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WHY BUY DESIGNER DENIM?

Senior Buyer Amy Plant’s expert advice as told to Victoria Lancaster

THE STYLE DEBATE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DESIGNER DENIM AND MAINSTREAM DENIM?

Buying designer denim is one of fashion’s oldest shopping conundrums. Surely that cotton-based fabric can only differ so much whether it’s produced by a luxury brand or mainstream retailer.

With the ongoing resurgence in 90s style combined with the enduring nature of the material itself, we’re inundated with both items to shop – jeans, skirts, jumpsuits – and places to buy them. The question then is not just, is it worth the investment but why?

The answer to the former is undoubtably yes. Firstly, luxury denim benefits from far greater attention to detail in its construction. Premium pieces are typically crafted from higher-quality and heavier cotton (sometimes, this includes more considered, organic cotton or recycled materials).

More detailed processes also mean fabric is softer and more durable, enhancing the denim’s longevity and cost per wear.

SO, IS DESIGNER DENIM WORTH IT?

Absolutely—designer denim is worth the heftier price tag. While high street denim and midrange can be on-trend and comfortable, it’s often made using lower-grade fabrics. In essence, you’ll get much fewer wears out of your high street denim than your luxury investments.

WHICH BRANDS DO BUYERS LOVE?

Senior Buyer, Amy Plant told us, "Frame is my go-to for denim that is both long lasting and exceptional quality. It the perfect brand to invest in if you want a wardrobe staple that works all year round! The brand prides itself on fabrics that support sustainable practices and help provide the perfect fit in a variety of washes and shapes."

WHEN IS DESIGNER DENIM NOT WORTH IT?

We’d be remiss not to touch on this point. There are a few instances when designer denim is genuinely not worth it. Firstly, if you’re one for stretch-denim, that means you’ll be searching for a pair with a high percentage of elastane. These jeans typically don’t last very long, but they might be your preferred fit which means longevity is not a priority when you’re selecting these jeans. It’s also important to acknowledge trend led denim. If you’re looking to embrace an of-the-moment style that you don’t intend to wear for long, you might be better off sticking to your mid-range label.

WHAT MAKES HIGH-QUALITY DENIM? FIVE SIGNS TO LOOK FOR TO GUARANTEE SUCCESS

Fabric composition, look, and feel. Most high-quality denim is straightforward in composition. Think pure cotton or organic cotton blends, with the occasional small touch of elastane (1-3%). Typically, the fabric will feel heavier and stiffer. While it can come in a range of washes, rich indigo hues or a slightly uneven “slub” coloration signify quality.

Stitching and construction. The way denim is constructed says a lot about its quality. Techniques like chain stitching (at the hem) means the fabric moves naturally. In general, tighter stitching makes for a more durable denim, helping your jeans maintain their shape. Have a look at the seams for clues.

Button and zip quality. Hardware is underrated and often overlooked! Look out for sturdy metal buttons and zips, which are less likely to tarnish over time.

Selvedge or edge finishes. Selvedge denim is recognizable by jeans that have a clean self-finished edge or hems that do not fray. Even if denim is not selvedge, look out for neatly finished seams as a telltale sign of quality.

Tailored for shape and comfort. There is no better sign of a quality denim than a great fit. Designer jeans sit neatly on the waist and drape naturally through the leg. Well-tailored jeans maintain their shape over years (and even a lifetime) of wear.

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WHY SHOULD I BUY DESIGNER DENIM AT A DISCOUNT? HOW TO FIND IT FOR LESS...

We know what you’re thinking, designer denim is expensive. But we assure you it doesn’t have to break the bank. The great thing about denim is it’s not as dependent on season or trend as other pieces in your closet, so buying off-season and at a discount is your friend.

If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of great denim designers here on THE OUTNET like Re/done, Mother, Toteme and more for under $200.

HOW LONG SHOULD GREAT DENIM LAST? WHAT IS THE COST PER WEAR OF LUXURY JEANS?

In theory, great designer denim should last forever in your closet. At the bare minimum and depending on how well you look after your denim, it will last several years (think three-six+).

The maximum wear you’re going to get out of your mainstream or high street denim is around two years, with most non-designer denim lasting only up to six months due to highly elastane fabric compositions.

Let’s assume a pair of designer jeans costs about double the price of a pair of mid-range or high street jeans. Say, $120 in comparison to $60.

Cost per wear = Item price / (Total number of times worn annually × years worn)

When you do the math and consider that you might wear your denim two times per week (that’s 104 times per year) and that you’ll get an average or 4 years of wear out of designer jeans vs a maximum of two for mid-range, designer jeans cost about $0.28 per wear while non-designer jeans cost about $0.28 per wear. No brainer when we put it like that, right?

A pro tip for ensuring your designer denim lasts a long time: wash infrequently (once every 10-20 wears) and take them for repairs.

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