The Jean Pool

Dark wash. Medium wash. Light wash. Skinny. Straight. Bootcut. Flare. Trouser. Low rise. High rise. Basic. Sandblasted. Distressed. Ripped. Though it’s a wardrobe staple, picking the right denim can be a long, arduous task. Over the last couple of years there have been several brands that have really stood out from the masses as providers of unique premium denim.

Citizens of Humanity’s creative director and CEO, Jerome Dahan, developed his vision based on the logic that “a good fit and an interesting wash isn’t good enough anymore.” Dubbed “Citizens” by lovers of the brand, Jerome Dahan and Adriano Goldschmied design the line out of their LA offices. Featuring a flawless mix of American and European styling, models like the Avedon Slick Skinny for ladies, and the Sid Classic Straight Leg for men will have wearers turning heads.

Like Citizens, Joe’s Jeans are designed out of LA, but offer something truly original. They have their own jegging collection (jeans + leggings) with over 40 different treatments and washes. The jeggings look nearly identical to regular jeans but fit like a glove—a great option for a wide range of body types, but more specifically for svelte figures who have trouble finding form fitting denim. If you’re looking to stick to more traditional denim, the president of Joe’s Jeans, Howard Codas, recommends the popular Honey bootcut and Chelsea slim fit for women, and the Classic Fit and Brixton skinny for men.

Tucked away on Queens Street in Toronto, you’ll find Klaxon Howl. Owned by Matt Robinson, the vintage-inspired pieces that fit between the walls of the store have become favourites of fashion conscious men. Though there seems to be a tilt towards vintage wear in the last few years, few are able to marry it with the modern in a way that’s appealing and interesting. Klaxon Howl does not suffer from this syndrome. Their seamless blending of the old with the new creates pieces that will stand the test of time. They pride themselves on the fact that “all designs are produced in small batches locally using construction techniques on Union Special sewing machines and vintage fabrics and notions.”

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge to ease the process of finding the perfect jeans, check out the websites of our denim picks for the latest lines. You’ll find accessories and shirts that will pair perfectly with each style of denim. Just don’t throw your old Levi’s away—they might be worth something one day.

[www.citizensofhumanity.com]
[www.joesjeans.com]
[www.klaxonhowl.com]

Words: Alicia Wrobel
Photography: Felix Wong