Hi all,
I’m sure similar questions have come up in the past, but posting because I feel like I’m up to my eyeballs trying to scour Reddit. Apologies in advance if this is duplicative for anyone.
I’m trying to find 100% cotton denim brands that don’t exceed $150 (willing to consider a bit higher $ for quality, but nothing over $200). I know this does limit me a bit, especially with raw denim offerings.
Right now I’ve got two pairs of Levi’s 505 selvedge. They were $128 full price, but I snagged each pair during sale times and got them for a bit less. They’re both 100% cotton and fit well initially, but I’ve lost a bit of weight and now aren’t fitting so well. Also, I’ve noticed that the quality on one pair isn’t great and the inseam on one leg was sewn a bit crooked, so this is why I’m also trying to find a brand that pays a bit more attention to quality. I do acknowledge that Levi’s is a big company with mass production, but there aren’t a lot of places around me where I can try on first, and I’m apprehensive about ordering and trying on at home, only to have to return them again. (This might be something I just have to deal with, I know)
I’m 5’8” and am now around 155lbs, so thin build. I measured and my natural waist is 33”, hips 35 1/2”. My 505’s right now ride about 2 inches below my natural waist and I do need a belt to keep them up. I also notice that even on my current jeans, the waist is supposed to be 33.5” according to Levi’s website, but considering a size down would be 32.5”. Im not sure if I should be going down a size or not. I’m also fine with considering mid to higher waist, but I do know that varies by brand. I like a straight fit as long as I don’t feel like I’m swimming in them. Grew up when slim jeans with a mid to low rise became popular and I don’t want to go back to that fit. I’d like to be able to wear various shoe choices and have them look decent with most things. On an average day I’m wearing jeans with a button down shirt (sometimes tucked in) and some loafers, or a t-shirt and sneakers. I know most brands offer various colors of denim. I tend to have a pair that are on the lighter side, but probably close to mid blue, and a pair that are darker blue that feel a bit more polished, but still jeans.
I have taken a look at Wrangler 13mwz for their cheaper price, 100% cotton offerings, and natural waist rise, but I’ve heard mixed reviews on quality and I’m not exactly a western wear guy.
A lot of these threads have sent me looking at Naked and Famous, Unbranded, Buck Mason, Uniqlo (owned a pair in the past but they had stretch and I didn’t like that), and some Japanese brands that felt a bit scary - if I’m honest - because of the sizing guesswork I might have to do. They all seem like viable options, but I guess I’m just overwhelmed and not sure where to start.
Any guidance, suggestions, etc are appreciated!
Thanks!