I Recently Tested the Jeans that Kendall, Hailey, and Bella All Rave About—Here Are My Sincere Impressions.
In the fashion industry, reputation is paramount. Therefore, when a brand is accompanied by numerous celebrity endorsements from influential tastemakers, it naturally captures my attention. Agolde, a California-based denim label, has essentially set the benchmark for high-quality jeans. While the brand is dedicated to sustainable practices and modern silhouettes, it has attracted mainstream interest largely due to the high-profile clientele that champions its designs. Agolde jeans, for instance, are featured on the cover of Taylor Swift’s 2023 re-recording of 1989 (Taylor's Version), are staples in Hailey Bieber’s laid-back wardrobe, and gained pop culture prominence when Rihanna incorporated them into her maternity wardrobe while expecting her first child. (Recall the jeans she styled with that Loewe rugby jumper and Louis Vuitton handbag? They were Agolde.) Founded in the ‘90s, Agolde made a comeback in the late 2010s during a period when street style and ‘normcore’ were at their peak. The brand's dedication to crafting jeans that not only look fantastic but also feel great resonated with those who valued cultural significance in their attire.
This was a time when pairing a simple leather jacket with chunky black ankle boots, a choker, and a top knot was seen as peak style. Thus, a brand that promised to deliver jeans that were environmentally conscious, exceptionally tailored, and size-inclusive was destined to build a devoted following. And it has, with stars like Dakota Johnson and Jennifer Lawrence enthusiastically praising their affection for the brand’s jeans, alongside supermodels such as Emily Ratajkowski and Kaia Gerber showcasing the jeans effortlessly in their paparazzi-spotted outfits. However, like many things from Hollywood, it’s easy to be mesmerized by these captivating endorsements. As a fashion writer whose career involves shopping, I understand that fame and prestige alone do not assure a product’s success; it ultimately boils down to the item itself. While these celebrity endorsements suggest a well-crafted and desirable pair of jeans, sometimes it requires personal experience to truly assess the brand.
After trying the jeans for several weeks, I can clearly understand why these public figures adore the brand. They have access to the highest levels of the industry and familiarity with luxury pieces I can only aspire to own. However, Agolde’s jeans are undeniably worthy of the investment, as I soon discovered. Scroll down for my candid review of the brand favored by every trendy individual and my picks for the best Agolde jeans.
The 5 Best Agolde Jeans, Tested by a Fashion Editor
1. Agolde Harper Straight Jean
Style Notes: As someone who sees Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy as the ultimate jeans icon, it’s no surprise that I lean towards a classic cigarette-style straight-leg design. The Harper is a relaxed fit that still has enough structure to feel refined and luxurious through the leg. (There’s nothing worse than bunching at the knee or excessive gathering at the ankle.) Although they were slightly longer than my preference for my height, I didn’t find them awkward around the hips. As a true mid-rise, I wished they sat a bit higher on my waist, but they didn’t create any unflattering bulges. What I appreciated most was how comfortable they felt. With a second-skin finish, the fabric was extremely soft and breathable, perfect for a city dweller like me who's always on the go. For anyone looking to invest in luxury jeans, this is the style I recommend.
Shop the Jeans:
- Agolde Harper Straight Jean
- Material: 99% Regenerative Cotton, 1% Lycra
- Sizes: 23 - 32
- Colors: 9, including echo (a dark vintage indigo with fading and whiskering) and forum (a light medium vintage blue).
Pros: Features the brand’s "signature comfort stretch denim with uncompromising recovery."
Cons: Shorter individuals—I'm 5'5"—might need to tailor these jeans as they tend to run a bit long.
2. Agolde 90's Pinch Waist High Rise Straight Long
Style Notes: The ‘90s Pinch Jeans rank among Agolde’s best-sellers. Inspired by the decade of the brand’s inception, the shape takes cues from the prevalent cuts of the time: snug at the seat, fitted at the ankle, cropped at the leg, and strikingly straight. After being recommended these jeans by my chic colleague and Shopping Editor Florrie Alexander, I was eager to see if they lived up to the hype. Although they weren’t as comfortable as the Harper, they had a wonderfully worn-in feel, as if I had discovered them in a curated vintage store. However, this style will only work for those who prefer their jeans to hug the body closely. The signature "pinched" effect at the waist is quite sculptural, but those who dislike their jeans digging into their midsection might want
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I Recently Tested the Jeans that Kendall, Hailey, and Bella All Rave About—Here Are My Sincere Impressions.
Believe me, I had plenty.
