Do You Like These Jeans As Much As I Do?

By Marcus Lee

I wear jeans every day. They’re a great pant that works for everyday style; it’s casual, and suits everything. I own over 20 pairs, across several brands. Of them, I’ve worn pairs from 5 high-street brands for a while. Here are my favourite price-accessible jean options, ranked in order:

5. H&M

Straight HIGH ANKLE JEANS, $44.95 ON H&M SINGAPORE

I have 2 pairs of white straight cut jeans and 1 pair of distressed boyfriend jeans. Generally, they fit very snug and true to size. So true, they almost have no give, I don’t even bother wearing a belt with them. The straight cut jeans didn’t have much stretch on them, so I found my thighs working out every time I crossed my legs. Have worn them less over time; not at all in the last year.

4. Uniqlo

SLIM BOYFRIEND JEANS, $49.90 ON UNIQLO SINGAPORE

I’ve fallen prey to “lazy” shopping before—buying multiples from Uniqlo—but they’re a cult favourite for a reason. These jeans have so much give, and are soft and stretchy they almost don’t feel like denim (I don’t like that, but you might). Moreover, they sometimes are on sale for as cheap as $25 a pair! On the downside, they always stretch beyond salvation, so I’m left folding the waist before belting them, which can get quite annoying. Great for comfort, but you’ll have to buy a new pair every few months.

3. GAP

WEARLIGHT JEANS IN WADER FIT WITH GAPFLEX £49.95 ON GAP UK

I walked into GAP a few years ago while they were constantly going on sale. Impressed by their selection of jeans, I tried on a few pairs. I left with one, albeit a really decent pair: dark wash, slim fit, stiff but not without stretch. As a wimp for discomfort, my GAP jeans aren’t the pair I break in daily; and when I do it’s a conscious choice, but I feel instantly elevated, almost “formal.” Jeans to have dinner in.

2. Topshop

AUTHENTIC RAW HEM STRAIGHT LEG JEANS $89.90 ON TOPSHOP

Topshop is my solution for affordable Saint Laurent-looking fashion, and their jeans are a big reason. I think their jeans get better older; their fade is incredibly vintage-cool, and the denim softens so well it becomes more buttery with each wear. They also do very seasonal yet rewearable jeans in kookier silhouettes like flares, crops and boyfriend cuts; I have a pair of “Chinese New Year Red Wide Jeans.” That’s its actual name, and I love it.

1. Levi’s

LEVI’S 505 REGULAR FIT JEANS $139.90 ON ZALORA

Surprisingly, I’ve only recently gotten into Levi’s—but, best for last?! I love the 505’s and 511’s (straight and slim cut jeans with zips), and have gotten numerous pairs and numerous hem lengths. These jeans marry the old-timey ruggedness of the Wild West with the fashion forwardness of celebrity street style. They’re my best buys so far, and always go two-for-one!