Len Druskin
Always a step ahead of the curve, Len Druskin boasts a fashion-forward selection of denim for both men and women. Sure, Len’s got the brands (and a closetful of styles, colors, and sizes), but it’s the service that keeps customers coming back. In addition to a skilled staff, the store offers quick turnaround on alterations, and has been known to stay open late for customers in a pinch before a big night out. (Psst: Shop often at the Southdale Center clearance store, where still-fresh denim at marked-down prices moves fast.)
3140 Galleria, Edina; 952-927-7923
Hot Mama
There’s more to Hot Mama than maternity wear, and you definitely don’t have to be a mama to buy denim here. Although the store carries big names like Justin Timberlake’s William Rast line, Hot Mama’s focus is helping women feel good about the body they have. The stores’ expert stylists have a knack for finding the most flattering pair in the right size (hint: it’s smaller than you think!). In the end, you’ll get out of your mom jeans and into something, well, hot.
867 Grand Ave., St. Paul; 651-209-0222; and two other metro locations
Covered
While neighboring stores dress co-eds in consignment, this tiny Dinkytown shop dishes out designer denim. There’s Hudson for tall girls, Taverniti for rock- star wannabes, and Joe’s for every woman in between. Covered’s best-selling brand and least-kept secret, Serfontaine, is constructed with a super-soft “T-400” fabric that stretches without stretching out (there is a god). According to owner Stacy Larson, “wide leg is going to be HUGE this fall.” Don’t worry: she’s got you covered.
402 SE 14th Ave., Minneapolis; 612-378-4776
Off 5th
The Saks Fifth Avenue outlet store has quietly become a men and women’s denim destination. At 40 to 70 percent off the original price, castoffs—in an astonishing selection of styles and sizes—from the main stores take on new life when they hit Off 5th shelves. Seven for All Mankind has the largest presence here, but more elusive denim like, Tahari for her and Ermenegildo Zegna for him, is in the mix. Game on.
655 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis; 612-333-7200
Macy’s
Whether you’re loyal to Levi’s or searching for True Religion, you’re bound to find it in Macy’s dizzying selection of denim for him and her. Macy’s carries jeans from most of its tried-and-true collections, like Perry Ellis and Tommy Hilfiger, and seeks out the latest designer brands. Look for hot labels Anlo, Rich & Skinny, and Genetic Denim in the store’s fall denim mix. Don’t know what you want? Try them all!
700 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis; 612-375-2200; and five other metro locations
