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Worse on Purpose

Joe's Jeans

Premium denim brand, once known as one of the best men's jeans on the market.

Status: Avoid
Founded
2001
Website
joesjeans.com
HQ
USA
Manufacturing
Various
Ownership type
Brand licensing (ABG-style)
Parent
WHP Global

Ownership

WHP Global portfolio. WHP follows a brand licensing model similar to ABG.

Why Avoid

Reportedly spotted at Sam's Club for $9.90/pair. Fully licensing-model dependent.

Sister brands under WHP Global

See all 11 sister brands

Read the full investigation

Investigation · April 17, 2026

Your Favorite Brands Got Worse On Purpose

Authentic Brands Group buys dead brands, strips the design and manufacturing, and licenses the name to anyone who'll pay. Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Forever 21, Sports Illustrated. Plus the ones still worth buying.

Read the full investigation

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