Jeans are a closet staple. The right pair can take you from sightseeing in the city to sipping on cocktails or attending a red-carpet event. No other garment works as hard as your jeans.
So, it’s no surprise that you can find denim jeans at eye-water price tags. Just like designer handbags, you’ll find dozens of luxury jean brands that are in a league of their own.
Whether you’re building a capsule closet or want to splurge on a timeless purchase, jeans are a perfect choice. We’re sharing 10 of the most expensive jeans brands in the world to give you an idea of where to buy your next pair of designer jeans.
1. Rag & Bone: The Ultimate Five-Pocket Jean
Rag & Bone is a brand founded with the mission to “craft the ultimate five-pocket jean.” Although Rag & Bone has expanded as a fashion brand, its focus remains on jeans.
The brand has two decades of experience in creating some of the most sought-after years in the fashion industry.
Miramar Wide Leg Trompe L’oeil Cotton Pants, $250; Miramar Trompe L’oeil Cotton Joggers, $225; Liquid Miramar Tromp L’oeil Delicate Printed Pants; $275
Its price tag comes from its premium materials and expert craftsmanship that sit at the heart of the brand ethos. These are jeans that are made without any shortcuts.
There are almost 40 steps involved with creating one pair of Rag & Bone jeans, with distressing treatments being done by hand by talented artisans.
2. 7 For All Mankind: The Luxury Jeans That Are Perfect for Everyday
When it comes to designer jeans, 7 For All Mankind is one of the most popular. They were all over the music video scene in the early to mid-2000s.
What makes these luxury jeans unique is that they’re designed for everyday wear with a laidback aesthetic that makes them versatile and easily wearable for any occasion.
Slim Illusion Kimmie Straight with Center Front Vent, $228; Ankle Skinny with Destroy in Distressed Authentic Light, $225; Dojo in Distressed Authentic Light, $215
7 Jeans was made to fill the gap in the luxury market for casual jeans. These jeans are famous for their innovative fit, attention to detail, and fabric evolution.
Thanks to this brand, jeans went from being an off-wear essential to an everyday must-have.
3. Citizens of Humanity: The In-House Denim Brand
Another innovative denim brand is Citizens of Humanity. Its luxury price tag comes from the fact that its denim is made entirely in-house.
While most brands outsource their manufacturing, Citizens of Humanity does it all within their own facilities.
Emerson Slim Boyfriend in Upcycle, $450; Emerson Long Slim Boyfriend in Chromeo, $248; Jolene High-Rise Straight, $228
It takes at least 40 people to create one pair of jeans, with each pair inspected by hand for quality control. The brand has at least 250 sewing experts creating these expensive jeans.
This Los Angeles-based luxury jeans brand is also working to reduce its carbon footprint and become a more sustainable denim label.
4. Stella McCartney: Sustainable Luxury Jeans
When you think of British designer Stella McCartney, jeans may not be the first garment that comes to mind.
While she’s famous for her minimalistic bags, the fashion house’s jeans are amongst the most expensive in the world.
Light Blue Belted Cotton Denim Pants, $775; Multicolor Tie-Dye Denim Pants, $695; Pale Pink Twisted Seam Denim Pants, $625
What makes her denim jeans work the price tag is their sustainability. Since the foundation of her eponymous brand, Stella McCartney has been committed to producing long-lasting clothes that meet high ethical and environmental standards.
5. Acne Studios: From Denim to High Fashion
Acne Studios is a brand famous for its minimalistic and Scandinavian aesthetic that has won it a loyal following amongst celebrities like Katie Holmes and Rihanna.
Although it now offers a full clothing range, Acne Studios began as a denim brand with a focus on comfortable and super stretch fabric, as well as more rigid alternatives.
High-Waist Crop Flare Jeans, $350; 1997 Straight-Leg Jeans, $290; Peg High-Waist Skinny Jeans, $260
These jeans run true to size and are some of the most sought-after styles in Europe. Most styles are made using organic materials that reinvent classic styles with a modern twist.
6. Mother Jeans: The Denim Brand Loved by Celebrities
If you count Kate Bosworth and Lucy Hale amongst your style muses, you’ll want to buy a pair of Mother jeans.
It’s another denim brand that’s become so popular it has launched a full ready-to-wear collection. The brand was launched in 2010 by Lela Becker and Tim Kaeding to “do it all differently.”
The Rambler Sneak Running with Scissors, $350; The Pixie Ankle Fray Action Shot, $278; High-Waisted Rascal Ankle Step Fray Roadtrip Renegade, $258
The brand is known for its super-soft fabrics and indie spirit. It takes its inspiration from the laid-back feel of California in the 1970s, reflecting the freedom of the era.
If you want jeans that are guaranteed to land you on the best-dressed list, go to Mother.
7. Goldsign: The Denim Brand for the Discerning Fashionista
Another supermodel-approved denim brand is Goldsign. It’s a favorite of Sofia Vergara and Ashley Benson, known for its refined approach to modern essentials. The brand was originally founded in 2005 but reimagined in 2017.
The Morgan Jean in Blyth, $350; The Martin Jean in Marbeled Grey, $325; The Nara Jean in True Blue, $295
Goldsign is known for its timeless denim that is produced in small batches and meticulously constructed to ensure they last a lifetime. Although based in Los Angeles, the brand is led by Karen Phelps, a British designer and ‘denim visionary.’
8. E.L.V. Denim: The Luxury Denim Brand Leading the Way in Sustainability
Are you looking for sustainable jeans to splurge on? E.L.V. Denim will set you back several hundred dollars for a pair of their jeans, which are made using straps and deadstock.
The Tailored Trousers, $798; Black Match Boyfriend Jeans, $399; Bleach Contrast Straight-Leg Jeans, $433
These jeans are expensive because they’re made to order. As a ‘zero-waste denim brand’, E.L.V. Denim is leading the way for the world of luxury denim to become more environmentally friendly.
9. Made in Tomboy: The Italian Denim Brand Changing the Game
Not all designer jeans look like a more expensive version of your favorite Zara styles.
Made in Tomboy offers a creative twist on classic denim jeans by incorporating standout stitching and playful pleats for a more elevated and feminine design.
Benny Super Wide-Leg Jeans; Enea Sustainable Denim Jeans; Victoria Straight-Leg Denim Jeans
Made in Tomboy is inspired by ‘70s and ‘80s streetwear with vintage fashion infused throughout its brand DNA. This Italian brand is changing how we think about classic jeans.
10. Khaite: The Denim Brand That’s Capturing the Spirit of New York
Keep it simple with a pair of luxury Khaite jeans. These minimalistic designs have a polished look that captures the spirit of New York’s urban jungle.
This ready-to-wear brand is reimagining classic American sportswear for the 21st century, with each piece blending opposing elements, from masculinity to femininity and strength with softness.
Abigail Stretch Jeans in Lakeland, $420; The Darla Jeans in Santa Fe, $380; The Kyle Jeans in Janesville, $440
These jeans are made using exceptional materials with “subtle yet striking details.” If you want jeans that will become your signature piece, look no further than Khaite.
Which of these designer jeans will you be adding to your closet?