The Splurge: Bonobos Jeans, Made in the USA with Cone® Denim – $125.00
Note: These aren’t on sale yet, but you can try to sign up to be one of the first to get access.
Give em’ credit. Bonobos knows how to make clothes that get attention. These aren’t even for sale yet and there already seems to be heavy interest. They launched a micro site earlier this month so potential customers could sign up to be the first to buy their new jeans, and they ran out of invite “space” pretty quick. Here’s the slicked up promo video from Bonobos introducing their denim:
.
………
.
The Good
- They’re made in the USA. Los Angeles specifically.
- They’re not just made with Cone® Denim, but denim from the White Oak Plant on the east coast. They do have other plants around the world, but the denim for the Bonobos line is woven in the United States.
- They come with the Bonobos fit that many (but not all) seem to really love.
- Nos stitching across the back pockets or any easily noticeable branding.
- Comes with Bonobos fast shipping and Ninja Customer Service.
The Not So Good
- The price tag is a wallet bruising $125.00. Dump salsa on them and you might cry.
- Knowing the ferocity of Bonobos diehards, getting your hands on a pair of these soon after they’re released might be difficult. Like lassoing a unicorn difficult. A unicorn being ridden by a leprechaun. Who’s using his T206 Honus Wagner as a bookmark in the Gutenberg Bible he’s carrying.
It’s unknown if these jeans will be excluded from promo codes or Groupons. Nothing else seems to have been before, but you never know. There always seems to be a 20% off code floating around out there, and that would put these at an even $100. Or, about twice the cost of a made in Mexico pair of Levi’s 501s.
You interested? If $125 is way over your budget, is the Bonobos fit, U.S. manufacturing & U.S. made fabric enough to consider these as a splurge? Are you a denim fanatic that already spends $100 on jeans? Leave it all below.
I’m not familiar with Bonobo’s quality, so it’s hard to say if $125 is a reasonable price or not. That’s close to what you’d pay for a pair of american-made selvege 501s during a Levis sale, and about the same as the full retail price of their non-selvege variants.
The real factor in jeans is the cost of fabric. There are 3 or 4 companies using lower quality denim to make jeans for under $50 domestically.
I’d bet $125 that they’re better than what you get for $125 at jcrew or gap though.
I’d take a chance on it if I had another 2x for x. I’ve got a pair of cords and the washed chinos. Chinos fit like a dream while the cords are satisfactory but not great.
I paid $110 for a pair of true religions and they aren’t even selvedge denim, bonobo’s $125 is a steal imo.
I can’t believe how cheap jeans are in the US. Over here it’s hard to find good jeans for under $200.
Who are the 3 or 4 companies?
Got some selvedge made in USA 501s for around the same price about a month ago. If the fit on the bonobos is like their chinos and cords, I might sacrifice my last 30 bucks in credit for them.
They aren’t competing with Levis or Gap, they’re competing with Nudie Jeans, 3Sixteen, Imogene+Willie, etc. and in that market these are cheap. They’re on the order of 1/2 the price of those brands.
I love the wool trousers I got from Bonobos. They fit better than anything else I’ve got and all they needed was hemming, unlike all the other pairs I got that needed tapering.
Still, I hope no one here is really paying full price at Bonobos. Between Groupons, sales, and discount codes you can get them for half or less if you’re willing to wait and work at it.
For all the discounts a person can get, I’d say you can get a really fair price on some US sourced made in the US denim.
I find that the BR and Gap jeans are really good affordable buys. 501’s are super and again for the most part affordable. BR and Gap are always having sales, so I never pay full price.
Ubiquitous 20% code + pay with groupon puts these at around $50 out of pocket. One could do worse. I’ve even seen some 30% codes floating around lately, though they seem to have gone inactive now. I’m in need of a new pair of plain-ish dark jeans after I ruined my old ones thanks to a leaky car battery (Somehow they disintegrated instead of becoming “acid wash”) so I might snag some of these if the initial reviews are good.
They truly can’t exclude Groupons – because you can take that “Promotional Code” as soon as it arrives in your inbox, and immediately apply it to your account credit via your account page. You don’t have to wait to checkout a purchase to input it. Coupons are yet to be determined, but I highly doubt it, personally.
I had just used up the last of my store credit on some Chiantis and Wurkin Stiffs, and of course the denim announcement came out the next day. I immediately contacted the ninjas to tell them to stop the presses and give me that credit back, but they ship so damn fast that it was already out the door. Anxiously awaiting that credit to post back up from my return so I can buy these the day they come out.
I’ve been wearing my two pairs of bull denim straight through the past month and a half, they dress up and down so well I haven’t had a reason (other than a wedding) to wear anything else!
My questions: will the denim be a touch stretchy, like the bull denim? Or nice and rigid, true to size, etc? So many questions upon being a (hopeful) early adopter. Can’t wait.
For selvedge that seems like a pretty fine price. As others have said, a pair of 501s in selvege are around the same price, and IIRC, not made in the US or of US fabric. Not sure If I’ll try to get a pair. My last 2 pairs of jeans were the 14.99 clearance LEC ones.
Everyone is talking about what a good price this is for selvedge denim, but nothing indicates that it is in fact selvedge. Still a good price for made in the USA jeans, but they are not selvedge.
Oh #$%&, you’re right. Everyone look at this http://i.imgur.com/o81Au.jpg Left is bonobos right is selvage….crap crap crap I’ve already bought the credits.
$125 seems like a reasonable price to me. Joe’s, Diesel, and Seven for All Mankind all run close to $200 and those are about the only jeans I wear. Levi’s are okay but I find the fit to be a little boxy.
Is there a Groupon floating around now? And are there other ways of getting store credit at Bonobos?
There were a Canadian website called TeamBuy that was selling $100 for $50 GC a few days back..
Yeah these definitely aren’t selvedge. In the lead-up to their (pre)release, Bonobos made it clear (on their facebook) that they weren’t doing selvedge.
Yet.
Personally, I try not to spend more than $40 on a pair of jeans. They’re not a blazer or wool trousers that are worth $125, they’re jeans. Levis 501’s and 527’s are good enough for me.
Last year I bought a pair of the Levi’s x Brooks US-made 501s during one of their sales (so 25% off $148). That puts these right in the same neighborhood in terms of cost. I would really want to know a lot of specifics about how they fit—never bought anything from Bonobos, but I suspect the rise might be a bit too low for my taste. I do like the idea of supporting American workers, and I do that as much as I can afford to.
Depends on the fit. I pay between $40 (Levis 511) and $150 (Acne). If Bonobos looks and feels good $125 is fair – made in the US matters to me.
Because of their good products and great customer service, I’m definitely a Bonobos fan. But in this case, my $13 LEC jeans are lookin’ pretty good.
I’ve had a few Bonobos denim ads pop up in my browser and I can’t say I was impressed by the fit or washes in the pictures. I’ve yet to take the plunge on any Bonobos products and to be honest, their denim isn’t temping me to start.
Regarding the price – $125 is a lot of money for a pair of jeans, no two ways around it. If you’re the kind of guy who wears the hell out of one pair of jeans, though, and you really value the “made in USA” label, I could see how it would be worth it. Especially if you have the patience to wait for a coupon or some other kind of deal that drops the price down below $100. If you’re the kind of guy who keeps a dozen pairs of jeans in your closet and you give them to GoodWill when you get bored with them, you should probably save that $125 for a good winter coat or pair of shoes. Or a rent payment, or something.
While I love Bonobos and have bought 3 pairs of slacks, I agree on the washes. I don’t see a true raw denim option, which is what I was looking for.
I was hoping someone would say this — the Groupons or other discounts are gift certificates, which essentially are 50% store credit. The 20% promo codes are different beast and the jeans could be excluded theoretically speaking (although as Joe says, they have yet to exclude anything).
Just google “Bonobos Groupon” and you’ll be certain to find at least one that’s active. I did that and bought 3 of them on the same day a few weeks ago.
They are overpriced and poor quality (not selvage). Look at everything else that is USA fabric and construction. Take American Apparel for example. You can get higher quality stuff cheaper from a number of sources.
It’s great to buy american, but you have to know you are paying a premium on the product for the social aspect involved.
Hey guys, I just heard back via email on some of my (and your?) questions. Looks like the presale info goes out today!
=======================
Hey Ryan, Thanks for reaching out, valid questions. To address them in an orderly fashion: 1-It is rather soft, not quite as soft as the bull denim, but they aren’t starched or anything like some jeans are. I got a pair of the rinse to test, and they have gotten softer as I’ve worn them (though I haven’t washed them yet.) 2- They are a bit thicker than the bull denim, though fairly light-weight as far as denim goes. Not motorcycle grade thick like G-star, and not paper like H&M. 3- As far as what other jeans they would compare to; I’d like to say they are one of a kind of course (which is true damnit!) – Levi’s used to use cone denim back in their heyday and some other American Brands (True Religion, Seven For all Mankind, etc) use cone denim as well. Basically Cone Denim has been making jeans for as long as jeans have existed and their White Oak mill has been around for just as long. 4- As far as the color of the rinse- they are a deep navy, not black, but more of an indigo. 5- And finally- inseams: yes they’ll come with 30,32,34 & 36 inch inseams. Hope this helps! Look out for pre-order info going out today! Pants Pants Revolution, Andrew
In fact, the email for presale just arrived in my inbox!
I can confirm groupon works–it’s just store credit. $50 out of pocket with 20% off coupon.
Groupon works, use this code: AMFIQJSSVFDQVNEX for $40 off, or code: Locoventi if the original one doesn’t work. Got the jeans and a polo for $65 out of pocket after the codes and Groupon. The shipping said get it Saturday, so I’ll post the quality if I get them.
Could whoever gets these comment as to rise? I think the price is good for USA-made and USA-sourced, particularly given the sale options. But I’m one of those old fashioned types who likes to tuck shirts into my pants and thus requires a relatively high rise.
I’m going to go ahead and say that $125 is a retarded amount of money for a pair of jeans. The $40 ones I get from the Gap have always done me fine.
Thanks for the 40$ off code!
I ordered some pairs this afternoon. I got a 20% off code to work and used Groupons.
I love Bonobos, but it’s not worth it. I like the variation in styles and of course the fit, but i can get just as good of a fit in jeans from somewhere else for 1/3 of the price.
Just ordered mine. I’ll report back when I get ’em!
@Harry — I understand that “selvedge” means that they come from the end of the run, not that there is anything inherently better or worse about the quality. Am I misinformed? (It’s not out of the question.)
completely different looms used to weave the denim. http://rumcakeandrawdenim.com/2011/01/08/selvedge-denim-vs-regular-denim/
Guys, just show you know Bonobos’ monitors these forums now and shuts down any code posted, so send a PM (and if it is a tweet, don’t mention Bonobos) instead of posting it
Not the proper forum for this, but I’m going to go ahead and say that I sure am glad that slurs are seen as acceptable by some to put out there on the Internet. If you think something is stupid, say stupid. Retarded and stupid are not synonyms. Please know that your choice of words effect people.
–Somehow they disintegrated instead of becoming “acid wash”
DEAD
I’ve only worn one pair that didn’t quite fit right but the rise seemed close-ish to 501s. They’re both medium rise.
Also the Bonobos pants did something for my butt that I’ve never felt a pair of pants do before.
Thank you. I’m always baffled by the people who think this garbage is okay.
…I went back and got a coupon code from two weeks ago I remembered someone posting in the comments, then used it.
Also remember, if this is your first order from Bonobos you can give them the name of a customer who referred you and you and the other person both get a $50 store credit. Feel free to email them with my name if you would like to take advantage of this offer.
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/65153?feat=505933-GN3&productId=1099040
After the LEC jeans anything more than $15 is too much
I don’t know of any in the $50 price range, but for $118 you can get Todd Shelton jeans made in USA of American fabric. 2 rinses, 3 cut options, incredible service.
I second Todd Shelton, although I’m going to give these jeans a try
The whole “bonobos fit” thing doesn’t really make a whole lot of sense to me for higher end jeans. If you buy a set of nice raw selvedge jeans (cone mills or otherwise) a size small and let them break in naturally, you’ll get that same perfect fit that you’re hoping for.
Secondly, what’s the point of cone mills if it’s NOT selvedge?? I thought that was cone mills’ whole spiel, that they were the last Americans weaving on old shuttle looms etc. etc.
Whatever. Someone give me a present and buy me some Imogen + Willies please 🙂
They don’t remove the codes like ‘bananas’, ‘betterfit’, and ‘butterysoft’. I imagine they do remove when someone posts their gift certificate code (ala Chris above).
Well put. Same goes for how some use “gay.” Jay probably didn’t mean it to be offensive, since using retarded in that way spread like wildfire in the mid 2000s, but yeah, I think we’ve all moved beyond that at this point. Didn’t see this one when it came through. Thanks Greg.
Hey Jose, glad you love the washed chinos. If the cords aren’t living up to your/our standards, feel free to use our any time, any reason return policy and send ’em back.
Hey Ryan, just wanted to answer that question about stretch – nope, there won’t be any stretch in these like in the bull denim. These are more of a pure denim with no stretch component. Like all jeans, they’ll stretch out a bit as you wear them and break them in, but there’s no stretch added to the fabric.
Also, sorry we ship so fast 😉
Chris, just wanted to give an official confirmation that these aren’t selvedge. They’re amazing, high quality fabric from Cone, which is one of the premier American denim manufacturers.
Howdy Passenger, I’ve got a pair of the US 501s too and I’d say that the rise is about the same in Bonobos jeans too. I’d call it a medium rise. If you want to check ’em out, we’ve got a great return policy so you’ll never be left hanging if they end up not working out.
Haha. Fair enough. $13 is hard to beat. Glad you’ve had good experiences with us in the past.
Ben and Jason, sorry that the washes didn’t quite catch your eye. This is our 1st foray into denim, so I’d imagine we’ll have some other options to consider before too long. Happy to answer any other questions if you guys like – I’m @johnbonobos. Have a good weekend.
Hey Harry, great point that Made in the USA doesn’t necessarily translate to higher quality. It often does, but like you said, not always.
I’d say that you can get amazing denim quality that’s not selvedge though, and you can also get some stuff that’s technically selvedge, but isn’t good quality. Kinda like how you can get a great sparkling white wine that’s not technically champagne – ok, maybe not the best comparison.
These are a bit more expensive than they would be if they were made offshore, but they’re way cheaper than they’d be if they were sold through a traditional wholesale-retail model where they went through multiple rounds of markups.
I’d argue that these are great quality at a really good price and I’m typically a $50 Levis guy, but then again, I do work at Bonobos. Happy to talk more about this if you want. I’m @johnbonobos.
Hey Chris, just saw that not all of our orders from yesterday afternoon made it out due to a spike in denim orders. Just wanted to give you a heads up that the order might arrive on Monday instead. Thanks for the order!
Mike, I’d call the rise medium, kinda like it is in my Levis. I’m in the same boat re wanting to tuck stuff in, and I’m pretty tall too and these jeans do the trick. Happy to answer any other questions you have – I’m @johnbonobos.
Hey Sean, fair enough. I think the quality is great, but there’s definitely cheaper stuff out there, though I’d argue that the quality isn’t as good. I’ve got some $50 Levis that I love, but they’re not as good as the bonobos jeans I have.
Then again, I do work at Bonobos… Happy to answer any questions if you’ve got ’em. I’m @johnbonobos.
Got the email that these went live. Was able to use the coupon code BETTERFIT for 20% off, and then use the groupon, making these $50 a pair after all is said and done. Worth a shot at that price.
As a person that works full time with kids with special needs, most of whom are mentally retarded, the use of that word is still unbelievably present. Of course, I know you’re. Not disagreeing with me on this point, Joe. I’m just pointing out that I think many don’t think when they use a word like that.
http://www.r-word.org/
Thanks for the link. Like I said, I didn’t catch it when it came through. I think most roll their eyes when they hear/read a comment like that, but, that doesn’t really solve the issue, or help someone understand who’s using a slur and might not fully grasp that. But, your response certainly does, as does that website. Thanks for doing what you do Greg.
Hey John: I agree with Jason- a “raw” denim option would be great. So, if you have any pull with your product development people….
Thanks John.
I agree with John; just because denim isn’t selvedge doesn’t mean it’s low quality. The price seems reasonable (and even competitive) to me compared to other options in the same tier of quality.
That being said, although I’m tempted I’ll probably hold off…but if you did come out with a selvedge option in a slimmer, less “cycling thighs” oriented fit, I’d be on it in a heartbeat.
…and now there are not groupon deals. 😛
Hey Sal,
Mind if I use your name? Do I just e-mail them after I place an order?
ill take my selvedge 514s over these, catch them on sale and you can get them for under a hundred, fit great, break in nicely. wear them for 4-6 months before wash, they break in and shrink nicely to size after the wash.
i just saw this post. I ordered mine with the groupon and I used the bananas code which took 25% off, so i basically paid $55 for these.
for those still reading this thread and interested in groupon deals see this post: http://www.livingsocial.com/press/release/92-daily-deals-set-to-dominate-black-friday-as-livingsocial-unveils-more-than-20-national-deals-with-top-retailers-and-brands
Received my Bonobos jeans today. I’ve been very happy with the non-denim pants I own (I remember using the phrase “I’ll never buy a different brand of pants”) so I was expecting great things. I’m 6’2 and 180 and usually wear a 31/34 in Levi’s so that’s what I ordered.
The quality/weight of the fabric is evident. However, I’m not getting the same like-a-glove fit that I did with my previous Bonobos pants. To oversimplify the fit issue, these aren’t narrow enough. They’re not dad pants baggy but they’re also not the tailored look I was expecting. I always order straight leg, by the way.
They’re also longer than any 34s I’ve ever tried on but I like that hiccup because I’ve wanted to experiment with cuffing some jeans.
I haven’t decided if I’ll keep them. If I knew that they were going to put out some slimmer fitting jeans in the next 6 months, I’d send them back in a hurry. For only $50 after discounts, I’m disappointed but only because I know what a great fit Bonobos is capable of.
Hey I don’t know if you placed the order yet but yeah just email them any time after placing the order at ninjas@bonobos.com and give my name. Cheers.