7 Durable, High-Quality Denim Brands Like Levi’s

‍

When most people think of the perfect pair of blue jeans, they think of Levi’s—and for good reason: Levi Strauss was part of the duo that introduced denim pants to the world in 1873.

Denim soon became an American staple, with the durable rivets and classic straight-leg fit of Levi’s iconic 501 jeans setting the bar high for denim done right. 

Levi Strauss deserves credit for creating one of the most iconic American clothing brands. But many other brands like Levi’s are worth exploring, too—denim companies with sustainable practices and unique washes that give the OG American-made jeans a run for their money. 

Ready to expand your denim wardrobe? From factory-made workwear to selvedge denim, flare jeans to baggy cuts, here are seven top brands of jeans that rival Levi’s in quality and style. 

7 best denim jeans brands offering durable fits

If you’re looking for durable denim with as much fashion cred as Levi’s, these seven clothing brands make some of the best jeans for women—and most of them are thriftable on ThredUp. 

1. Imogene + Willie 

 Imogene + Willie earns the top spot on our list because of one important quality that sets this jeans brand apart: While Levi’s, Wrangler, Lee, and other celebrated jeans makers are thought of as quintessential American clothing brands, this Nashville-based denim designer is the only one that can still boast 100% American-made jeans. 

Founded in 2009, Imogene + Willie takes an artisanal approach to jeans, crafting their made-in-USA pieces from premium selvedge denim woven on antique looms. The brand offers denim pants in multiple fits, including low/mid-rise, mid/high-rise, high-rise, and super high-rise. 

Style tip

To elevate your workwear, pair the Elizabeth high-rise skinny jeans from Imogene + Willie with a tailored blazer, silk camisole, and heeled ankle boots—the perfect look for a client lunch or business-casual conference. 

2. Wrangler

Founded in North Carolina in 1947, Wrangler Jeans Co quickly became one of the most iconic American clothing brands. Since Wrangler’s denim was initially designed for cowboys and rodeo riders, it’s no surprise that jeans lovers came to associate the brand’s men’s and women’s styles with rugged durability, workwear, and reinforced rivets. 

Wrangler’s Cowboy Cut jeans are a classic choice that never goes out of style. Much like Levi’s, their solid construction and relaxed fit are a go-to for anyone who wants long-lasting jeans. 

Style tip

Channel classic Americana fashion by pairing Wrangler’s dark-wash bootcut jeans with a light-wash denim button-up shirt and a leather belt. Add cowboy boots to complete this denim-on-denim look. 

3. AG Jeans

‍AG Jeans is a premium denim brand that was launched in 2000. Blending luxe stretch fabrics with a sense of Los Angeles cool, every pair of their blue jeans uses stunning craftsmanship to create a flattering silhouette. 

Like Levi’s, AG Jeans is known for innovation and sustainability. Try their Mari Crop and Everett denim for a polished everyday look. 

Style tip

Wear straight-leg denim from AG Jeans with a silk blouse and ankle boots. This outfit makes for an easy transition from casual Fridays at the office to after-dinner drinks, especially if you opt for jeans in a dark wash. 

4. Lee 

With over a century of denim innovation under their belt, Lee has earned their place alongside Levi Strauss and Wrangler as a legacy jeans brand, even revolutionizing pants by adding the zipper fly to jeans in the 1920s. 

Lee’s High Rise Daisy Print Flare Jeans are fun if you love retro styles and bold, ‘60s-inspired fashion. For something a little more understated, reach for their Slim Crop Rider Jeans. Lee also offers a full range of women’s clothing, from shorts and capris to jackets and outerwear. 

Style tip

Wear Lee jeans, a graphic tee, and a boxy jacket for an elevated streetwear look. Throw on your favorite sneakers, and you’re ready to roll. 

{{inline-banner}}

5. Atelier Détails

Atelier Détails is a boutique clothing brand from Montreal specializing in raw denim. They’re known for unexpected design details like asymmetrical seams, raw hems, and reversible pockets. Their jeans are perfect if you love premium fabrics and fashion that stands out. 

Atelier Détails was founded by “Books,” who dropped his first collection in 2023. The ''Amor Mio'' Reversible Double Pocket Jeans are unisex and made of Japanese denim with a leather brand patch.

Style tip 

Create a casual but stylish outfit by wearing wide-leg jeans with an ''Amor Mio'' Long Sleeve Jacket from Atelier Détails. Don’t forget the combat boots. 

6. Nudie Jeans

Founded in 2001, Sweden’s Nudie Jeans sources the highest-quality denim with a sustainable edge, using only certified organic cotton for eco-friendly denim production—they even offer free repair services for life. Like Levi’s, Nudie Jeans offers many fits, including tight, slim, regular, and loose. 

If you switch from Levi’s to Nudie Jeans, don’t sleep on their Hightop Tilde style. These black-washed, high-waisted jeans are made of organic cotton that hugs the body’s curves in all the right ways. 

Style tip

Pair Nudie Jeans’ high-waisted blue jeans, which are great for curvy women, with a tucked-in, loose-fitting tank top and an oversized blazer. Add a crossbody bag and heels for dinner out with friends. 

7. Naked & Famous Denim

Naked & Famous Denim launched in 2008 in Montreal. While this Canadian brand doesn’t fit the bill if you’re looking for American-made jeans, Naked & Famous Denim is on a mission to challenge the status quo of the premium denim market by sourcing raw, untreated denim from prestigious Japanese mills. 

Naked & Famous Denim creates jeans that serve as a blank canvas, allowing wearers to create unique fades and character over time. This approach led them to create unconventional fabrics like glow-in-the-dark selvedge denim and scratch-and-sniff raspberry-scented jeans. 

Style tip

Style boyfriend jeans from this premium denim brand with a fitted black turtleneck and a cropped leather jacket. Choose light-wash jeans to contrast the dark top and outerwear, and finish the look off with a leather crossbody bag and Chelsea boots. 

Thrift high-quality denim jeans on ThredUp 

Classic denim, meet conscious shopping. Whether you’re into selvedge, straight-leg, or vintage-inspired jeans, you can find high-quality denim brands for a smaller environmental (and economic) impact on ThredUp. 

Our Denim Shop’s extensive selection, which features American-made jeans, classic denim brands, and under-the-radar finds, supports a more sustainable fashion future. Our search filters make finding various sizes and styles easy without the guilt of overproduction or higher prices. For inspiration for styling your new denim, try ThredUp’s AI-powered Style Chat feature.  

If you’re ready to refresh your denim, explore ThredUp today to find the best Levi’s, Wranglers, Lees, and countless other premium jeans brands. 

‍