When it comes to premium denim, Hudson Jeans has made a name for itself as a brand that perfectly balances laid-back California cool with impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail. Over the past two decades, Hudson has attracted a cult following among celebrities, supermodels, and regular fashion lovers alike who swear by the jeans‘ incredible softness, flawless fit, and effortless style.
But with prices ranging from $150-$300 per pair, you may be wondering if Hudson jeans are really worth the investment. As a denim devotee myself, I decided to put Hudson to the test and review some of their most popular styles for both women and men. I‘ll share my honest thoughts on the fit, feel, and quality, compare Hudson to other premium denim brands, and help you decide if these jeans deserve a place in your closet.
Let‘s dive into my comprehensive Hudson Jeans review and get to the bottom of what makes this LA-based brand so special!
About Hudson Jeans
First, let‘s take a quick look at the history and values behind the Hudson Jeans brand. Hudson was founded in Los Angeles in 2002 by Peter Kim with the goal of creating premium denim that combined his passion for European style with the laidback sensibility of his California roots.
From the beginning, Hudson was all about the fabrics, scouring the globe for the most luxurious materials to create denim that looked as good as it felt. The brand developed special weaving and wash techniques to give its jeans unparalleled softness and stretch while still maintaining a vintage look and feel.
Over the years, Hudson exploded in popularity, becoming a mainstay in premium department stores and winning over an A-list clientele. The brand has been spotted on the likes of Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears, Gisele Bundchen, and Kate Hudson (no relation).
In addition to its signature jeans, Hudson eventually expanded into other categories like jackets, shirts, and knits, becoming a full lifestyle collection. The brand reached icon status in the competitive world of premium denim thanks to its perfect balance between cutting-edge fashion and timeless wardrobe staples.
Today, Hudson remains committed to its founding principles of quality, innovation, and effortless cool. The brand is still based in LA, and each piece is designed with meticulous attention to detail, from the stitching to the hardware. Beyond its style and craftsmanship, Hudson is also dedicated to giving back, supporting various charities and championing sustainability.
So now that you know a bit about the brand behind the jeans, let‘s take a closer look at some of Hudson‘s most popular styles and see how they stack up IRL!
Hudson Jeans Fit & Sizing Review
One of the trickiest things about shopping for jeans is figuring out your size and fit. The good news is that Hudson offers a wide range of fits and sizes for all body types. In general, Hudson sizing is pretty true to size, although some of their skinny styles run a bit small, so you may want to size up in those.
I‘m 5‘6" and usually wear a 27 in jeans, which is what I ordered in the styles I tried out. Overall, I found that the 27 fit me well across the board, although I probably could have sized down to a 26 in a few pairs for an extra snug fit. For reference, I have an athletic build with muscular thighs and calves.
That said, one of the great things about Hudson jeans is how stretchy and forgiving they are. Many of their jeans have excellent recovery, so even if they feel a bit tight at first, they loosen up and mold to your body throughout the day. I never felt like I was being suffocated or restricted in these jeans, even after wearing them for hours on end.
Here‘s a quick rundown of the different fits Hudson offers and how they compare:
Skinny
As the name implies, Hudson‘s skinny jeans are designed to fit snugly all the way from the hips down to the ankle. They have a good amount of stretch to them, so they hug your curves without feeling like a sausage casing. I tried the Nico Mid-Rise Super Skinny and the Barbara High-Rise Super Skinny, and both felt amazing on. If you like your jeans to really show off your shape, go for a skinny style.
Straight
Hudson‘s straight leg jeans are a bit looser than the skinnies throughout the leg, but still have a tailored, streamlined look. I tried the Beth Baby Bootcut, which has a subtle flare at the ankle, and the Collin Mid-Rise Skinny, which has a slim straight leg. Both were insanely comfortable and looked polished and chic. If you want a classic, versatile jean you can dress up or down, a straight leg is the way to go.
Bootcut
Bootcut jeans are fitted through the thigh and flare out slightly below the knee. They‘re a great option if you want to balance out curvy hips or create the illusion of longer legs. I‘m not usually a bootcut gal, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the Beth Baby Bootcut. The flare was subtle enough to still feel current and cool.
Boyfriend
Boyfriend jeans are designed to look like you borrowed them from your BF‘s closet. They have a relaxed, slightly baggy fit throughout and often have distressed details like rips and fraying. I tried on the Leigh Boyfriend Jean and loved the effortless, lived-in vibe. These are the perfect jeans for a casual weekend look.
Overall, I was extremely impressed by the fit and sizing options from Hudson. No matter your body type or style preferences, you can definitely find a pair of Hudson jeans that will make you look and feel amazing.
Quality, Fabric & Construction
Now let‘s talk about what really sets Hudson jeans apart from the rest: the quality. From the first touch, it‘s clear that these jeans are a cut above your average denim. The fabrics are incredibly soft and smooth, with a luxurious weight and thickness to them.
Hudson uses a variety of premium fabrics, including Italian and Japanese denim, which are known for their durability and softness. Many of their jeans also feature something called "dual stretch" fabric, which has both horizontal and vertical stretch for maximum flexibility and comfort. I was blown away by how stretchy these jeans were without losing their shape or structure.
In terms of construction, Hudson jeans are impeccably crafted down to the tiniest detail. The stitching is sturdy and even, the hardware is weighty and substantial, and the washes are rich and dimensional. I especially love the attention to detail on the back pockets, which feature Hudson‘s signature button flap and triangle stitching.
Another thing I appreciate about Hudson is their commitment to sustainability. Many of their jeans are made using eco-friendly processes like ozone washing, which reduces water usage, or using recycled fibers. It‘s nice to know that you can feel good about your denim not just in terms of style and quality, but also in terms of its impact on the environment.
Hudson Jeans vs Other Premium Denim Brands
Of course, Hudson isn‘t the only premium denim brand out there. Some of their biggest competitors include 7 For All Mankind, Joe‘s Jeans, Citizens of Humanity, and AG Jeans. So how does Hudson stack up against these other high-end brands?
In my experience, Hudson definitely holds its own in terms of quality and style. I own jeans from all of the brands mentioned above, and I would say that Hudson is right up there with the best of them. The main difference I‘ve noticed is that Hudson jeans tend to have a bit more stretch and softness than some of the other brands, which I personally prefer.
I also think Hudson offers a wider range of fits and styles compared to some of the other premium denim brands. While they‘re all known for their skinny jeans, Hudson also has great options in straight leg, bootcut, and boyfriend styles. And within each fit, there are multiple rise options and washes to choose from.
Pricewise, Hudson is pretty comparable to other premium denim brands, with most jeans falling in the $150-$300 range. While that‘s certainly an investment, I do think the quality and longevity of these jeans makes them worth the splurge. I‘ve had some of my Hudson jeans for years and they still look and feel amazing after countless wears and washes.
My Hudson Jeans Picks
After trying on a bunch of different Hudson jeans, I narrowed it down to my top 3 favorite pairs that I think are must-haves for any denim lover:
1. Nico Mid-Rise Super Skinny in Revelation
These jeans are the perfect everyday skinny jean. They‘re super stretchy and comfortable, but still hold you in and smooth out any lumps or bumps. I love the Revelation wash, which is a classic medium blue with just a touch of whiskering and fading. Dress them up with heels and a blazer or down with sneakers and a tee – you can‘t go wrong.
2. Holly High-Rise Crop Flare in Westbound
I never thought I could pull off cropped flares until I tried these babies on. The high rise is super flattering and the kick flare at the ankle is just the right amount of retro. The Westbound wash is a beautiful deep indigo with contrast stitching that really pops. These jeans look amazing with everything from bodysuits to sweaters.
3. Bella Mid-Rise Straight Crop in White
Every girl needs a great pair of white jeans in her closet, and these are my new go-tos. The straight leg is universally flattering and the raw hem crop is so on-trend. I was afraid white jeans would be see-through, but these are completely opaque and thick enough to smooth out any imperfections. Plus, they have just the right amount of stretch to be comfortable without losing their shape.
How to Care for Your Hudson Jeans
To keep your Hudson jeans looking and feeling amazing wash after wash, there are a few care tips to keep in mind:
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Always wash your jeans inside out in cold water to prevent fading and damage to the fibers.
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Avoid washing your jeans too frequently, as this can break down the fabric and cause them to lose their shape. Try spot-cleaning any stains instead.
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When you do wash your jeans, avoid using fabric softener, as this can leave a residue on the denim that affects its color and feel.
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Air dry your jeans instead of putting them in the dryer whenever possible. The heat from the dryer can cause shrinkage and damage to the stretch fibers.
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If your jeans start to feel a bit loose or stretched out, you can toss them in the dryer on low heat for a few minutes to tighten them back up.
With proper care, your Hudson jeans should last you for years and years. It‘s not uncommon for premium denim to withstand hundreds of wears and washes, so think of them as a long-term investment in your wardrobe.
The Bottom Line
So, are Hudson jeans worth the hype (and the price tag)? In my opinion, 100% yes. After thoroughly testing out several pairs of Hudson jeans, I can confidently say that they live up to their reputation for unbeatable fit, quality, and style.
From the ultra-soft, stretchy fabrics to the impeccable construction and attention to detail, it‘s clear that a lot of thought and care goes into every pair of Hudson jeans. I love the variety of fits and washes they offer, and I appreciate their commitment to sustainability and giving back.
While the price point is certainly high compared to more budget-friendly denim brands, I do think the cost per wear of Hudson jeans makes them a solid investment. These are the kind of jeans you‘ll reach for again and again, season after season, without ever getting tired of them. And thanks to the incredible quality, they‘ll still look and feel amazing even after tons of wear.
So if you‘re looking to treat yourself to a truly luxurious and timeless denim experience, I can‘t recommend Hudson enough. These jeans have earned a permanent place in my closet and my heart, and I have a feeling they‘ll do the same for you!
