Take Note: Denim Brands to Watch -- Cheap Monday, Acne Jeans, Earnest Sewn

Cheap Monday:

Known for their unwashed, very tight-fitted jeans, Cheap Monday has definitely stolen the spotlight as the cheap chic jean of choice. The brand started in 2004 as a private label by the owners of the boutique Weekday in Stockholm. They wanted to offer a high-quality alternative from the expensive denim offered in the shop. By 2005 Cheap Monday grew some wings to become a full-fledged brand, now carried in 28 countries and 1000 stores worldwide! The signature style is extremely skinny with generous back pockets and just the right amount of stretch. Cheap Monday also makes their jeans in a handful of covetable colors to suit your every mood. Us stylenotes staffers own several pairs and have one recommendation: buy them at least one size larger than what you normally wear!

Available Online: Karmaloop, Tobi.com, Urban Outfitters, Revolve Clothing

Acne Jeans:

Also started in Stockholm, Acne Jeans came on the jean scene in 1997 by launching a collection of unisex jeans with signature red stitching. By 1998 creative director Jonny Johansson had added a full lifestyle collection to compliment the denim offerings. Acne was given the 'Designer of the Year' award in 2000, 2005, and 2008 by Swedish Elle magazine, and has become a staple brand amongst premium denim retailers. With a focus on style, luxury, and wearability, Acne Jeans has catapulted its brand to achieve success on an international platform. Acne Jeans strives to differentiate its products from the rest, while seamlessly melding them into its customers' wardrobe. Case in point: this Acne Jeans Mace Denim Skirt ($139, eLUXURY.com) can easily be dressed up or down while most definitely producing a wealth of compliments.

Available Online: Acne Jeans, Revolve Clothing, eLUXURY.com, Tobi.com, Barneys

Earnest Sewn:

Created by co-founder and designer of Paper Denim & Cloth, Scott Morrison, Earnest Sewn goes beyond the role of just bringing forth a great product, but adds in the extra component of care and personalization. The brand's name, and hence motto -- "product sewn in earnest" -- emphasizes fine craftsmanship and a quality product. The production of each pair of jeans is overseen by three people at the design, sew, and wash stages. This unique concept is further validated by each person hand stamping their name on the jeans! Equipped with an orange ribbon loop and circled size indicator (see pic), the brand has rethought even the tiniest of details found in jeans. One area of thoughtfulness that we definitely appreciate is that the women's denim styles have a two-piece contoured waistband to get rid of gapping in the back (ingenious!). Currently offered are styles ranging from low rise super skinny (Keaton) to trousers (Sailor) and a classic bootcut (Ali).

Available Online: Earnest Sewn, NET-A-PORTER.com, National Jean Company, Revolve Clothing

Now that you've got the dish on the latest denim brands we love, pick a size, style, and color, and pull a pair on!

--Julia DiNardo

Note: there may be a way to make the items mentioned above an even better bang for your buck -- remember to search stylenotes for special promotions and coupon codes that may be applied to your order.