Acne Studios 1996 Jeans vs Brunello Cucinelli Traditional Fit Jeans: which one should you buy?

Where they differ

The Acne Studios 1996 Jeans wins on straight-leg rigid denim. The Brunello Cucinelli Traditional Fit Jeans answers with comfort stretch denim. Denim: Rigid cotton on the Acne Studios 1996 Jeans, Cotton stretch on the Brunello Cucinelli Traditional Fit Jeans. Fit: Straight on the Acne Studios 1996 Jeans, Traditional on the Brunello Cucinelli Traditional Fit Jeans. Rise: Mid on the Acne Studios 1996 Jeans, Mid on the Brunello Cucinelli Traditional Fit Jeans. Made in: Varies by line on the Acne Studios 1996 Jeans, Italy on the Brunello Cucinelli Traditional Fit Jeans.

Reasons to buy the Acne Studios 1996 Jeans

Good fit, Fair price. What to accept: not selvedge. Usual price: $300–$400. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Acne Studios 1996 Jeans review.

Reasons to buy the Brunello Cucinelli Traditional Fit Jeans

Soft, Refined. What to accept: pricey. Usual price: $800–$1,000. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Brunello Cucinelli Traditional Fit Jeans review.

Neither one?

Our list of the best luxury jeans has every other piece with its own call. Denim: Japanese and Italian selvedge and rigid denim last longest; very stretchy denim bags out at the knee.

Also consider the Kapital Monkey Cisco Jeans ($400–$500): Japanese denim. Buy it if you want Japanese craft.

Also consider the Re/Done 90s High Rise Loose ($280–$350): remade vintage-style jeans. Buy it if you want vintage look.

Buyer tip

Buy jeans to fit a little snug at the waist; 100% cotton denim stretches about half a size with wear.

Buying in Europe: Italian tailoring uses chest sizes such as IT 48 or 50 (about a US 38 or 40), while knitwear and outerwear use S–XL or IT sizes depending on the house. A European tailor can adjust sleeves and hems on any jacket.

Luxury prices move in a different rhythm from everyday shopping. The great houses (Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Rolex) raise prices once or twice a year, often in January and in spring, and almost never discount their icons. Seasonal pieces, colors and many shoes, coats and knitwear drop 30–50% in the end-of-season sales in January and from late June. Watches from brands such as Omega, TAG Heuer, Longines and Breitling, and most fragrance, see the best prices around Prime Day and Black Friday. Judge any deal against the usual price we show.