Simple things can be the most pleasurable. They're often also the hardest to get right, but when you do nail it, the rewards are all the more satisfying. A crusty loaf of bread slathered with the best butter money can buy, an ice cold gin and tonic on a hot day, a playlist that matches your mood? Unbeatable.
It's the same with a good pair of jeans. You'll never feel better than wearing a pair that fit you like a glove, but leave the house in an ill-fitting ones and you'll spend the day feeling like you're walking around with a stone in your shoe.
More annoyingly, finding the right pair can be a rigmarole. Heading into a changing room, arms piled high with jeans is one of those daunting, take a breathe and commit to the process, fashion moments. Plus, denim's high price point and reputation as being one of the most environmentally damaging sectors in the fashion industry means that you do want to buy a pair that you'll get plenty of wear out of. To make it a smidge easier to know where to start, we asked a handful of our friends to tell us about the pair they pull on time and time again.
Find your pair, match with a classic white t-shirt, and never look back (except to check yourself out).
Rolla's 'Sailor' jeans, $180
Worn and recommended by Annabel Hawkins, writer
I'm not a jeans girlie; I never have and never will be, and for that, I blame the skinny jean trend of the early 2000s for giving me body dysmorphia as a teenager. BUT THEN, about five years ago, I walked into a store in Wellington and, after being coerced by my sister, emerged with a pair of Rollas Sailors, and my life changed forever. These are the high-waisted, great on the butt, loose on the leg, seamless transition from day to night kind of jeans that'll make you forget you had worries in the first place.
Toteme twisted seam jeans, $469
Worn and recommended by Chloe Julian, designer and founder Videris
The latest pair of jeans I have purchased are from Toteme and I absolutely love them. They are a classic black denim 5-pocket style made from 100% organic cotton, however the cut is really interesting with a cropped and tapered leg. I think this length and detail looks so flattering on the leg and means you can also make a feature of wearing a really cute shoe.
Eloquii jeans
Worn and recommended by Tanya Barlow, nail artist and podcaster of 2 Fat 2 Furious
Jeans are a tricky one for curves, navigating constricting fabric and waist gaps all at once, but one of my favourite pairs is a patchwork number from Eloquii, a US-based plus sized label. Took them to Japan and they were great! They're baggy and cool and comfy, and I always get compliments on them.
I'd also shout out Fashion Brand Company's Nap Jeans for Big Butts, which are stretchy and have an elasticated waistband specifically to deal with the waist gap, and goes up to 4X! Same for SÜK workwear, they make awesome denim overalls, jeans and shorts in a few colours, all of which I own and love.
Citizens of Humanity 'Horseshoe' jeans, $550
Worn and recommended by Courtney Joe, stylist
I kind of hate that I’m a jeans-and-a-nice-top girl. Being a stylist, I feel like there’s always this huge expectation to be extremely well dressed, all the time! But being on-the-go means practicality and comfort, and 99% of the time I’m in denim. Most recently, my go-to jeans have been the Citizens of Humanity Horseshoe jeans from Simon James. They’re hard-wearing and relaxed, yet the horseshoe curve ever so slightly refines their baggy silhouette. I’ve worn them almost every day for the past six months and I’ve been so impressed with the comfort and quality that I now have my eye on the brand’s Ayla Jean too.
Kowtow 'Sailor' jeans, $289
Worn and recommended by Bonnie Brown, illustrator Studio Bon
I’m quite literally obsessed with Kowtow's Sailor jeans. Look, I’m a 29-year-old millennial so I don’t think I’m ever giving up a high-waisted pant, and these are the perfect pair. And magically, at 5’3 I don’t need to hem them. I own them in both an off white and dark denim and have to stop myself from getting another pair.
Levi's Ribcage Bell jeans, $180, and Levi's 501s, $180
Worn and recommended by Brodie Kane, broadcaster, podcaster and co-host of The Girls Uninterrupted
I bought the Ribcage Bell jeans this season. I'm completely back in love with the old faithful Levi's and I have always loved a flared style jean or pant so these were a no brainer. They elongate the legs and are so good with a nice top to take you from day to night (a classic millennial requirement).
The 501s are a classic jean that can be dressed up or down, with a sneaker or boot or sandal. They are super comfortable, and god bless Levi's for knowing how to do the back of a jean well. It's a 10/10 butt in Levi's.
Marle wide leg jeans, $280
Recommended by Claire Hammon, creative director Meadowlark
I've always been a dress wearer and have struggled to find jeans to fit my shape, but earlier this year I went on a mission to get new jeans and found the perfect pair at Marle - the wide leg jeans. I bought a size up and they hang low and loose and I am so into them that I actually don't know how to dress myself any other way anymore.
Neue 'Nico' jeans, $189
Worn and recommended by Layla Kaisi, founder Layla Kaisi Collection
In my opinion the best pair of jeans are the ones that you pull out of your wardrobe without even thinking twice, the ones that feel so completely effortless, but also give you that semblance of being put together even on days that you feel completely low-key. For me the jeans that do this for me are my Neuw Denim pair - they are thick, durable, and non-stretch (I personally hate soft stretchy jeans!). As any good pair should, over time they have completely formed to my body and are now my go-to on both a casual Sunday, or when creating that effortless chic aesthetic with a bold blazer and heels.
Having a shorter torso and longer legs, I love jeans that accentuate my waist and fall into a relaxed fit from the thigh down, it is tight in all the right places and transitions into a straight wide leg that is versatile within any look.
Lee 'Grace' denim boilersuit, $240
Worn and recommended by Biddie Cooksley, founder Tuesday Label
Growing up in a denim factory (my family specialised in NZ denim production for decades), I’m a convert from way back and know my way round a good pair of jeans! Not one to shy away from a statement piece, my latest purchase is a boilersuit from Lee. We’ve just brought the iconic brand into store at Tuesday and I’m obsessed. It’s a great blue (the perfect wash is super important) and the stretch denim fit is firm but comfortable.
