Many of us would gladly trade our prized beauty favorites for the perfect pair of jeans. Some of us wouldn’t dream of buying those trendy designer bags (okay, I’m talking about me right now – I cop bags from my Mommy – spoiled brat I am, that’s right) but will hand over upwards of $400 for a that denim! It’s all about fit (form-fitting), wash, and comfort….and usually in that order. There’s something about hopping up and down, getting that zipper to do its job, and seeing yourself svelte, polished, and HOT! If you’re like me, you buy the jeans that you barely got into because you fear they will loosen with the first wear. Secretly I hold on to those favorites that are too big now because I’m devoted to them. I simply throw them into a hot wash, the dryer, and start all over again. Don’t judge me!
My jeans have replaced my sweats for comfort wear and there are others that have become “the thing to wear” for a night out on the town. I love coupling skinny jeans, my Texan jersey, and rocking red stilettos. Jeans are priced from $20 to …well the sky’s the limit on what some will pay for the right pair of denims. So let’s take a look at Nikki Jo’s “10 Best Jeans”. Feel free to share the brands you love if I’ve forgotten any great ones. We could all use something new in our lives!
BKE by Buckle Jeans
I’m starting here because this brand made the first jeans that I fell in love with. For some reason I cannot let go of my BKE’s. Whether you’re rail thin or curvy (like me) – BKE has the jean for you! Petite’s and those with legs for days – you will all find the inseam perfect for you. They offer stretch and without.
The brand has the most precious washes and markings and coming with a great variety of stitching and studding. Best of all – I’ve washed my babies over and over again and they’ve held up.
My Current Fav: Stella Stretch Jean – it has a nice vintage appeal and rich color.
Fits: Waists 21”-31” (00-16); Inseams 29-33
Retail: You can get a good pair of BKE’s for less than $70, although my Stella’s retail for $90.
The feel of the denim is what sold me on these babies – they’re durable and keep their shape. The brand offers an upscale worn bohemian look with the cutest frayed hems. There is a baby bootleg in the Charlie style (slim fit) that I’m warming up to. The Lola is a slim curvy and the easy fit in the brand is the Sweet. Sometimes you just need a boot cut that isn’t out of control. The black wash in their brand is also long lasting! They make my bum look amazing!
My Current Fav: Sofia Boot Jeans – I need and love the curvy fit.
Fits: Waists 24”-33” (00-16); Inseams 29-36
Retail: On Sale as low as $40 and the top end is around $130
I love my Wrangler Rock 47 for Zydeco’s but I’ve now fallen in love with Miss Me’s. Starting around 2001 western shops around the country were dazzling customers with jeweled Miss Me Jeans. I don’t know what took so long for the rest of the world to hop onboard. Being that I am a little country I was already hooked but couldn’t find any to fit my frame. My bestie’s emptied Cavender’s for a few months and then told me the good news – Macy’s and other retailers carry the brand. And better yet – they had them in MY SIZE! You can wear them to the rodeo (which I do) and to the nightclub (which I do).
Unique designs and embellishments make each pair distinctly different from the others. The flap pocket is flattering on those wishing to enhance their rump and still looks great on those who have been biologically blessed in that department. Their newest version of their jeggings is hot and really makes that word acceptable to me. The brand is known for their western and rock themes and tailored fits.
My Current Fav: Cypress Paisley Boot Cut – just enough room for my Nocona Boots when I’m a little country and perfect with my stiletto’s when I’m feeling rock and roll!
Fits: 24”-34” (00-18); Inseams 34-35
Retail: $78 – $110
Called “Sevens” by the masses, the brand offers a sophisticated look. They pump a “barely there” backside. And they have a few styles that make my legs look longer when I slip into them. I only own one pair, but I’ll be back for more.
They do a fierce trouser flare leg and they do skinny well, too. The brand fits my curves well. Remember to buy them snug! I do with any jeans but I am so glad I did with these; they seem to give a little after a while.
My Current Fav: The Kaylie – Sexy Slim Boot Leg
Fits: 24”-32” (00-14): Inseams 34 ½
Retail: On Sale around $100, regular price $150-$225
Of course, we can’t forget the classic Calvin’s. I’m all about a rich rinse so they had me at dark indigo. I love the solid washes and the jeans with the sanding and creased whiskers that give a more worn look. They have been doing this before some of the others were even imagined. They didn’t get left behind, nope – this brand has staying power. The look is still chic, stylish, and durable.
My Current Fav: Skinny Jean in Dark Indigo
Fits: 25’-33’ (00-16); Inseams 30-34
Retail: $50 – $80
There are those jean snobs who can’t imagine venturing into Kohl’s to buy $90 jeans when they have been getting their R&R fix for $200 in boutique shops. But I’m going to go for it. I’ll tell you later if the quality is the same and if they last as long. I can tell you this – the fit seems to be the same. The wash, the embellishments..all the same. Jury is still out. But I’m keeping the brand in my top ten. They certainly give a slimming effect. The fit just makes you feel sexy all over and I love the R on the bum!
My Current Fav: The Kasandra Boot Cut
Fits: 35”-34 ½” (00-16); Inseams 31-35
Retail: $50 on sale; $80 Full Price
Mek Jeans
Mek just has these little touches that you just can’t do without and these great washes. They also keep their fit for years. Soft denim and certain styles have the cutest rips and tears done just enough in a few spots. The prices are affordable for such a quality denim brand.
My Current Fav: The Naxos Skinny – has just a tad bit of spandex to ensure they slide on like a glove. And the logo M on the corner of the button pocket.
Fits: 24”-32”: Inseams 32-36
Retail: As low as $80 on sale, $100 to $160
The Entire Gap Umbrella
From the Gap boyfriend jean to those kick around Old Navy Sweetheart jeans to a pair of dressy trouser jeans from Banana Republic the brand covers it all. The classic Gap fit has lasted through a few generations and is still holding strong.
Banana Republic is known for their stylish dresses, business to after-hours attire, and sophisticated blazers and jeans.
Old Navy is great for affordable fashions for the entire family.
My Current Fav’s: 1969 Real Straight Jeans from the Gap; Trouser in Indigo at Banana Republic; and The Sweetheart Skinny from Old Navy
Fits: 00-20: The Gap offers a great range of sizes with inseams from 29 to 36; 00-16 at Banana Republic; and Old Navy has sizes 00-30.
Retail: With this brand you can get a pair of jeans from $19 up to $90 with some Banana Republic styles.
Great vintage style with the stiff to light weight fabric that seems to hold up for years, the True Religion brand has remained one of the top in the denim world despite the stiff prices. Even the tighter fit styles have a more relaxed feel without losing the look intended. You’re getting into couture jeans here so you’ll spend a little more to own a pair of these babies. And this is why my closet will only ever have one pair of True Religion jeans at a time.
My Current Fav: Joey Indigo Super T – Del Mar is hot with the side seam that runs asymmetrical gives my legs a longer look.
Fits: 23”-32” with inseams up to 36”
Retail: This is where we get pricey, but true denim lovers understand the expense: $175 – $400
COH offer’s luxury designer denim and yes…the price matches. LOL! But step in and try them on for the perfect fit and you’re hooked! I’ve pictured Oprah in her Citizens of Humanity Here
My Current Fav: The Avedon – I love the faded wash down the front of the leg and the skinny that isn’t constricting, it just kind of puddles there in a casual way.
Fits: 24”-32”; inseams 31-36
Retail: On sale you can cop a pair of COH’s for as low as 95 and retail prices are up to $250
So, what do you think about Nikki Jo’s list? Any that you disagree with? Any that I should have included? Let me know below and enter for your change to win a $100 Visa gift card…..talk to you soon!
I love my Hydraulic Jeans! I found my 1st pair at a Maurice’s for $50. I went back several months later and found the last pair in the store on clearance for $5!!! And they were my size! That was 5 yrs ago and they still fit great an are super comfortable! (and I hate jeans!) I’ve seen Hydraulic Jeans on the morning shows when they do a segment on jeans.
Amanda, you are SO RIGHT! I didn’t list them but I have a super cute pair of Hydraulics. I had to get the hem taken up (I’m so short) but I do love them!
Great article. I need to burn my jeans and get me some of those Rock and Republic ones. I’ve been seeing them in Koh’s and love the style.
YES! LOL! No mom jeans allowed, woman! Only SEXY ROCKIN JEANS here!
I need to save this list and go shopping. I hate jeans and only have 2 pair because all the rest I’ve bought are so uncomfortable!
Okay, I saved it on my home screen!! Shopping spree!
YAY! Now, I would love to see pics of your selections!
It took me years to get into wearing jeans! Now I’m hooked!
Great article!!! I am a hard person to fit in real jeans (not jeggins) so this was a great write up. Coming from a persom who.is a real human being and not a matchstick model this article provides great information. I own 3 of the 10 pair on the list and have to say the Seven jeans & True Religion are my favorites. I tend to hangout the backside of the Old Navy but they fit great otherwise. I have a few pair of Angel brand jeans from Ross stores that fit great, but tend to fade or ware quicker but for the $12-25 price tag u cant beat em.
Thanks, Sam! I’m with you on the fittings. I usually have to take 3-4 different sizes in with me each time. LOL! I’ve never tried Angel, thanks! I’ll have to check them out.
LOVE the article! Thanks for the tips
Thanks, Shani!
I love the Sofia circus fit jeans. Never tried it but just thought the curvy fit would be great for me. Hopefully with the gift card I win I could get one. Lol.
Love them! Thanks for checking it out! You’re in the contest now! Good Luck!
I love my jeans. For me personally, the biggest struggle I have in shopping and finding that perfect pair is getting my legs and bootie to fit nice and not gap in the waist. And did I mention I’m short. HA! So, with the bubble bootie and the small waist, I’ve found JBrand and Paige fit me best! Great post Nicole! Love ya!
Hey there, Ms. Hersocialnetwork.com! Lol! I’d kind of love to have that problem! Lol! Small waist & bubble bootie is what I’m going for. But i do have the waist gap issue at times. I’ve got to check out JBrand and Paige. I’m not familiar with them. I feel a new blog post coming on. Thanks for checking it out!!
Seriously, the only way I’ve ever been able to avoid the “coin slot” issue is by getting those brand of denim. JBrand can stretch out, but Paige comes in all shapes and sizes. It has enough stretch in it without loosing it’s shape on your waist!
As far as obtaining the bootie and waist…I lost 70 pounds and the way I did it was diet and signing myself up for a half marathon. I literally was so afraid of dying mid race that I kept motivated. Since you live so close, if you want to, we could sign up for a race together. &;)
Nicole, I really thought getting ready for Houston CaribFest & an upcoming cruise would get me motivated. Not! Maybe training for a marathon would be the thing to do. Yes! Let’s do it! Also I sent a DM on Twitter.