Neuw is Australian denim with a deliberately small range. Rather than a fit for every occasion there are a handful of shapes done properly, which makes choosing a pair a question of silhouette rather than of wading through a catalogue.
The womens fits
Amber Barrel is the entry point. A rounded leg that tapers in at the ankle, cut cleanly enough that it works with a tucked shirt as easily as a jumper. The Resonate rinse is the version to look at first: a dark, even blue with no distressing.
Mimi Super Barrel takes the same idea further. More volume through the thigh, more curve to the leg, and a bigger commitment. If the Amber feels too safe, this is the next step rather than a different jean.
Milla Wide drops the barrel curve for a straight wide leg, full length. It is the one that dresses up most easily, particularly in the Amaze dark indigo.
Daria Baggy and Yoko Baggy are the relaxed end, cut roomier through the hip and leg without the barrel's taper. Both come in blacks, which is where they work best.
If you are weighing the Amber or Mimi against the barrels from the other labels we stock, our womens barrel jeans guide puts them side by side.
The mens fits
The mens range is small and straight-legged. Lou Slim Straight is the narrower cut, Lou Straight the fuller one, and Ray Straight sits alongside them. All three come in dark, largely undistressed indigos.
The detail worth knowing: mens Neuw comes in waist 28 to 38 with a choice of 32 or 34 inch leg. Most denim at this level is sold in waist only and left to a tailor, so if you have ever had to shorten a pair, this is the range that will save you the trip. There are also the Cave tees if you want something to go with them.
It all sits in mens jeans.
Where Neuw sits
Neuw sits a step above our everyday denim without being the dearest thing on the rail. Most pairs land around $210, which puts it above Rolla's and Abrand and below Nobody Denim, where the jeans run closer to $290.
What you get for the step up is in the fabric and the finishing rather than the branding: subtler washes, quieter hardware, and a pair that holds its shape longer between washes. If you want the most considered denim we stock, that is Nobody Denim. If you want most of the way there in a broader set of shapes, this is the shelf.
Sizing
Womens runs waist 24 to 32, mens 28 to 38 with a 32 or 34 leg, and the tees are S to XXL.
Neuw sizing is a true waist measurement. The barrels sit high and firm at the waistband, which is what gives the leg its shape, so resist sizing up for comfort. Between the Amber and the Mimi in particular, the extra volume reads differently on different frames, so trying beats guessing.
Buying Neuw Denim in New Zealand
Wally is an authorised Neuw stockist, and we are on Auckland's North Shore rather than in town. Shop the full range online or come and try it on in Takapuna.
Open Monday to Friday 10 to 5, Saturday 9 to 5, Sunday 10 to 5. Free shipping New Zealand wide over $80, which every pair of Neuw clears.
