Finding the Perfect Pair of Jeans in NYC - Time Out New York

Diesel Denim Gallery

Soho/Nolita

Atrium
Make a beeline to this hip resource for its always-dependable lineup of denim labels like Joe’s, Nudie, Prps, Rock & Republic and J Brand (from $170). Even if you’re not buying, it’s worth popping in for the party atmosphere as well as a browse—there’s frequently an in-house DJ spinning hip-hop in the vast marble-floored emporium. 644 Broadway at Bleecker St (212-473-9200)

True Boutique
Specializing in hard-to-find sizes like 00 and 16, this new boutique offers scads of insidery denim brands (starting at a palatable $46) including Guido & Mary, Beija-Flor and C.enne.V along with well-known lines like James and Jordache. There’s also an on-premises tailor who will hem your jeans for free while you wait. 278 Mott St between E Houston and Prince Sts (212-431-7709)

Union Square

Diesel
Not ready to drop $400 on hand-stitched wares at the exclusive Diesel Denim Gallery (68 Greene St between Broome and Spring Sts, 212-966-5593)? Luckily, more affordable options abound at this purveyor of premium streetwear. Grab armfuls of blue styles from its myriad cubbies filled with artfully weathered and pared-down bottoms for both genders ($140–$350). Diesel’s edgy T-shirts (from $45) will also help clothe your upper half. 1 Union Sq West at 14th St (646-336-8552); 135 Spring St between Greene and Wooster Sts (212-625-1555); 770 Lexington Ave between 60th and 61st Sts (212-308-0055)

The Levi’s Store
Brilliant German immigrant Levi Strauss singlehandedly invented blue jeans in 1873, and his company’s iconic red-tabbed 501s have been donned by such fashion icons as James Dean, Elvis and Marlon Brando. Today, its rustic shops offer up Strauss’s riveted classics along with freshly minted well-priced goodies like eco-friendly skinny pants ($78) for lasses and slim 507s (from $46) for lanky dudes. 25 W 14th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-242-2128); 536 Broadway between Prince and Spring Sts (646-613-1847); 750 Lexington Ave between 59th and 60th Sts (212-826-5957)

Mavi
Turkish for “blue,” the Istanbul company shows its true colors at its 3,500-square-foot flagship. Floor-to-ceiling shelves are neatly stocked with piles of denim including organic-cotton pants ($98 and up) for tree huggers.832 Broadway between 12th and 13th Sts (917-289-0520)

Meatpacking District

Scoop
Combined, the hip chain’s two Meatpacking District mega emporiums take up an entire block of real estate. To help you divide and conquer its extensive selection of on-trend denim labels like J Brand, Joe’s and Marc Jacobs, the breezy depots offer free personal shoppers (by appointment only). 430 W 14th St between Ninth Ave and Washington St (Men: 212-929-1244; Women: 212-691-1905); 473–475 Broadway between Broome and Grand Sts (212-925-3539); 1273–1277 Third Ave between 73rd and 74th Sts (212-535-5577)

Flatiron

Miss Sixty/Energie
Vamp up your blue-jean stash with this urban label’s bold, sexy goods. Its mod bi-level shrine to everything blue proffers ’70s-inspired Second Skin trousers ($169–$199) and faded wide-leg pants ($189–$209) from the ultrafemme MS line as well as Energie’s rugged men’s jeans (from $149). 901 Broadway at 20th St (212-260-2690); 386 West Broadway at Spring St (212-334-9772)

Chelsea

Jeneral Store
Whether you live 24/7 in your dungarees or just don them on the weekends, this cozy boutique makes picking a fresh pair less of an ordeal, thanks to comfy furniture and cheerful Norman Rockwell prints on the walls. Denim aficionados will gravitate to the excellent mix of global labels including Italian brand Dondup, Aussie firm Nobody and Cali blues company Serfontaine. 203 W 19th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-924-3949)

Upper East Side

Cantaloup: Destination Denim
It’s all about the jeans at owner Heleyne Tamir’s uptown spin-off of the trendy chainlet. Join the indigo-craving masses who make regular pilgrimages to snag booty-flattering wares ($165 and up) from well-known brands including Citizens of Humanity, Rock & Republic and Joe’s. 1036 Lexington Ave at 74th St (212-249-3566)

National Jean Company
Like the Barnes & Noble of jeans, this retailer houses an impressive 3,000 pairs in its uptown flagship; its wood-walled “denim library” offers more than 20 brands ($180–$275), including those J Brand jeans ($158) on p. 41. Happily, you won’t have to study up on the store’s extensive selection since dungarees expert Jean Luc Quevauvilliers can recommend the right silhouette and label for your body type. 1375 Third Ave between 78th and 79th Sts (212-772-2392)