I tested supermarket jeans against brands like Levis – my favourites cost 4-times less & no one can tell the difference

JEANS are a staple of my wardrobe.

Over the years I have worn many styles.

Abby compares a series of styles and give her verdict

As a teenager, I lived in Topshop’s Joni skinny jeans and I got my first pair of Levi’s when I was in my early twenties.

But now, nearing 30, I love nothing more than supermarket jeans.

They are great value and really comfortable.

They also last well, which my £100 Levi’s didn’t (so much for them staying good for ever).

But while I am a convert to supermarket denim, how well do pairs compare with those at high-end, high street stores?

Here I compare a series of styles, from skinny and straight to cargo and wide leg, and give my verdict and ratings. 

BLEACHED WIDE LEG

Supermarket – £22.50 F&F at Tesco – 5/5

The supermarket F&F scored full marks whilst the high street Cos scored 3 out of 5

ABBY SAYS: The fit of these jeans is great, they are not only a good length but they really skim over my stomach which I love as it means they are super-flattering.

I am also obsessed with the wide leg, which is something new for me.

I am definitely tempted to wear this kind of style more often.High-end high street – £95, Cos

High-end high street – £95, Cos – 3/5

ABBY SAYS: These are made from softer fabric than the pair from F&F.        

They are really comfortable and, again, I love how they look as I think this style of jean suits my shape.

But at £72.50 more than the other pair, it is a no-brainer who the winner is here.

SKINNY

Supermarket – £17, George at Asda 3/5

George at Asda scored 3 out of 5 but Jigsaw’s pair scored 4 out of 5

ABBY SAYS: After living in skinny jeans as a teenager and in my early twenties, I haven’t worn a pair in years.         

But if Kate Moss deems them back in fashion, who am I to argue?

This pair felt really nice and the fit was good.         

I wasn’t keen on the ombre pattern on my thigh, but that is just my personal preference.

High-end high street – £95, Jigsaw – 4/5

ABBY SAYS: I like how smooth these jeans look, and they are really comfortable.         

They also have a bit of stretch which I like in skinny jeans, and I like the colour.         

They are good quality, too, and don’t seem like they would rip at the crotch, which tends to happen with a lot of skinny jeans over the course of time.

CARGO

Supermarket – £45, M&S – 4/5

M&S scored 4 out of 5 but Me and Em only scored 2 out of 5

ABBY SAYS: Cargo jeans are big this season and what I really like about these is how smart they look for quite a casual trend.

They have got the wide leg and the cargo pocket detailing but you could still really dress them up.

The fit and length are great, too, and I love the dark wash.

High-end high street – £195, Me and Em – 2/5

ABBY SAYS: For £150 more than the M&S version I just wouldn’t be able to justify buying these jeans – and especially given that this is a style which could be just a passing trend.

Having said that, they do have a real quality, feel, though they are perhaps a little long for my 5ft 4in frame, even when I’m wearing a pair of heels.

STRAIGHT LEG

Supermarket – £20, Tu at Sainsbury’s – 4/5

Tu at Sainsbury’s scored 4/5 but Levi’s received full marks

ABBY SAYS: Sainsbury’s is currently my go-to store for jeans and I have a number of pairs in different styles from there.

For £20 a pair, you just can’t go wrong.

These straight-leg jeans fit really nicely around the waist and for length.

They also come in short, regular and long lengths, which is even better.

High-end high street – £100, Levi’s – 5/5

ABBY SAYS: Whilst I do love the supermarket version of these jeans, the Levi’s pair have really caught my attention.

They look really flattering and skim over my body, smoothing it out.

Not only do they fit well, but they do feel like great quality.

Is it time to give them another chance?

Abbey’s verdict

I KNEW there was a reason why I loved supermarket jeans so much and I don’t think this comparison test has changed that much.
I could, however, be tempted by the pair of Levi’s because I loved the way they fitted me.
But with some of the styles, it is really hard to spot the difference.
Whilst a few of the higher-end jeans are lovely, I don’t know if I could justify the price difference.
Supermarkets also seem to stock a much wider size range.
I’m a size 14 and it is worth noting that in some of the non-supermarket stores I had to get the largest size available.