The Best Denim Stores on Earth

You might believe it's self-evident that all men are made equal, but let's be clear: not all denim is. Finding genuinely fine denim is like discovering truffles in the woods.

You can't just stroll into a store and look for the most expensive pair on the shelf; you need someone who knows the best places to look - those committed merchants who only deal in premium stuff.

People don't usually tell you this, but we've seen enough ill-fitting bootcut jeans to last a lifetime. So, like a well-dressed bloodhound, here's a list of the world's greatest places to score top-grade, crème-de-la-loom denim so you can wear nothing but the best on your bottom half.

Size Up Apparel (USA)

Size Up Apparel is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a cut beyond the ordinary, with a beautiful range of raw denim and some uncommon cooperation ventures between some lesser and significant US labels.

You'll also find a very experienced staff ready to assist you in navigating the often befuddling assortment of cuts on offer. They also get extra marks for having some of the friendliest customer services in the world. Hopefully, you'll also locate a terrific pair of streetwear pants and jeans.

Take5 (Hong Kong)

There are plenty of places to acquire decent quality denim in a city as preoccupied with shopping as Hong Kong, but Take5 has been so successful that it has opened stores in Taipei, mainland China, and Thailand as well. While the internet is a bit of a shambles, the in-store assortment is spot on.

The Denim Store (Singapore)

The Denim Store is the only place in Singapore to go for quality denim. No creative titles, no funny business - The Denim Store is the only place to go for premium denim. Yes, the website is nothing more than a Blogger page, and yes, it hasn't been updated since December of last year, but don't be fooled. These guys are the genuine article.

Mode Man (South Korea)

Mode Man is the United Nations of high-quality denim. Brands from Japan, Korea, the United States, Canada, Sweden, and France are plentiful here, making it one of the most extensive retailers on our list. If you decide to go, make sure you have some time on your hands. You're going to need it.

Over The Rainbow (Canada)

There are denim stores, and then there are Over The Rainbow stores. This shopping legend in Toronto has been in business since 1975 and sells over 30 distinct brands for all tastes, shapes, colors, and sizes. While there is some high-street fashion, there are also a handful of highly nice labels among the thousands of pairs on their shelf.

Hinoya (Japan)

Take a minute to honor one of Tokyo's oldest streetwear institutions. With over 65 years in the workwear and vintage game, and in the nation where the world's best denim is made, you can be sure you can find some nice cloth here.

Pronto Denim (Thailand)

If you thought Thailand was all about knockoffs and cut-offs, Pronto Denim would prove you wrong. There's something for everyone here, with everything from established mass-market names like Nudie and Naked & Famous to some of the more cult Japanese labels.

Furthermore, getting your hands (and legs) on the goodies isn't as tricky with four unique locations around the country.

3x1 (USA)

Scott Morrison, the company's founder, traveled the world searching for the most fantastic denim and indigo. 3x1 takes the concept of a customized pair of jeans to a whole new level by offering three sorts of jeans: Collection, Custom, and Bespoke. Even if you're not in the market for a new pair, you should pay the crew a visit the next time you're in Soho.

The problem with selecting the ideal pair of jeans isn't that it's impossible. Sure, it might seem that when you're alternating between the brawny, selvage denim pair that looks nice now but will look spectacular in a couple of years and the comfy, stretch choice that's pretty darn excellent from day one. Both are viable possibilities. Both may even be ideal.