When it comes to premium denim with a conscience, Swedish brand Nudie Jeans has been leading the pack since 2001. With a mission to create the "naked truth about denim," Nudie is committed to crafting high-quality jeans that are as stylish as they are sustainable.
But with prices ranging from $185-$300+ per pair, are Nudie Jeans really worth the investment? As a fashionista who values both style and substance, I had to put Nudie to the test.
In this comprehensive Nudie Jeans review, I‘ll give you the naked truth about the brand‘s history, values, product line, and customer feedback. Plus, I‘ll share my firsthand experience with some of their most popular styles to help you decide if Nudie deserves a place in your conscious closet.
About Nudie Jeans: Sustainable Denim Pioneers
The story of Nudie Jeans begins in Gothenburg, Sweden with Maria Erixon Levin. Having worked in the denim industry for decades, Maria grew increasingly uncomfortable with the environmental impact and unethical practices rampant in the fashion world.
In 2001, Maria founded Nudie Jeans on the belief that denim could and should be made better – both for people and the planet. Since then, Nudie has been a pioneer in sustainable and ethical denim production.
Here are just a few of the ways Nudie "walks the talk" when it comes to conscious fashion:
- Using 100% organic cotton farmed without pesticides or herbicides
- Sourcing sustainable materials like recycled wool, hemp, and Tencel
- Ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for all workers
- Offering free repairs on all Nudie garments to extend their lifespan
- Publishing detailed sustainability reports to maintain transparency
- Designing timeless, durable pieces to combat fast fashion waste
With accolades like the "Most Sustainable Denim Brand" from the Sustainable Fashion Awards, it‘s clear Nudie is truly changing the denim game for good.
The Nudie Jeans Product Line: From Selvage to Skinny
Whether your vibe is effortless minimalism or rugged workwear, Nudie Jeans has an eco-friendly option to suit your style. Their product line spans:
- Jeans for men and women in various fits, fabrications and washes
- Denim jackets, shirts and overshirts
- Knitwear and t-shirts in organic cotton
- Kids‘ jeans and jackets for eco-conscious kiddos
- Bags, belts and other accessories
While Nudie is best known for their dry denim – that‘s denim in its purest, darkest and untreated state – their collection also includes pre-washed and pre-distressed options.
Some of Nudie‘s signature denim fabric include:
- Dry selvage denim from the famed Kaihara mill in Japan
- Organic dry denim woven from 13.5 oz Turkish cotton
- Dry comfort stretch denim with just a touch of elastane
- Washed comfort stretch and power stretch in lighter weights
Nudie also categorizes their jeans into three main silhouettes – Slim, Skinny and Straight – which are then available in a range of rises and inseam lengths to provide the perfect fit.
With so many premium options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. So, let‘s break down two of Nudie‘s most popular styles:
Nudie Lean Dean Dry True Review
The Lean Dean is Nudie‘s take on a modern slim jean – fitted through the thigh with a narrow tapered leg and regular rise.
I tried the Lean Dean in Dry True, a sleek dark shade woven from 12.75 oz organic Turkish denim. The fabric felt thick and sturdy but softened up nicely after a few wears and washes.
Putting on the Lean Dean, I immediately noticed the superior fit compared to other slim jeans I‘ve tried. They hugged my thighs without feeling restrictive and the waist sat comfortably without gaping.
After wearing them nearly everyday for 6 months, my Lean Deans have molded perfectly to my body and developed a lovely lived-in texture. I get compliments on them constantly!
With a regular price of $185, the Lean Dean isn‘t cheap. But considering the quality materials, ethical production and free repairs, I think they‘re an excellent value for a pair of jeans I reach for again and again.
Nudie Hightop Tilde Black Shadow Review
For a slightly edgier look, I also tested Nudie‘s Hightop Tilde – a high-rise skinny jean with a seriously sleek silhouette.
The Hightop Tilde is crafted from Nudie‘s Black Shadow denim, an 11 oz power stretch fabric that looks like classic black denim but feels more like a second skin.
As someone who tends to shy away from skinny jeans, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the Hightop Tilde felt. The higher rise provided ample coverage while the stretch denim hugged my curves without losing shape.
I‘ve found the Hightop Tilde to be incredibly versatile – easy to dress up with a silk camisole and heels or down with a vintage band tee and boots. The black colorway also makes them a great option for evenings out.
At $199, the Hightop Tilde is definitely an investment piece. But if you‘re looking for an elevated take on black skinnies, I think they‘re worth every penny.
How Does Nudie Compare to Other Sustainable Denim Brands?
Of course, Nudie Jeans isn‘t the only brand striving to clean up the dirty denim industry. Labels like Everlane, Reformation and Outland Denim also tout eco-friendly fabrics and fair labor practices.
But in my opinion, Nudie outshines the competition in a few key areas:
- Extensive selection of fits, fabrics and washes for both men and women
- Exceptionally transparent production process and supply chain
- Free lifetime repairs to keep jeans out of landfills
- B Corp Certified for the highest standards in social and environmental impact
While Nudie Jeans tend to cost 20-30% more than brands like Everlane and Reformation, I believe their superior materials and construction justify the higher price point. With Nudie, you‘re truly investing in jeans that are built to last.
What Do Customers Think of Nudie Jeans?
From my research, customer reviews on Nudie Jeans are overwhelmingly positive. On their website, most styles boast 4 and 5 star ratings with glowing feedback on the fit, quality and durability.
On Trustpilot, Nudie Jeans has an excellent 4.5 out of 5 star rating from over 1,000 reviews. Customers rave about the brand‘s "second to none" craftsmanship, "exceptional" customer service and "unparalleled" commitment to sustainability.
Several reviews mention Nudie Jeans‘ legendary durability, with many pairs still going strong after 5+ years of constant wear. Fans also appreciate that Nudie offers free repairs on their jeans forever – whether you bought them last week or a decade ago.
The few negative reviews I could find mostly mentioned issues with sizing or shipping delays. Some customers found Nudie Jeans ran smaller than other brands, so it‘s best to consult the size chart or reach out to customer service for guidance.
How to Style Nudie Jeans for Any Occasion
One of the reasons I love Nudie Jeans is their versatility – you can easily dress them up or down to suit any occasion. Here are a few of my foolproof formulas:
For a casual everyday look:
- Pair slim-fit dry denim with a classic white tee, denim jacket and sneakers
- Cuff the hem to show off your kicks and add a little edge
For a smart casual vibe:
- Tuck a crisp oxford shirt into dark wash slim or skinny jeans
- Add brogues or loafers and a leather belt to polish things off
For an evening out:
- Dress up black skinny jeans with a silk camisole and statement jewelry
- Slip on sleek ankle boots or strappy heels for a going out look that‘s cool and confident
The beauty of Nudie Jeans is that they provide a timeless foundation you can build upon. By mixing in different materials, proportions and accessories, you can create endless outfits with just a few key pieces.
Buying Nudie Jeans: What You Need to Know
If you‘re ready to invest in your own pair of Nudie Jeans, here‘s what you need to know about the buying experience:
- Nudie Jeans range from $185-$300+ depending on the style and fabric
- They offer free shipping on orders over $150 in the US
- You can return unworn jeans within 30 days for a full refund or exchange
- Nudie has a comprehensive size guide to help you find your perfect fit
- They periodically offer sales and promotions to help you save
As for where to buy, I recommend going straight to the source at nudiejeans.com. Nudie‘s website has the widest selection of styles and sizes, plus they offer free repairs on any jeans purchased directly from them.
If you‘d rather try jeans on in person, Nudie has a handful of brick and mortar stores in major cities like LA, NYC, London and Berlin. You can also find Nudie at select retailers like Nordstrom and Mr Porter.
The Final Verdict: Are Nudie Jeans Worth It?
After wearing Nudie Jeans myself and carefully considering all the facts, my verdict is a resounding yes – Nudie Jeans are absolutely worth the investment for any conscious consumer.
Not only does Nudie craft incredibly high-quality, long-lasting jeans, but they do so with an unwavering commitment to sustainability and ethics. In a fashion landscape rife with greenwashing, Nudie is the real deal.
While $200 jeans are certainly not accessible for everyone, I believe Nudie provides exceptional value for your money. With their timeless designs, premium materials and free lifetime repairs, one pair of Nudies could easily replace 5-10 pairs of cheap, disposable jeans.
In fact, Nudie estimates the average lifespan of their jeans to be 50,000 hours – that‘s over 2,000 days of continuous wear! When you do the math, investing in Nudie Jeans is actually a smart financial decision in the long run.
But beyond the numbers, there‘s something special about wearing jeans that align with your values. Knowing my Nudies were made responsibly with organic cotton and fair labor practices makes me feel good every time I put them on.
As a fashionista who‘s always looking to balance style and sustainability, I can confidently say Nudie Jeans check all the boxes. If you have the budget, I highly recommend adding a pair (or two) to your conscious closet.
Trust me, once you go Nudie, you‘ll never go back to basic blues again.
