Current/Elliott

So here's the thing about Current/Elliott-it's basically the brand that made boyfriend jeans a thing. Like, actually a thing. Back in 2008, when Emily Current and Meritt Elliott launched their denim brainchild, they introduced the much buzzed about Boyfriend Jean, and suddenly everyone wanted that perfectly worn-in, vintage-inspired look without having to scour thrift stores for decades.

The brand's whole vibe is rooted in this love affair with vintage Americana. Born out of love of all things vintage, Current/Elliott was founded on the principle that every item in your closet should be rich in stories and serve four pillars: craftsmanship, authenticity, integrity, and individual expression. And honestly? You can feel that when you slip on a pair of their jeans. There's this attention to detail-the washes, the fits, the way the denim actually moves with you-that makes it clear these aren't just mass-produced pants.

What's interesting is that the founders, Emily and Meritt, were already fashion industry veterans before launching Current/Elliott. They'd worked as stylists and designers for years, which explains why the brand has always had this insider-cool aesthetic without trying too hard. They eventually exited the brand in a private equity buyout in 2012, but the DNA they established stuck around. The brand continues to evolve denim's place in fashion while paying tribute to its history and timelessness.

Current/Elliott isn't just about that one iconic boyfriend fit anymore, though. They've expanded into a full range of silhouettes-skinny jeans, bootcuts, balloon legs, straight legs-all with that signature vintage-inspired wash that looks like you've been wearing them for years (in the best way possible). The collection fuses innovative designs with beautifully tailored products, and they're particularly known for their range of washes and iconic fits.

But let's talk about what makes them different from every other premium denim brand out there. It's the authenticity factor. These jeans don't look like they're trying to be vintage-they just are. The worn-in effects, the stonewashed finishes, the way they've perfected that "I found these at a flea market in 1987" aesthetic while still being brand new and perfectly constructed. That's not easy to pull off.

The brand is now part of Dutch Apparel, LLC (also known as Sunrise Brands), which also owns Joie and Equipment. Headquartered in Vernon, California, Dutch, LLC is recognized globally as leading designer, distributor, and retailer of three contemporary, consumer-inspired, apparel lifestyle brands. This portfolio approach has actually worked in Current/Elliott's favor, giving them the infrastructure to maintain quality while reaching a broader audience through retailers like Anthropologie, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's.

One thing worth noting-and this is kind of refreshing-is that Current/Elliott has stayed true to its denim roots. While lots of brands expand into everything under the sun, diluting what made them special in the first place, Current/Elliott keeps coming back to what they do best: really, really good jeans. Sure, they've got tops and jackets and other pieces, but denim is clearly the star of the show.

The price point sits firmly in the premium category (think $200-$300 for jeans), which isn't cheap, but you're paying for quality construction, thoughtful design, and that elusive perfect fit that makes you reach for the same pair over and over. Plus, they offer free shipping and returns, which takes some of the risk out of buying denim online-always a gamble.

If you're someone who appreciates the intersection of vintage inspiration and modern construction, or if you've been searching for that perfect pair of jeans that looks effortlessly cool without actually requiring effort, Current/Elliott is worth checking out. Just maybe size down if you're between sizes-several reviewers mention they run a bit generous and stretch out with wear.