Putting on the perfect pair of jeans is the best feeling! But it’s not always easy to find the best pair. The past few years I have discovered several brands of jeans that have not failed me!

I purchased 80 or 90% of them on major sale (I think I only paid over $100 once) but for sure believe these are all worth every penny at retail. I would much rather have one really high quality pair of jeans that will last for years even if they are a bit pricier. I actually think this way you end up saving money in the long run because you’re not repurchasing jeans every season etc.

Keep reading to learn all my secrets to scoring designer jeans for way less, as well as 7 quality jean brands.

All photos are my own and unedited so you can see the true colors.

My Size

• Size 24 Jeans (usually)
• 5’3.5″
• about 100 lbs

Free People

Where to buy: Free People, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, South Moon Under, Macy’s

Why I love the brand: Free People offers unique jeans with lots of styles and colors. The price point is usually good too, under $80.

Busted Knee Skinny Jean

The white ones are always sold out, but the denim color is included in the Nordstrom Sale here. I am wearing a 25 in the white and 24 in the blue but feel like the white fit smaller. I think I found both pairs on super sale at Macy’s, they don’t have any right now but I would keep checking back because they tend to pop up. They fit so well but I would def size up 1-2 sizes in the white, if you are lucky enough to get your hands on them!

Free People Sparkly Jeans

I couldn’t find this exact pair online, I got them last year on the sale rack at Free People and paid $24 for them. Linking a similar pair here.

Just Float On Flare Jeans

Find the light wash here and the white here. Wearing a 24 in both!

Madewell

Where to buy: Madewell, Nordstrom

Why I love the brand: Madewell jeans are such high quality and unique. They look so good on and they offer petite and tall sizing.

I am wearing the 23R. I would recommend buying your normal size as they do stretch a tad. Also come in tall and petite, but it looks like only the petite is available right now and is also on sale. I got a discount on mine when I recycled an old pair – not sure if they are still giving discounts for that but I would check! Madewell also gives you a $25 gift card during your birthday month which you could put towards a pair of jeans too.

L’agence

Where to buy: L’agence, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus

Why I love the brand: L’agence jeans are super flattering and fitted, and don’t stretch out.

I actually was introduced to L’agence and got this pair of jeans for free back in March when they were sending them to a select number of healthcare workers (my friend on Instagram told me about it!). This pair is called the Zeppelin and isn’t available right now. I am wearing the size 23. They are probably the priciest out of all the brands I am sharing but totally worth it!

BDG

Where to buy: Urban Outfitters

Why I love the brand: BDG jeans are very fitted and affordable, and hold up for years.

I bought these high waisted skinny black jeans a few years ago at Urban Outfitters. They are affordable under $60 and have held up super well!

Blank NYC

Where to buy: South Moon Under

Why I love the brand: Blank NYC are just so comfy, I love a good dark wash skinny jean.

I purchased this pair of Blank NYC jeans at South Moon Under. I can’t find this exact pair but would recommend checking in store!

Joe’s Jeans

Where to buy: Joe’s Jeans, Nordstrom Rack

Why I love the brand: Joe’s Jeans are probably one fo the softest jeans I have! Iove the hem on both of these pairs.

I bought both of these from Nordstrom Rack. They are probably the softest ones of the whole post! Linking the first pair here and second pair here. Wearing the 24 in both.

Hudson

Where to buy: Nordstrom Rack, South Moon Under

I bought these from either South Moon Under or Nordstrom rack on major sale! I can’t find the first pair online but I am linking the second pair here.