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While trends tend to entertain the masses for a short while, the best women’s jeans are here to stay.
And, while there certainly isn’t a shortage of brands offering denim bottoms that’ll accentuate everything you want them to, selecting the perfect pair can be a challenging feat. To help you in the search, our shopping editors have rounded up the best jeans for women, including the pairs we own and swear by.
From Abercrombie to Levi’s to Lee and Good American, we’ve found the perfect fit for everybody. And, of course, there are lots of good finds on Amazon, too!
Plus, I have also shared a great hack for finding your best jean sizing and you’ll want to see it!
Any way you slice ’em — from TikTok-famous mom jeans to the seamless high-waisted — the best places to buy jeans offer an array of cuts that’ll meet your preferred style, wash, and budget.
Best Overall Jeans: Abercrombie the 90s Relaxed High Rise
AbercrombieAbercrombie makes jean shopping exceptionally easy. The brand offers a ranking system so shoppers can see exactly where each pair falls on the stretch, fabric weight, and rise height scales. The 90s Relaxed High Rise Jeans are a natural best-seller, known for their authentic, vintage look, raw hem, and slight stretch for all-day comfort. Plus, each style can be tailored to your waist and height separately for a perfect fit.
Miska Salemann wearing Abercrombie jeans. Miska SalemannNew York Post Review: “I love the ability to customize your jeans at Abercrombie. I went with the ‘short’ option and finally felt like my shoes were still visible with these jeans. They hit perfectly right at the ankle. I don’t typically go for stretch denim, but I wanted to see what these were all about, and I can attest to the fact that they do mold to my body much better than most of my jeans. They’re also easy to sit in, which is a major plus if you plan to wear these jeans while working or lounging.”
Size: 23-37 | Inseam: 5 length options | Material: 70%, Polyester, 30% Cotton, Body: 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane | Colors: 28
Best Stretch Jeans: Quince Bella Stretch Relaxed Straight Jeans
QuinceThe Bella Stretch Relaxed Straight Jeans from Quince offer premium stretch and an effortless silhouette that can easily be dressed up or down. Designed with a vintage-like marbling, the denim looks like one of those rare finds you stumble upon at your favorite second-hand store — minus the stains and smells. They have just the right amount of structure while still being comfortable, and are not too heavy or too light. Note the very slight fraying at the bottom — detail perfection.
Size: 24-33 | Inseam: 26-30 | Material: 73% organic cotton, 26% Lyocell Tencel, 1% spandex | Colors: 5
Best Relaxed Jeans: Lee Women’s Original Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Jean
LeeEverybody knows the jeans from Lee, and this pair are sure to be a favorite if you like a classic look. They’re relaxed but not too relaxed, giving them a worn-in but tailored shape that works well with tees or a cami and blazer. Design-wise, there’s a lot to be impressed with. Made from a cotton-poly blend, the back pockets are higher on the bum, giving the area a lifted appearance. One happy reviewer said they were the “best jeans” she’s ever worn, while another said they were the only denim that fit her “perfectly, each and every time.”
Size: 4-18 | Inseam: 29″-33″ | Material: N/A | Colors: 4
Best Flare Jeans: Good American Good Legs Flare Jeans
Good AmericanThese vintage-inspired jeans from Good American are a staple piece — not just for their fun, flared legs but also for the wonderfully flexible material that smoothes in all the right spots. They’re designed with advanced stretch recovery, so they hold their shape wear after wear.
Holly J. Coley wearing Good American jeans Holly. J ColeyNew York Poat Review: “Like many women, I find jean shopping frustrating and anxiety-provoking. I’m lean, but I definitely have a rear, and it’s difficult finding denim that comfortably fits my waist, butt, and thighs,” shared Coley. “Good American is supposed to be the brand to remedy these types of issues, so I’ve always wanted to test its denim.”
Coley was shocked by how much she loved the Good Legs Flare Jeans. She says the fitted silhouette is versatile enough to wear casually with boots or to dress up with a cami, blazer, and heels.
“They’re shy of being a tight glove fit, but around the butt and thighs? Oh.my.gawd. They really lift and snatch, which is why I’ve decided to keep them and try to break them in a bit. They sort of feel like jeggings with the material being heavy and thick (ideal jeans for falls and winters in NYC), but they’re really nice,” she shared.
Size: 00-32 plus | Inseam: 33.5″ | Material: 98.5% Organic Cotton, 1.5% Elastane | Colors: 1
Best Jeans for Going Out: Cary High Rise Slouchy Straight Leg Jeans
ReformationReformation’s Cary High Rise Slouchy Straight Leg Jeans are the perfect jeans for someone who can’t decide between style and comfort. These offer both. They’re fitted throughout with a relaxed leg and come in a variety of colorways. For a standout style, we recommend the Vana Vented Studded silhouette. The dark wash contrasts with a silver button trim for a truly unique look, ideal for a night out.
Miska SalemannEditor’s Note: “I’ve always admired Reformation jeans, but this pair was my first experience with the brand, and I couldn’t be more impressed. The material is much softer than you’d expect but still holds its shape wonderfully and does not wrinkle. I have so many pairs of basic jeans, and the silver button detailing on these makes for an easy, low-effort elevated look. You could pair it with a plain T-shirt and still get compliments.”
Size options: 23-34 | Inseam: 31″ | Material: 67% Organically Grown Cotton, 22% Tencel, 11% Recycled Cotton | Colors: 3
Best Skinny Jeans: Women’s Levi’s 311 Shaping Skinny Jeans
Levi'sIs there a classier jean brand than Levi’s? We’re not sure, but our Updates Editor, Holly J Coley, loves its 311 Shaping Skinny Jeans.
New York Post Review: “I know a lot of people are happy that skinny jeans are no longer trending like they were before, but I still think everyone needs a pair or two in their closet,” she says. “These have been one of my mine. I’ve worn them while cleaning, out with friends, on long walks — almost everywhere. I’ve had them for more than a year and they’ve still maintained their shape and haven’t frayed or anything. Personally, I wouldn’t call them ‘shaping’ since they’re not as flexible as some of the other pieces of denim I own. However, they definitely mold to the body.”
Size: 25-33 | Inseam: 30″ | Material: 60% cotton, 22% viscose, 16% polyester, 2% elastane | Colors: 4
Best Low-Rise Jeans: Levi’s Women’s Low Pro Jeans
AmazonIf a simple, sleek low-rise is what you’re after, Levi’s Low Pro Straight jeans are probably the perfect fit. These jeans have a roundish bootcut silhouette at the bottom, a relaxed fit through the hip, and a slightly V-shaped waist to accentuate the hips. Many reviewers agree that the Low Pros are universally flattering, and they actually fit true to size.
Miska SalemannNew York Post Review: “I practically live in my Levi’s. These might not be the jeans to wear to work or a business-casual dinner, but they’re the perfect casual pair for everyday errands and wandering around the city. The low-rise is very much on-trend, and comfortable (easier to breathe in for that matter), and the cut looks great with any top you pair them with. I’m 5’3 and found that the length is a bit long on me, so I got them hemmed — worth it.”
Not sold on straight legs? For a phenomenal bootcut option, we suggest the Levi’s Women’s Classic Bootcut Jeans.
Size: 24-32 | Inseam: 31″ | Material: 100% cotton | Colors: 6
Best Bootcut Jeans: Democracy Women’s Ab Solution Itty Bitty Boot
AmazonIf you’re a fan of Wit & Wisdom denim, you need to check out its sister company Democracy. Its absolution line has strategically placed panels to give a more streamlined look, while the pockets are designed to make your rear look tighter and higher. This specific pair is a favorite of more than 4,000 shoppers on Amazon, one declaring them her “favorite jeans” while another wrote that they “fit like a glove.” And because of how they’re made, they work regardless of whether you’re apple-shaped, pear-shaped, or something in between.
Size: 2-16 | Inseam: short-long | Material: 66% Cotton, 21% Repreve, 11% Rayon, 2% Spandex | Colors: 8
Best Everyday Jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean
Abercrombie and FitchRegardless of your height or size, there’s a good chance these A&F jeans will become a weekly staple. Hundreds of women love their fit, including Meaghan Roche, our Senior Commerce SEO Manager. Pleas note — these are an even higher rise, than the best-selling High Rise jeans we reviewed above.
Editor’s Note: “I own multiple washes of Abercrombie’s Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean because they are the perfect everyday jeans,” she says. “They’re made with quality vintage denim, plus have enough stretch to be comfortable without compromising or losing their shape. The straight style is flattering on most body types and they’re versatile enough wear with anything from sneakers to Uggs to heels.” She also recommends not to sleep on Abercrombie’s Curve Love collection.” Trust us, we won’t!
Size: 23-37 | Inseam: extra short-extra long | Material: 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane | Colors: 10
Best Casual Jeans: GAP Women’s High Rise Wide Leg Jeans
AmazonFor days when you don’t have much going on but still want to look cute, slip on a pair of these. They don’t have lots of elastane but are slouchy enough to be flexible. Armed with low-stretch cotton, these well-constructed jeans are also part of Gap’s water-saving Washwell program — for an added eco-friendly value, too!
Holly J. ColeyNew York Post Review: “I love these jeans,” shared Coley. “They’re so easy to style. If I need to be fancy, I can pair them with a blazer and blouse. If I need something more casual, they’re big enough to easily tuck a boyfriend sweater into. They feel like vintage-style jeans, which means they don’t have a ton of stretch. But I like that because that means they’ll hold up longer. I own a few pairs of denim from Gap — love them all, but I strongly suggest knowing your measurements, including your inseam, beforehand. Sizing changes from style to style, so you’ll be short in one pair and considered tall in another.”
Size: 24-35 | Inseam: N/A | Material: 95% Cotton, 5% Recycled Cotton | Colors: 11
Best Light-Wash Jeans: Topshop Kort Relaxed Straight-Leg Jeans
TopShopIf you’re looking for something between carefree casual and street-style cool, this pair by Topshop is a great contender. The Kort jeans have a relaxed fit, roomy, straight legs, and are constructed with non-stretch denim in an evenly faded light wash. They have a bit of a vintage edge that looks great with a pair of chunky sneakers in the summer.
Miska SalemannEditor’s Note: “One of my best friends introduced me to Topshop denim in High School, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed with how well these jeans have held up over the years — especially considering they’re under $60. A straight leg is so simple and easy to style, which makes these jeans an easy go-to for many occasions. The light-wash fade looks much brighter in person, and the material is on the stiffer side, which means it also keeps its shape super well and never slouches. If you like non-stretch denim, this is a great style for you.”
Size: 23-37 | Inseam: 30.5″ inseam | Material: 100% cotton | Colors: 1
Best Jeans for Office: NYDJ Marilyn Straight Jeans
NYDJIf you’re a millennial, you remember the horror of low-rise jeans — these aren’t that! In fact, the NYDJ Marilyn Straight Jeans are perfect for the office, and have a special design technology that lifts the bum while smoothing the front. They’re sleek, not too form-fitting, but also don’t hide your shape. When paired with the right heels and blazer — amazing.
Size: 0-18 | Inseam: 32″ | Material: 70% Cotton, 13% Polyester, 10% Lyocell, 5% Elastomultiester, 2% Elastane | Colors: 1
Best Wide Leg Jeans: Spanx Wide Leg Jeans
SpanxWe love that wide legs are finally back in style, especially when they have contouring abilities. These Spanx jeans feature a hidden core technology that smooths the midsection and lifts the butt. They’re also soft, offer high-rise coverage, and are in a pull-on style.
Our Commerce Strategy Manager, Sophie Cannon, has previously reviewed Spanx and adores the brand’s selection of shaping styles — jeans included.
New York Post Review: “Bonus points do need to be awarded here for the tall girls and the shorter ones like myself, as they offer options for petite, regular, and tall and range in sizes extra small to a 3X,” shared Cannon.
Size: XS-3X| Inseam: 30″-34″ | Material: 87% Cotton, 11% Polyester, 2% Elastane. Lining: 68% Polyester, 32% Cotton | Colors: 4
Best Work Jeans: Paige Genevieve Flare Jean
PaigeIf dark denim has been calling, Paige Genevieve Flare Jeans could be your answer. These bootcut flare jeans have an extreme lengthening effect and pitch-black tone, making them a treat for petites. Plus, they’re also almost as comfortable as leggings. The addition of butter-soft spandex provides just enough stretch to make all your daily activities a bit more comfortable.
Miska SalemannNew York Post Review: “It’s pretty difficult to find a pair of jeans suitable for the corporate world. Lighter washes seem too casual, and holes should typically be avoided. This pair from Paige is one of the only jeans I feel presentable in, and much of that has to do with the fact that I’ve hardly ever seen them wrinkle. They’re smooth, elegant, and look like serious work pants. The bootcut style creates a lengthening and slimming effect, and they pair perfectly with a pair of boots or close-toed heels in the fall.”
Size: 23-37 | Inseam: 34.5″ | Material: 54% Rayon, 23% Cotton, 22% Polyester, 1% Spandex | Colors: 1
How we tested
The best way to find out if a pair of jeans is worth buying is to try them on yourself. Our editors have tested some of the most popular jean styles from top brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Lee, Target, Aritzia, Paige, Denim Forum, and more. While evaluating each style, we’ve kept in mind three main criteria: style, comfort, and durability. This was no single try-on sessions — we’ve worn these pants all around the city, into work, out to dinner, and more.
- Style: When it comes to jeans, the options are endless. Low-rise or high-rise. Flare or straight. Stretch or rigid. Light or dark wash. We understand that everyone has their taste when it comes to style, but we’ve been sure to include our notes on whether the jeans we’ve tested hold true to their descriptions and have also added suggestions for styling each pair based on their material, color, and construction.
- Comfort: Comfort is paramount with jeans. Can you sit down without wiggling? Walk fast enough to catch a subway? While reviewing these denim styles, we considered whether they fit true to size, or ran a bit large or small. We’ve also evaluated the softness and stretchiness (or stiffness) and broke down the specific materials used for each pair, so you know exactly what you’re buying.
- Durability: Jeans are not cheap. While there are some budget-friendly options available, most quality jeans cost between $50 and $100. When investing in a new pair, it’s important to consider how long they will last, how well the material holds its shape over time, and whether the color remains as bright as it was when you bought the jeans. We’ve shared our thoughts on the longevity of each style we tested, and have some recommendations for the best way to keep them looking and feeling great year after year.
Buyers Guide
How do you find jeans that fit you?
Know your measurements — especially waist, hip, and inseam,” Gold advises. “Most brands — like Lee — have size charts where you can compare your measurements to their sizing.
Look how the jean fits the model and what size she is wearing. Consider how you want the jeans to fit and what makes you feel confident: more fitted [or] looser.
If you’re out in the wild buying jeans, here’s a hack I recently discovered:
As you can see, wrapping the waist of your denim around your neck is a quick and easy way to know if a pair of jeans will fit without trying them on.
What type of jeans are best for women?
Straight jeans and bootcut are timeless styles,” says Gold.
“For a universal option, look for a classic or regular fitting jean in a mid-rise with a straight leg or bootcut. These styles sit at the waist, hug the hips, and then skim the thighs. Both leg openings also offer lots of options to pair with shoes from ballet flats to sneakers to boots. A slim straight is particularly flattering, especially if you are hesitant to ditch your skinny jeans for a fuller leg.”
If you’re looking for a good straight-leg jean to add to your wardrobe, consider the Women’s Straight Leg Jeans ($44, $39.90). It has more than 1,000 reviews, is available in misses, petite, as well as tall, and sits at the natural waist, skimming the body to show its natural silhouette.
For those seeking bootcut jeans, go with Democracy Women’s Ab Solution Itty Bitty Boot ($88). They’re built with slimming panels to give a more streamlined look. They also have some stretch and come in an assortment of washes.
What are the best types of denim?
Gold encouraged shoppers to consider the amount of stretch and/or synthetic fibers in the fabric they choose.
“Do you want a 100% cotton or something that has more stretch in it? Many brands will show the percentage of cotton and other materials in product descriptions. Also, read the product reviews online.”
What is a jean rise?
You’ve probably already heard of low-rise and high-rise jeans and understand the visual difference between them. Structurally, the “rise” refers to the length between the crotch seam and the waistband.
Each pair of jeans has two rises, a front rise and a back rise. The rise affects the way jeans look and feel.
A high-rise pair of jeans has a longer rise, which may sit higher over your hips around your waist. A low-rise pair of jeans will set lower towards the hips, and a mid-rise pair will be somewhere in the middle.
What is a jean inseam?
“The inseam tells you the length of the jean,” Gold explains. “That’s helpful as it enables you to envision it on you. Does the jean stop above or at the ankle, at your arch of the foot or on the floor?”
Considering the footwear you’ll be wearing with a pair of jeans is another thing that Gold suggests. It will impact the inseam to go for.
“As a general rule, 29” inseam is considered ankle length jean on average height consumers,” explains Gold. “A tailor can help with all of your measurements. Or, find your favorite pair of jeans and use a tape measure to measure the inside seam from the crotch to the hem.”
How should you wash your jeans?
Most denim is durable enough to be worn a few times without regular washing. Some experts say that the less you wash your jeans, the longer they will last. Lee Jeans, for example, suggests washing once or twice a month.
“We advise washing jeans as seldom as possible to maintain fit, shape, and color,” the brand recommends. “Plan to wash your denim no more than once or twice a month, or after five to 10 wears.”
When it comes to how you wash your jeans, the instructions vary from brand to brand and style to style. However, most brands advise machine washing on cold to preserve the size of the jeans, and avoid shrinkage, and fading.
“Our preferred method for cleaning denim is hand washing in the tub using cold water and a mild detergent,” it says on the website.
“Denim is a sturdy, absorbent, and forgiving material, but it loses integrity with every cleaning. Hand washing is the gentlest way to wash your jeans and keep them in good condition over time.”
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