If you know a guy who lives in jeans – I’ll tell you which kind he should have...

Would you spend $300 on a pair of plain old jeans?

According to denim designer Matt Eddmenson – we should at least consider it. Matt says most people will spend a lot more than that on a suit or dress they’ll only wear a couple times – or on other items that will come and go. A perfect pair of jeans can last a lifetime - and there’s a big difference between high-end denim and run-of-the-mill stuff. Most luxury denim brands are based in the U.S. – and there’s a lot more attention paid to detail and craftsmanship. High end denim is also made on a different kind of loom and is a lot more durable. If you do splurge on a pricey pair – custom tailoring will probably be included with the purchase.

When you invest in that perfect pair of jeans – whatever you do, don’t wash them! Not at first anyway. Eddmenson recommends NO washing for the first six months – and only every 3 to 6 months after that. He says too much washing fades and weakens the denim. That first 6 months will give them a chance to mold to your body.

And remember, each rip, stain and crease adds personality to the jean, according to Eric Goldstein, founder of The Jean Shop in New York City. Over the course of a few years, that favorite pair can really say something about the life you live.