Denim heaven: Where stylists find their favourite jeans
image via @jadeleungstylist/instagram
words by lara daly
“The best strategy is keeping your favourite pair long enough to outwit, outplay and outlast every trend cycle.”
Jeans seem to be the one item I’m always buying, yet always in search of. From summer to winter, I live in denim year-round and each pair I own is the foundation of every outfit. There’s the low-rise, butt-hugging going-out jeans; the ripped, worn-in weekend Levis; the wide-leg APC office jeans… the list goes on.
Most of my friends and co-workers own around six pairs. Most stylists I know own closer to 20 – proof that they’re in tune with the subtleties of denim. They know that every wash does something different to the look. They know not to check the label for size, but for fabric composition. They understand that, much like finding the perfect T-shirt, a pair of jeans isn’t basic; it’s the most stylish thing you can wear.
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Of course, tracking them down isn’t easy. I don’t think there’s anything more humbling than trying on jeans at a thrift store. For every pair that works, there are 10 that don’t fit you in ways you haven’t even considered. Apparently this is all part of the fun. Below, seven stylists share their best tips for buying denim and how they stumbled upon their favourite pair.
Katherine Rose
I tend to purchase options that feel super comfy but also have an interesting design element like a cool wash, cut or distressing, so that I can get ready in a rush and still have an interesting look. I love G-star raw and Diesel for denim, as well as St Agni and Karlaidlaw.
My favourite pair at the moment is the Christopher Esber Deconstruct jeans (pictured). They’re a simple faded black wash but they’re super long – something I always prioritise as a tall girl. I want my jeans to be on the floor and draping over a heel. My tips for jeans are to triple-check the length and size up – I find tight denim uncomfortable, so I’m always after a baggier waistband that I can add a cute belt to.
Jade Leung
I happened upon my favourite pair of jeans whilst at a PAM sale. I was there intending to find a new jumper, but as is so often the case, you find the most perfect wardrobe items when you least expect it. These jeans might be unisex, to be honest I didn’t even look at the size when I decided I’d try them on. They sit a little big around my waist, and fall straight down my leg, always covering my shoes perfectly, whether I wear heels or flats. A massive part of my staple wardrobe for any occasion.
Kimberley Jonjin
Finding the perfect pair of jeans is such a personal experience. For the longest time, I struggled to find a style that truly suited my body shape, trying on countless pairs that never felt quite right. Then I came across the Acne Studios Overprint Midsummer jeans, and they completely changed my perspective. I realised that a mid-rise, wide straight-leg silhouette is what flatters me most – it elongates my proportions while still feeling effortless and comfortable. My biggest denim tip is to focus less on trends and more on understanding the cut that complements your body. Once you find that silhouette, shopping for jeans becomes so much easier.
Shamillar Manhika
My favourite are a pair of Effekt jeans (a brand that no longer exists) I found at Savers about seven years ago. At the start of Covid, I bleached them using letter stencils and painted over the letters. Over the years they’ve started ripping. I was sad about it at first, but I’ve since fallen in love with the new shape they’ve taken on.
I’m a huge op shop and vintage shopper, so my biggest tip is: don’t linger. If you’re lucky enough to live near op shops, skip the slow browse and head straight for the racks of what you’re after. A quick 15-minute lap beats hours of digging, which I find leads to burnout.
Valona Flamuri
Denim in Melbourne during the mid-to-late 2000s was practically a rite of passage. You’d save for Sass and Bide, Bettina Liano or Trigger jeans, then mentally prepare yourself for the fitting room. My forever pair are Grey ROY Denim jeans by Roy Christou. They’re super low-rise with detachable crossed denim suspenders, and somehow they’re still in immaculate condition. There aren’t words to summarise the lore of these jeans; they’ve followed me through enough phases of my life that getting rid of them has never crossed my mind. Turns out the best strategy is keeping your favourite pair long enough to outwit, outplay and outlast every trend cycle.
Cecile Huynh
My favourite jeans are technically denim pants if you want to get specific. They’re the Needles HD Pants in the heavier weight denim from Garb – my favourite wheeler and dealer of secondhand and vintage menswear in Melbourne. I love the exaggerated shape, and how they’ve faded really nicely over time. My favourite feature is honestly the elastic waistband and drawstring for max comfort as I do find typical jeans so uncomfortable to wear, especially on set. I like to size up for a baggier fit and more stacking at the ankle.
Milly Wright
That’s easy – my vintage Armani men’s jeans. I picked them up at Goodbyes and they’re the perfect low-rise, straight-leg fit that I’ve never been able to find buying new. I wear them all the time, they’re such a good layering piece. I’ll throw them on with skirts, dresses, shorts… honestly, anything.
I almost exclusively buy my jeans secondhand. I love that they’re already perfectly worn in and feel like you’ve owned them forever. Plus, I think the hunt is half the fun. My biggest tip is to ignore the size on the tag and try everything on. Some of my best finds have come from the men’s section. If they fit well through the waist and hips, the length can be altered.
Sabrina Raso
The Tell Me No jeans (V3) by Kahe are my perfect jeans. They’re made to fit people who struggle with the waistband gape on denim, so they’re perfect for anyone with a similar body type to me. The perfect bowling jean, my favourite for a date. They’re so hot and comfortable, rare!
I don’t generally gravitate toward denim on myself because I so often struggle with finding the perfect fit, so I know when I commit to a pair, it’s for a reason. Made in Naarm is the happy bonus – support local and small designers forever!
My insider tip would be to people-watch and go talk to anyone in your aspirational pair of denim. There’s so many silhouettes; it’s easier to get to know your cut or brand from seeing it on someone with a similar body shape to you rather than spending time looking on the internet. (And no better feeling than giving or receiving a compliment from a stranger).
For more on denim trends, try this.
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