Finding the perfect pair of jeans can feel like an impossible task. With so many brands, fits, washes and details to consider, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with options. But when it comes to designer denim, few capture the essence of avant-garde style quite like Rick Owens.

Known for their edgy, sculptural silhouettes and grungy aesthetic, Rick Owens jeans are statement-makers in their own right. As a longtime fan of the brand, I’ve spent years curating a collection of their iconic denim – from spray-on skinny jeans to slouchy boyfriend styles.

If you’re looking to invest in your first (or next) pair of Rick Owens jeans, you’re in the right place. After countless hours spent debating fabrics, comparing sizes and analyzing reviews, I’ve distilled my knowledge into this comprehensive buying guide. Consider me your personal denim shopper – I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to find your perfect fit!

An Overview of Rick Owens Jeans Styles

The first step in your search is getting acquainted with the diverse array of silhouettes that Rick Owens offers. From exaggerated flares to cool cargo pants, there’s a jean for every taste and body type. Here’s a quick overview of some of their most popular styles:

• Skinny Jeans: The classic spray-on skinny is a Rick Owens signature. Often featuring a high waist and extra stretch fabric, these elongate your legs for a slimming effect. The Stooges style is beloved for its comfortable fit.
• Straight Leg Jeans: For a more relaxed vibe, the Mainline Lancaster features a loose straight leg that skims over your silhouette without clinging. There’s also the Creatch cargo pant – a modern spin on a utilitarian classic.
• Flare Jeans: No one does dramatic flares quite like Rick Owens. The Mastodon style has an extreme, bell-bottom shape that makes a seriously bold fashion statement. A little less extreme is the Kiss style, with a gradual tapered leg.
• Boyfriend Jeans: Owen’s deconstructed, undone vibe shines in relaxed boyfriend jeans like the Wendish style. Designed to be worn slouchy, these have a grungy, thrifted appeal.

Once you’ve decided which silhouettes appeal to you, it’s time to find the perfect pair for your body!

How to Choose the Best Rick Owens Jeans for Your Body Type

Rick Owens jeans are designed on a full spectrum – from baggy boyfriend jeans to spray-on skinnies. With so many extremes, choosing a pair that properly fits your proportions is key. Here’s my advice for finding a flattering match:

If you’re petite: Lean into jeans with a high rise. This will lengthen your legs, while cropped, tapered legs prevent overwhelming your frame. The Stooges skinny style hits just above the ankle for a leg-lengthening effect.

If you’re tall: You can pull off extra long jeans that would overwhelm a shorter frame. Try the stretch-denim Dixon style, which hits the floor for a striking look. Flares also suit your long legs.

If you’re curvy: Look for styles with stretch fabric that hug your shape without gapping, like the Spun style skinny jean. A flared silhouette balances curvier hips and adds retro appeal.

If you’re athletic: Straight leg or cargo styles skim over athletic thighs without clinging too tight. For a sexier edge, the Bandit style has moto stitching and ribbed panels that show off toned legs.

If you’re plus-size: Rick Owens’ innate edge means their designs suit bodies of all sizes. Focus on stretch-denim styles with a higher waist to flatter your figure. Size up for a cool, relaxed boyfriend fit.

The most important thing is finding a pair that makes you feel confident and stylish – no matter your size or shape. Experiment until you discover your perfect silhouette!

How Rick Owens Jeans Stack Up to Other Designers

Once you dive into the world of designer denim, you’ll notice stark differences in fit, fabric and construction. Before splurging on your Rick Owens jeans, it helps to understand how they compare to other coveted denim brands.

Compared to J Brand: J Brand is known for timeless, vintage-inspired styles. Rick Owens has a much more directional, avant-garde aesthetic. The denim is also thicker and stiffer with less stretch.

Compared to Frame: Frame jeans have a clean, tailored sensibility. Rick Owens has an undone, deconstructed vibe with ripped details and asymmetric seams. The fits skew much baggier and experimental.

Compared to Rag & Bone: Rag & Bone offers a downtown cool, model-off-duty look. Rick Owens is darker, grungier and more aggressively stylized. The silhouettes are also more diverse and boundary-pushing.

Compared to Acne Studios: Both brands share a directional Scandinavian vibe. But Acne jeans have a simpler, pared-back look compared to Rick Owens’ sculptural, artsy shapes. The sizing also runs smaller.

Compared to Mother: Mother Denim has a quirky hipster appeal, while Rick Owens exudes otherworldly edge. The fabrics, washes and hardware details also differ greatly between the two.

Once you understand Rick Owens’ distinctly avant-garde point of view, you’ll know these jeans are in a league of their own!

Where to Buy Rick Owens Jeans

Once you’re ready to take the plunge, the next question is where to shop. Here are my top choices for finding the best selection:

• Rick Owens Flagship Stores: If you live in a major city like New York, Paris or Milan, visit the flagship boutique. You’ll be able to browse every fit and wash in person. The minimalist stores also reflect the brand’s avant-garde vibe.
• Rick Owens Online Shop: You’ll find the largest inventory on the official Rick Owens website. Often new releases drop online first. Sign up for emails to get notified of sales or exclusive drops.
• LuisaViaRoma: This luxury online retailer stocks a well-curated selection of Rick Owens jeans. Expect lots of sizes and hard-to-find or sold out styles. international shipping is free and duties pre-paid.
• SSENSE: A top destination for designer fashion, SSENSE sells a broad range of Rick Owens. They frequently have jeans that are no longer available elsewhere. Free shipping and returns make ordering a breeze.
• Farfetch: Search by color, size and style on Farfetch’s deep inventory of Rick Owens. You can find rare, vintage and limited edition pairs. Shipping is fast if you need a last-minute gift!

I recommend cross-referencing a few sites to track down the exact pair you want. Prices are generally the same across retailers. Sign up for newsletters so you never miss out on restocks or new arrivals!

Must-Know Materials for Rick Owens Jeans

One reason for the higher price tag is the luxe, high-end fabrics used to create Rick Owens denim. Most jeans consist of cotton blended with performance fibers to create stretch and structure.

Here are some of the key materials to know:

• Stretch Cotton Denim: A blend of cotton with elastane or Lycra spandex fibers. This creates a super skinny jean that hugs the body.
• Rigid Cotton Denim: Pure cotton without stretch. The denim is thicker and stiffer, softened over time with wear. Ideal for baggier styles.
• Treated Cotton Denim: Cotton that’s been through a chemical wash process to achieve faded, distressed or coated effects. These vary by style.
• Rayon Denim: A blend of cotton and rayon derived from wood pulp. This gives a lightweight, breathable feel. Seen in warmer weather jeans.
• Tencel Denim: Contains lyocell fibers made from sustainable wood sources. Tencel is soft, smooth and drapes nicely on the body.
• Wool Denim: A touch of wool adds warmth and comfort. Wool also contains lanolin for water resistance. Popular in colder seasons.

When shopping, consider the season and your needs. Do you want lightweight or thermal denim? Super-stretchy or rigid? The fabric blend makes all the difference. Examine the tag to pick the ideal material mix.

Common Sizing and Fit Issues To Watch For

Given their stylistic nature, Rick Owens jeans have some common fit quirks to watch out for. But a little strategic sizing can help you avoid the frustrations of returns. Here are my top tips:

• Size up for a slouchy fit: Oversized is part of Rick’s aesthetic. Size up one or two sizes, especially for boyfriend cuts.
• Beware vanity sizing: Some styles run notoriously small. Don’t get hung up on the number. Focus on actual measurements.
• Factor in stretch: Jeans with elastane will loosen up after some wears. Buy tight if you want them to mold to your body.
• Try different rises: The waist-to-hip ratio varies. A high rise may fit your torso better than a low rise.
• Consider length: Inseams can range from ankle to floor length. Make sure they hit at your ideal jeans length.
• Read reviews: Look for feedback on real sizing before purchasing. This gives helpful insight.
• Buy final sale carefully: Understand return policies for final sale items, which have no refunds if sizing is off.

With designer denim, fit is everything. Focus on finding your perfect match over the specific size on the label. Pay close attention to reviews and measurements to remove any sizing doubts.

Caring for Your Rick Owens Jeans

Investing in Rick Owens denim means committing to special care and cleaning methods. Although pricey, with the proper maintenance your jeans can last for many seasons. Here are my top tips for keeping your pants in pristine condition:

• Hand or gentle machine wash in cold water using mild detergent. Never use bleach.
• Hang dry only. Never put Rick Owens jeans in the dryer – this can ruin the shape.
• Wash infrequently and only when needed to preserve the color and structure.
• Use a steaming method instead of ironing if needed to smooth wrinkles or creases. Ironing can cause damage.
• For tough stains, spot clean the affected area with a damp cloth. Don’t aggressively scrub the fabric.
• Repair small holes, rips or missing buttons immediately. Don’t let damage worsen over time.
• Store folded or on hangers in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight that can fade colors.
• Consider professional denim cleaning if jeans become excessively dirty or stained. Avoid DIY bleach techniques.

With proper care, your jeans will develop beautiful wear and softening over time. Follow these tips and you can keep your Rick Owens denim in rotation for seasons to come!

Understanding the Rick Owens Warranty

You expect quality and construction from an investment piece like designer jeans. Thankfully, Rick Owens offers a warranty to protect you. Here’s how it works:

All Rick Owens jeans come with a one year warranty from the date of purchase. This covers manufacturing defects like:

• Faulty zippers or buttons
• Torn belt loops
• Split seams

Hold onto your receipt as proof of purchase. If an issue arises, email customer service at [email protected].

They will evaluate the damage and decide whether it qualifies under the warranty terms. If approved, you will be offered a few options:

• Repair of the defective jeans
• An exchange for a replacement pair
• Store credit
• Refund (for serious issues only)

Just be aware – the warranty does not cover normal wear and tear or user error. So excessive pulling of threads or neglected care is not covered.

Overall, the robust warranty brings peace of mind with your designer denim purchase. Make sure to inspect your jeans closely when they arrive. And don’t hesitate to use the coverage if bad stitching or damage arises!

Decoding the Cost of Rick Owens Jeans

The elephant in the room when buying designer denim is always the price tag. There’s no doubt Rick Owens jeans sit at the top end of the pricing scale. But a number of factors contribute to the higher cost.

Made in Italy Construction

Like most luxury fashion brands, Rick Owens jeans are proudly made in Italy. This means higher labor costs compared to mass denim produced overseas. But the quality of construction from Italian factories and tailors is second to none.

Exclusive, High-End Fabrics

From premium Italian cotton, wool and rayon to custom-developed denims, these are positively not your average jean fabrics. Complex processing and exclusive weaving results in rich, long-lasting materials.

Avant-Garde Styling

You’re not just paying for denim, but for wearable art. Each jean is thoughtfully designed with a sculptural, experimental aesthetic you won’t find anywhere else.

Eco-Friendly Processing

Many washes and dyes utilize green practices like ozone treatments rather than toxic chemicals. This reduces environmental impact.

Ethical Manufacturing

Rick Owens has deep relationships with Italian factories that offer fair wages and safe working conditions. This costs more but aligns with brand values.

While the prices elicit sticker shock, the quality, originality and craftsmanship justify the investment over fast fashion. Think per wear cost over years of use!

What Real Customers Are Saying

Don’t just take my word when it comes to judging the fit, feel and style of Rick Owens jeans. Listening to actual customer reviews provides valuable, unbiased insight.

Here are some common thoughts I discovered combing through comments:

• “They’re worth the money” for those who save up for them, citing durability and easy styling.
• “Size up” is repeated frequently, especially for a slouchier look. The jeans run slim.
• “Strange but amazing” is used often, referring to the avant-garde silhouette.
• “Rough and rigid” at first but soften and mold to your body. Not instantly comfortable.
• “Can’t find anything else like them” due to the original styling. Fans say the unique look is addictive.
• “Never going back to cheap denim” after experiencing the luxe quality.
• “Get compliments all the time” thanks to Rick’s recognizable, standout aesthetic.

The unanimous vote seems to be the fit may take patience, but the style makes it all worthwhile. Listen to reviews to manage expectations on sizing and comfort.

Signature Rick Owens Denim Colors

In addition to edgy silhouettes, Rick Owens jeans stand out through their moody, muted color palette. While some washes come and go, here are a few signature shades to look for:

• Pitch Black: The darkest dark wash, evoking an inky, gothic feel. A brand signature.
• Soft Black: Similar to pitch black but with a touch of grey. More everyday wearable.
• Dirt Black: A true black with distressing that mimics dirt and grime. Grungy cool.
• Spiderweb Grey: A charcoal grey with spidery white crackled markings for visual interest.
• Cement Grey: A cool grey that echoes weathered concrete. Great alternative to blue denim.
• Blood Red: A crimson red wash as the name implies! Makes a bold color statement.
• Vicious Blue: A faded, almost ashy blue jean with a vintage rocker vibe.
• Mastery: The iconic dirty off-white wash in a super skinny spray-on cut. Spot this and know it’s Rick Owens!

Part of the brand’s appeal lies in their moody, dark colorways you won’t find elsewhere. Use this guide to pick your perfect hue.

Are Rick Owens Jeans Limited Edition?

Like most designer fashion, Rick Owens jeans come and go each season as new collections are released. This lends an element of exclusivity that inspires die-hard fans to snap up must-have styles before they disappear.

Some tips on decoding limited runs:

• Mainline vs. DRKSHDW – Mainline is the runway collection featuring new creative designs each season. DRKSHDW is more everyday basics.
• Seasonless Styles – Some classics like the Stooges skinny are produced year-round. Limited runs rotate out more frequently.
• Collaborations – Partnering with brands like Adidas, Rick Owens may release exclusive limited capsules.
• Custom Fabric_ – _Jeans in custom dyed or printed denim often have short production runs.
• Japan and Asia Exclusives – Specials runs are produced in limited quantities only for the Japanese and broader Asian markets.

While it’s impossible to predict what will or won’t return in future seasons, limited availability adds to the appeal. If you love a style, it may be gone for good – making it more tempting to invest while you can!

How The Fit Compares To Other Brands

Understanding how Rick Owens jeans fit compared to other designer brands you may be familiar with is helpful for setting expectations. Based on experience, here’s my sizing analysis:

Compared to Saint Laurent jeans, Rick Owens run much larger and more avant garde in shape. Size down significantly from your Saint Laurent size.

Compared to Acne Studios, sizing is similar but Acne offers more everyday, wearable styles. Rick Owens has more intentionally oversized fits.

Compared to A.P.C., Rick Owens jeans fit a full size large. The French brand runs notoriously small and slim. Size up from A.P.C.

Compared to NuDIE jeans, you’ll want to size down as the Swedish brand is cut roomy. Rick Owens are cut closer to the leg.

Compared to Rag & Bone, expect Rick Owens jeans to fit looser with more exaggerated volume. Rag & Bone offers a neater, cleaner cut.

These comparisons provide a helpful starting point – but finding your perfect fit may still require trying a few sizes. Use online size guides and measuring existing well-fitting jeans. With a strategic approach, you can avoid the hassle of returns.

Similar Styles If You Can’t Find Rick Owens

Once you fall for Rick’s avant-garde denim designs, no other jean quite measures up. But in the event some styles sell out, here are a few possible alternatives to consider:

• For a similar spray-on skinny fit, BLK DNM has super slim low-rise jeans with moto details.
• If you love Rick’s distressed detailing, Julius has a grungy, deconstructed vibe.
• For bold, wide-leg flares, check out Uma Wang’s exaggerated bell bottoms.
• Ann Demeulemeester’s asymmetrical jeans have an edgy, Goth-like sensibility.
• Haider Ackermann balances volume with a slimmer leg opening for an artsy silhouette.

These brands offer a daring, directional spirit akin to Rick Owens. While not identical, they may appease you until your favorite RO styles are restocked!

Decoding Rick Owens Jeans Sizing

Understanding the nuances of Rick Owens sizing helps take the guesswork out of choosing your size. Here are the key factors:

• Italian sizing from 2-3XS up to XL/XXL. This equates to around 24-44 US size.
• Measurements matter more than the size number. Two different styles in size 48 can have very different actual fit.
• Half sizes like 48 1⁄2 are commonly used for a precise fit. Don’t overlook half sizes.
• Styles may vary – a size 48 Stooges can fit smaller than a size 48 Creatch in the same wash.
• Women can size down 2-3 sizes for a boyfriend fit. But some men size up for an oversized slouchy look.

The moral is to obsess less over the size on the label and more over the garment measurements provided. This will lead you to your optimal fit.

Can You Return Rick Owens Jeans?

With designer denim, fit and sizing can be finicky – so what’s the return policy if your jeans don’t work out? Here are Rick Owens’ return guidelines:

• Returns accepted within 14 days in original condition with tags attached.
• Return shipping is paid by the customer unless the item is defective. Expect fees around $15-20.
• Final sale items cannot be returned for refund, but may be exchanged if available.
• Worn or damaged items cannot be returned or exchanged. All tags must be attached.

When purchasing, don’t remove tags or wear until you’re positive about fit and style. Snap photos to document condition in case sizing issues arise.

As long as items are unworn and unwashed, returns are accepted within two weeks. Just be prepared to pay return shipping.

Are Rick Owens Jeans Worth It?

At the end of the day, only you can decide if designer jeans like Rick Owens are worth the investment for your budget and lifestyle. While sticker shock is normal, consider the cost per wear over their lifespan.

Made meticulously in Italy from the finest fabrics, Rick Owens jeans are crafted to last for years, not seasons. The signature styling makes them collectors’ items that won’t go out of fashion.

For fans of the avant-garde aesthetic, paying more ensures total originality – you’ll never spot someone wearing the exact same pair! Quality jeans in classic washes become wardrobe staples you can build outfits around for endless styling.

While the splurge isn’t right for everyone, devoted fans swear by the fit, feel and attitude of Rick Owens denim. No other brand quite captures that luxury grunge aesthetic. Ultimately the value depends on how often you’ll wear them and the cost per wear. If that math works out, then yes – they’re absolutely worth it!

The Takeaway

While high-end designer denim isn’t essential, iconic brands like Rick Owens offer something special. With fierce originality, meticulous Italian craftsmanship and coveted limited runs, Rick Owens jeans embody luxury rebel style.

Hopefully this guide provided tips to demystify sizing, silhouette and shopping to find your perfect pair. While the investment is significant, fans declare it pays dividends in edgy attitude and everyday versatility. Give them a try if you crave jeans as self-expression. When it comes to superior quality with avant-garde appeal, nothing beats the comfort and confidence of Rick Owens denim.