Table of Contents
July 18, 2025
In the world of denim, there is no shortage of praise for one brand: Agolde. With their vintage-inspired silhouettes, premium quality, and sustainable practices, Agolde has become the go-to denims for fashion-lovers who want denim with a modern sensibility and the wearability of the old. Still, do Agolde jeans live up to all the praise?
Having recently tried several different Agolde styles over the past year, we are going to give you a complete review – i.e. all of the details – fit and feel; quality; longevity; and value for money.
About Agolde: The Brand Behind The Jeans
Before sharing the review, it is good to know what the company does differently than ordinary denim brands. Agolde is a premium off-shoot of Citizens of Humanity, focused on vintage looks, modern fits and sustainability.
The sustainable practices caught my attention first – denim that is not just a style option but uses a responsible sourcing strategy. Agolde’s strategy involves organic and recycled cotton, low-impact dyes, and water-saving production processes. This is an incredible feat for a company in an industry that is synonymous with environmental waste.
Overall Impression: Packaging & Sizing Experience
As soon as the first pair of Agolde jeans were delivered, we knew we were dealing with a higher-end brand. The jeans came wrapped in recyclable packaging materials, and everything was minimal yet quite elegant.
Sizing Experience
Agolde sizing can be a little finicky- it tends to run big. For someone with usually a size 28 with most brands, you will have to size down to a 27 for most Agolde styles. If you are purchasing online, I would recommend first checking customer reviews for the specific style you are thinking about. Many styles provide a more relaxed, oversized vintage fit, so you will want to size down unless “baggy in all the wrong places” is your goal.
Trying the Most Popular Styles
In the past year, I have tried five of the most classic jeans Agolde offers:
- Agolde 90s Mid Rise Loose Fit
- Criss Cross Upsized Jean
- Riley High Rise Straight Crop
- Parker Long Short
- Lana Mid Rise Straight
Let’s go through them one by one.
1. Agolde 90s Mid Rise Loose Fit Jean
If there is one pair that everyone seems to have, it is this. The 90s Mid Rise Loose Fit is made from 100% cotton denim and is inspired by a vintage mom jean look, while providing a relaxed and comfortable fit.
What we liked:
- Soft denim with that worn-in vintage look.
- Slightly tapered leg gave it a flattering shape.
- Can be styled two-ways, sneakers or heels
Negatives:
- Way too loose in the waist, even sized down
- You’ll need to wear a belt if you want it snug
Best For: Casual days, street style, or not wearing in paired with cropped tops.
2. Criss Cross Upsized Jean
This pair went super viral on social media for its crossover waistband. It is definitely a bold, high fashion style, but surprisingly quite versatile.
What we liked:
- Super comfy, almost slouchy fit.
- A unique waistline adds edge to any outfit.
- Get compliments literally every time you wear them.
Negatives:
- The asymmetric waist isn’t for everyone.
- Can make a shorter torso look boxy.
Best For: Fashion people, weekend wear, or needing to dress it up with blazers and heels.
3. Riley High Rise Straight Crop
This was the first ever Agolde purchase and the purchase that made us a believer.
What we liked:
- Perfect structured straight-leg fit.
- The high rise from the waist is super flattering.
- Slightly short length is ideal for pairing with boots, sneakers and heels.
Negatives:
- Not super stretchy, not ideal for comfort all day.
- Definitely a little pricier.
Best For: Office casuals, dully dinners, everyday.
4. Parker Long Short
While not technically a pair of denim jeans, it deserves an honorable mention. Agolde’s Parker Long Short has become a summer weather staple in my wardrobe.
What we liked:
- Mid-thigh length for coverage and functionality
- Doesn’t ride up like so many shorts
- Soft yet durable denim
Downsides:
- Sizing can be a little inconsistent
- Not the most flattering on curvier thighs
Best for: Summer days, beach vacations, or running errands.
5. Lana Mid Rise Straight
One of their newer styles, the Lana has a slightly more upscale, refined feel, which would be a great option for those that don’t want a high-rise cut.
What we liked:
- Modern and comfortable mid-rise
- Slim straight leg looks tailored
- Easily can be dressed up or down
Downsides:
- Less curve-friendly around the hips
- Hemline slightly short for taller individuals
Best for: Minimalists, capsule wardrobes with structured blazers.
Fit & Comfort: Real Talk
Agolde jeans do not deliver the same stretchiness as most jeans and that’s intentional. They use premium non-stretch or rigid denim in order to recreate that true vintage style. If you are used to jeggings or stretch blends, it may initially feel stiff, but after a few wears, the denim actually molds beautifully to your body. They are a break-in process, but well worth it. Once broken in, they fit like a glove, both supportive and breathable.
Fabric & Quality
One word: Excellent
Agolde is a brand for women made of either 100% organic cotton or mixes of sustainable materials, so it is good for the environment. The denim is robust, not flimsy, cheap, and thin like bulk-produced jeans. Even after months of wear and multiple washes, the jeans look new.
The stitching, zipper, buttons, and rivets all feel of high quality. They have been worn for many hours, and we are pleased with how well they have held up to regular wear. There is anecdotal evidence of limited fading/stretched out, and little to no thread pulling or pilling of material.
Style Versatility
Agolde offers many options, from relaxed mom jeans, to tailored straight leg pants. Most styles also use a vintage-inspired aesthetic rooted in Americana to create jeans made for the modern-day woman.
We would style them with:
- Tucked-in tee and sneakers for weekend errands
- A cropped knit and heeled boots for date nights
- A white top and loafers for work casual
They work well from day to night and from casual to dressed up which adds to their versatility and makes them a must have.
Price Point: Are They Worth It?
Agolde jeans are typically priced between $178-$250 depending on the fit. Yes, that’s a hefty price for one pair of jeans—but here’s our perspective as someone who has spent the money:
What You’re Paying For:
- Sustainable premium fabric
- Ethically produced
- Quality that lasts
- On trend yet transitional styling
In comparison to fast fashion brand chains who tend to shape and fall apart after a couple of months, Agolde jeans are definitely a long-term investment. If you’re someone who wears denim a lot on an everyday basis, then Agolde jeans are definitely worth it.
Customer Service & Returns
Agolde customer service was timely and respectful. When needed to pursue an exchange for a larger size, the requests were met quickly and with ease. Shipping was fast (to the USA) and their return window is pretty generous.
Pro Tip: If you are unsure about your size, you can always order two sizes and return one, especially if you purchase directly from their site.
Detailed Comparison: Agolde vs Other Denim Brands
Let’s go a little further in detail as to how Agolde compares to a few of the other premium denim brands.
Agolde vs Levi’s Premium:
Levi’s Premium jeans are a great entry level brand when it comes to quality denim. They are cheaper than Agolde and more readily available however, the fits are usually more standard and not as fashion forward. Agolde jeans are styled in a way, with the intent of the design, that makes them look ‘styled’ even if you wear it as a casual outfit.
Agolde is the winner for distinct fits and sustainability, but Levi’s is the winner when it comes to affordability.
Agolde vs Reformation
Both companies are sustainably made, but Reformation jeans typically have stretchier, lightweight fabrics. We found Reformation’s sizing to be a bit inconsistent, while Agolde’s construction and fabric felt more premium and lasting.
Winner: Agolde for structure and durability, Reformation for comfort and trendy looks.
Agolde vs Frame
Frame is sleek and polished denim brand for more elevated styles, as well as being more European in their styles. They are extremely stretch based, and typically fit slimmer than Agolde. However, they do not care about sustainability as much as Agolde and they tend to be more expensive.
Winner: Tie – Frame for luxurious polish, Agolde for laid-back coolness and ethics.
Agolde vs Citizens of Humanity
The interesting twist is that Citizens of Humanity owns Agolde. Citizens jeans have a much more tailored fit, sometimes providing a clean silhouette. Citizens of Humanity has better finishing and feels more expensive than Agolde jeans. Agolde feels more forward, youthful, and edgy than Citizens, while Citizens feels more timeless.
Winner: Depended on personal style. Agolde if you are a Gen Z fashionista, and Citizens if you are a millennial fashionista.
Customer Reviews Round-Up: What Others Are Saying
In fairness, we did take a look at feedback from Nordstrom, Revolve, Shopbop and Agolde’s website. Here is an overview:
- Fit & Style – Most reviewers raved about the unique fit and vintage feel of the fabrics. Styles like the Riley and 90s Loose Fit received rave reviews for fitting well on different body types.
- Sizing Complaints – One issue that keeps popping up is the need to size down (keep this in mind when trying anything relaxed-fit)
- Quality – Many users noted that the denim feels “nice” and “authentic”, unlike the stretch jeans you find from fast fashion companies.
- Longevity – Most users report that after months (and in some cases, years) their Agolde jeans are still in good condition with minimal fading or sagging.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Premium denim that last
- On-trend yet timeless styles
- Sustainable and ethical production
- Flattering fits for variety of body types
- Good resell value
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Limited stretch in most styles
- Sizing inconsistency because of different designs
- Some styles are not curve-friendly
Care Tips for Longevity
Copy this down if you want to keep your Agolde jeans in good condition:
- Wash sparingly – If you can spot clean, do this instead.
- Cold wash inside out – This helps keep the colors and distresses in place.
- Line dry – Hang dry the jeans, avoiding the dryer will allow the fabrics to maintain their integrity.
- Avoid dry cleaning unless you’re told to – The chemicals can damage the finish of the fabric.
Trust me: less is more when it comes to washing, the less you wash them the better they’ll age.
Final Verdict: Should we buy again?
Yes, absolutely. After a year of wearing Agolde, we can honestly say these are some of the best jeans we’ve owned. The combination of aesthetics, ethics, and durability is remarkably unique to very few brands.
Are they expensive? Yes. Are they worth it? Also yes, particularly if you like to buy well over. This isn’t a trend buy – it’s a wardrobe piece you will wear for years.
If you are on the fence, go for it – but be smart about sizing and take your time breaking them in. Once you do, you won’t go back.
Q.1. Do Agolde jeans run big or small?
Mostly a bit big – especially those that have a relaxed or vintage style. You will want to size it down unless it is a stretch denim.
Q.2. Do Agolde jeans stretch?
Most Agolde styles are rigid (non-stretch), but some have limited comfort stretch (such as Riley Stretch).
Q.3. Can I wear Agolde jeans in summer?
Yes, styles like Parker Short or lightweight cropped are ideal for the warmer months.
Q.4. Where are Agolde jeans made?
Agolde primarily manufactures jeans in Los Angeles using sustainable practices and fair labor standards.
Final Thoughts
Agolde is more than just a brand; it’s a denim experience. With intentional designs, sustainable production, and exceptional quality, Agolde is a strong contender for top premium denim manufacturer. Whether you’re curating a capsule wardrobe or just looking for that one pair of jeans, Agolde has you covered.
Would we buy from them? Absolutely! Just know that you’ll probably fall in love and never buy from another brand again.
