Buying denim is first about fit, then wash, and finally brand. But mostly a good premium pair of denim should be about fit: Fitting your body Fitting your lifestyle So when it comes to fit, be prepared to know if it is a low rise waist, a straight leg or bootcut, athletic fit or skinny that you are most comfortable wearing. There's no right or wrong, and often there is a different fit for different parts of your lifestyle. Once you understand your personal preference in fit, you should then determine the wash, denim weights, finishes, or fabrications such as: selvedge, raw, over dyes, and distressing. Options in denim fill different lifestyle needs. Understanding these basics will then allow you to settle on a brand.