True Religion Review: Is Their Denim Heaven-Sent?

I’ll admit, my denim journey started on shaky ground.

Back in the day, I thought jeans were jeans—grab any pair off the rack, and you’re good.

I ended up with plenty of sub-par denim: synthetics blended in, odd fits that somehow managed to be both too tight and too loose, and let’s not even talk about durability.

Then I discovered raw denim and took a deep dive into Japanese craftsmanship, and I was sold on quality. The catch? A lot of these styles, while impressive in build, didn’t quite match the visual kick I like in a pair of jeans. I wanted something that held up but also had a little more personality.

Enter True Religion. Known for their distinct designs and a little more “visual flavor,” I figured it was time to give their lineup a shot.

What Is True Religion?

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Launched in 2002, the California-based brand is best known for its bold stitching, unmistakable horseshoe logo, and do-my-own-thing attitude.

True Religion, complete with thick threads, unique hardware, utilizes iconic details like the twisted seams and colorful stitching of the now-famous “Joey” jean.

They went as far as reengineering conventional sewing machines to create their signature five-needle thread at two-stitches-per-inch process, better known as the iconic Super T stitch.

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Known for its celebrity collaborations with artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Chief Keef, and 2 Chainz, the brand has become a staple for athletes, musicians, and creatives who use fashion to express their unique style.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Generally speaking, True Religion’s denim isn’t for the guy looking for ultra-subtle basics.

Their distinct stitching, bold design choices, and Western-inspired touches add character that stands out among more conservative denim silhouettes.

Sizing can also vary, especially with inseams. It’s best to double-check if you’re picky about exact lengths as some of their models might require tailoring based on your stature.

My Hands-On Review

Ricky Flap Straight Jean

Fabric

The True Religion Ricky Flap Straight Jean strikes a great balance with its 98% cotton and 2% spandex blend.

While it’s true I’m what most would consider a denim purist—meaning I prefer 100% cotton whenever I can get it—this mix retains the natural, breathable feel of cotton while adding a subtle stretch that keeps them from feeling low-grade jeans packed with synthetic fibers as filler instead of intentional flexibility.

The comfort level is noticeable—far more forgiving than raw denim that hasn’t been broken in yet. The pre-washed fabric gives these jeans a lived-in feel right out of the box, which is a welcome change for anyone who’s dealt with the discomfort of brand-new denim.

True Religion has opted for a pre-distressed look on these jeans, which I usually find too flashy for my taste. However, the Ricky Flap Straight Jean features just enough subtle whiskering and fading through the thighs to make them casual without crossing the line into some of the outlandish jeans I’ve seen at the mall stores.

The finish feels thoughtfully balanced between worn-in and clean. For someone like me who appreciates denim that’s less “look-at-me” and more understated, these strike a happy medium.

Compared to some of True Religion’s more bold styles (which most of them are), these jeans are one of their more neutral offerings, making them an ideal choice for guys like me who prefer a less pronounced streetwear vibe.

Sizing

These jeans come exclusively in a 32 and 34-inch inseam, which worked out well for my 6’2″ frame. As perfect as that is for me, I can see how this might pose a problem for shorter guys who could end up needing a tailor, which isn’t an uncommon scenario with premium denim brands.

True Religion’s sizing might feel restrictive compared to brands who offer odd inseam sizes like 32×33, so you might find that a pair of their jeans won’t be available in your exact dimensions. Luckily they offer free returns, and they have a decent retail footprint with 51 US flagships if you want to make a quick exchange.

Thankfully, the waist on my pair ran true to size, and the slight stretch from the spandex means they fit comfortably without feeling restrictive. This adaptive fit is a definite win compared to other 100% cotton jeans I’ve tried, which can sometimes feel stiff and unforgiving for months.

What I find impressive about the fit is how True Religion has managed to achieve a balance between structure and comfort. The straight leg style falls well without looking overly baggy, but it’s not so tailored that it feels restrictive. For me, that makes these jeans a practical everyday choice—versatile enough to wear casually while still polished enough for a laid-back night out.

Comfort

The Ricky Flap Straight Jeans feel properly fitted through the seat and thigh, so not once have I felt like the stitches were begging for mercy while testing my range of motion.

The inclusion of spandex not only adds a little flexibility but makes these jeans significantly more comfortable than traditional raw denim. You can wear them for hours without the dreaded feeling of having your legs constrained, which is a common complaint among denim enthusiasts.

As a denim enthusiast, I have to say these jeans land in the sweet spot. You’re not sacrificing comfort for durability here, nor is the material so flimsy that you’re left with baggy knees after an afternoon of wear. They retain their shape well, which I appreciate since I’m not looking to constantly adjust or “break in” my jeans every time I wear them.

Details

True Religion’s attention to detail is evident in everything I tested from them, and even though the Ricky Flap Straight Jeans are one of their more basic offerings in the aesthetics department, they’re rich with the brand’s charm.

The brand uses customized chrome buttons and a branded zipper pull, which are both solid indicators of quality craftsmanship that I carefully look for in a pair of jeans.

I also appreciate the retro design of the back patch featuring their signature Buddha mascot, which adds a nostalgic touch without feeling too over the top.

While the Billy Flap Bootcut Jeans come with bright yellow and orange stitching, the orange stitching on these jeans is more subdued, aligning better with the classic blue jeans look.

For me, these thoughtful branded details elevate the Ricky Flap Straight Jean. The features don’t try too hard to grab attention but add subtle character that denim lovers can appreciate. 

True Religion is known for adding personality to its jeans, and here, it’s done in a way that complements rather than competes with the overall look.

Billy Flap Bootcut Jean

Fabric

Similar to my thoughts on the last pair, the 99% cotton and 1% elastane blend on the Billy Flap Bootcut Jean delivers that close-to-traditional denim feel I prefer.

With an additional 1% cotton than the Ricky Flap Straight Jeans, these jeans retain that authentic softness without compromising on a hint of stretch.

The elastane content, though minimal, is just enough to make them comfortable while maintaining that solid cotton texture denim fans like myself usually prefer.

Another standout is the rich, uniform black dye. Unlike the Ricky Flap Straight Jean’s pre-distressed denim, these are clean and free of any fading or whiskering.

Over time, I look forward to seeing how these will develop unique distressing based on my lifestyle. That’s one of the rewarding aspects of denim—watching them evolve into something personal with wear.

Sizing

The fit of the Billy Flap Bootcut Jean is refreshingly consistent with the straight fit of the Ricky Flap jeans.

There’s enough room to feel unrestricted, and the fabric doesn’t cling to any one area of my leg. The bootcut opening falls naturally over boots with a tall shaft, covering the shaft without bunching up or looking overly wide.

The slight stretch from the elastane also makes them adaptive and comfortable, especially around the waist. However, there’s a bit of a catch with sizing: True Religion doesn’t post the inseam on these jeans, which is unusual for a premium brand.

My pair in size 33 measured a 34” inseam, which worked fine for me, but for others, this lack of transparency might be a hassle. That said, the brand does offer free returns, which softens the blow if the inseam length turns out different than expected.

Comfort

Comfort-wise, these jeans provide a solid balance between softness and structure, but more so on the soft side considering they’re brand new.

The fabric has a slightly heavier feel than the Ricky Flap Straight Jeans, likely due to the higher cotton content. They feel a bit more rigid initially, which may require a bit of breaking in, but that’s par for the course with quality denim.

Details

As I’m sure you’ve already noticed, the contrast stitching is the real focal point on these jeans.

True Religion went with bright yellow single-needle stitching and fluorescent orange bar-tack accents, which really stand out against the deep black dye. It’s a striking choice, especially if you’re used to the more subdued look of standard black jeans.

For anyone who prefers a classic black jean aesthetic, the vibrant stitching might feel a bit bold. I’m always down to experiment with something unique in my wardrobe, but these wouldn’t be my first choice for business-casual affairs—something black jeans are known to thrive in.

As with the Ricky Flap Straight Jean, the Billy Flap Bootcut Jean maintains True Religion’s attention to detail with custom chrome buttons, a branded zipper, and that nostalgic back patch with the Buddha mascot.

The flap pocket design on both the coin and back pockets is a practical touch as well. At first, they were nothing more than an aesthetic choice, but they truly keep belongings secure, which isn’t something you see often in the vast majority of jeans with open stitched pockets.

Western Denim Shirt

Fabric

Given that it isn’t part of their trouser lineup, the 100% denim fabric on True Religion’s Western Denim Shirt is the most rigid out of everything I tested.

It almost had a starched feel to it on my first wear—surprisingly stiff for a casual denim shirt.

Because of the shirt’s weighty fabric, I found it looks best worn over the waist rather than tucked in. When tucked, it can add a bit of bulk at the waistline, making it feel slightly overstuffed. This might not be ideal if you tend to tuck in your shirts regardless of material or design.

Despite the initial rigidity, there’s a distinct softness to the hand feel that’s impressive for such a robust fabric. After a single wash, the fabric loosened up considerably with a free-moving drape it didn’t have when I freed it from its packaging.

Overall, this feels like the kind of shirt built to last, something you could wear for years, which definitely adds to its value given that it’s priced under $100.

Sizing

Typically, I go rogue on size guides. In this case, the model was also 6’2″ like me, so I went with the same size he was wearing: a medium.

Normally, I’d lean toward a large, but the medium ended up being the right call, so the Western Denim Shirt might run a bit big for some. The hem lands just below the waistline, which is great for layering over a tee or wearing open. Through the chest, shoulders, and arms, the fit is spot on—not too tight, not too loose.

Comfort

For the past three years, my Levi’s Barstow Denim Shirt has been my noble steed for all things Western shirting. It was soft and lightweight right out of the gate, but the Western Denim Shirt has a heavier feel that makes it feel more substantial.

Personally, I prefer the True Religion’s, because like all fabric does, it will soften over time. I’m willing to exchange a lengthier break-in period for longevity, and I’m certain that’s the tradeoff here.

Details

True Religion stuck to the heritage elements that make Western shirts iconic, and it’s by far my favorite thing about the Western Denim Shirt.

From the single-point chest pockets to the western-style yoke, barrel cuffs, and pearl snap buttons, all the hallmarks are here.

The horseshoe stitching over the pockets is the only aspect that might steer some guys away. Granted, it’s the brand’s logo, but it leans heavily into cowboy core unlike a simpler Western shirt without the frontier iconography.

Overall, the design hits all the right notes for a Western shirt, bringing together function and classic style in a way that feels intentional. It’s a piece that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but instead pays homage to the traditional Western shirt with just enough unique branding to stand out.

What Do Other Reviewers Say?

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Across the board, True Religion’s jeans and denim shirts hold strong ratings, with many customers noting a balance of durability and comfort.

Comments often highlight the soft yet sturdy denim, with words like “comfortable,” “long-lasting,” and “well-made” making frequent appearances. Several reviews also mention the attention to detail, from the branded hardware to the distinct stitching.

Another recurring theme? Fast shipping and customer service, which reviewers appreciate as a bonus on top of the premium quality.