How to Save on Jeans

Get a leg up on finding this wardrobe workhorse for less.

Look for blended fabrics. Pairs last longer if they contain at least 2 percent spandex. “That material doesn’t just hug your curves—it also helps maintain the shape of the jeans over time,” says Kathryn Finney, author of How to Be a Budget Fashionista (Ballantine, $14, amazon.com).

Choose a dark wash. “Denim companies launder items repeatedly to lighten the color,” says Rachelle Moley, trend manager for Lee Jeans. Deeper shades are handled less, so they last twice as long.

If you have a go-to style or brand, buy online. It’s often cheaper. Subscribe to the e-mail lists of denim makers to receive insider deals. For example, Levi.com offers coupon codes good for 20 to 30 percent off an order, plus free shipping on orders of $100 or more, and Gap has offered sales of up to 30 percent off. Or order from sites that offer free shipping, like amazon.com (on orders over $25) and zappos.com (yes, it sells more than shoes).

Stock up now. Retailers know this staple tops consumers’ fall shopping lists, so they offer the best prices in August and September, says Randy Allen, associate dean of marketing and corporate relations at Cornell University. Visit shefinds.com and thebudgetfashionista.com to find the latest sales.