Low Key Vintage Denim Brands You Should Know
While thrifting with my friend, Beth Jones yesterday we talked about vintage denim brands we love. I couldn’t stop talking about my Kenny Rogers jeans. I’ve mentioned and shared some favorites on the Private IG several times, but I think they deserve a special place on the portal and in your inbox! In case if you’re new to vintage denim, I consider the following brands more mainstream and definitely on the radar: Levis, Lee, Jordache, Wrangler and Guess. The ones I’ve listed below are definitely more low key and if you find them while thrifting, jump on it!
Hot Tip: Always check measurements! Every denim brand is different so measure your favorite denim (I recommend 2 pairs) to get accurate measurements. For example, Levi’s run about 2 sizes smaller while the Kenny Rogers jeans I bought were a size 26 (my modern size).
Vintage Kenny Rogers Western Collection
Kenny Rogers Western Collection by Karman jeans are 70s – 80s era denim goodness! The jeans feature a classic high rise and 5 pocket style in mostly straight leg style. I love the “chaps” style ones that I got, but there are classic denim looks with embroidered back pockets. My favorites are: “a little bit of country’” and “lady”.
My finds:
- Kenny Rogers Vintage Jeans, $60 (same exact ones I’m wearing!)
- VINTAGE KENNY ROGERS WESTERN COLLECTION KARMAN JEANS SIZE 15/16 (RUNS SMALL), $20
- Vintage Kenny Rogers Western Jeans 26×35 High Rise Straight Dark Wash Purple, $29
- Vtg Kenny Rogers Jeans Women’s 26×35 No Tag Dark Wash Bareback High-Rise, $20
Bill Blass
If you’re looking for super high waist mom style jeans (think pleating and tapered leg), then Bill Blass denim from the 80s and 90s should be at the top of your list. I do love the detailing on the waist of most of the denim, but many of the jeans don’t have back pockets (which is a must for me).
Fun fact: Nanny Fine (The Nanny) wore many Bill Blass jeans!
My finds:
- Vintage Bill Blass Women’s Denim Blue Jeans Boot Cut Unhemmed See Desc size info, $10
- Vintage retro 80s/90s Bill Blass jeans Light wash High Waisted 100% Cotton size, $32
- Vintage 80s Bill Blass Pleated Tapered Mom Jeans High Waist Light Wash Hong Kong, $45
- Vintage Bill Blass Pleated Denim Jeans Women’s Sz 6 Stretch Waist Highrise 80’s, $27
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Gloria Vanderbilt by Murjani
Did you know Gloria Vanderbilt jeans were the First Designer Jeans in the World and the First Jeans exclusively designed to fit a Woman? In the 1970s and ’80s, Gloria Vanderbilt sought out to create jeans that were figure-hugging, upscale, and would “really hug your derrière.” Guess, Calvin Klein and Jordache would copy her styles later on! Her denim is super high waist and features a beautiful straight leg. I want to get them in a dark wash to wear with heels and boots!
My finds:
- WOMENS 80’s VINTAGE GLORIA VANDERBILT MURJANI 26” Waist HIGH Rise 12” JEANS, $20
- Gloria Vanderbilt for Murjani vtg 80s high waist jeans dark blue size 2, $24
- Vintage 80s Gloria Vanderbilt Mom Jeans Women’s Size 10 Blue Denim 26×29, $29
- 👖🛼 GLORIA VANDERBILT for Murjani Vintage Late 70s | Black Straight Jeans | 9, $152
Charlie’s Angels Brand
There have only been a few times in my life that I haven’t been able to find information on a particular brand or style and Charle’s Angels branded items are one of them. I’ve done countless hours of research and have asked in many forums and the best information we have is this was likely private label produced for promotion of the TV series. These are super hard to come by and I’ve only seen on eBay once and Etsy, so if you want a pair, definitely set a search alert so you get first dibs.
My finds:
