Last Updated on March 19, 2022

Diesel is an Italian retail clothing company that specializes in Denim. They made a name for itself by producing unique and creative casual clothing, footwear, and accessories. Diesel are always striving to challenge what’s accepted and push the boundaries of conformity.

For Diesel, it all started when Renzo Rosso. Its founder began stitching Jeans when he was fifteen years old. These were low-riding, bell-bottomed jeans that he first wore himself and then sold to friends. In 1976, after working for a clothing manufacturer called Moltex, he bought a 40% holding of the company (thanks to a loan from his father) and changed its name to Diesel.

If you are into denim, you might already know and love brands like Diesel and Levi’s. But there are a few of other great companies that you will love, either because of their general similar aesthetic or because of their amazing denim clothing.

Read on to find out which 5 brands are at the top of my list!

P.S. I have to confess that I added a few favorites to my near-future shopping list after browsing their sites, they are that good!

Main qualities of Diesel

• Unique style
• Good quality
• Surreal advertising campaigns
• Alternative fashion
• Provocative
• Controversial
• Embraces uniqueness
• Pop culture

Most iconic garments from Diesel

• High-end denim
• Casual clothing
• Ripped jeans

#1. Levi’s

Overview: Levi’s is a clothing company known for its denim jeans.

Price Range: $$

Origin and Concept: Levi Strauss & Co. was founded in 1853 by Levi Strauss, a German immigrant merchant, who was later joined by Jacob Davis, a Latvian immigrant tailor. As the story goes, Davis brought the novel idea of using copper rivets to reinforce denim to Strauss because of his lack of funding.

Strauss was already selling bolts of denim cloth and had the proper funding to create the new denim brand. They bought the proper patents and the 501 denim was born. Levi’s is unique because of its American heritage aesthetic, high quality, innovative design, and overall performance. Levi’s is regarded as durable, stylish, and trust-worthy by its customers.

Recommended Product(s): Wedgie Straight Fit Women’s Jeans & Red Tab Unisex Crewneck Sweatshirt + 724 High Rise Slim Straight Women’s Jeans & Gem Slip Dress

Celebs who are fans: Hailey Bieber, Jaden Smith, Naomi Osaka, Barbie Ferreira, Marcus Rashford, Emma Chamberlain, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, among others.

Ethical Practices: Levi Strauss & Co. (the company that owns Levi’s) uses some eco-friendly materials like recycled materials. The brand has also made a strong commitment towards achieving and producing sustainable denim, which includes reducing water use in its processes.

Levi’s has also set a science-based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated by both their operations and their supply chain. Most importantly, they are on track to meet said target.

Read: Undeniable Proof that Men’s 90s Jeans are Here to Stay

#2. Desigual

Overview: Desigual, meaning unequal or uneven, is a Spanish fashion label from Barcelona that specializes in casual clothing.

Price Range: $$$

Origin and Concept: The company was founded by Thomas Meyer in 1984, in Barcelona, Spain. The year before, he had designed a jacket made from scraps of second-hand jeans with great success. The idea behind the brand is “not to be the same”. It is famous for its distinctive bright colors, innovative collaborations with artists, and playful patterns.

Recommended Product(s): Johnson Hartig patchwork pinafore & Johnston Hartig studded miniskirt + Tulle newspaper dress & Animal print biker jacket

Celebs who are fans: Lady Gaga, Kate Hudson, Jovanka Vojtkova, Katie Holmes, Alessandra Ambrosio, Olivia Palermo, and Emmy Rossum, among others.

Ethical Practices: Sadly, not good enough. The brand uses some eco-friendly materials but there is no evidence that it minimizes textile waste during its manufacturing processes. It does, however, reduce its climate impact by using renewable energy in its direct operations. Supply chain processes are still widely unregulated.

#3. United Colors of Benetton

Overview: The Benetton Group is an Italian global fashion brand renowned for its use of color, knitwear, and social commitment.

Price Range: $$$

Origin and Concept: Founded in 1965 in Ponzano Veneto, Italy, Benetton was an iconic brand during the 80s and 90s but has since declined in its popularity. It is known for its sports sponsorships and amazing multiracial and colorful marketing campaigns. The brand presents a blend of Italian style and global trends.

Recommended Product(s): Crisscross Cardigan with belt & Sweater with rouches and braids + Duster coat in 100% cotton & Slim Fit Cargos in stretch cotton

Celebs who are fans: Blanca Miro, Fiammetta Cicogna Saul Nanni, Kaia Gerber, Sonam Kapoor, Kelly Brook, and Hailey Bieber, among others.

Ethical Practices: United colors of Benetton is considered a “not good enough” brand by the Good on You directory. Here’s why: Despite using some eco-friendly materials, the brand hasn’t set a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target, or at the very least they haven’t openly stated so. There is also no evidence that they minimize their textile waste, protect biodiversity, or uphold labor basic wages.

#4. MissSixty

Overview: Miss Sixty is an Italian fashion brand specialized in denim ready-to-wear. They became super famous due to their low-slung, under-the-hip, jeans.

Price Range: $$$

Origin and Concept: The brand was founded in 1991 by Wicky Hassan. Originally, it sold only clothing items, and then in 2000, it launched a line of footwear, eyewear, and children’s clothing (later on in 2004). In 2010 was acquired by Trendy International Group, a Chinese company. Nowadays, Miss Sixty makes cute, good-quality clothes that are sought after by retro lovers. It’s considered a bit expensive, but it usually has a ton of things on sale.

Recommended Product(s): Studded Denim Corset Top & Crewneck Letter Cropped Knit + High Waist Drawstring Lettering Jeans & Black and White Contrast Diamond Buckle Top

Celebs who are fans: Cheryl Cole, Miley Cyrus, Blake Lively, Hilary Duff, Paris Hilton, Rachel Bilson, Mischa Barton, Nicky Hilton, Kate Beckinsale, Rose McGowan, and Alyssa Milano, among others.

Ethical Practices: There is no information about how Miss Sixty handles itself in regards to labor social norms or environment protection.

Read: What to Wear with Boyfriend Jeans (Clothing Types, Casual, Formal and Seasonal Ideas)

#5. Missoni

Overview: Missoni is an Italian luxury fashion brand that is famous for its colorful knitwear designs.

Price Range: $$$$

Origin and Concept: This fashion house is based in Varese, Italy. It was founded in 1953 by Ottavio and Rosita Missoni. They first set up a small knitwear shop in Gallarate and presented the label in Milan in 1958. In 1965 they created a new collection in collaboration with Emmanuelle Khanh in New York and in 1967 they were invited to present their collection at the Pitti Palace in Florence.

During the runway show, Rosita told the models to remove their bras because they were the wrong color. Turns out the lamé clothing became translucent under the lights of the runway. Despite the show being a sensation, they were not invited again.

In 1996, the Missonis transferred control of the company to their three children. Missoni designs are easily recognizable by their geometric pattern of zig-zags, waves, or stripes. They have also included denim items in more recent collections, with an innovative aesthetic that accompanies their more typical creations.

Recommended Product(s): Mini-dress with long sleeves & Sweater with long sleeves + Trousers in knitted fabric & Denim shorts

Celebs who are fans: Kerry Washington, Cate Blanchett, Gina Rodriguez, Leonie Hanne, Barbara Palvin, Elsa Hosk, Rachel Brosnahan, Jamie Xie, Lily Collins, Katy Perry, Eva Longoria, Paris Hilton, Kate Middleton, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, among others.

Ethical Practices: In 2020, Margherita Missoni re-launched the Missoni line under the motto “Re-use, remix, and respect” to become as sustainable and ethical as possible. That being said, there is no evidence that they have set proper guidelines for environmental practices, waste management, and labor practices.

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