When it comes to jeans, quality is everything. Deluxe denim will not only feel better, but it will also endure longer. While designer labels are more likely to spend on high-end materials and fabrics, it doesn’t rule out the possibility of finding well-made jeans at a lower cost. The key is to distinguish between the nice material and the crap that will rip at the seams.
So, what constitutes a pair of jeans high-quality? And how do you know whether you’ve discovered the right match? To assist you, here is an ultimate jean purchasing checklist.
A thick, heavy fabric
It’s all about the sense of touch. Denim that is stronger and heavier is used to make high-quality jeans. They should not only seem but also feel luxurious. So, when you’re out shopping, get your feel of the jeans.
Aside from summer jeans, lightweight denim is usually associated with lesser quality. If you can’t find the denim weight on the label, ask a salesman. Also, if you’re purchasing online, check whether the fabric weight is included in the product description.
Heavier denim jeans may seem stiff at first, but after a few years, they’ll soften up. If patience isn’t one of your virtues, you may hasten the break-in of your jeans by soaking them in a vinegar and hot water bath.
The elasticity factor
If you like form-fitting comfort in your jeans, stretch denim is the way to go. When looking for stretch jeans, look for the proportion of Lycra or Spandex in the fabric on the label. You’re aiming for a maximum of 2%. Even though stretch jeans are constructed of fabric that is meant to stretch and give, they should only stretch so far (unless they’re jeggings). As a general rule, 1% will offer you only a touch of stretch for comfort, whilst 2% will give you a more generous cloth. You might anticipate the jeans to wear out or get saggy if you wear them any longer. And, while stretch jeans are designed to fit tightly if you’re in between sizes, go down a size because the fabric may loosen with repeated wear.
Details of the design
Certain design elements and materials on a pair of jeans may sometimes help you determine if they’re built to last. Take, for example, copper buttons and rivets. When you see these tiny fellas on a pair of pants, you know the company has put effort into crafting a well-made product.
A word of caution, though: don’t be deceived by the impostors. Some knock-off brands have mastered the art of imitating the look of premium jeans. The top denim brands and their knockoffs can both have curved back pockets, for example, so it’s always advisable to inspect the fabric of a garment rather than relying just on design aspects. Proceed with caution if you can’t discover this information on the jeans’ label or website. When a company employs high-quality materials in its pants, it usually advertises it.
Conclusion
Breathability and how the jeans drape on your body are affected by the weight of the denim material. During the first 10-20 wears, denim pants tend to expand roughly a full size. When buying jeans, always go down a size.
