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SOHO/NOLITA | UNION SQUARE | MEATPACKING DISTRICT | FLATIRON | CHELSEA | UPPER EAST SIDE | WEBSITES
Soho/Nolita
AG Adriano Goldschmied
Cofounded by selvage guru Adriano Goldschmied (creator of Diesel’s jeans line) and second-generation denim manufacturer Yul Ku in 2000, this upscale label was a pioneer in the now-saturated field of high-quality blues. Though Goldschmied’s no longer helming the company, its designs—crafted from Japanese and Italian fabric—are still coveted for their second-skin-like fit and worn-in feel. Many styles are hand-sanded to achieve their aged appearance and then tumbled with pumice stones for softness. Plunder the label’s snug downtown outpost for its AG-ed Vintage collection ($205–$325), doppelgängers for your fave ripped, faded pair, along with other classic styles, which you can get altered on the spot by an in-house tailor. 111 Greene St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-680-0581); 305 Columbus Ave between 74th and 75th Sts (212-496-5692)
A.P.C. & A.P.C. Surplus
Jeans are as American as Chuck Norris and apple pie, but this French brand has earned a devoted following on our turf for its raw denim. Yes, trying on its pieces will feel much like you’re donning cardboard pants. But these jeans ($155 and up) command your respect and devotion: Breaking them in requires patience, which the slick guy at the counter will probably tell you when giving you instructions not to wash your new acquisitions for at least a year. Bargain hounds should sniff out the A.P.C. Surplus outlet store for discounts of up to 60% and for its funky pod-shaped changing chamber. A.P.C., 131 Mercer St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-966-9685); A.P.C. Surplus, 33 Grand St at Kent Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (347-381-3193)
Atrium
Make a beeline to this hip resource for its always dependable lineup of denim labels like Joe’s, Nudie, Prps, Rock & Republic and J Brand (from $170). If you’re looking for a serene shopping experience, you might want to bring your earplugs since there’s frequently an in-house DJ spinning hip-hop in the vast marble-floored emporium. 644 Broadway at Bleecker St (212-473-9200)
Bloomingdale’s SohoStyle arbiters flock to Bloomie’s downtown location to comb through racks upon racks of high-end blue jeans ($99 and up) from the likes of True Religion, James, Joe’s and Citizens of Humanity. Not only is the emporium—formerly the home of streetwear supplier Canal Jeans—cozier than its uptown flagship, its friendly staff help make the arduous task of finding the right jeans less daunting. 504 Broadway between Broome and Spring Sts (212-729-5900)
Diesel Denim Gallery
One of two of its kind in the world (the other DDG is in Tokyo), the Italian streetwear brand’s sleek shop houses limited-edition selvage so rarefied that it’s on par with the boutique’s cutting-edge art installations by such creatives as Sydney-based collective Korban/Flaubert. True denim devotees flock to the minimally adorned spot to snap up hand-distressed pieces. With some styles costing $400, prices can rival investing in a print from a Chelsea art gallery, but fans swear that the jeans’ fit seems bespoke. What’s more, you won’t have to slave over that stubborn ketchup stain: Denim clients snag free cleaning for life for their purchases from the in-house laundry service. 68 Greene St between Broome and Spring Sts (212-966-5593)
The Good the Bad & the Ugly
Avant designer and owner Judi Rosen is always ahead of the trend at her cheery yellow nook. She was one of the first to champion high-waisted denim for the ladies a few years ago and currently advocates ’80s-inspired hits like bow-bedecked jeans with zip-up legs (from $225). Beyond hipness, Rosen also cuts her goods with other concerns in mind: Her latest foray into menswear, the skinny-fit Master Bater pants ($190), are guaranteed to enhance the wearer’s junk. 85 Kenmare St at Mulberry St (212-473-3769)
G-Star Raw
At its cavernous two-story location, the Dutch jeans-oriented brand favors basics with a Blade Runner–esque bent. Pieces feature dark, clean washes, and the signature raw selvage ($150–$230) is adored by purists. If you’re craving a denim wardrobe, G-Star’s high-end NY Raw line ($55–$550) will outfit you in indigo trench coats, coat dresses and corsets. 270 Lafayette St at Prince St (212-219-2744)
Ksubi
Formerly known as Tsubi, this Aussie label was founded by a pair of surfers and recently had to alter its moniker after some trademark troubles. Despite its name change, Ksubi’s goods for both genders remain steadfastly edgy at its downtown shrine. Its culty skinny jeans flank the walls in traditional washes like indigo (from $250) along with acid shades of purple and aqua, and even a black-and-white checkered style ($330). 219 Mulberry St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-334-4690)
Lucky Brand Jeans
A little bit country and a little bit rock & roll, this 28-year-old Californian company prides itself on its supersoft, vintage-looking dungarees ($88–$148). The four-clover label’s seven outposts offer a multitude of silhouettes including straight leg, bootleg and relaxed for lovers of West Coast casual chic. What’s more, you can chill out post-shopping with a game of billiards at the Broadway depot’s downstairs pool table or caffeinate at its in-house coffee bar. 535 Broadway between Prince and Spring Sts (212-680-0130); go to luckybrandjeans.com for more locations
Replay
Feel like your denim wardrobe is stuck on pause? Though oil heir and “firecrotch” hater Brandon Davis once served as its spokesperson, this casual Italian brand will keep you as current and stylish as Lindsay Lohan sans scathing celebrity-tabloid headlines. Mosey on into its boutique—which is decked out like a general store from the Old West—for a host of blue staples ($160–$240) adorned with patches, funkily embroidered pockets and other fashion-forward adornments. 109 Prince St at Greene St (212-673-6300)
True Boutique
Specializing in hard-to-find sizes like 00 and 16, this spanking-new boutique offers scads of insidery denim brands (starting at $46) including Guido & Mary, Beija-Flor and C.enne.V along with well-known lines like James and Jordache. There’s also an on-premises tailor who will hem your jeans for free while you wait. 278 Mott St between E Houston and Prince Sts (212-431-7709)
Grocer
Fri, Mar 28, at 11:51am
Second Blue In Green. Best place in the city for denim heads, hands down. You've also left out R by 45RPM.
Christina
Tue, Mar 25, at 12:14pm
i thought they would have at least one or two stores with prices that a middle class working american fashionable woman could afford. i don't even understand a person, with the state of the economy now, who would buy a pair of jeans more than say $60.00 max!!!! has the world gone maddddd!!!!!!!!
Andrea
Fri, Mar 21, at 03:44pm
I agree with Steve and Arthur. With the crappy state of the U.S. economy, what person in her right mind would pay those prices for jeans? Fashion, theater, real estate, health insurance, etc. etc. in NYC are overpriced, not even affordable by the middle class.
Arthur Springer
Thu, Mar 20, at 05:23pm
I thought this was going to include the $12 to $18 places for Wrangler seconds.
Poor naive me.
Ashley
Thu, Mar 20, at 05:04pm
It seems one of New York's highest quality denim boutique, Blue in Green, has been omitted. Located on Greene St. in SoHo, Blue in Green is an absolute gem and a well known store among denim aficionados throughout the country. They offer a variety of japanese selvage denim. The quality is superlative in material, construction, and style. No list of denim shops in NYC would be complete without mentioning Blue in Green.
Arthur Springer
Thu, Mar 20, at 03:22pm
i thought this was going to include the $12 to $19 places
Steve
Thu, Mar 20, at 01:49pm
Maybe I'm a dinosaur, but I still can't understand why anybody would pay over $50 for a pair of jeans. Perfect fit? If you don't have the kind of body that looks great in a pair of 501's, you have no business even wearing jeans 'cuz no brand no matter how expensive will make your fat ass look good or plump up your bony butt.
