The best jeans for women to buy now and wear forever
Shopping for the best jeans for women is one of the most tedious and dreaded tasks we undertake. Get it right and your life will be changed, but get it wrong and you'll be left hugging your knees in the poorly-lit fitting room or lugging 6743288 pairs back to the Post Office to be returned.
Yet, as painful as it may be we continue to put ourselves through it. Why? Because denim jeans are the main ingredient to a functioning wardrobe. There really is nothing sweeter than finding the perfect pair of jeans that fit your body type like a glove.
Sure, denim trends come and go (goodbye, jeggings and skinny jeans; hello, baggy jeans and retro flared styles), but whatever cut is of-the-moment, they're an item that fashion (and your capsule wardrobe) will never be without. But with different styles and trends emerging every season – horseshoe jeans, anyone?! – it can be tricky downright impossible to know where to start. Plus, we need to be having the conversation of prioritising sustainable shopping habits and not replacing items we already own just because a new aesthetic or “era” dropped. Good thing you guys have us.
Skip to: Best jeans for women at a glance | Best jeans for different body shapes | Quick jean styles guide | Jean trends for 2024 | Shop the best jeans for women.
Best jeans for women at a glance:
If you're in the market for a new pair of jeans, or you’re simply fed-up with sub-par, ill-fitting denim of seasons past, our ultimate buying guide to the best women's jeans will have you stumbling across something comfy. 'Cos as a result of wearing, loving and hating our fair share of jeans over the years, team GLAMOUR has found all manner of high street jeans, black jeans, best tall jeans, stretch denim jeans, cropped jeans and retro-inspired leg styles that'll serve you very well. Consider your every denim need covered.
What type of jeans are best for my body shape?
Finding a woman who is the same jeans size across all of their favourite retailers is a rarity. In fact, we'd bet money it's never happened. Sizes can vary wildly depending on the store you're shopping in which is, for sure, disheartening. Our advice is to dismiss the numbers on the label, go for what you feel the most comfortable in (with or without the best shapewear) and be prepared to try on lots of styles. There's not just one particular style for each body shape. And remember: clothes are supposed to fit your body, not the other way around.
On that note, your style choice is plentiful. There are cult denim brands like Levis and Lee, plus high street online clothing stores, premium high street brands and luxury designers all cutting their denim in different ways for different body types.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here's a quick guide to the different styles for women:
- Mom jeans: Think Monica Geller from Friends - mom jeans are exactly what she wears. Fitted at the waist and hips and baggier around the leg.
- Straight jeans: All one shape the whole way down.
- Wide-leg jeans: Fitted around the waist getting gradually wider and wider down the leg.
- Baggy jeans: Provide that two-sizes-too-big effect. Loose everywhere.
- Flared jeans: Tight-ish until the knee, then ‘flare’ out as their name suggests for a '70s finish.
- Cropped Jeans: Do what they say on the tin - they're tight/skinny fitting all the way down.
- High-waist jeans: Sit high up on the waist.
- Low-rise jeans: Sit below the bellybutton.
- Boyfriend jeans: Tend to fit exactly how a pair of men's jeans might fit a woman.
- Distressed jeans: Made to look like they've been worn for a long time purposely damaged or ripped
- Dad jeans: Similar to boyfriend jeans but slightly more vintage looking and tend to be mid-waist as opposed to low.
- Bootcut jeans: Slim fit through the upper legs that tapers at the knee then looses at the ankle. Traditionally, this was so that boots could be worn underneath the jeans, hence the name!
- Column jeans: Very similar to dad jeans but with a higher rise on the waist. They can be a bit baggier, too.
The denim jean styles that will dominate 2024
As a New Year is on the arrival and we look to celebrate a fresh start, we've been looking at which denim jean styles are on the autumn/winter what's hot list and actually trending right now. Plus it would be rude not to take a sneaky peek at what's on the ‘cool girl’ style horizon as we head into 2024 right? According to the catwalks, fashion editors, stylists and influencers alike, the rise of darker washes, wide-leg, baggy and barrel-leg silhouettes is set to be very popular next year. The rise in more of a tailored, western style has been everywhere on Instagram lately. However, our favourite upcoming trend of them all? Styling whichever denim jeans that you choose to wear or already own your way. It's all about making it personal to you and we're here for it. Let's make uniqueness a thing again for 2024, shall we?!
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What is the best brand for women's jeans? Keep scrolling to find out, ‘cos there’s no such thing as too many pairs…
Best budget skinny jeans
Why we love them: Super affordable, high quality, timeless cut and style. H&M are our go-to for high-street denim, and these skinny jeans are no different.
- Washes: White, denim blue, dark grey, light denim blue, dark denim blue, grey, brown.
- Materials: 76% cotton, 22% polyester, 2% elastane.
Save when you shop for the best jeans women with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
Best boyfriend jeans
Why we love them: You'd be mistaken for thinking these jeans were a premium designer pair, but don't be fooled, it's just good ol' M&S denim. They're incredibly quality and super flattering thanks to the high waist, added stretch and roomy fit down the leg.
- Washes: Black, light cream, dark indigo, blue denim, light denim.
- Materials: 99% cotton, 1% elastane.
Save when you shop for the best jeans women with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
Best flattering jeans
Curve Love Ultra High Rise 90s Slim Straight Jean
Why we love them: Catered for curvy women who have a smaller waist and bigger hips/thighs, the Curve Love range at Abercrombie & Fitch is almost always sold out, which tells you everything you need to know about the perfect fit styles. The ratio of stretch and structure is spot on. One reviewer said “I don't think I can get another pair of jeans again.”
- Washes: Cream with leather, black, medium, light, coated, dark, white, acid wash.
- Materials: 99% cotton, 1% elastane.
Best stretch denim jeans
Lupine High Flared Stretch Jeans
Why we love them: If you're looking for a super comfy, stretchy pair of jeans, Arket has got you sorted. With retro-style front pockets, the Lupine jeans are high-waisted, slim fit and with flared legs. Cut in a stretch denim thanks to 1% elastane.
- Washes: Dark blue.
- Materials: 87% cotton, 12% lyocell, 1% elastane.
Best womens jeans for special occasions
Why we love them: Cut from PAIGE's TRANSCEND VINTAGE denim in a dark wash with angled front pockets and a gold clasp closure that gives an expensive finish, these jeans are also incredibly comfortable thanks to plenty of stretch and recovery.
- Washes: Various.
- Materials: 93% cotton, 5% polyester, 2% spandex.
Best split-hem jeans
Good American Good Boy High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
Why we love them: Khloé Kardashian and the Good American team really knew what she was doing with this pair of straight leg jeans. They sit super high on the waist with a straight leg fit, and we love the split-hem detail that takes this denim from classic to contemporary chic.
- Washes: Light denim.
- Materials: 99% cotton, 1% elastane.
Best mom jeans
Blue Waist Enhance Tori Mom Jeans
Why we love them: Every capsule wardrobe needs a pair of pale denim mom jeans, and this pair looks way more premium than the high-street price tag.
- Washes: Light blue.
- Materials: 98% cotton, 2% elastane.
Save when you shop for the best jeans women with these New Look discount codes at checkout.
Best high rise jeans
Why we love them: Don't overlook Boden when on the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans. Their denim shop is epic. This pair of wide-leg jeans have a high waist and stretch throughout for comfort. All Boden denim is made with sustainably sourced cotton and have a range of sizes including petite, regular and long.
- Washes: Light wash, indigo and black.
- Materials: 99% cotton, 1% elastane.
Save when you shop for the best jeans for women with these Boden discount codes.
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Best Levi's jeans in various denim styles
Why we love them: Say hello to some of the best jeans of all time: the Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans by Levi's. Trust us when we say that they are the perfect fit and don't budge an inch – no matter how many times you bend down. They're slightly cropped, super high-waisted and made from a thick, high-quality denim. They also offer a plus size range too
- Washes: Various.
- Materials: 99% cotton, 1% elastane.
Best curve mom jeans
ASOS Curve Mom Loose-Fit High Ankle Jeans
Why we love them: Available in sizes 20 to 28, these jeans feature an extra-high waist, gently tapered legs and slightly stretchy denim. A wardrobe staple.
- Washes: Mid blue and black.
- Materials: 100% cotton.
Save when you shop for the best jeans women with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
Best culotte jeans/best wide-leg jeans
Why we love them: The signature Everlane Way-High® waist tick all the boxes when it comes to the ultimate comfy and cool denim jeans. Complete with a 27.5 or 29.5” inseam, A-line and a wide-leg silhouette in low stretch denim (no worrying about these jeans losing shape), you could dress them up with heels or keep it casual with loafers.
- Washes: Deep blue, light blue, tint blue, coal.
- Materials: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane.
Best striped jeans
Patchwork Vertical Stripe Jean
Why we love them: There is something so effortlessly cool about these Whistles jeans. The striped design gives them a boho feel, while the straight and slightly flared leg keeps them bang on trend. Pair with a graphic tee and trainers for an off-duty look or kitchen heels and your fave out-out top for the evening.
- Washes: Mid-blue.
- Materials: 100% cotton.
Save when you shop for the best jeans women with these Whistles discount codes at checkout.
Best column jeans: Stylists favourite
Why we love them: We're obsessed with the loose fit yet cinching high waist of these column jeans, in a '90s-style bleach wash.
- Washes: Bleach, blue.
- Materials: 100% cotton.
Best palazzo jeans
Why we love them: Good American's coveted Good Waist is designed to cinch your figure and features a relaxed yet glamourous floor-sweeping wide leg silhouette in a dark wash - bang on trend for 2024.
- Washes: Dark wash.
- Materials: 74% cotton, 24% recycled cotton, 2% elastane.
Best plus-size jeans: Flared jeans
Curves Black High Waist Flared Brooke Jeans
Why we love them: A pair of comfy, non-restrictive black jeans are a wardrobe staple, and this New Look curvy pair are made from comfort stretch denim with a stylish flare from the knee.
- Washes: Black, denim blue.
- Materials: 71% cotton, 24% polyester, 3% viscose, 2% elastane.
Best retro jeans
High Waist Bridge Trouser Jeans
Why we love them: The '70s called, and they want their jeans back. Back patch pockets, Double button detailing and a straight wide-leg fit with a nod to sailor chic , we predict a sell-out with this Sezane pair.
- Washes: Navy blue, black, sienna velvet, ecru, terracotta.
- Materials: 99% organic cotton, 1% elastane.
Best straight leg jeans
Why we love them: It's no wonder these retro-style straight jeans are selling fast. The classic fit, the mid-wash blue, the high rise – just pair with your favourite oversized blazer, plain white t-shirt and gold hoops, and you've got a wear-forever 'fit.
- Washes: Mid-blue, light blue, washed black.
- Materials: 100% cotton.
Best ecru jeans
Why we love them: With a flared leg and straight, high-rise fit, these ecru jeans were made for pairing with pastel hues.
- Washes: Various.
- Materials: 99% cotton, 1% elastane.
Best two-tone jeans
Frame Panelled Two-Tone High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
Why we love them: Looking to add something a little different to your denim collection? We can't get these two-tone, wide-leg, perfectly frayed beauties off our minds. The price tag isn't suitable for all budgets, but the quality means you can wear them to death and they'll still look good as new.
- Washes: Mid-denim.
- Materials: 100% cotton.
Save when you shop for the best jeans women with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Best faded jeans
Why we love them: Fitted on the waist, hips and thighs before loosening on the leg, the MAPLE jeans from Arket are a hit for good reason. They flatter every curve.
- Washes: Blue.
- Materials: 80% organic cotton, 20% recycled cotton.
Best designer jeans: Relaxed, baggy fit
Why we love them: The sought after influencer and Instagram favourite, Citizens of Humanity jeans are the ultimate cool girl wardrobe staple. With a loose, wide-leg cut and mid-waist fit this pair of jeans is a wearable take on the ultra-low rise baggy jeans that we've seen all over the AW catwalk. 10/10 slouchy but luxe vibes.
- Washes: Dark blue, mid blue, grey, black, white.
- Materials: 100% organic cotton
Best ripped jeans
Why we love them: Levi's 501 silhouette is arguably its most iconic, coined the “blue print for every pair of jeans in existence” by the brand themselves. They were invented by the founder back in 1873 and have been a mainstay ever since. This non-stretch denim comes in tons of different washes.
- Washes: Light wash, mid-wash, black, indigo, dark wash, destructed, white and two-tone.
- Materials: 100% cotton.
Best size inclusive jeans
Pintuck Denim Trouser in Rinse Wash
Why we love them: J.Crew's bestselling denim jeans are a firm favourite with fashion insiders and a some-what hidden gem. They have an amazing size range from 23-37 in petite, regular and tall. Also this pair comes with elongated, floor-sweeping wide legs and a pintuck detail in a dark wash for that vintage, lived-in look.
- Washes: Dark wash, mid blue, washed black, chambray blue wash.
- Materials: 99% cotton, 1% Lycra® spandex.
Best womens jeans that are actually comfortable
Sasha Viper Black Distressed Jeans
Why we love them: Sasha is PAIGE's new high-rise straight leg with a loose, relaxed column fit. They've already been flying off the shelves courtesy of a vintage jeans fit that takes all of the work out of breaking them in.
- Washes: Black, blue, grey, faux leather.
- Materials: 94% cotton, 5% polyester, 1% elastane.
Best flare jeans
Why we love them: The best-selling Topshop Jamie jeans are an absolute classic for being comfortable and flattering, and this style has been given a 2023 upgrade with flared legs.
- Washes: Mid-blue.
- Materials: 93% cotton, 5% polyester, 2% elastane.
Best stonewashed jeans
Khaite Vivian Cropped Bootcut Jeans
Why we love them: Beloved by fashion editors, Khaite jeans are modelled after founder Catherine Holstein's favourite vintage styles, and this high-rise pair is no different, with cropped, bootcut legs and an old-school acid wash.
- Washes: Acid wash blue.
- Materials: 98% cotton, 2% polyurethane.
Save when you shop for the best jeans women with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Best skinny jeans
Why we love them: H&M is our favourite place to go for high-street jeans for their accessible prices and darn good fits. These ultra high-waist ones are no exception.
- Washes: Light blue, mid blue, dark blue, black, indigo, vintage wash, white.
- Materials: 77% cotton, 20% polyester, 3% elastane.
Save when you shop for the best jeans for women with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
Best high-waisted jeans
Cynthia High Rise Straight Jeans
Why we love them: As high-waisted as they come and cut to accentuate your waist, these high-rise jeans from Reformation have a straight leg and slight kick-flare. They're often sold out on the Reformation website (for good reason), so if you see a pair in your size, we'd recommend racing to the checkout.
- Washes: Light, blue, black and various patterns.
- Materials: 57% regeneratively grown cotton, 43% TENCEL™.
We've searched through thousands of high waisted jeans - here is our edit of the 25 best pairs.
Best criss-cross waistband jeans
AGOLDE Criss Cross Frayed High-Rise Straight-Leg Organic Jeans
Why we love them: One scroll down your TikTok FYP and you'll no doubt spot a pair of Y2K-inspired criss-cross waistband jeans. This pair are crafted from organic cotton and finished with frayed hems.
- Washes: Dark denim.
- Materials: 100% organic cotton.
Save when you shop for the best jeans for women with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Best cropped jeans: off white
Why we love them: Wide leg silhouette, off-white jeans deserve a place in every stylish woman's capsule wardrobe, and we love the two front patch pocket detail giving it that 70's feel to the foundations of your wardrobe.
- Washes: Off-white.
- Materials: 99% cotton, 1% elastane.
Best slim-fit jeans
Why we love them: These are, hands down, some of the best fitting jeans for women on the market. So much so, that Everlane struggle to keep them in stock. They're the Everlane 90's cheeky straight leg jeans, which are not only high-waisted but with a butt-boosting rear fit, too. Plus, they're better for the environment than lots of other pairs of jeans in this round-up. Need proof? Everlane's denim factory partner recycles 98% of their water using reverse osmosis filtration and keeps byproducts out of the environment by mixing them with concrete to create building materials.
- Washes: Washed Black, Deep Atlantic, Clear Water, Vintage Mid Blue, Vintage Sunbleached Blue, White.
- Materials: 100% cotton.
