What makes a great pair of jeans? The perfect fit, the right amount of stretch, and high-quality fabric are all important factors.
But when it comes to finding the best denim brands in Europe, it takes much more than just good jeans. It takes familiarity with the history of denim and an understanding of the current trends in the industry. With that in mind, here is a list of some of the best European denim brands worth checking out.
Nudie Jeans
Nudie Jeans is a Swedish denim brand, founded in 2001 by Maria Erixon and Joakim Levin. Based out of Gothenburg, their mission is to promote sustainability and transparency within the fashion industry. Nudie uses organic cotton and offers repairs and alterations to extend the life of its denim garments.
Their bestseller is the “Lean Dean” slim-fit jeans, which retail for around $200. Recent collections have included a collaboration with Waverley Mills to create “the world’s first blanket made with recycled Nudie Jeans”. Nudie Jeans have become a staple in the sustainable fashion movement, offering high-quality denim at an approachable price point.
Acne Studio
Acne Studios, known initially as Acne Jeans, was founded in Stockholm, Sweden in 1996. The brand gained widespread recognition for its innovative and oversized denim designs, quickly becoming a go-to for celebrities and street style alike. Along with denim, Acne Studios offers a full range of ready-to-wear collections featuring creative and modern designs.
Prices for Acne Studios’ denim range from $240 to $850, putting them on the higher end of the market. Recent collections have included plenty of bold colors and statement pieces, including neon green skirts and bright orange outerwear. With a strong foundation in denim and a knack for forward-thinking design, Acne Studios continues to be one of the top names in fashion today.
Blackhorse Lane Ateliers
Based in London, Blackhorse Lane Ateliers is a denim brand focusing on sustainability and high-quality craftsmanship. Founded in April 2016 by Bilgehan “Han” Ates, the brand produces all of its jeans using traditional methods at their local East London factory. In addition to their commitment to environmentally-friendly production, they also use organic cotton and recycled materials in their collections.
One of Blackhorse Lane’s bestsellers is their Slim Tapered Indigo Selvedge denim, which retails at $373.20. More recently, the brand has expanded beyond just jeans to offer jackets and shirts made with the same attention to detail and ethics. Ultimately, Blackhorse Lane Ateliers offers sustainable clothing with a strong, timeless design that is well worth the investment.
Jeanerica
Jeanerica is a Swedish denim brand with roots in the traditional Scandinavian textile industry. Founded in 2018, the brand has quickly earned a reputation for quality and sustainability. Jeanerica’s bestsellers include their signature slim-fit jeans, made from 100% organic cotton, as well as their reworked vintage designs.
The prices of their jeans for both men and women range from $200 to $300. Whether you’re after a classic pair of jeans or looking to make a statement, Jeanerica has something for every denim lover.
APC
APC, or Atelier de Production et de Creation, is a French clothing brand founded in 1987 by designer Jean Touitou. With a focus on minimalist designs and high-quality materials, APC quickly became known for its iconic denim pieces. Based in Paris, the brand has expanded to include men’s and women’s ready-to-wear as well as accessories and homeware.
Bestsellers include their simple New Standard jeans, available in various wash options, and their retro 70’s jeans. With prices for denim ranging from $180 to $250, APC caters to a more luxury market. This year, Jean Touitou himself presented his own capsule collection to mark the 35th anniversary of the brand. Overall, APC offers pieces that will stand the test of time both in style and quality.
IRO Paris
IRO Paris is a French fashion brand founded in 2006. The brand first gained attention with its signature leather jackets but has since become recognized for its denim. While IRO Paris’ headquarters are based in Paris, the brand also has offices in New York and Tokyo. In terms of bestselling items, their classic slim-fit jeans and casual jean jackets are crowd favorites. However, the brand continuously releases new collections that offer unique takes on denim, including distressed and embroidered styles.
Prices for IRO Paris denim range from $245 to $435, making it a luxury option for those looking to invest in high-quality pieces. Their recent collections have featured denim straight jeans and high-waisted jeans – perfect for the fashion-forward denim lover. Overall, IRO Paris offers chic and contemporary options for all things denim.
Mango
Mango denim is a clothing brand based in Barcelona, Spain. The company was founded in 1984 and has since become known for its trendy yet affordable fashion options. Mango denim offers a variety of style options, including skinny, straight, cropped, and flare jeans.
Their bestsellers include their high-waisted skinny jeans and wide-leg denim. Prices range from $35.99 to $119.99, making Mango denim a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality or style. Their recent collections have featured eye-catching details such as embroidery and frayed edges. Overall, Mango denim is a go-to option for stylish and affordable wardrobe staples.
AllSaints
AllSaints is a British brand based in London that was founded in 1994. Originally known for its ultra-cool leather jackets, the brand has expanded to include everything from clothing to accessories and even home decor. AllSaints remains best known for its denim, with its signature skinny jeans and seasonal updates like colored denim and distressed finishes flying off the shelves each year.
While AllSaints is considered a high-end brand, with most denim pieces falling in the $50 to $150 range, customers love the quality and unique designs of the brand’s denim offerings. Recent collections have played with texture and shape, such as tailored corduroy jeans or oversized boyfriend fits. With consistently on-trend designs and top-notch craftsmanship, it’s no wonder that AllSaints continues to be a go-to destination for stylish denim items.
Diesel
Diesel is an Italian clothing company, founded in 1978 by Renzo Rosso. Their signature style, often edgy and urban, is prevalent in their denim collection. Bestsellers include their skinny fit “Babhila” jeans and the “D-Viker” straight fit, both popular among fashion-forward individuals. Prices range from around $150 for basic jeans to $1,250 for one with unique details and design.
Recently, Diesel has released collections inspired by art, music, and street culture, including the Spring 2023 collection said to be divided into four chapters: denim, utility wear, “pop,” and “extravaganza.” Whether seeking a classic or more statement-making style, Diesel offers something for every denim lover.
European denim brands are a testament to the quality and craftsmanship that can be found in the industry. By sourcing materials and production locally, these companies can create beautiful jeans that last for years. If you’re looking for a new pair of jeans, consider investing in a pair from one of the many European denim brands available today. You won’t be disappointed.