There's nothing like a perfectly constructed pair of jeans to make you feel like a million bucks. But not all jeans are created equal—and neither are the brands that make them. "When researching the best denim brands and styles, consider the three F's: fabric, fit, and function," says Sarah Ahmed, co-founder and creative director of denim brand DL1961. "Denim adjusts to your body with wear, becoming unique to you over time, so exploring different fabrications to find what suits you is key." In short: the best jeans are the ones you can forget you have on.
Considering the sustainability of a denim brand—including water usage and dying processes—may also impact your selection. "Well-made basics [like jeans] are worth the investment as they will become the foundation of your wardrobe to build upon as trends change. Not only are you investing in a wardrobe staple, but you're also investing in the planet," says Ahmed.
No matter your preference—whether you adhere to the latest denim trends or default to tried-and-true vintage styles, like high-waisted and wide-leg jeans—you'll find a brand you'll love among our picks of the best denim brands. The below assortment includes the classics like Levi's and Gap, which have been producing iconic denim for longer than Gen Zers have been around, to sustainability-focused brands like DL1961. Keep scrolling for a go-to guide that will land you that perfect pair of jeans you've been searching for.
Levi's
First up: The mother of all denim. What's a more iconically American item of clothing than the Levi's 501 jean? Started in 1873, Levi's were originally made for the working man. Today, the best Levi's jeans are fashion staples at the top of every woman's must-have denim list. Don't know which one to try? We love the Ribcage Straight, Wedgie Fit, and, of course, the classic 501.
Citizens of Humanity
Citizens of Humanity's loyal following speaks for itself. Their fit and overall look make them a beloved brand that you'll be sure to keep in constant rotation. CoH also keeps sustainability as a top priority by limiting its water and gas usage.
Gap
If you were living and breathing in the '90s, chances are that at one point you wanted to star in one of Gap's legendary denim campaigns (guilty). Hands down, Gap will be among your most beloved denim and at one of the most accessible price points, to boot.
DL1961
Established in 2008, family-owned brand DL1961 has created luxe denim with a sustainable ethos, carefully tracking its denim production from start to finish. The brand has even begun upcycling trash into covetable denim styles with in-house sustainable technologies and eco-friendly materials.
Totême
Inspired by the lives of everyday women, Stockholm-based and minimalist clothing brand Toteme excels in designs comprised of elevated fabrics and modern silhouettes. Their wide array of denim will give your wardrobe a boost of sophistication—from classic cuts to vintage washes to crisp white denim styles.
MOTHER
This is the tale of an indie-inspired denim brand turned lifestyle brand. Once customers fell in love with their super-soft, off-duty denim, it was full steam ahead. Created in L.A. with a range of modern fits, these '70s-influenced jeans developed a cult following. From the funky modern flares to color-blocking washes, each piece has its own little story.
AGOLDE
Born and bred in L.A., AGOLDE searched far and wide to bring their customers comfortable, flawlessly aged, premium denim. All of their jeans have a relaxed style, perfect for your weekend wardrobe. Made with 100 percent cotton, each pair is classic with a slight contemporary update, ticking all of the right boxes. Go grab a pair (or two!).
PAIGE
PAIGE is the It-girl of denim. Its premium quality, flawless fits, and trendy silhouettes are sure to score you some cool points. As a former fit model, owner Paige Adams-Geller set out to produce the perfect pair of denim that was both form-fitting and laid back. Her brand has grown from a small L.A.-based denim brand to a large-scale fashion label with all the must-have wardrobe staples.
Reformation
"Get your butt into something more sustainable" is the mantra for Reformation, a Marie Claire favorite brand known for sourcing sustainable fabrics and making trendy fashion. The Ref Jeans collection started in 2017, creating affordable and eco-friendly denim. The brand uses non-chlorine bleaches, plus one-third of the amount of water and cotton as traditional denim brands. From their '80s-inspired cigarette jeans to the classic skinny, each pair will be good for your butt, good for your wallet, and good for the earth!
SLVRLAKE
SLVRLAKE is my favorite denim brand right now. They remind me of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants; every person that wears them looks absolutely incredible— no matter their body type. For anyone looking for the perfect high-waisted or best baggy jeans, SLVRLAKE will be your new best friend. This luxury denim brand might be pricey, but I promise the fit is worth every dime.
Still Here
Known for their signature hand-painted stripes and designed between NYC and Los Angeles, Still Here offers classically tailored pieces with a brush of novelty. Each piece of denim tells a different story, brought to life by those who wear it.
Warp + Weft
This family-owned company has been creating denim for over 30 years in their eco-friendly mill, making their own premium denim from scratch. With a commitment to ethical practices and fair trade conditions, you can't help but feel good wearing Warp + Weft denim styles that are fit-tested on women of all ages and sizes.
AYR
An acronym for All Year Round, AYR is a female-founded, independently operated brand with an award-winning arsenal of denim styles. Their motto: "Sometimes, the simplest things are hardest to find." Not to fret—we're here to help you find the best of the best. Buy a pair (or two) now, and you can thank us later.
