When it comes to jeans, quality is everything. Deluxe denim will not only feel better, but it will also endure longer. And while designer labels are more likely to invest in high-quality materials and fabrics, that doesn’t mean you can’t find expertly crafted jeans at a lower price. The difficulty is distinguishing between the nice things and the crap that will rip at the seams (literally).
So, what precisely constitutes a pair of high-quality jeans? And how do you know when you’ve discovered the right match? To assist you, here is the perfect jeans buying checklist to bring with you the next time you’re in the market for some new denim.
A Heavier Fabric
It all comes down to the touch. Quality jeans are produced with denim that is stronger and heavier in weight. They should not only appear but also feel nice. So, when you’re out shopping, get your hands on some cloth.
Aside from summer jeans, lightweight denim (i.e., anything less than 12-ounces) may be of lesser quality. Ask a salesperson if you can’t locate the denim weight on the label. If you’re purchasing online, be sure the fabric weight (“light,” “medium,” or “heavy”) is included in the full product description.
Durable Stitching
The stitching around a pair of jeans’ hems, pockets, and side seams reveals its quality. You want a strong, hefty stitch that won’t rip, break, or unravel under pressure.
Double-stitching (two rows of stitches close together) and chain-stitching (a looped stitch like the links of a chain) are both indications that the jeans were made with care. A single row of stitches is acceptable as long as it is done with a thick and sturdy thread.
Give a pair of jeans the durability test to determine whether they’re up to the task. Stretch it gently at the seams. If you notice or hear threads separating, you’ve guessed it: poor construction, my friends. If you’re purchasing online, the zoom option (if available) helps inspect stitching details.
The Stretch Factor
If you’re looking for form-fitting comfort in your jeans, stretch denim is the way to go. When searching for stretch denim jeans, look for the proportion of Lycra or Spandex in the fabric on the label. You’re aiming for a maximum of 2%.
The trouble is, even though stretch jeans are composed of fabric meant to pull and give, they should only stretch so far (unless they’re jeggings).
Generally, 1 percent will offer you just enough stretch for comfort, while 2 percent will give you a more pliable cloth. Any more than that and the jeans will begin to wear out or become saggy. Furthermore, while stretch jeans are designed to fit tightly, size down if you’re in-between jean sizes because this fabric may grow looser after repeated wear.
Design Details
Certain design elements and materials on a pair of jeans may sometimes help you determine if they’re built to last. Take, for example, copper buttons and rivets. Seeing these tiny fellas on a pair of pants indicates that the business has invested in producing a well-made product.
Price Isn’t Everything
Despite our best efforts and petitions to the retail gods, designer jeans are still not cheap. Sure, they’re the crème de la crème of denim, but does that warrant eating Cup O’Noodles for the next month to get your hands on a pair? As an alternative, let designer denim serve as your quality guide.
Have some fun trying on a couple of pairs of designer jeans. Even if you don’t intend to buy them, they will give you a sense of how higher-quality denim feels. It may be risky since, well, who walks away from a pair of perfectly fitting jeans?
But if you have the willpower, you can apply what you’ve learned in the fitting room to shopping for great mid-range labels. One of the all-time favorites is iconic Size Up Apparel.
