The 10 Best Denim Brands of 2024

Denim in 2024 is split between heritage purists weaving on vintage shuttle looms and modern brands using stretch fabrics and laser finishing. Both camps have value, and the best denim brands of the year span the full spectrum from Japanese selvedge craftsmanship to accessible everyday fits.

Orslow leads the Japanese denim conversation with their 107 Ivy Fit and 105 Standard fits — both cut from 13.5-ounce selvedge denim woven at Collect Mills in Okayama. The attention to detail — chain-stitched hems, hidden rivets, natural indigo options — satisfies denim obsessives, while the fits are modern enough for everyone else. Available at Mr Porter and select stockists.

APC remains the entry point to premium denim for good reason. The Petit New Standard and Petit Standard fits use Japanese raw selvedge denim that develops dramatic fades over 6 to 12 months of wear. At $220, they sit at the intersection of accessible and aspirational — expensive enough to care about, affordable enough to actually wear daily.

Levi's Vintage Clothing (LVC) recreated their archival 1947 501 with deadstock-accurate fabric, rivets, and construction. The result is a pair of Levi's that looks and feels like a true vintage find — full straight leg, high rise, and 12-ounce rigid denim that softens beautifully over time. At $278, they cost more than mainline Levi's but far less than actual vintage pairs at https://www.levi.com.

3sixteen, the New York-based brand, focuses exclusively on selvedge denim from Japanese mills. Their NT (narrow taper) and CT (classic taper) fits are two of the best-cut jeans available. The Kibata series uses unsanforized denim for purists who want maximum fade potential and are willing to manage shrinkage.

Naked & Famous Denim out of Montreal produces the widest variety of selvedge denim in the industry — from glow-in-the-dark weft to 32-ounce ultra-heavyweight. Their Weird Guy fit is the most popular tapered selvedge jean under $200, and the brand's transparent pricing model proves premium denim does not require a premium markup.

Also on the list: Nudie Jeans for sustainable Swedish denim with a free repair program, Agolde for modern relaxed fits in LA-washed denim, Acne Studios for Scandinavian fashion-forward cuts, and Citizens of Humanity for premium comfort stretch. Ten brands covering every denim philosophy — from rigid raw selvedge to buttery-soft everyday jeans.