How to spot quality jeans (and avoid the ones that won’t last)
Some jeans last for years, while others lose their shape after one wear, or rip when you least expect it. So how do you know if you're investing in a good pair? Here are six things to look for in quality jeans.
Not all jeans are created equal – fabric, stitching, and details make all the difference. Here’s what to look for when investing in quality denim. Photo: NEOSiAM 2024+
1. Fabric weight & material
Ever noticed how some jeans just “feel better”? That’s because it’s true. Some jeans ARE better when it comes to quality, and it usually has to do with weight. The heavier-weight denim (at least 12 oz / 340 g per square meter), the better it holds its shape – and the longer it lasts.
👉 100% cotton = durable but stiff at first
👉 1-2% elastane = a little stretch for comfort without losing shape
If a pair feels “thin and flimsy”, it’s probably not built to last. On the other hand, if it feels like it could stand up on its own, you know you’ve got some serious quality denim in your hands.
Read more: Imagine the impact
2. Stitching & construction
Bad stitching = jeans that fall apart way too soon. If you’ve ever had a pair split at the seams after a few months (been there 🙋🏻♀️), you know how frustrating it is.
Here’s how to spot well-made jeans:
✔ Tight, even stitching → Loose threads? Not a good sign.
✔ Double-stitched or chain-stitched seams → Reinforced seams mean your jeans won’t betray you mid-squat.
Basically, if the stitching looks sloppy, it probably is. And that’s a fast track to ripped jeans.
Quality denim is all about the right fit, durable fabric, and timeless style – find the perfect pair that lasts. Photo: Anna Shvets.
Read more: What are we making – the Gemz app
3. Hardware & details
A cheap zipper? A button that pops off after two wears? Yeah, no thanks. Bad hardware = bad jeans.
What to look for:
✔ Metal rivets & buttons → Brass or copper won’t rust.
✔ Sturdy zippers → Brands like “YKK” (my personal fav) or “RiRi” = gold standard.
✔ Deep pockets → Because nobody wants a pocket that barely fits a coin.
Good jeans don’t just focus on the fabric – the little details matter too.
4. Fit & comfort
Jeans that stretch out too much? Annoying. Jeans that feel like denim prison? Equally annoying. The best jeans strike a ✨balance✨.
✔ Minimal stretch → Just enough to move, but not so much that they lose their shape.
✔ A fit that works for YOUR body → Not just what’s trending.
✔ Raw denim molds to your body over time → Takes patience, but totally worth it.
A good pair of jeans should feel structured yet comfortable – like they were made for you.
5. Wash & finish
Some jeans age like fine wine. Others age like … expired milk. It all comes down to how they’re dyed and treated.
✔ Raw or selvedge denim lasts longer → Develops a unique fade over time.
✔ Too many chemicals = weak fabric → Heavy distressing can make jeans more fragile.
✔ Natural indigo dye = deeper, richer color → Fades beautifully instead of turning weirdly yellow.
If your jeans look amazing on day one but fall apart after a few washes, chances are the finish isn’t great.
6. Brand reputation
Let’s be real – not all brands care about quality. Some cut corners to pump out fast fashion, while others actually do denim right.
✔ Look for transparency → Brands that share info about sourcing and production.
✔ Read reviews → Trust the people who’ve worn them before.
✔ Sustainable brands often focus on quality → Because longer-lasting jeans = less waste.
A great example? Nudie Jeans. They use 100% organic cotton, offer free repairs for life, and encourage customers to resell or recycle old pairs. Plus, their denim is built to last – so you’re not just buying a name, you’re investing in jeans that age beautifully.
A good pair of jeans is an investment, and choosing wisely can save you money (and frustration) in the long run.
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Lisa Skaar Næss | Founder @Gemz
