denim the menace
Denim is notoriously hard to shop for.
Why is that? Is it because of the fit? The inconsistent sizing? The overwhelming choices of wash? The price?
Well, it’s kind of all of those things.
Luckily, you have me.
Denim can really be tough, as we’ve established. The rise is never right, the inseam always seems to be too long, and the waist is always too tight or too loose.
I am here to tell you not to give up on finding the perfect pair of jeans for you.
As an ex-shopaholic (sort of on the ex part), I have tried probably hundreds of denim brands in my lifetime, few of which I actually remember (because most of them are ass). In my humble opinion, sustainability is actually not super hard to deal with here, because a good pair of jeans (when you’re an adult and your ass is finally starting to stay the same size) should last you more than 5 years. It’s not like you’re buying a new pair every month. Hopefully.
It should be noted though, that in order to make your jeans last more than 5 years, you have to take good care of them (You should be taking care of all of your clothing, but denim is a b*tch). I am convinced that we are conditioned to ruin our clothing by over-washing and drying. The truth is, you shouldn’t be washing your clothes after every wear. That is a recipe for disaster. Wash them intermittently, and obviously, if you get something on them or they stank. It is very unnecessary to wash your jeans more than a couple times a month, depending on how often you’re wearing them.
Now that that’s out of the way…
here are my favorite denim pieces, listed by style of course.
The perfect mid-rise Bootcut jean
I bought these jeans a year ago in Italy, during my semester abroad from the Diesel store. Since then, they have become a staple in my closet. I wear them almost every time I go out. They are unbelievably soft, the rise is perfect, and the bootcut flare is the perfect in-between of subtle and noticeable. The wash I have is called the Bootcut and Flare Jeans 1969 D-Ebbey 09H69 and not listed on the Diesel site anymore, but they are on sale on SSENSE. They also have it in other washes on the Diesel website!
The simple, basic jean
The Low Rise Baggy Jean from Abercrombie is fabulous. I have them and I loveeee them. They fit more mid-rise than low, which I like better anyway. Their sizing is great, with options for plus size as well as petite. They’re so incredibly soft and comfortable as well! Huge EmilyG stamp of approval here.
The capri
Capris are so back. And they’re here to stay. Just let them in your life. Accept it. I’ll give you some time to adjust.
Accepted it? Great!
Admittedly, I’ve never bought from Abrand jeans, but I’ve heard great things. Plus, their size chart actually seems semi accurate. I actually have these very capris on the way in the mail as we speak, so I’ll have to make an edit here when they get here. These look sooo perf though. I love the wash and the rise! Gaggedddd.
The long-er jean short
So TikTok sold the Levi’s 501 90’s short out, like, literally everywhere, which is unfortunate. However, a good alternative and very similar cut is the Levi’s 501 mid-thigh short, which I have and love. They’re on sale on Amazon, too ;)
The denim mini
I am convinced that the denim mini is only thrift-able. Maybe that’s wrong or crazy, but it worked for me. The cutest denim minis already exist, and they are on Depop. Measure your hips and waist and you should be golden! Also, make sure to ask the seller questions about stretch.
The denim Maxi
Nurse, she’s plugging Reformation again…
But come onnn like how could I not? The Tazz Maxi Denim Skirt is adorbs. I love the slit down the middle and I adoreee the wash. A denim maxi is so versatile!
a denim top for funsies
The Kayleigh Denim Halter is adorbsss. Sexy, cute, and perfect for a night out. I love the ties, they totally add a feminine little touch. I love the way they styled it on their website actually, with the big earrings.
So there you have it.
Maybe denim no longer has to be your menace. Let it be someone else’s menace. Preferably someone who doesn’t read my blog.
