Under the Radar Denim
They're the cornerstone of your wardrobe—the pants you wear more than any other pair. Make sure you're not in a denim rut by updating your jeans, especially if you're down to only one or two pairs. Of course, the big guys like Levi's and A.P.C. make quality jeans. But here are some solid up-and-coming brands worth checking out.
Slim
"Horatio"
jeans,
$108
Mott & Bow
We appreciate this brand's understated aesthetic, which blends a cool rock 'n' roll style with precision fits and a keen attention to detail. This slim-fitting pair is the perfect shade of grey (which is really a washed out black) and has a slight touch of stretch for ease of movement. Unsure about your size? Utilize their home try-on program.
DSTLD
With a goal of "stripping away excess and impurities," this direct-to-consumer label, pronounced distilled, offers premium denim without the premium price. With a trim, tailored fit, these jeans boast a unique 24-dip dye process using natural indigo which results in a gradual, more intense wear pattern.
Slim taper jeans, $145
Bluer
This all-American brand designs their jeans in Portland, Oregon and sews them in Los Angeles. The denim is made from Georgia cotton that's milled in North Carolina (at the famed Cone Mills factory) and finished with hardware forged in Kentucky. Their slim taper style is a modern version of a rugged selvedge standard.
FYI
Freshen your jeans in between washings with Mr. Black's spray ($13) which neutralizes odor-causing bacteria and dissolves stains before they sink in.
Soulland
Launched in Denmark back in 2002 as an indie label specializing in T-shirts, Soulland now applies their traditional Scandinavian craftsmanship to expertly crafted jeans. Like this pair, that's been washed and distressed for ultimate comfort while cut in a sharp, tapered silhouette.
