Guide To…Jeans

Every decade’s had its denim, but no period has been more jeans obsessed than this one with its expensive, figure-flattering must-have jeans that go virtually anywhere. The trend hit New York and L.A. five years back, but in the past year these cool blues have strutted into Baltimore retail, too.

While they may look identical to the untrained eye, each jean has its own special feature. Whatever it is—added leg room in the thighs, longer inseams, higher or lower rise—they all claim to have a figure redeeming fit, but each brand has its own style, from fashion-forward to classic to rock and roll.

Don’t try dozens before you step into the pair that camouflages your trouble zone and clings to your best curves. Read on.

Prices Vary Depending on Style…

Joe’s: California-based Joe’s Jeans call their look vintage-modern. Highly influenced by the So Cal surfer culture, these jeans have a laid-back fit. The Provocatuer is said to be the best jean for petites thanks to a shorter inseam and higher knee-break which lengthens the leg. $175. At Box of Rain, Nordstrom, South Moon Under.

Notify: With dark rinses and a classic look, Notify appeals to the shopper who wants hot jeans without too much rock and roll. The tremendous stretch in the denim creates an almost girdle-like effect, lifting where many women need it most. $188. Anemone by Notify, at Octavia.

Antik Denim: The distressed finish, low-rise waist, saddle-stitched seams—and whip-stitched and wildly embroidered back pockets—give these jeans a funky urban cowgirl look. The slight stretch makes them more forgiving. $275. At Classic Serendipity 410-486-2277; Beloved, Nordstrom.

Element: Element, maker of baggy skater jeans, also makes a fitted model. More affordable than the others, it packs the hip jeans look at a fraction of the cost. $55. Rocksteady 2 by Element - Fells Point Surf Co. 410-276-7873

Rock and Republic: These edgy, progressive jeans are tight and low-slung, guaranteeing a sleek fit. Inspired by rock and roll, every style is named after a famous rock star or band. At 36”, the inseam is the longest in the hot jeans category. In styles with or without stretch (the non-stretch tends to rip…). $205. Scorpion in Addict-wash, by Rock and Republic - Box of Rain, 410-415-6100. Also at Classic Serendipity, Nordstrom.

Earnest Sewn: London-based Earnest Sewn is former Paper, Denim, Cloth designer Scott Morrison’s new line. Each pair takes 18 hours to make; each has back pockets that flatter, leg-slimming seams, and a higher waistband in the back to avoid a cheeky revelation. Limited numbers of each style make them hard to score. $192. Hefner by Earnest Sewn - Octavia, 410-653-9796.

Joey Destroyed by True Religion - Box of Rain, 410-415-6100; Laurel Canyon by Paige Jeans - Ruth Shaw, 410-532-7886; Twisted Leg by Tag - Octavia, 410-653-9796; Topanga by Grass and Orange Crush by Black Jack - both at Box of Rain, 410-415-6100; Skywash by Hudson - Classic Serendipity, 410-486-2277.

True Religion: L.A.- based True Religion gets attention for its fashion-forward details—twisted seaming (they were the first to do it), flap pockets, hand-sanded washes and Japanese denim. With a low-rise and distressed finishes, these jeans speak to young, hip style sirens. $218. At Box of Rain, Classic Serendipity, Nordstrom, South Moon Under.

Paige: Founded by former Citizens of Humanity and Seven for All Mankind fit-model Paige Adams-Geller, these jeans are known for their fantastic fit. From pocket placement to inseam length, you get rear enhancing, hip slimming detail by a woman who really knows how jeans are supposed to fit. $160. At Ruth Shaw, Box of Rain, Nordstrom, Fresh.

Tag: The new hot jean. Embellishments like embroidery, studs, twisted seaming, topstiching and colorful tagging make these jeans stand out. The double-wide waistband provides coverage while the short front zipper gives the impression of a low-rise. $165. At Octavia, Box of Rain, Nordstrom.

Grass: The latest label to generate buzz, L.A.-based brand Grass takes, what they call, a “Zen-like” approach to design. Look for a fit built on the classic five-pocket cut without stylistic excesses. Each design is named after L.A. canyons and hiking trails. $155. At Box of Rain.

Black Jack: A great jean for the trenderella who’s always looking for the next big thing. Little known Black Jack has a lighter denim weight. And the trouser-cut Orange Crush style is the perfect alternative to the classic jeans cut. It’s the ultimate un-jean jean. $160. At Box of Rain.

Hudson: The flap pockets and Union Jack decal make these jeans instantly recognizable. The tight, leggings-like fit makes them better for the long and lean or the young and uninhibited. $155. At Octavia, Classic Serendipity, Box of Rain, Nordstrom, L’ Apparenza.

Insider tip: Classic Serendipity owner Emily Klawans has ordered uber-hot Habitual Jeans. Expected arrival date? Late September. She’s working on Rogan and Edun too…

Other favorites and where to find them.

Big Star – Octavia, South Moon Under.
Blue Cult – Blu Vintage, Box of Rain, L’ Apparenza.
Cambio – Littlefield’s, Octavia, Vassarri, Nordstrom.
Chip & Pepper – Classic Serendipity.
Citizens of Humanity – Box of Rain (Hunt Valley store), The Doll House, Octavia, South Moon Under, Nordstrom.
Jean Paul Da’mage – Ruth Shaw, Box of Rain.
Indie – Shine Collective.
Juicy – Box of Rain, South Moon Under, Nordstrom.
Paper, Denim, Cloth – Octavia.
People’s Liberation – Classic Serendipity, South Moon Under, Nordstrom.
Pure Color – Panache.
Red Engine – Panache, Octavia.
Salt – The Big Iguana, South Moon Under, Nordstrom.
Serfontaine – Classic Serendipity, Octavia.
Sevens – Box of Rain, L’ Apparenza, Nordstrom, Blu Vintage, Trixie’s Palace, South Moon Under.
Trina Turk – Ruth Shaw, Panache.
Wrangler – Shine Collective.