R13 jeans are expensive because they are made with premium materials, handcrafted domestically, and intentionally produced in limited quantities. The brand's combination of ethical manufacturing, celebrity endorsements, and positioning as a luxury label allow it to command high price points.
R13 jeans have become one of the most coveted and expensive denim brands in the world. With pairs costing upwards of $500, R13 jeans come with a hefty price tag that has many wondering – why exactly are they so expensive?
R13 was founded in downtown New York City by designer Chris Leba in 2009. He wanted to create a denim brand that focused on quality craftsmanship and durability using raw, rigid denim. The attention to detail and premium materials R13 uses contributes to the high prices. However, there are several other factors that explain the exorbitant costs associated with R13 jeans.
Top 10 Reasons R13 Jeans Are So Expensive
1. Handcrafted in the USA
One of the main reasons R13 jeans are pricier is because they are handcrafted in the USA. Unlike other denim brands that manufacture jeans overseas to cut costs, R13 has kept their production domestic. This allows for closer oversight of the production process but also increases labor costs.
As a result, R13 jeans are made with meticulous care and attention in Los Angeles using centuries-old denim weaving techniques. The homemade quality commands higher prices.
2. Raw, Rigid Selvedge Denim
R13 uses specially sourced raw, rigid selvedge denim from renowned Japanese mills including Kuroki and Kurabo. This type of denim is woven on old shuttle looms and uses the highest quality cotton.
It is stiffer and thicker than typical stretch denim, providing greater durability. Producing this premium Japanese selvedge denim requires additional time and rare skills, factors that drive up the cost. The raw denim quality gives R13 jeans their signature tough yet comfortable feel that fades uniquely over time.
3. Limited Production Runs
R13 produces limited quantities of each jean design instead of mass producing. This restricts supply even as demand continues growing globally. When supply is limited and demand is high, prices inevitably rise. Each run of jeans has a set amount, generally a few hundred pairs.
Once they sell out, customers have to wait until the next production run. This makes R13 jeans more exclusive and coveted. Limited supply combined with high-quality materials equals higher retail prices.
4. Hand-Distressing and Repairs
One signature characteristic of R13 jeans is the heavy distressing, fading, and repairs done by hand on each pair. The brand’s designers intentionally rip the denim, add extensive stitch detailing, and create a lived-in, vintage look. Some of the most popular R13 styles feature holes, fraying, and embellishments.
Each pair gets hours of manual labor distressing that gives them an authentic, worn style. This handmade process is very time-intensive and adds to the cost compared to machine-induced distressing methods.
5. Vintage Customization
No two pairs of R13 jeans are exactly alike thanks to the customized vintage details added to every pair. Designers personally select various vintage fabrics like old bandanas, handkerchiefs, and belts that are incorporated into each jean design.
Whether it is unique pocket stitching, custom monograms, or one-of-a-kind patches, these vintage accents make every R13 jean distinct. It also requires additional time and effort compared to mass produced jeans. This personalization and rarity add value that gets passed onto the retail pricing.
6. Ethical Manufacturing
R13 takes pride in ethical domestic manufacturing that adheres to strict labor and environmental standards. The brand uses sustainable practices like eco-friendly washes, renewable energy in production facilities, and fair wages for employees.
Unlike fast fashion brands that mass produce overseas cheaply using questionable practices, R13 has chosen a slow fashion approach. While ethical manufacturing aligns with the brand’s values, it also increases overall costs. However, many customers are willing to pay higher prices for ethically made jeans.
7. Celebrity Endorsements
The Hollywood elite and celebrities like Beyonce, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga have been photographed wearing R13 denim. Not only are celebrities willing to pay top dollar for the jeans, their endorsements drive up desirability and demand. When A-list stars embrace a brand, prices usually go up as more consumers jostle to get their hands on the coveted items.
The high-profile endorsements result in increased sales volumes that allow R13 to charge premium prices for their jeans. The celebrity factor contributes to the expensive price tag.
8. Positioning as a Luxury Brand
R13 strategically markets itself as an upscale, premium denim lifestyle brand rather than just a jean company. It releases limited edition seasonal collections with luxury fabrics and details. The brand has elevated basics like t-shirts and hats into highly desirable fashion statements.
By positioning itself as luxurious, exclusive and conducive to indulgence, R13 can justify and command lofty prices. People expect to pay more for status symbols, and for denim aficionados, R13 jeans confer elite status worth splurging on.
9. Specialty Retail Partners
Instead of widely distributed mass-market availability, R13 jeans are primarily sold through upscale specialty boutiques and retailers like Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman and Ron Herman. By selective limiting distribution to high-end partners, R13 can enforce its premium pricing.
When customers have to visit exclusive stores to even find the jeans, it cultivates the perception of scarcity and luxury. Specialty retailers also provide personalized service not found in department stores. The overall shopping experience validates the heavy retail markups on R13 denim.
10. Significant Brand Markups
As with most designer fashion brands, R13 adds hefty markups that significantly boost the retail prices compared to production costs. The raw materials, labor, transport and duties account for a small fraction of the final sales price. As an elevated brand, R13 jeans sell for many times more than their base costs.
High demand and brand appeal allow retailers to apply 2-3X markups. Brand cachet explains why many customers readily pay $500 for jeans that cost roughly $50 to produce.
IS r13 jeans A Good Brand?
R13 is considered one of the premier denim brands due to its focus on quality craftsmanship, use of high-end Japanese selvedge denim, and ethical manufacturing practices. R13 jeans are designed to last and fade beautifully over time.
Are r13 jeans Good?
Yes, R13 jeans are known for being extremely high quality and comfortable. They are made from rigid raw selvedge denim that is durable yet breaks in well. Each pair is hand distressed for character. The attention to detail makes R13 one of the best designer denim brands.
Are r13 jeans Worth The Price?
For denim enthusiasts, the heavy-duty fabrics, vintage details, and hand-finished distressing used for each R13 pair make them well worth the investment. The brand’s ethical production and exclusivity add to the value. However, the high prices are prohibitive for some consumers.
Where To Buy r13 jeans?
R13 jeans are sold at select high-end boutiques and specialty retailers such as Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, Ron Herman, Fred Segal, and Revolve. The brand maintains limited distribution to keep its jeans exclusive and coveted. Buying directly from the R13 website is recommended for the best availability.