Its time for designer handbags to step aside — a new fashion icon has emerged: the designer jean.

Designer jeans have been all the rage in the fashion world for the past few years.

“It’s at the point now where denim is a million-dollar industry,” says Robert Matencio, the store manager of Mercer in University Village.

Matencio says the prime difference between designer and brand jeans is the quality.

“The designers only do specialty denim, [so] they are able to control the quality of the denim,” he said. “[They] tailor the fit of the jeans and the washes.”

Matencio says that brand stores produce such mass amounts of jeans that they cannot control the quality and fit of the denim. Quality attention to detail is what makes the difference in the end, he said.

Sophomore Elise Gaudette wears both designer and brand jeans. She first started wearing designer jeans because she found that they fit her better. Gaudette said that she found these jeans were better fit for her long legs.

“They’re cut better so they just fit more people better,” she says. “They’re a higher quality in denim and better cut.”

Matencio explains how associates help clients find a pair of jeans.

The first thing clients do is look at the wall of denim in the store.

“[We] ask questions like what kind of fit are you looking for,” he said. “Flare, boot cut, [or] skinny.”

Matencio said they also ask if the client wants a light or dark wash and a mid or low-rise. He also said that there is a difference between evening denim and work denim. For example, work denim is more uniform.

“We also ask what denims have you normally worn before,” he said.

These questions and the client’s body type will determine what jeans will fit best for the client.

For example, Matencio said that Seven jeans are more narrow to the hip and therefore better for boys’ bodies.

“Citizens [of Humanity] are more with a curve to the hip and to the butt,” he said. “If you’re a little bit more of a womanly figure, then Citizens are better for you.”

“Our top five brands don’t change too much,” he said. “Citizens, Sevens, True Religion, Joes, and Rock and Republic.”

A hesitation for students is the cost of the jeans. Gaudette said that she does not buy her designer jeans at retail price.

“There’s this place in California that sells designer stuff for really cheap,” she said. “It’s all current designer stuff but its at least half price. I got Seven jeans for $40.”

Gaudette said that this store is not in Washington, but Ebay is also a great alternative.

“You don’t have to buy them full price,” she said. “You just have to be willing to look for them. Shop sales.”

Gaudette said there are occasions when she prefers brand denim.

“One thing that I really like about the Abercrombie jeans is that they’re thick denim,” she says. “A lot of designer jeans nowadays are stretch.”

However, wear and tear gets to those jeans.

“The downside of Abercrombie jeans is that they only last a couple months before you get holes in knees and holes in the crotch,” she said. “I’ve had my Sevens for two and a half years. [I’m] still wearing them and they’re fine.”

Gaudette says she thinks owning many designer jeans is worth it.

“Spending a little bit of extra money for something that is going to last a little longer is more worth it in the end,” she said.

Matencio says that jeans have become a status symbol.

“It’s an easy and accessible way to show that you’re fashionable [and] in style,” he says.

He says it started with celebrities.

“Pretty much Kate Moss single-handedly introduced the skinny jean when she wore that a year ago,” he says.

Because denim is worn so much, Matencio says there is an increased demand for the latest and the hottest.

Gaudette agrees.

“[There are] people who really flaunt it,” she says. “I don’t want to talk about it. It’s not about the name to me. It’s about the quality.”

“[Denim is] a staple in the wardrobe,” says Matencio.

Three pairs of jeans compared

Sevens

These jeans were comfortable the second I put them on. They last over time and I like the wash. I also noticed they were triple-stitched, a sign of quality. However, one thing I noticed is that my butt did not fit well. For a brand that is said to cut closer to the hips, I was surprised. This could have been an issue of size, the fit of this particular pair, or maybe this brand just does not cut close enough to the hips for me.

True Religion

The first thing I noticed about these jeans was that they were very low. It seemed to confirm my suspicions that designer jeans cut low. These were significantly lower than the Sevens. The denim was the softest of the three and incredibly comfortable. The wash I tried was a very dark wash. I often think it is hard to find a universally flattering dark wash, but this one definitely ranks in the tops. In the end though, I just could not get over the rise. If I were to ever wear True Religion jeans, I would have to find a higher cut.

American Eagle

I tried these jeans on last and it was obvious that the denim was of a different quality than the first two. It was stiffer and the texture felt and looked different. However, I noticed that these jeans had a shorter inseam. I did not trip over these jeans as I did with the others and I could go without hemming them. These jeans made a good, basic, everyday jean.

In the end, I realized that on a student budget, a mix of denim was probably best. Brand jeans are a good option for more casual denim, stretch denim and shorter inseams. Designer jeans are a good option for dressier occasions such as work and a night on the town. If you are short, like myself, consider that designer jeans tend to come with an extra, unforeseen cost: hemming. Finally, remember that since brand jeans do not last as long, they will phase out of your wardrobe more quickly.

— Ninette Cheng

ninettecheng@thedaily.washington.edu.