Denim jeans, non-selvedge under $250
Mostly prep style but looking to get a pair of jeans for the first time in 10+ years. Used to wear Lucky brand, don’t think I’ll wear selvedge enough to break then in within 4 years. Rec’s on favorite straight leg, darker pattern jeans? Fairly tall and thin, 35+. Will be in DC and Chicago in the next month, Appreciate your help!
6 Replies
When you talk about breakin, do you mean raws? Selvedge shouldn't affect break in. orSlow 105s are good in this range, Fullcount is popular in here but haven't tried them myself.
I’m probably conflating selvedge and raw denim, thanks.
Not looking for something that takes 100+ wears to break in or heavily bleads/crocks onto other clothing or furniture
Yeah thats raws, you don't need those
if you're willing to go secondhand dc's flea markets tend to have a lot of 90s levi 501/505, and usually the darker washes are slower sellers
wrangler cowboy cut is a good option and sold in many department stores
i like nudie jeans for what you are looking for. they also offer free repairs for life, which I really appreciate from a sustainability perspective.
To be clear though you dont need to beat selvedge denim to shit for it to be comfortable. When you say darker pattern, do you just mean dark indigo? Because I'd still recommend selvedge at this price point. If you're not beating it for super high contrast fades you'll still have a nice dark blue pair that lasts. I do get the worry about crocking but some brands are more guitly of that than others, and you can mitigate it by buying one-wash or rinsing/soaking a new pair.
Orslow 105s are nice for sure, really interesting slubby denim.
Sugar Cane 1947s are a classic straight fit.
If you can find it in the 'True Guy' fit, Naked & Famous has previously made a 'Forever Blue' jean that allegedly doesn't fade (but their other cuts are not great IMO).
Otherwise at that price point you can definitely grab a pair of vintage 501s/550s and still have 3/4 of your budget leftover. I'd go vintage over new for them tbh, they changed the modern fit and they're not very flattering (low back pockets, weird rise).