At times it can feel as though we're in a perpetual search for that perfect pair of vintage Levi’s - an endless cycle of spotting a pair that ‘might just be the ones’, before discovering that you’ve grossly mistaken what size they are, or, after purchasing, realise that they may well slice you in two, via crotch.
To us, the perfect pair has a few non-negotiables: 100 per cent cotton (the lack of leeway looks great from behind), a just-right worn-in wash, and if people don’t exclaim “great jeans!” when you wear them, they might not be 'the one'. With this rhetoric, shopping for vintage jeans is the obvious choice. However, with our time so often stretched thin across the board, spending what feels like years searching can be intimidating at the best of times (our vintage shopping tip is: a little bit, often. In case you stumble across 'that' pair).
Is the time spent trawling worth the rush when you finally come across your forever pair? Definitely. Is it realistic that this is your only way to reach denim nirvana? Probably not. That’s why we’ve compiled an edit of our favourite jeans that look vintage, but likely come in the size and cut to suit your modern silhouette.
Basically, the shape that all jeans wish they were. The Levi’s 501 is one of the most covetable cuts in denim history. They've recently blessed us with the return of the cult favourite style, making it accessible to all in a range of sizes.
Softly worn and cropped at the ankle, Bassike's make is a good option for the shorter jean lovers amongst us, where the prospect of finding great vintage denim and having to alter them still haunts us.
Known for their collaborations with Levi’s and a cult-like status amongst celebrities, Re/Done's perfectly worn details and longer leg make them the go-to cut for our favourite model muses.
The brainchild of stylist Stevie Dance, this is the ultimate cool-girl cut. Designed, assembled and sustainably washed in California, The Genuine Jean is also the forever jean.
For those in favour of a longer lined, more distressed feel, the Ksubi X Kendall Jenner jean is just the ticket. The straight leg that favours on the wider side, paired with slouchy details gives them effortless attitude.
