Top Denim Brands: Unraveling the Best in Jeans

Denim jeans have long been a staple in wardrobes around the world, known for their versatility and timeless appeal. When it comes to selecting the best brands for denim jeans, shoppers often seek a combination of quality, style, and comfort. From high-end designers to iconic lifestyle brands, the market is brimming with options that cater to a variety of needs and preferences. For those looking to upgrade their denim collection, discover some of the top brands that consistently deliver on these fronts below.

Illustration of denim jeans

Best brands of denim jeans in 2025

Levi's

Levi's is a leading brand in the denim jeans market, known for its high brand profile and diverse product offerings. The company saw an 11% growth in net revenues in constant currency in FY22, with its women's business growing by 13% and its iconic 501® fit increasing by nearly 30% that year. Levi's is the No. 1 brand in denim globally, holding a market share of around 4.10% as of Q3 2024, and it continues to expand its market share through its direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategy and international diversification. For more information about their latest collections, visit their official website.

Wrangler

Wrangler, owned by Kontoor Brands Inc., is a renowned producer of denim jeans, particularly known for its workwear and cowboy-inspired designs. Introduced in 1947, the Wrangler 13MWZ style remains a staple, featuring innovations like felled outseams and 'no scratch' rivet pocket reinforcement. Wrangler's global revenue for the brand was $1.75 billion in 2023, with a 9% decrease in Wrangler U.S. revenue but a 7% increase in Wrangler U.S. own.com sales. The brand has a significant presence in Europe and Australia, and it has been endorsed by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) since 1974. Wrangler continues to innovate, with recent growth in categories such as outdoor, non-denim bottoms, and female apparel. For more details, you can explore their offerings on the Wrangler official website.

Lee

Lee, a heritage denim brand since 1889, has evolved from producing durable workwear to becoming a staple in global fashion, particularly among Gen Z consumers through niche collaborations and vintage-inspired collections. Owned by Kontoor Brands, Lee accounts for 26% of the company's business, with Wrangler making up 64%. The brand has contributed significantly to the growth of the denim market, which is projected to reach $88.1 billion by 2030. Lee's modern approach includes capsule collaborations with indie designers and an Archive collection, aligning with the increasing casualization trend in apparel. This strategy helps Lee compete in a market dominated by other major players like Levi Strauss and Co. For a deeper dive into their journey, visit the Lee history page.

Diesel

Diesel is renowned as one of the top producers of denim jeans, known for its high-quality and stylish designs. The brand has been a significant contributor to the global denim market, which was valued at $56.2 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $88.1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%. Diesel's innovative approaches to denim, including eco-friendly production methods and trendy designs, have helped maintain its market share. The brand's focus on comfort, style, and sustainability aligns with the rising consumer demand, particularly among women, who accounted for $20,487.0 million of the denim jeans market in 2020. With its strong presence in various distribution channels, including online and specialty stores, Diesel continues to drive growth in the denim industry.

Nudie Jeans

Nudie Jeans, a Swedish denim brand founded in 2001, stands out as a leader in ethical and sustainable fashion. The company has been recognized for its excellence, receiving an A grade in the Ethical Fashion Report and maintaining a 'Leader' category status with a 95% benchmarking score from the Fair Wear Foundation for nine consecutive years. Nudie Jeans has transitioned to using 100% organic cotton in their denim collections and ensures that garment workers are paid a living wage, with over 2,450 workers in India benefiting from this practice since 2013. The brand operates in over 50 markets and has a strong commitment to transparency and sustainability, as evident from their detailed sustainability reports. With a global workforce of 199 employees as of 2021, Nudie Jeans continues to prioritize quality, sustainability, and ethical practices. For more information, visit their official website.

AG Jeans

AG Jeans is a premier denim and knitwear brand, founded in 2000 by Adriano Goldschmied and Yul Ku, renowned for its innovative, sustainable manufacturing methods and eco-minded processes. The company has demonstrated revenue growth exceeding the industry average, showcasing an annual revenue of $36.7 million and a remarkable revenue growth rate of 161.1% since its inception. Leading the sustainable denim movement, AG Jeans employs advanced technologies such as Ozone, laser finishing, solar energy, and water recycling, servicing 20 countries worldwide. The brand is celebrated for its craftsmanship, fit, and fabric innovation, earning a significant market share within the industry. Despite sustainability and social responsibility ratings being considered "Not Good Enough" by some sources, AG Jeans continues to innovate and expand its eco-friendly practices, reinforcing its commitment to environmental consciousness.

True Religion

True Religion is a prominent brand in the denim industry, known for its high-quality and innovative jeans. Since its launch in 2002, the company has been a significant player, although its revenue mix has shifted over the years, with men's apparel currently accounting for 50% of the business and women's apparel at 35%. Despite this, women's jeans remain a crucial segment, aiming to reach $220 million in sales over the next three years, as part of the company's goal to achieve $500 million in total revenue by 2027. The brand has also expanded its product offerings to include activewear, varsity jackets, and other lifestyle items, capitalizing on the resurgence of Y2K fashion trends. True Religion's focus on e-commerce and its new mobile app is expected to drive significant growth, with 80% of its e-commerce sales coming from mobile devices. For more information on their offerings, visit True Religion's official website.

Nudie Jeans

Nudie Jeans is a renowned Swedish denim brand, founded in 2001, that has consistently been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. The brand has received an A grade in the Ethical Fashion Report, highlighting its dedication to putting people and the planet before profit. Nudie Jeans uses organic cotton, offers free repairs, and recycles old products, with 90% of its own production under monitoring and a benchmarking score of 95, categorizing it as a 'Leader' for the ninth consecutive year. The company ensures its garment workers are paid a living wage and has implemented a robust risk-assessment tool to maintain transparency across its supply chain. With over 199 global employees and a presence in 50+ markets, Nudie Jeans continues to set high standards in the denim industry. For more information, visit their official website.

Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein is a renowned brand in the denim jeans market, known for its high-quality and stylish products. Founded in 1968, the company has grown significantly, with global retail sales under the Calvin Klein brand reaching $9.3 billion in 2022. Calvin Klein jeans are popular worldwide, with a strong presence in countries like the UK, Germany, and India. The brand's commitment to innovation and sustainability has contributed to its market success, particularly with the younger generation. For instance, Calvin Klein's parent company, PVH Corp, has implemented policies such as banning exotic skins in their collections, aligning with modern consumer values. You can explore their stylish products and sustainability initiatives on their official website.

Frame Denim

Frame Denim is renowned for its high-quality denim and contemporary fashion, with denim accounting for 60% of its annual sales, although the brand has seen significant growth in its ready-to-wear categories, shipping more units of ready-to-wear than jeans for the first time in 2018. Known for its sustainable materials and exceptional quality, Frame Denim has attracted celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid. The brand operates with over 1,000 wholesale accounts and several brick-and-mortar locations, projecting $170 million in sales by 2019. The brand is expanding its presence, particularly in the EMEA markets, aiming to double its revenue to $60 million within the next three years. Frame Denim's average sale price on Poshmark is $47, with 1,582 items sold in the last month, ranking it 199th among all brands on the platform. You can find more detailed insights about their brand performance on Poshmark through this Poshmark data source.