Agolde jeans are expensive because they are made in the USA with imported premium fabrics, hand-customized washes, and distressed detailing. The brand also has an aura of exclusivity and prestige fueled by celebrity buzz and limited distribution.
Agolde jeans have become one of the most coveted denim brands in recent years, with celebrity fans like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid often spotted sporting the LA-based label’s vintage-inspired designs.
But the premium denim doesn’t come cheap – a pair of Agolde jeans typically retails for $188 or more. So what makes these jeans so expensive compared to other brands? Here are the top 10 reasons Agolde jeans command such a high price tag.
Top 10 Reasons Why Are Agolde Jeans So Expensive
1. Made in the USA with imported fabrics
While many denim brands manufacture their jeans overseas to save on costs, Agolde proudly makes all of its denim in the USA. However, the fabric itself is imported from mills in Japan and Italy in order to achieve the unique rigid and stretch fabrics that give Agolde jeans their signature look and feel. The combination of imported fabrics with domestic manufacturing significantly drives up costs.
2. Limited production runs
Agolde produces its collections in small batches, rather than mass producing jeans to meet large-scale demand. This ensures quality is closely monitored but means fixed costs are spread across fewer pairs. Limited production runs combined with premium materials makes each pair more expensive to produce.
3. Handmade and customized washes
Every pair of Agolde jeans goes through individually customized washes to achieve the vintage-inspired fading and wear patterns that perfectly break in each jean. Rather than use automated industrial wash processes, Agolde jeans are hand washed in small batches using a complex technique that requires craftsmanship and attention to detail. This labor-intensive process contributes to the higher costs.
4. Ethical production standards
Agolde seeks to adhere to ethical production standards whenever possible, including fair labor practices. The brand uses some recycled and organic materials in its fabrics, trims and packaging. While ethically-made clothing often costs more to produce, these higher standards benefit factory workers and the environment.
5. Premium quality materials
The denim fabrics used in Agolde jeans have a luxuriously soft hand-feel and rich colors that come from using the finest cottons, often sourced from family-owned mills with generations of expertise. Trims are made of premium leather and hardware. High-end materials results in a more elevated and durable finished product that justifies the splurge.
6. Celebrity cache and influencer buzz
Getting A-list celebrities like Kendall Jenner to embrace the brand on Instagram has driven buzz and demand for the relatively young label. The hype generated by celebrity and influencer marketing requires significant investment but results in greater brand awareness and sales at higher price points.
7. Careful distressing and aging
Each pair of Agolde jeans is distressed and aged by hand to create a perfectly worn-in look. Skilled artisans carefully place points of distressing and fading in a meticulously considered manner. This thoughtful attention to detail during the finishing process elevates the jeans from just another pair of good denim.
8. Limited distribution strategy
Agolde brand has been careful to restrict distribution to maintain an aura of exclusivity. Jeans are mostly only available on their own e-commerce site and in a small selection of upscale boutiques. By resisting large-scale distribution, the brand can control inventory and pricing policies. Limited availability combined with high demand means full-price sales.
9. Commitment to design and innovation
Agolde displays a design-focused ethos in creating modern vintage styles with unique fabrics, washes and silhouettes. The brand stays on the cutting edge by continuously innovating fabric development and incorporating feedback from wearers. Investment in creative design talent and customer research contributes to higher development costs per style.
10. Brand prestige and positioning
By positioning itself as an upscale premium brand favored by celebrities, Agolde has enhanced its prestige and appeal. Luxury brands are able to command higher prices based on brand image, and Agolde has successfully placed itself in the high-end denim market. Its reputation for excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail further justify the elevated pricing.
Is Agolde jeans a good brand?
Yes, Agolde is considered a top premium denim brand due to its commitment to quality, made in USA production, and meticulous hand-finishing that gives each pair a perfectly broken-in look.
Are Agolde jeans good?
Agolde jeans are known for being expertly crafted from high-end fabrics with customized fading and distressing, so they are exceptionally good quality with a luxe feel.
Are Agolde jeans worth the price?
For those willing to invest in an expertly made pair of jeans with beautiful fabrics and detailing, Agolde jeans are worth the splurge for their durability, vintage-inspired styles and superior fit.
Where to buy Agolde jeans?
Agolde jeans are sold on the brand’s website as well as in select upscale boutiques and specialty denim stores that carry premium designer brands.