Exploring the Denim Renaissance: How a Rap Icon Reclaimed the Bootcut

Edited by: TJVNews.com

There’s a certain poetry to Kendrick Lamar’s decision to bring back flared jeans at this particular moment in fashion history. While Drake simmered in lyrical battles and the Kansas City Chiefs fumbled on the field, Lamar took center stage at the Superdome on Super Bowl Sunday clad in $1,200 Celine bootcut denim that billowed with every move. This wasn’t just an aesthetic choice; it was a statement—a deliberate, stylish rejection of the past decade’s obsession with skinny jeans and boxy streetwear. As a recently published report in Observer.com noted, Lamar’s bold sartorial choice drew attention to the cultural shift toward a more liberated, individualistic approach to denim.

Denim’s evolution has been nothing short of dramatic. What started as Levi Strauss’s riveted workwear for miners has transformed through bell-bottoms, acid-wash frenzies, and the oversized anarchy of JNCOs. We’ve seen the Canadian tuxedo vacillate between fashion faux pas and ironic cool, only to land today in an era of true denim democracy. As the report at Observer.com highlighted, this moment in 2025 represents the breakdown of rigid fashion rules—where tech CEOs don raw Japanese selvedge in board meetings, construction workers swear by classic Wranglers, and art directors experiment with avant-garde pleated denim from high-end labels such as Wooyoungmi. The playing field is open, and personal style is king.

In this era of denim pluralism, intention is everything. The Observer.com report pointed out that finding the right pair of jeans is no longer about designer labels or steep price tags; it’s about choosing a silhouette that aligns with personal style and practicality. Good denim, like fine whiskey, ages gracefully, gaining character through wear. The best jeans aren’t those dictated by trend cycles but the ones that feel right—whether they’re vintage Levi’s, meticulously distressed Acne Studios wide-legs, or the architectural precision of Woo Youngmi’s pleated cuts. As Lamar’s Super Bowl moment demonstrated, sometimes the most powerful statement is the one worn with confidence.

The Best Men’s Jeans: A Guide to the Perfect Pair

For those looking to step up their denim game, Observer.com highlighted a few standout options across a range of styles and price points:

Wooyoungmi Wide Folding Jeans – $645

Korea’s first luxury menswear designer, Woo Youngmi, delivers sculptural denim through Japanese fabric and precise pleating. These light-wash, non-stretch jeans embody a balance between traditional tailoring and contemporary edge, offering a refined alternative to baggy streetwear trends.

Acne Studios Wide-Leg Distressed Jeans – $700

Blending Scandinavian minimalism with skate culture, Acne Studios crafts heavyweight denim with expertly aged washes and intentional distressing. The cropped length pairs well with chunky boots or sculptural sneakers, striking a balance between casual ease and high-fashion sensibility.

OrSlow Model 66 1966 Denim – $260

For those who appreciate craftsmanship, OrSlow’s Japanese selvedge denim offers a premium take on vintage Levi’s 505s. The one-wash treatment eliminates the grueling break-in period, making them a versatile pick for office-to-weekend transitions. The report at Observer.com emphasized the timeless appeal of well-made raw denim, and these jeans are a testament to that ethos.

Marni Bleached Coated Organic Denim Jeans – $675

Marni redefines classic denim with a distinctive bleached coating and relaxed mid-rise fit. Constructed from organic cotton, these wide-leg jeans strike an avant-garde note while maintaining an understated designer aesthetic. As the Observer.com report noted, these are ideal for creatives who see their wardrobe as an extension of their artistic vision.

Saint Laurent Straight-Leg Jeans – $1,050

For those who crave the rebellious spirit of rock ‘n’ roll, the Observer.com highlighted Saint Laurent’s straight-leg jeans as the perfect fusion of edge and elegance. The deep indigo wash, combined with subtle fading, captures that elusive “vintage yet pristine” look. Designed with a moderate rise and non-stretch denim, this pair upholds the Saint Laurent Paris aesthetic—sleek, timeless, and effortlessly cool—without feeling overly polished. If you’re looking for that signature Saint Laurent silhouette, this is the pair to invest in.

Fear of God Tapered Jeans – $695

The Observer.com praised Fear of God’s tapered jeans for redefining American luxury through proportion and structure. Jerry Lorenzo’s Los Angeles-based brand uses premium Italian denim to create a unique silhouette that transitions from a relaxed top block into an elegant taper. The higher rise complements oversized shirting, while the cropped length ensures your footwear remains in full view. Thoughtful stonewashing gives the denim immediate depth, making them feel like a well-worn favorite right out of the box.

Our Legacy Third Cut Denim – $405

Scandinavian minimalism meets vintage-inspired craftsmanship in Our Legacy’s Third Cut Denim, and the report at Observer.com recognized this pair as a must-have for those who appreciate understated sophistication. Hand-bleached Turkish denim adds character without veering into ostentation. The wider thigh tapers subtly below the knee, ensuring a relaxed yet structured fit. Copper rivets and YKK hardware lend durability, making these jeans a perfect balance of simplicity and substance.

T7C Seven Continents Cinch Jean in Yokohama Raw – $495

Raw denim aficionados will appreciate the meticulous detailing of T7C’s Seven Continents Cinch Jean, a pair that Observer.com dubbed a connoisseur’s dream. Sourced from Japan, this selvedge denim is carefully pleated at the waist to achieve a drape that exudes both luxury and ease. The oversized fit never appears careless, thanks to precise tailoring that keeps everything structured. This is raw denim at its finest—designed to age gracefully over time.

The Real McCoy’s Lot. 005 – $510

The report at Observer.com identified The Real McCoy’s Lot. 005 as a historical masterpiece in denim craftsmanship. Recreating a 1906-era denim style, Hitoshi Tsujimoto employs 12.5 oz natural indigo right-twill, spinning the yarn using Japan’s oldest working machine. The result? An irregular texture that mirrors early American workwear. Vintage shuttle looms and a riveted cinch-back complete the authenticity, making these jeans a museum-worthy artifact that’s fully wearable today.

Drake’s Indigo Rinse Japanese Selvedge Five-Pocket Jeans – $450

Blending British tailoring expertise with Japanese denim innovation, Drake’s five-pocket selvedge jeans receive high marks from the Observer.com. Sourced from Okayama, the 14.2 oz denim is shuttle-loomed and dyed with natural indigo, offering a rich, deep hue. The higher rise, relaxed-to-tapered silhouette, and slanted pockets make these jeans adaptable to both formal and casual settings. For those who want denim with sartorial finesse, this is the perfect choice.

Loewe Straight-Leg Logo-Embroidered Distressed Jeans – $1,150

Luxury fashion meets premium denim in Loewe’s high-end take on selvedge jeans. The Observer.com  report noted the strategic distressing and subtle anagram embroidery as hallmarks of creative director Jonathan Anderson’s vision. The high-rise fit and relaxed thigh flow into a classic straight-leg cut, ensuring a refined yet contemporary silhouette. These jeans prove that high-fashion denim can balance artful detailing with everyday wearability.

Kapital Century Denim Monkey Cisco Jeans – No. 1.2.3-S – $764

Kapital’s Century Denim is the pinnacle of Japanese textile artistry, and the Observer.com lauded its meticulous construction. Using three distinct indigo dyes (American, Japanese, and Natural), Kiro Hirata’s brand weaves tradition into every stitch. The sashiko embroidery and single-loom production process in Kojima create a rich, textured fabric that tells a story with wear. The higher rise and fuller seat offer a modern update to Kapital’s classic Cisco cut, making this pair a true collector’s item.

Dries Van Noten Pleated Jeans – $495

The Observer.com spotlighted Dries Van Noten’s pleated jeans as a seamless blend of runway sophistication and everyday versatility. Precision tailoring transforms the standard five-pocket jean into an architectural statement. The high-rise waist and wide-leg cut create a striking drape, adding a sense of movement to an otherwise structured look. These jeans bridge the gap between contemporary high fashion and traditional menswear with effortless ease.

Carhartt WIP Landon Jeans – $130

For those seeking durability with a streetwear twist, the report at Observer.com recommended Carhartt WIP’s Landon Jeans. As a reinterpretation of classic Detroit workwear, this European-designed pair maintains Carhartt’s signature ruggedness while introducing a fashion-forward wide-leg silhouette. Stonewashing lends instant character, and the subtle logo appliqué pays homage to the brand’s industrial heritage. These jeans offer unbeatable value for those who want premium construction at an accessible price.

Denim as an Art Form

The Observer.com’s curated selection of luxury denim showcases the craftsmanship, history, and artistry that define today’s top-tier jeans. Whether you gravitate toward the avant-garde pleats of Dries Van Noten, the meticulous indigo dyeing of Kapital, or the rock-star cool of Saint Laurent, each pair tells a story through fabric, fit, and detailing. Denim is no longer just a casual staple—it’s a medium for self-expression, blending heritage techniques with contemporary innovation.

For those who appreciate the nuances of premium denim, these selections from Observer.com prove that jeans can be as refined as any tailored garment.