Acne Studios vs RRL (Ralph Lauren): which jean wins?
Both land in the raw selvedge tier — the Acne Studios 1991 Loose Fit at $320, the RRL (Ralph Lauren) Slim Fit Selvedge (men's) at $350, just $30 apart. Here's how they stack up, head to head.
| Acne Studios | RRL (Ralph Lauren) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $320 | $350 |
| Material | Quality cotton denim, including rigid and washed options, designed with a fashion sensibility. | 13–14oz Japanese selvedge; chain-stitched, vintage-replica hardware and washes. |
| Fit | The 1991 is a loose, relaxed fit with a vintage-leaning silhouette. Reviewers note European sizing and a roomy cut, advising a check of the size chart. | Slim through thigh and calf, mid-rise. Runs slim — sizing up one is common advice. |
| Quality | Owners report good fabric and construction consistent with a fashion house; the rigid versions wear and age well. | Premium construction with archival-grade detailing — the vintage-replica hardware, washes and design work are the differentiators. |
| Best for | Shoppers wanting clean, fashion-led designer denim in quality fabric. | A premium vintage-Americana aesthetic, considered styling, and buyers who want Ralph Lauren's heritage line specifically. |
| Care | Wash cold inside out and hang dry to preserve fabric and wash. | Cold wash inside-out and infrequently; air dry. RRL's washes are designed to keep developing with wear. |
Which should you buy?
They sit in the same tier and are within $30 of each other, so it comes down to what you want out of a jean. Lean Acne Studios for shoppers wanting clean, fashion-led designer denim in quality fabric; pick RRL (Ralph Lauren) for a premium vintage-americana aesthetic, considered styling, and buyers who want ralph lauren's heritage line specifically.
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