What makes a superior denim brand? Is it the quality of the fabric, the perfect fit, the authentic wash, the way their jeans seem to get better with age? For me it’s all of the above. As someone who has designed for and collaborated with many denim brands, I know it’s not easy to make a great pair of jeans that people come back to time and time again. But somehow these 10 brands managed to do just that. This is not an exhaustive list and doesn’t discount brands like Levi’s and their iconic and enduring classic American style. Finding a perfect pair of vintage Levi’s that feels like they were made for you is, of course, the holy grail! But with so many other amazing brands with their own unique take on denim at various price points, it’s great to know what are the current industry favorites. Here are the 10 best designer denim brands to know and shop in 2025:
STILL HERE
This New York based denim brand is the talk of nyc designers and the denim-obsessed in general. Inspired by the timelessness of denim, they use authentic cotton fabrics that are meant to be worn in and look better over time. From classic fits to the latest silhouettes, the range is accessible to denim lovers of any age and style.
Their bio really says it all: Still Here is a New York denim brand that specializes in Everyday Dressing. We celebrate the legacy of America’s fabric, by making 100% cotton classic jeans — meant to be ripped faded, patched, and handed down, capturing moments and holding sentimental value as they wear. A premium take on America’s Uniform: Jeans — Worn by us, our grandma’s, our kids, and American icons alike.
Highlight: Still Here’s denim styles are made for everyone and meant to get better over time.
SLVRLAKE
SLVRLAKE draws inspiration from its home town of Los Angeles which is set against the diverse landscape of California. They are passionate about using high quality materials and creating garments that are built to stand the test of time. And they believe that “every jeans tells a story, every mark and every tear is part of your journey.” Their range of denim and soft knits evoke a feeling of California-cool. From basics to fashion-forward silhouettes, there is something for everyone in their seasonal assortments.
Highlight: SLVRLAKE denim has an LA vibe that is centered around authentic indigos and made to stand the test of time.
AGOLDE
Agolde‘s main focuses are on design, sustainability, and comfort while striving to craft each piece with meticulous detail. Their range has an inherently cool, authentic and irreverent attitude which may be influenced by their home base of LA. While they source the most innovative fabrics from around the world, they produce the collections in their own factories which helps them control the product from start to finish. Every season, I am able to find the perfect pair of jeans at an accessible price at Agolde.
Highlight: Agolde always has really authentic washes and current fits that are on trend like the popular Luna barrel-leg jean.
HAIKURE
This fashion forward Italian brand was established in 2011and epitomizes a laid back and minimalist aesthetic. Their styles and proportions incorporate the latest fashion trends in both denim and ready-to-wear and form the foundation of so many outfits. You can find their latest styles on most high-end retailer’s stores & sites today or through their own website which offers the full collection.
Highlight: Each piece is made with certified organic and BCI cotton using water-saving processes.
KHAITE
For those who love to wear the latest & greatest collections, KHAITE is your brand. Founded in 2016 by creative director Catherine Holstein, this New York based label quickly became the It brand that everyone wanted to wear. KHAITE’s collection including its denim pieces evolve with each season, building upon a foundation of polished styles that utilize the best materials, quality craftsmanship and standout details that rival other designer denim brands. My favorite distinguishing detail on KHAITE’s denim pieces is the large black shank button with gold rim that elevates every pair it adorns.
Highlight: While the collection is a higher price point, many pieces are finished by hand ensuring you’re purchasing a high quality item that lasts.
CITIZENS OF HUMANITY
Citizens of Humanity has been a fan favorite for decades. This Los Angeles-based brand is known for their premium denim, elevated style and innovative washes. The parent company of Agolde, they also source their fabrics from around the world and produce the collections in their own factories to give them better control of the production process. Both companies also have a commitment to sustainable practices including using recycled and regenerative cotton and recycled leather. All of these things combined make them one of the best designer denim brands in my book.
Highlight: COH has some of the best denim washes and cutting edge silhouettes. They also have a great range of knits, jackets, woven tops and dresses to help complete your wardrobe.
VERONICA BEARD
While Veronica Beard is not exclusively a denim brand like many of these other brands, they consistently have some of the best fits and washes that keep customers coming back again and again. The company was launched to create a wardrobe for women who have a multifaceted, layered life and their denim fits right into that philosophy. If you like wide legs, their Taylor Wide Leg Jean is a fan favorite and is reinvented each season with new lengths, details and washes. You can always pair their famous Dickey jackets with them for a perfect head-to-toe VB look.
Highlight: The Veronicas (aka the two founders of the brand) believe in paying it forward and partner with causes that support women, children and families. They’ve donated over $6.3M to over 650 organizations so far.
MOTHER
MOTHER was founded in 2010 by Lela Becker and Tim Kaeding and has remained true to its indie, irreverent spirit since then. The brand is meant to evoke the memories and experiences of growing up in California in the 70’s. It strives not to take itself too seriously and doesn’t want you to either. Made in LA, the collection has grown into a lifestyle brand, meant to appeal to a wide range of people. They have a huge collection of denim in every shape, shade and style and have added their Mother Superior collection made with superior (you guessed it) fabrics, fits and washes.
Highlight: Mother jeans fit and, most importantly, look good on pretty much everyone. Whether you are looking for a classic indigo wash, a bright color or something more over the top, Mother has something for you.
REFORMATION
Reformation is known most notably for their sustainability and secondly for their flirty, flowy dresses. But their denim should also be noted too. From classic styles to fashion-forward silhouettes, their fits and washes stand up to the other denim brands on this list. And with each style, they’ll tell you it’s sustainability impact and whether the fabric was recycled or made from regenerative cotton. If you want to look good and feel good about the impact you’re making, Ref is the denim brand for you.
Highlight: Ref has some of the most sustainable practices combined with great fits and washes. So you can look good while doing good.
FRAME
Born and bred in Los Angeles, FRAME strives to combine the laid back California ethos with a European refinement. From their Le Sleek Straight straight-leg jeans to their famous Le Flare, Frame has been producing some of the most well-fitting jeans since 2012 and has been considered one of the best designer denim brands since then. And they have everything, from classic denim styles to covetable must-wear collections, they’ve built a lifestyle brand around their cult-favorite jeans. With clothing, accessories and shoes, you can now dress head-to-toe in FRAME.
Highlight: Denim fits that stand the test of time and never go out of style. Plus a full lifestyle edit of highly covetable clothing and accessories.
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