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Jeans; talk about a rag to riches story. Once upon a time, denim trousers were favored by sailors from Genoa, who knew no other piece of apparel could stand months of deck swabbing and seawater. Eventually jeans made it stateside, where they were worn by laborers and prisoners, a duo of workhands who could wear through chinos faster than you can say “zip your fly”. At some point during their life, jeans got a whiff of new life when rebellious teens took a fancy to them. The rest, as they say, is history.

Not Cinderella’s Jeans

Remember Jordache? They paved the way for today’s $400 True Religions when they began selling cool jeans just for women. Women do love fashion, and as denim became more sophisticated, so did the offerings. Jeans weren’t casual standards anymore; they became tailored bottoms, suitable for work and date nights. The biggest names in denim today have only been around for about a decade, but they satiated the human desire for haute denim. Perhaps you recognize some of these jean big-wigs?

• True Religion
• Seven for all Mankind
• Rock & Republic
• Chip and Pepper
• Citizens of Humanity
• William Rast
• Diesel

New Kids on the Rack

The designer denim option isn’t as narrow as it used to be; there are many more jeans companies than the well-loved names above with pant offerings in the $100 to $500 range. From high quality Japanese denim, edgy stitching, pocket fleur-de-lis, rips, paint splatters, or utterly chic tailoring, designer jeans have come a long way from their high-seas basic. Pair some flares with a navy striped top for a tribute to your beloved Sevens.