral Gap campaign featuring Katseye, followed by a ’90s-inspired Calvin Klein release with Mingyu of Seventeen. Lucky Brand Jeans then released the ultra-low, flared Addison jean, co-designed with Addison Rae. And let’s not forget Beyonce and Levi’s, who released the fourth and final chapter of their REIIMAGINE campaign. Jeans were also a key element of a conversation-starting ensemble at this year’s Venice Film Festival. It showed up in two identical Versace looks—a first glimpse at the house’s new era under Dario Vitale. The outfit in question? An oversized blazer cuffed at the elbows, a vertical-stripe button-down and a pair of dark indigo straight-leg jeans—first worn by Julia Roberts, then by Amanda Seyfried two days later. This much is clear: denim is creeping back into the collective consciousness, right in time for fall. But what actually makes a pair of good jeans, and where do you find them? For answers, I turned to five stylish Canadians with good style, great recommendations and even better jeans.
Alyssa Lau
Photo courtesy of Alyssa Lau
To Alyssa Lau, a good pair of jeans comes down to construction: finished with polypore stitching for durability, with little to no spandex. Most importantly, they should “make you feel good when you wear them.”
Who makes your favourite jeans?
Most of the denim in my closet is AGOLDE, so that’s my default answer. Personally, I find the fit of AGOLDE denim incredibly flattering. The denim also maintains its integrity and shape after years of wear. I have run in AGOLDE jeans and wrestled my kids in my backyard in AGOLDE jeans. There’s nothing I can’t do in them.
AGOLDE Low Slung Baggy Jeans
A special mention to Decade Studio, a Vancouver-based small-batch denim label with inclusive sizing that has somehow cracked the code to creating flattering and premium denim jeans that fit sizes 25 to 40.
Do you have any jean-shopping tips?
Look for denim with 2% or less spandex content. Size up for baggy or low-waisted jeans. Invest in premium denim that is made to last.
Christian Thompson
Photo courtesy of Christian Thompson
Christian Thompson has a trifecta of standards he holds his denims to. According to the Toronto-based creative, a good pair of jeans should flatter the figure, mould to the body like a second skin over time and, naturally, give your confidence a healthy boost. “Let’s be real,” he says, “Who doesn’t live for the occasional ‘your butt looks amazing’ compliment while wearing their favourite pair? I’ll wait!”
Who makes your favourite jeans?
For everyday wear, COS jeans are my ride-or-die this year. The brand nails that understated, minimalist vibe while still delivering quality essentials that feel effortlessly elevated. On the flip side, when I’m leaning into my edgier, fashion-forward side, it’s all about Rick Owens. His denim is bold, architectural and just the right amount of rebellious.
Do you have any jean-shopping tips?
“Ah, denim shopping…equal parts thrilling and soul-crushing. There’s no universal formula for finding the one (just like a boyfriend), which makes it all the more satisfying when you do. My advice? Once you’ve found a fit or brand that works for you, opt to buy them in a few timeless washes. You’ll thank yourself later.”
Alysia James
Photo courtesy of Alysia James
When my TikTok algorithm first fed me Alysia James‘s content, it wasn’t her palpable cool-girl energy that piqued my interest. It was the impeccable straight-leg jeans she had on. To James, denim quality and weight are key to comfort and longevity. “Good denim should only get better with wear and time, not worse,” she says.
Who makes your favourite jeans?
Nudie Jeans is an incredible denim brand and has become a favourite of mine. Their tagline is “Create tomorrow’s vintage,” and I love that so much. Their pieces are meant to be worn over and over again and get better with wear.
Nudie Jeans Clean Eileen
Do you have any jean-shopping tips?
Try a few different silhouettes and rises (high/mid/low) and see what feels most comfortable to your body shape.
Rebecca-Jo Dunham-Baruchel
Photo courtesy of Rebecca-Jo Dunham-Baruchel
There are influencers who give fashion recommendations, and then there’s Dunham-Baruchel. The creator, who goes by @youthin.asia on social media, has mastered the art of scoping out the best stores, clothes and accessories on the market. Naturally, I put my complete trust in her taste in jeans (Atelier Details, Plaza Works and Kotn are among her favourite Canadian denim brands.) Her requirements for a good pair? Comfort, flair, quality and fit.
Who makes your favourite jeans?
My favourite brand for denim is Acne Studios. I’ve been buying denim from them since the first time skinny jeans were in style. Their denim fits me perfectly—I never need to alter it, and this is especially important for me because I’m on the taller side.
Acne Studios Loose-Fit Jeans
Do you have any jean-shopping tips?
Try the jeans on if you can, especially if you are looking for a tighter-fitting pair. Look at the fabric blend as well. If you’re looking for a more immediately comfortable fit, you might want a denim blend and not raw denim.
Amanda Lee Shirreffs
[instagram-oembed url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ16-CUtLZ7/?img_index=1″ /] If her collection of retro printed pieces is any indication, Montreal-based stylist Amanda Lee Shirreffs loves a good vintage find. It only makes sense that one of her denim non-negotiables is longevity. The rest of the formula Good quality and “most importantly, a good butt.”
Who makes your favourite jeans?
I absolutely love RE/DONE. From their commitment to sustainability, to their mindful production and of course, their feeling of worn-in vintage denim. The unisex Mel Jean, which was designed exclusively by stylist & Interview Magazine Editor-in-Chief Mel Ottenberg, is inspired by the perfect vintage Levi’s 505s—a thrifter’s dream and a stone-cold classic for a reason.
RE/DONE The Mel Jean
Do you have any jean-shopping tips?
Try the jeans on if you can, especially if you are looking for a tighter-fitting pair. Look at the fabric blend as well. If you’re looking for a more immediately comfortable fit, you might want a denim blend and not raw denim. [content_module id=”1″] Continue Reading
