Jeans, glorious jeans! Photo: Getty Images
The newspaper referenced market research conducted by NPD Group, which reported that denim by accessible brands like Levi's, Lee and Wrangler have all seen sales increases, even in the early months of 2009 (the worst part of the recession), yet the same didn't happen in the $200+ category of the $13 billion denim industry.
"The economy shifted, and all of a sudden those outrageous prices actually look outrageous," said NPD chief retail analyst Marshal Cohen. "The super premium jean business has dropped off tremendously because the inspirational shoppers aren't going up that high, and luxury customers aren't buying two or three pairs anymore."
While high-end denim makers aren't admitting any signs of weakness, the article points out that they are now offering more and more non-denim products with cheaper price tags, and trying to communicate to customers why pricier denim is worth every penny.
All of this adds up to production costs 10 times higher than mass market brands, he says. In any case, now 95 percent of 7 For All Mankind jeans are less than $200, that's 25 percent more than a year ago.
Meanwhile, the affordable denim at the Gap is getting even more accessible, with a $60 line of jeans designed by hires from premium companies like Joe's Jeans and Earl.
So what do we think: Has the recession effected your opinion on $200+ jeans? Or does an amazing wash and cut always justify the price?