The Best Jeans Brands to Shop in 2021: Levi’s, Madewell, Agolde & More
It’s no big secret that we love denim (even quarantine couldn’t break our spirit), and our short list of best jeans brands is, well, long. Discussions about inseams, washes, fit (is the vibe ’90s edge or early-aughts puddle?), and fabric (how much give do jeans really need?) are part of the daily Slack banter. We’ve spent hours debating the best places to shop for jeans and, naturally, decided the next best step was to curate all the labels we know and love into a comprehensive guide that you can basically consider your denim bible for the foreseeable future—not to be too dramatic, of course.
We’ve double-tapped, wear-tested, and read up on each one of these labels below, so get to know the best jeans brands and shop some of our tried-and-true styles, including the high-rise jeans we can’t stop, won’t stop wearing, the reworked vintage fits with the perfect amount of weight, and the size-inclusive styles that look good on virtually everyone.
Would a denim roundup even be a denim roundup if we didn’t kick things off with some classic American jeans? The heritage brand was the first to debut “blue jeans,” and now counts a slew of timeless fits to its name (like Levi’s 501s, the Wedgie, the Ribcage) available in all kinds of washes, inseams, and fabrics.
Levi’s 501 Jeans $108 Shopbop Buy Now Levi’s Premium Wedgie Icon Fit Jeans $90 Amazon Buy Now
Madewell’s bread and butter is denim, so it should come as no surprise that the brand is one of our ride-or-dies for versatile fits that are not too heavy or too stretchy. The brand carries a wide range of straight and plus size styles, with spot-on inseams for petite and tall lengths—no tailoring required.
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Straight Jean in Fitzgerald Wash $128 Madewell Buy Now Madewell The Momjean in Foster Wash $88 Madewell Buy Now
Everlane carries just about every wardrobe essential you could possibly need, including high-quality jeans that any denim enthusiast will appreciate. Expect to find everything from light-wash slim-fit jeans to selvedge denim (recognizable by the white and red striping running up the seams), all priced under $100.
Everlane The Original Cheeky Jean $78 Everlane Buy Now Everlane The ’90s Slouch Jean $98 Everlane Buy Now
Reformation’s cool-girl cuts are perfect for pairing with smocked camis, tiny bags, and relaxed boyfriend blazers. A staple among editors, its stiff denim jeans have a vintage feel, and the brand carries tons of cute, sustainably made pairs—from statement cheetah print to classic straight-leg jeans (hi, Cynthia) that sit higher on the waist with a hint of stretch for comfort.
Reformation Liza Ultra-High-Rise Straight Jeans $128 Reformation Buy Now Reformation Cynthia High-Rise Straight Long Jeans $138 Reformation Buy Now
With jeans that range from sizes 00 to 26, Good American has become a household name for inclusive fits. The brand helmed by Khloé Kardashian and Emma Grede debuted in 2016 with a small selection of styles (skinny fit, high-waist, and boyfriend) but has since branched out into more silhouettes—and categories like swim, athleisure, and footwear. For those on the hunt for the perfect curvy jean, Good American is worth having on your radar.
Good American Mom Jeans $149 Amazon Buy Now Good American Good Legs Jeans $99 Amazon Buy Now
Whether you want the best-fitting baggy jeans or a tapered full-length, all of Agolde’s denim has that deliciously lived-in feel that only gets better with wear. The brand relaunched in 2014 with styles you’ll instantly wax poetic over (looking at you, Pinch Waist), thanks to their perfect high-rise fits and unmatched hip-hugging feel.
Agolde Pinch Waist High-Rise Skinny Jeans $160 Net-a-Porter Buy Now Agolde Balloon High-Rise Tapered Jeans $200 Net-a-Porter Buy Now
For a cool throwback vibe, look to Re/Done. The celeb-approved brand—which counts Gigi Hadid and Kaia Gerber as clients—continues the story of Levi Strauss by upcycling and reconstructing old pairs. Its denim runs up to $300, but check out the Re/Sell, a peer-to-peer marketplace that allows you to score (and resell) preloved styles at far less hefty price tags.
Built around cofounder Elin Kling’s ethos of uniform dressing, Totême’s minimalist jeans are ready to be broken in. The silhouettes echo vintage jeans from Kling’s collection, but with modern tweaks, like the twisted seam that wraps around the legs ever so subtly.
For Feel Studio, less is more: The brand offers only one fit of jeans, in three different washes and two different lengths. The idea is to celebrate the old-school appeal of denim while also considering its environmental impact. Feel Studio Inc.’s jeans are crafted in California from durable, nonstretch denim, and are shipped off in biodegradable packaging. The brand also has a premium denim style in its signature fit, cut from Japanese selvedge denim. Any unused and off-cut fabric is used to build insulation for houses, as part of a partnership with the Blue Jeans Go Green Initiative.
The Feel Studio Black Genuine Jeans $295 The Feel Studio Buy Now The Feel Studio White Genuine Jeans $295 The Feel Studio Buy Now
Looking for a vintage fit with a twist? Check out Still Here, which was founded by Sonia Beyda Mosseri in New York and produces its pieces in L.A. Each pair of jeans features a unique detail, such as hand-painted stripes or hand-stitched embroidery that are a true testament to the impeccable craftsmanship. Most styles are between $235 and $350, so they’re an investment, but they’ll for sure stand out from your denim collection.
Still Here Flower Vine Childhood Embroidered Jeans $435 Browns Buy Now Still Here Pastel Rainbow Tate Cropped Jeans $346 Browns Buy Now
Arguably one of the most inclusive fashion lines on the market right now, Universal Standard released its first denim line in 2019, in its full size range of 00 to 40. Cofounders Alexandra Waldman and Polina Veksler worked to crack the code of the perfect amount of stretch in jeans, with styles available in a variety of light, medium, and dark washes. With a wallet-friendly price point of $90, Universal Standard proves its inclusive mission goes beyond sizing.
Universal Standard Riviera High-Rise Skinny Jeans $98 Universal Standard Buy Now Universal Standard Seine Midrise Skinny Jeans $98 Universal Standard Buy Now
Ética is one of the latest pioneers in denim sustainability. Based in Los Angeles, it was launched by a group of denim industry veterans in 2019, with a commitment to fair labor practices, conscious manufacturing, and investment in energy-efficient machinery that reduces water and energy waste. Ética uses deadstock fabric (unused materials from mills that would normally end up in a landfill but are instead upcycled) and repurposes used wash stones, compressing them into bricks to build low-income housing. Buying into its mission is easy on the wallet too: All styles come in at less than $200.
Ética Alex Twist Seam High-Waist Ankle Skinny Jeans $168 Nordstrom Buy Now Ética Finn Slim Straight Ankle Jeans $175 Nordstrom Buy Now
Between the subtle frayed hemlines and flawless fits that require practically zero break-in, Mother has some of the best denim in town. (Even Meghan Markle is fan!) The made-in-L.A. brand has plenty of classic silhouettes to add to your daily repertoire, in addition to styles featuring offbeat accents like “cosmic embroidery” that are just downright fun to wear.
Mother Fray Hem Bootcut Jeans $228 Nordstrom Buy Now Mother The Insider High-Waist Crop Step Chew Hem Jeans $248 Nordstrom Buy Now
There’s a reason Frame is a favorite of just about every A-lister imaginable: The designer jeans brand has mastered timeless, relaxed fits that you can wear every day of the week, without ever worrying about their losing shape.
Frame Le Jane Straight-Leg Jeans $248 Nordstrom Buy Now Frame Le High Skinny Ankle Jeans $218 Nordstrom Buy Now
With a loyal fan base of both celebrities and influencers, Citizens of Humanity remains one of the most trusted denim brands on the scene. There’s something for everyone’s style here, whether you’re looking for black jeans, wide-leg jeans, or stark white skinnies.
Citizens of Humanity Eva Distressed High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans $230 Net-a-Porter Buy Now Citizens of Humanity Olivia High-Rise Slim-Leg Jeans $230 Net-a-Porter Buy Now
Anthropologie may not be one of the first spots you hit up for denim, but it should. The retailer’s in-house denim label Pilcro recently expanded its jeans collection to be more size-inclusive and sustainably made, and it excels in laid-back fits that pair perfectly with boho blouses, simple T-shirts, and quilted jackets.
Pilcro The Painters Denim Overalls $158 Anthropologie Buy Now Pilcro The Breaker Relaxed Jeans $130 Anthropologie Buy Now
AYR, or All Year Round, makes finding your next go-to pair easy: The brand carries only a limited selection of jeans (bye-bye, choice paralysis), with four (!!) different inseam lengths and sizes that go up to 34. Its hero style, the Bomb Pop, has a wait list that goes well into the thousands.
29 Best Labor Day Clothing Sales & Deals in 2021: Madewell, Backcountry, Bandier, Nike, Everlane
Summer is on its way out, and to celebrate—or mourn—the conclusion of another sweltering season, we’re perusing all of the sweetest Labor Day sales. And by perusing, we mean “spending all of our money.” Now is the time when brands clear out their summer inventory in exchange for the cold-weather clothes we’re not quite ready to talk about yet. In scrolling through the discounts, you’ll find plenty of tanks, shorts, and swimwear, but also a swath of sweaters and jeans that will make excellent additions to your autumn wardrobe.
This Labor Day Weekend brings a truly overwhelming amount of sales, but fear not: We’ve saved you the trouble of endless Google searches by rounding up the best Labor Day clothing sales right here. Whether you’re looking to round out your activewear drawer (hello, Bandier and Nike) or add a pop of color to your collection of dresses (we see you, Reformation and Madewell), there is almost certainly a retailer for everything on your list. And if you’re still itching to spend after browsing our clothing picks, check out the deals on mattresses, outdoor products from REI, and everything else, from sex toys to meal kits.
Nordstrom
If you missed Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, don’t fret: until September 12, the retailer has hundreds of items marked down up to 60% off. You’ll find the fan-favorite Zella leggings, to rare finds from brands like rag & bone, The North Face, and Allsaints.
adidas
From now until September 7, adidas is offering 30% off sitewide with the code WEEKEND. Trust us: There’s some seriously on-trend athleisure marked down, plus functional sports bras, leggings, and jackets.
Nike
You can’t go wrong with the OG in activewear! Save up to 40% off markdowns at Nike, with deals on everything from relaxed tees to trendy sneaks, plus fan-favorite leggings and bags that will take you from work to the gym.
Madewell
Oh, Madewell, how we adore thee for thy trendy prints, structured tops, and incredible denim. For Labor Day Weekend, nab 30% off all sale styles. Coveralls, button-downs, jeans, oh my!
REI
Though REI has an entire catalogue (yes, really) of Labor Day deals, their apparel markdowns can’t be beat. Through September 6, take 30% off Brooks sports bras and shorts, select REI Co-op styles, The North Face jackets, and more. See the standouts from the REI Labor Day Sale here.
Target
You can always count on Target for good deals, and this weekend is no different. While their primary deals include home décor and essentials, they’re offering up to 30% off activewear from brands you love like Reebok, Asics, and more.
Everlane
For the high-quality wardrobe essentials you’re searching for, hop on over to Everlane’s Labor Day Sale. Select styles are up to 50% off, including fan favorites like the Linen Picnic Top, and Italian Leather Sling.
Backcountry
If you missed their Semi-Annual Sale, fear not: Backcountry’s Labor Day Sale has plenty of top-tier outdoor brands like The North Face, Arc’Teryx, and Patagonia marked down. You’ll also find gear from fitness favorites like Nike, Adidas, and Beyond Yoga up to 60% off.
J.Crew
The brand you know and love for structured basics and preppy faves is offering 40% off sitewide, plus 50% off sale items through September 2. From September 3 to 5, you can scoop up 60% off sale items, and from September 6 to 7, you get free shipping on your entire order.
Amazon
Even when it’s not Amazon Prime Day, you can still score discounts on plenty of items. We scoured the site and found need-to-know deals on Levi’s denim and supremely stretchy leggings. Get ‘em while you can!
Warp + Weft
The high-quality denim retailer is offering 40% off everything with the code LABORDAY40, plus 70% their Warehouse Sale. You’ll find an abundance of washes, cuts, and styles to round out your fall wardrobe staples.
Kate Spade
Unleash your inner prepster with Kate Spade’s Labor Day Sale. From now until September 6, take 30% off sale styles with the code SOLONGSUMMER. We dare you to scroll through the cheerful prints, flowy silhouettes, and classic handbags without snatching up the deals.
Walmart
Don’t sleep on Walmart, okay? Not only is just about everything accessibly priced, but their apparel selects are pretty solid. This weekend, save up to 50% on tees, dresses, sweats, and more. We’re definitely eyeing the price drops on the Champion gear.
Reformation
We love Reformation for their timeless dresses and gorgeous prints. For a short time, you can take up to 70% off sale styles, which, for Reformation, is a pretty sweet deal. Hundreds of items are on sale, like classic linen shorts, itty bitty going out tops, and the softest loungewear.
Spanx
You know Spanx for their iconic shapewear, but did you know their leggings are pretty incredible, too? And you’re in luck, because select leggings styles are deeply discounted this weekend, along with bike shorts, swimwear, and printed shorts. Run, don’t walk.
Girlfriend Collective
We love Girlfriend Collective for their eco-conscious activewear, and from September 4 to September 7, you can find markdowns up to 30% on select items and bundles, from the new Tote Bag, to the beloved High-Rise Bike Short, to cozy tees.
Bandier
Activewear and athleisure retailer Bandier is celebrating the weekend with their End of Summer Sale, with styles up to 80% off. A few notable highlights: tie-dye everything, Solid & Striped swimsuits and apparel, and All Access leggings.
Brooklinen
Come for the cult-favorite bedding, stay for the apparel that’s just as comfy. This weekend, the whole site is 15% off (yep, including the sheets you’ve been eyeing). Find deals on plush robes, made-for-lounge shorts, and other basics.
Alo Yoga
The trendy activewear brand is turning up the heat this weekend with up to 60% off hundreds of styles. You can find everything from fluffy sherpas to sleek leggings and more, all in electric colorways that will brighten up your workout (and mood).
Jack Wolfskin
Outdoor retailer Jack Wolfskin is offering 20% off sitewide with the code TAKE20 until September 7. You can use that code on sale items too, which could amount to a deal as high as 85% off. We’re eyeing the water-resistant jackets and lightweight hiking pants.
Good American
Cult-favorite apparel brand Good American has some serious discounts this weekend: 20% off sitewide and 50% off sale items. Snatch up their Always Fits denim, bodysuits, loungewear and more as we head into chillier weather.
Vitamin A
For breezy late summer staples that will round out your closet for years to come, look no further than Vitamin A’s sale selections. Tons of linen tops, ribbed dresses, and swimsuits are up to 30% off with the code LABORDAY21 from now until September 6.
Pact
Pact should be your new go-to for basics at an accessible price point. From September 3 to 6, the brand is offering up to 30% off the entire site, including buttery soft intimates, high-waisted leggings, flowy dresses, and more.
Saks Fifth Avenue
This weekend, you simply must take advantage of the luxury retailer’s Fashion Flash sale, which includes deals up to 75% off. Designer brands like Alice & Olivia made the list, along with Theory, Wacoal, The Row, and rag & bone. And we’d be remiss to mention that the Eberjey pajamas we love are on sale, too.
ettitude
Luxe sleep brand ettitude has their whole site on sale for 20% off through Monday, including on supersoft robes and silky sleepwear. Made with a signature innovative bamboo fabric, you’ll never want to take any of it off.
Urban Outfitters
Let us let you in on a little secret: Urban Outfitters’ sale section is a treasure trove of marked-down fashion. And this weekend the deals are even sweeter, with an extra 30% off all sale items. You’ll find lots of intimates, trendy BDG denim, cozy fall styles, and more.
Old Navy
Old Navy, which just made waves by standardizing pricing across all sizes, is celebrating with up to 50% off sitewide, including clearance items. You can get their cult-favorite leggings, supportive sports bras, and colorful tees for even less than you normally would.
Andie Swim
Though swimsuit season might be closing out, Andie Swim is here to prep you for next summer with 30% off select styles, from stylish one-pieces to teeny bikinis, until September 6. Use the code STILLSUMMER at checkout to nab the deals.
Farm Rio
If you’ve never heard of Farm Rio, let us introduce you to the corner of the internet where it’s summer 24/7. From September 3 to 6, the brand’s sale section is an extra 20% off. Make the signature bright hues, wild prints, and exaggerated silhouettes yours with code WKND20 at checkout.
Related:
You can get Madewell jeans for up to 56% off today
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It’s no secret that we here at Reviewed love Madewell, and we (along with style savvy shoppers everywhere) count the brand’s denim among the best things you can buy at Madewell—and when it’s on sale, all the better. The rare blend of stylish, well-constructed and comfortable, Madewell jeans are so good, they even convinced our firmly anti-pants writer to actually wear pants again.
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With colors, rises, lengths and cuts to suit any style, scoring a pair on sale means you’ll be picking up your newest go-to denim without breaking the bank—no easy feat. With fall fashion, there’s no better time than the present to snag a pair of jeans you’ll reach for day after day.
An added bonus: If the pair you’re eyeing isn’t currently on sale, you can still save money on it by donating an old pair of denim. The retailer has a denim recycling program, offering a $20 discount on your next pair of full-price jeans when you bring in an old pair.
As for what’s up for grabs on sale, we rounded up the best of the best right now. A solid choice is the Curvy High-Rise Skinny Crop Jeans in Lander Wash, which comes in plus, petite, standard and tall sizes, all of which are on sale right now for just $69.99—given that they typically retail for $128, it’s a serious bargain on this high-rise pair in a classic denim wash that one recent reviewer called the “perfect jeans.” In fact, they wrote, “these jeans are perfect. Soft, stretchy, comfortable. The color, rise, and length are just right. I tried them on the first day I got them and I’ve quite literally worn them every single day since. They don’t stretch out or lose their shape and they fit perfectly.”
For crisp white denim you’ll wear long after the last hazy summer night slips away, try the Dadjean in Tile White: Patch Pocket Edition, which is also on sale for $69.99 from its usual selling price of $125, a price cut of 44%. With a slouchy and relaxed fit, this pair is made of 100 percent cotton denim with zero stretch. Shoppers give this style an across-the-board five-star rating, but some note that they tend to run large, so you will want to choose you pair accordingly.
Keep scrolling to see our top picks for Madewell jeans on sale right now.
Shop the Madewell jeans sale
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.