Designer Denim vs. Bargain Blue Jeans: Are $200 Jeans Worth It?

— -- Jeans are the all-American wardrobe staple, with one in four women saying they own more than 10 pairs.

But finding that perfect pair can be downright daunting with lots of styles, trends and costly price tags ranging anywhere from $20 to more than $200, which begs the question: What really is the difference between super cheap and super chic denim?

Lifestyle website Refinery29 took on the denim debate and says expensive jeans are typically made from better quality cotton, rivets and buttons, and often have a higher stitch count.

“A higher quality of jean will last you for years and years and in the long run, you’re probably saving money that way,” Connie Wang, Refinery29’s fashion features director, told ABC News.

The website found bargain denim, on the other hand, is typically made from lower quality fabric with a low stitch count that is more likely to tear, and they usually have lower quality distressing or none at all.

“A $20 pair of jeans are going to sag and stretch out within a couple of wears,” said Wang. “They’re probably not going to have any type of embellishments on them.”
Tips for Getting the Best Denim Look on a Budget
1. Check the stretch of the denim.
2. Choose a darker wash.
3. Seek subtle whipstitching, not a pronounced stitch.
4. Fit trumps everything.