5 Denim Brands Worth Buying, Straight From a Denim Specialist

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Long before my days as a shopping editor, I spent my college years working in a department store. While most of my coworkers dreaded walking the floor, I yearned for someone to ask me what jeans they should buy. I worked in the designer denim department, and during my time there, they brought in a denim specialist who trained us on how to help people find what works best for them. I quickly learned the number one rule of denim: there is no perfect pair, because no body is the same. Ones that may seem perfect to you may not work for another person, and that's OK! I soaked up all the information we learned like a sponge and never forgot it.

Now as a shopping editor, I spend my days recommending the best of the best on the internet, including jeans. So if you're in the market for a new pair and not quite sure where to start, consider this your complete guide. Ahead, you'll find five popular brands that offer something unique and which one works best for you depending on your needs. You don't have to overspend on designer pairs, either, because there are a ton of affordable brands that work great too. Keep scrolling to find your match.

01
The Holy Grail of Curves: Citizens of Humanity
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The Holy Grail of Curves: Citizens of Humanity

If you have curves (big or small), Citizens are the jeans to try. Made from a softer denim material, they have a little more stretch than your typical pairs. It helps them perfectly form to every part of your body, and most importantly, it makes them so comfortable. A tip to remember: you might want to consider sizing down one size, because as you break them in, they can get baggy. Either way, they make you look good and feel confident, and you can wear them all day without dying to take them off.

Citizens of Humanity Rocket High Waist Skinny Jeans ($208)

02
The Classic Everyone Loves (but There's a Trick): Levi's
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The Classic Everyone Loves (but There's a Trick): Levi's

For years, I hoped one day I would find the perfect cool vintage-looking Levi's, but every time I tried them, they barely made it past my knees, and it made me feel horrible. After years of thinking they just weren't for me, I met a Levi's specialist. He insisted with its vintage styles, you have to size up two sizes from your regular size. I rejected the thought at first, but man, was he right. Now I own upward of five pairs of cool Levi's (two sizes bigger than my normal pairs), and they're my absolute favorite. The classic styles are made with a lot less give then "stretchy" jeans, so you shouldn't feel bad about going up in sizes.

Levi's 501 Skinny Jeans ($98)

03
The Cool Jeans That Lift Your Butt: Rag & Bone
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The Cool Jeans That Lift Your Butt: Rag & Bone

If you want to splurge on a designer pair, Rag & Bone is worth a try. The flattering and cool designs come in so many washes and cuts, it's hard to count. But what makes these winners are the way they make your butt look. Big or small, the pockets are positioned to actually help lift it and make it look perky and round. Simply pair them with a leather jacket and you're ready for a night out.

Rag & Bone/Jean High Waist Skinny Jeans ($210)

04
The Affordable Line You Can Always Count On: Topshop
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The Affordable Line You Can Always Count On: Topshop

Finding jeans under $100 is hard enough, but finding them under $75 can feel impossible. Topshop is one of the few brands that brings quality at affordable prices. Its popular skinny Jamie jeans are a total must. They have just enough stretch to be comfortable, but the material is thick enough to make you feel secure. They come in several different lengths, and speaking from experience, the black skinnies can last for years of nights on the town.

Topshop Jamie High Waist Skinny Jeans ($70)

05
The Brand That Has It All: Madewell
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The Brand That Has It All: Madewell

High-rise, vintage, straight-leg, boyfriend, wide-leg, overalls, maternity, the list is endless. While a ton of brands offer all these choices, Madewell doesn't lack on any of its options. All its pairs are made from high-quality denim that is stretchy enough to form to your body without losing its shape. Not only do they feel great, but the designs are always spot on. From frayed hems to the perfect placement of distressed details, you'll always feel cool (and comfy) wearing a pair.

Madewell 10" High Rise Button Front Jeans ($135)

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