Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
As anyone who’s ever headed out on a jeans shopping expedition will know, there’s plenty of trendy denim on the high street. But whether it washes well, keeps its shape and actually lasts is another question.
I expect my jeans to be the most hard-working item in my wardrobe. The last cheap-ish pair of jeans I bought in a much loved high street haunt (not naming any names) shrunk in length after a couple of washes and the colour faded fast too – it wasn’t long before they ended up in the local charity shop.
On the other end of the scale, designer denim is astronomical, so I don’t even bother looking. But luckily there is a select set of mid-price denim brands making exceptional jeans, that are flattering and are built to truly stand the test of time.
If you have the time and extra pocket money, my top tip when buying any pair of jeans is to have them tailored to you. Most dry cleaners have an in-house tailor that can do this – you don’t need to be a VIP to have your clothes fitted. And it’s the cheapest styling hack to make things look even more expensive.
Keep scrolling for the fashion editor-approved hotlist of mid-price denim brands, where prices range from £65 up to the investment spend of £320.
You’ve likely heard of this French fashion house already. Its frothy blouses are highly coveted and they make great suede bags, but have you tried their jeans? Starting at £95, they rival those at the top end of the high street. I find they’re especially good for lifting you up and sucking you in, in all the right places. And the length works nicely for taller ladies like myself.
2. Bell St Jeans
London’s latest denim label, founded by Charl Mason last year, creates timeless classic silhouettes from 100 per cent organic cotton with ecological wash processes that reduce water, chemicals and energy use. I know a few editors have been placing their orders before attending shows at fashion week later this month. This denim specialist keeps things simple with only four shapes to choose from: the slim tapered Karina, the straight leg Seberg, the relaxed leg Lafont and the wide leg Audran. And they’re all £130 each. Consider it a capsule wardrobe of jeans!
You may have this pegged as a go-to brand for partywear or festival dressing, but its jean selection is impeccable! If you’re after trending silhouettes, fun colourways, prints and utility styles, make this your first stop. I love the barrel legs and the Tennessee low-rise boyfriend pair which sit just the right side of cowgirl.
Supermodels, It-girls, actresses and pop stars of all ages have all been spotted in these. From Sofia Richie, to Taylor Swift, Eva Longoria, Rihanna, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Hailey Bieber, this denim supplier comes with a big celebrity backing.
Each style is vintage-inspired yet has a modern fit that won’t make you look frumpy. The 90s Pinch Waist High Rise Straight in the perfect vintage looking mid-wash blue is a bestseller for good reason. The Low Slung Baggy, Ren and Kelly should also be on your wishlist. Starting at £300 a pair, they’re certainly not cheap. But they’re worth it.
You might say this is a high street brand – but the prices are at the top of the affordable bracket and Arket’s clever denim selection comes in cuts and washes that look way more expensive than they are.
The Bloom barrel design is one of my favourites and was worn by many an It-girl at Copenhagen Fashion Week last month. I also rate the Rain flared vintage blue style, which will look glorious with a pair of cowboy boots. Run, don’t walk, to this denim department.
These are on the pricier side, but I can attest that when it comes to pound-per-wear you can’t get much better. I bit the bullet and invested in a pair a year ago – now I only wish I had bought them sooner. They have become my most worn style to date, and my most complimented.
My Bridget boot high rise is designed with DL1961’s trademarked Instasculpt™ technology, which seriously smooths, sculpts and conforms to your body shape for the perfect fit (especially across your backside). If you want camera-ready legs, look no further.
One of the USA’s finest exports, Mother is one to definitely have on your radar. This brand treasures local craftsmanship, with over 95 per cent of their denim and over 90 per cent of their overall manufacturing done locally in Los Angeles. Meghan Markle is a regular wearer of their jeans, as is the model Alessandra Ambrosio and the actress Reese Witherspoon. And the petite offering comes very highly recommended with five star reviews.
Everlane makes jeans with just the right amount of whatever you’re looking for: rigid denim which has just the right amount of give and accentuates your true waist, but holds you in, and gives you legs for days, in cuts that are not too wide and not too slim.
I also love the slightly alternative neutral shades they produce, such as a brown bitter chocolate and the perfect oat-toned beige.
If a brand’s green credentials determine whether you buy from it or not, then Reformation’s eco-policies are second to none. It just so happens that the denim department is also VERY chic.
I had to size up slightly on mine, being wider in the hip and thigh area. But the size range in general is impressive, from W23 to W34 and petite to long. I especially love the way they do prints and studs, as well as gorgeous classic washes.
