I'm a Fashion Editor Who Loves Denim: 6 Pairs of Jeans That Have a Vintage Appearance But Are Actually New

      I don't have the exact numbers, but when it comes to vintage shopping, I would argue that jeans are the most desired item. Even within my small group of friends and fellow NYC editors, I often hear that people prefer to spend their leisure time vintage shopping on the Lower East Side in search of the ideal worn-in jeans. Some even travel over 6000 miles to places like Tokyo or Paris just to shop at stores such as The Parisian Vintage and Ragtag. While it sounds appealing (what fashion enthusiast doesn't want to shop whenever possible?), what often goes unmentioned is the high cost of vintage jeans these days, the expertise needed to navigate through different eras of sizing and fabric, and the time required to sift through clothing racks. Additionally, there are numerous jeans styles available on the market that replicate the texture, color, and silhouette of vintage finds while remaining new. To illustrate this, I took on the task of finding the best vintage-looking jeans, trying them on, and wearing them around NYC. I focused on brands like Levi's, AG, Agolde, Citizens of Humanity, and others that are creating denim with a lived-in, relaxed vibe. Continue reading to discover six jeans that offer the genuine appearance of a cherished thrift-store find without the actual wear. Thank me later.

      **Best Vintage-Looking Jeans at a Glance**

      - Best Overall: Gap Low Rise '90s Loose Jeans ($53)

      - Best Low-Rise Jeans: AG Sandra Jeans ($245)

      - Best Straight-Leg Jeans: Mother The Lil Reifler Jeans ($268)

      - Best Baggy Jeans: Agolde Vintage Loose Jeans ($258)

      - Best Printed Jeans: Citizens of Humanity Anissa Jeans ($298)

      - Best Bootcut Jeans: Levi's 725 Heritage Jeans ($41)

      **Gap Low Rise '90s Loose Jeans**

      *(Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)*

      **My Review:** Hailey Bieber is a fan of vintage denim. When she's not in activewear, she's sporting jeans, particularly loose, low-rise vintage Levi's from Denim by Orlee. Recently, she has been seen wearing Gap's Low Rise '90s Loose Jeans and she loves them so much that I had to try them myself to see if they had a vintage look and fit well for someone like me. For those curious about their worth, the answer is a resounding yes. These jeans are made from a soft, semi-stretchy denim that provides an effortlessly loose fit. Following Bieber's lead, I chose her favorite wash: Dark Blue Indigo. Though the color appears darker in person, I appreciate them for their authentic fading, reminiscent of well-worn jeans.

      **Sizing Tip:** Size down

      **Shop the jeans:**

      **Agolde Vintage Loose Jeans**

      *(Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)*

      **My Review:** Agolde is known for denim that skillfully captures a worn-in aesthetic. While many fashion enthusiasts recognize popular styles like the '90s Pinch Waist and Low Slung Baggy, they've introduced a new contender for a vintage feel: the Vintage Loose. True to its name, it’s designed to be relaxed. What sets this pair apart is its unconventional take on the low-rise trend. Although it's intended to sit low on the waist, the jeans actually have a 12.75-inch rise—a typically high-waisted measurement. For that perfect oversized, slouchy look, consider sizing up.

      **Sizing Tip:** Size up if you want them low-waisted and baggy

      **Shop the jeans:**

      **Mother The Lil Reifler Jeans**

      *(Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)*

      **My Review:** They say, "When you find something that fits perfectly, buy it in every color," and I'm following that advice with these Mother jeans. Created in collaboration with model Paige Reifler, the Lil Reifler style merges the best aspects of '70s, '80s, and '90s jeans. It features a mid-rise straight-leg silhouette with a subtle kick-style hem that gives it a slight bootcut appearance. I first purchased Daydreamer, the lightest blue wash, in April. It exhibits a vintage wash and worn-in look that balances beautifully with the rigid, non-stretch denim. I later added Starry Eyed, a rich black inspired by '90s aesthetics that appears deep blue due to the subtle fading. Now, I just need to acquire the medium and classic blue washes to complete my collection.

      **Sizing Tip:** Choose your true size for a fitted appearance; size up for a baggy look

      **Shop the jeans:**

      **AG Sandra Jeans**

      *(Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)*

      **My Review:** Just in case you haven't noticed, skinny jeans are making a comeback. However, I'm not quite ready to embrace the ultra-tight styles of the past, so I've been searching for vintage-inspired