Are designer jeans worth the money?

[Kaloobear]

I'm so sick of buying cheap (ish) jeans that go saggy almost immediately. I like high waisted and skinny. Topshop's Baxter style is ideal except that they go baggy around my bum within a couple of hours of wearing, and that's straight after washing them. GAP's High Waisted Skinny are better but they don't have them all the time, none at the moment and the SA told me she doesn't know when/if they'll get them again.

I tried on jeans in Urban Outfitters today and could feel them starting to go saggy in the changing room. Argh. I tried some on in Levis too and they were ok but not very high waisted at all and felt so elastic-y I coukd tell they weren't going to hold their shape. I tried on a pair of Paige jeans too and they fit well but I just don't know if I can bring myself to spend £100-£200 if they're going to go saggy too. Or maybe that's where I've been going wrong and I should dig deep, spend more and never need to buy another pair?

Oh, and I'm pissed off with it all because the SA in Urban Outfitters told me the reason jeans go saggy on me is because my legs are too skinny. Thanks. Bitch.

Yes. I think they are.

I used to buy stacks of cheapo jeans (M&S, next etc) They were all crap. Baggy, tight, wrong length, faded etc.

Then I got some 7 for all Mankind and I LOVE them. My DH or mates usually go to NY and get me some and they are half the price there. The denim seems nicer, the fit better.... (They don't sag).
I've heard great things about the Paige jeans.

Hm, interesting...

I think what I want is basically a much thicker, less stretchy denim. Maybe I should email Donna Ida.

IMO yes they are worth the money

I love for all mankind jeans. I get them from us or Brandalley sales.

Also Hudson jeans are great and true religion.

I have had years of cheapness so now I buy expensive but well and they last ages, fit better and that makes me feel better.

The perfect jean is the holy grail. And it's worth the money

Saying that I also love Topshop martha's.

Donna Ida is fab - she's on twitter and is seriously brilliant at denim. But once you know which brand/styles work - you can get them cheaper from the US. Although Donna Ida do a loyalty scheme for online purchases and their customer service is excellent.

I have just given in to the designer jeans thing... I did go via Donna Ida and OMG I ordered online - they arrived - they fit - I passed out ....OMG ..How does she do it ?
For me its J Brand Majors or J Brand Marias....

Hth x

Yep would second Donna Ida, or the denim bit at Selfridges, for a try-on. When you've decided the ones for you, do as MrsCB suggests and buy from Shopbop. Loads cheaper and v quick delivery.

Or you can act now and really capitalise on the sales. Selfridges in particular discount their denim heavily.

Third vote for Donna Ida and Shopbop. I'm also a big fan of Ebay. Over the past 6 months I've bought three pairs of J Brand jeans (various styles) for less than 1 pair full price. All brand new with tags

Try the Levi Demi Curve's

Nudie High Kais are premium denim but a but cheaper than J Brand et al. 30% plus off today at My-Wardrobe and Matches. They're high rise, v flattering, skinny and don't go baggy.

I love J Brands and try to think on a cost x wear basis.

Nobody Cult skinny - found at Donna Ida are also a great J brand (and cheaper) alternative. High waisted and keep their shape really well

Ooh yes, love my Nudie high kais!

I used to think that it was worth it and spent a small mortgage on expensive jeans but I have recently found that so long as I buy the smallest jeans I can get into, even if they are a little snug at the start they are fine and hold their shape well.

Yy I think you do need to buy smallest size. I found some mih in tk Maxx - didn't know how posh they are but even with those they have sagged a bit on wearing. Will squeeze myself in next time

Right, thanks for all the suggestions. Am going to find a pair that work if it kills me...

That's a really good point about going for a snug pair. In Donna Ida they insist that you try on these weenie pairs which magically end up fitting. They like to prove the point that for a sculpted and form fitted shape you need to start with jeans you think are a bit too small for you. Within a few hours, certainly a couple of wears, the jeans fit you perfectly. If a pair of premium jeans are a perfect fit in the changing room, it is likely that they will become too big after a few wears. Have a read of Mimi Spencer's musings on the subject.

Try Salsa Jeans for high-waisted skinny. I have a couple of pairs and they definately don't go baggy.

I wish I'd read that piece of advise about buying jeans that seem too small. I bought what I thought were really cute tight knee-length shorts (I thought they were kinda 50's style), but after an hours wear they were far too big and looked really matronly

Yes they are. I will never go back to high street. Love MiH and 7FAM. And won't need jeans unless styles and washes change completely - my oldest 7FAM are from 2003 and I still occasionally wear them.

Another vote for For All Mankind and Paige - both worth the money ime.

Nudie High Kais are ace! I love mine

Also recommend Paige

MIH worth a try too, and their sale started today (unfortunate cock up where they charged me five times for my order - hopefully all fixed now though!)