Where to buy the best jeans in Melbourne

Whether you’re into edgy streetwear or classic vintage Levis, these Melbourne denim boutiques will have you ditching skinny jeans with ease.

Neuw Denim: eco-friendly mom jeans

Tucked down Driver Lane, you’ll find Neuw Denim. This European brand takes inspiration from vintage silhouettes and fabric construction. Their denim pieces hark to the past while envisaging a new generation of denim garments. The Lola Mom in Zero Uptown dials back the time machine with a super high rise waist. But brings it up to the future with a slim leg and soft, sustainable denim. They also come with Neuw’s signature repair stitch and fob ring.

ALPHA60: high-waisted jeans

Iconic Melbourne label, ALPHA60, is shorthand for sophisticated quirk. If you want to go high waisted, ALPHA60’s Goldie jeans are a cult favourite. They have a high waist, relaxed fit and slightly cropped length. They come in a range of colours so you can wear them in all seasons. Make sure you browse their stunning Chapter House concept store and exhibition space. It’s part of St Paul’s Cathedral, and pieces are displayed in reverential style.

PAM Store Melbourne: streetwear style jeans

Zip up to the third floor of Curtin House. Step into the wonderland that is Melbourne-based Perks and Mini (PAM). It’s a white space peppered with concrete sculptures. Their international cult favourite pieces hang mystically from the racks. Utterly left-of-centre streetwear includes jeans like Bri Bri or the Awa. They both have bold, stitched cut-outs to create an irreverent silhouette.    

Kloke: Japanese straight leg denim

Kloke’s minimalist store in QV sets the scene for their simple approach to fashion. This Melbourne-based label uses earthy, casual silhouettes to inform their designs. The Hone Patchwork jean is collaged in Japanese denim. The result is graphic, understated and intriguing. Similarly, the Ilk, in semi-bleached Japanese denim, features subtle zippers at the ankle. Kloke drop a little bit of the unusual into all their considered pieces.

Corlection: the best men's jeans in Melbourne

For men who want quality jeans with a subtle twist, head to Corlection. This specialty denim store supports slow fashion from Asia and the US. Their Momotaro x Corlection Oni-Island jeans are made in Japan and are a perfect example of attention to detail. Dyed a darker indigo, they have a slim, tapered fit and sneaky details. Look for the leather patch with the kanji embossed on it.

Incu: designer denim

Incu was founded by twin brothers Brian and Vincent Wu in the early 2000s. Incu is all about curating the finest international brands under one roof. Looking to invest in some designer denim? Incu stock premium brands like APC, Comme des Garçons, Rag and Bone, and Acne Studios. They have skinny jeans from Acne, cropped flares from Rag and Bone, and every style in between. Maison Margiela's baggy tie waist jeans are a renegade choice.

ELK: sustainable wide leg denim

Sustainable fashion label ELK carry that approach into their Karrie jeans. These ultra-wide, almost skirt-like jeans are super soft and made from a blend of hemp and organic cotton. Think relaxed yet structured, with a high waist and belt tie. They’re a statement jean that can be dressed up or down. The gentle fabric is the polar opposite to a hard denim, allowing for peak comfort with all the style. 

Nudie Jeans: organic cotton and free repairs

You know those perfect jeans that you just wish could last forever? Nudie understands. This sustainable company is all about jeans with durability. That’s why they offer free repairs at their Repair Shops. Just wash your jeans and hand them over. They’ll be repaired and you’ll be golden. Jeans at the Repair Shops can also be resold or donated. Not near a store or mobile repair station? They’ll send you a repair kit – free.

American Rag: vintage Levis

If old-school looks are your jam, hightail it to American Rag. They specialise in retro fashion pieces from the 1950s onwards, imported from the US. Naturally, their range of denim is fantastic. They source some immaculate deadstock, vintage Levis and Lee Riders. It's all that authentic vintage style. Try your luck and see if you can score rare 1970s Levis and kids’ flares. New stock arrives each week, so keep checking back if you can’t find what you want.