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These Are the 12 Best Jeans We’d Recommend to Friends, After Testing 50+ Pairs
We just made jean shopping a whole lot easier.
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TL;DR
If you are looking for comfortable jeans that go with just about everything and feature different inseams lengths, we recommend AYR’s Secret Sauce. We also Levi’s 318 Shaping Wide Leg Jeans, which are designed for curvy fits and help accentuate your curves.
There’s arguably no single piece of clothing that plays a more essential part in your wardrobe than a reliable pair of jeans. There’s also arguably no single piece of clothing that’s harder to shop for than a good pair of jeans. “[Jeans] feel like they should be simple, but it can take some work to find your perfect pair,” says Kennedy Carter, creative director at Amazon Style. “But there is [something] out there for everyone; it just requires some patience.”
To make your search a little easier, we tested 50+ different pairs of jeans over the years. We chose jeans across brands, silhouettes, and price points, and gave the pairs to testers with different body types and sizes. Our testers regularly wore and washed the jeans, and rated each pair on fit, comfort, durability, and overall quality. Here are the best jeans that impressed us—and everyone who saw us wearing them.
Top Picks
AYR The Secret Sauce Jeans at Ayr.com
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Levi’s 318 Jeans at Amazon$70$49
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Mother The Weekender Fray at Nordstrom$258
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Kut from the Kloth Catherine Mid Rise Boyfriend at Amazon$99
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Everlane The Way-High Sailor Jean at Everlane.com$148$74
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Spanx Spanxshape EveryWear Flare Jeans at Nordstrom$148$104
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7 for All Mankind Straight Leg Jeans at Amazon$198$149
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Agolde Ren Jean at Agolde.com
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Reformation Carry Slouchy Wide Leg at Nordstrom$178$134
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Just Black Denim The Low Rise Bootcut at Justblackdenim.com
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Most Comfortable
AYR The Secret Sauce Jeans
Materials: 59% Cotton, 40% lyocell, 1% elastane | Size Range: 24-34 | Rise: Mid | Inseam: 29.5, 31.5, 33.5 inches
We believe the best jeans are the ones you’ll actually want to wear, and for us, that means comfortable. Former Associate Editorial Director Ally Hirschlag says these jeans are one of the most comfortable pairs she’s ever worn, thanks to the brand’s signature, super soft denim. “They take a minute to break in, but once they do, the denim just molds to you but doesn’t stretch out insanely,” says Hirschlag. “You’re left with what looks and feels like jeans that were made just for you.” The style is fitted through the waist and hip and then extends out to a straight leg. We appreciate that they come in three different inseam lengths—Hirschlag says the S inseam is perfect for those petite like her.
Ally Hirschlag, former associate editorial director: “If you want a super comfortable pair of jean that looks like they were made for you, these are for you. They are pricey, but once you experience the quality and fit, you get why.”
Best Curvy
Levi’s 318 Jeans
Materials: 80% Cotton, 19% polyester, 1% Lycra | Size Range: 23-34 | Rise: Mid | Inseam: 28, 30, 32, 34 inches
Being blessed with curves also comes with its own set of challenges, such as finding pants that fit your hips without gaping at the waist. That’s why we love these jeans from Levi’s—they’re designed to hug your curves, and we can confirm they do just that without any gaping. The wide-leg design features a built-in tummy panel to smooth and support, and Copy Editor Cher Checchio finds the material incredibly comfortable. We love how this pair comes in four different inseam lengths, and the 30-inch inseam was perfect for Checchio’s 5-foot-2-inch frame.
Cher Checchio, copy editor: “The 25-inch leg opening is just wide enough to lengthen my legs without making me feel like I’m wearing genie pants that were popular in the 20th century. With a smoothing front panel and stretchy cotton, these are some of the most comfortable jeans in my closet.”
Best Flare
Mother The Weekender Fray
Materials: 94%Cotton, 5% polyester, 1% elastane | Size Range: 23-34 | Rise: Mid | Inseam: 31 inches
Though our tester usually struggles with finding jeans that are wide enough for her hips yet narrow enough for her waist, she didn’t have that problem with these. “Not only do they fit my hips well, they hug my stomach in the best way, really accentuating my hourglass figure,” says Caitlyn Martyn, former associate editor. The material is the Goldilocks of jeans—not too thick, not too thin—and the stretchiness offers the right amount of comfort without bagging. Even after enjoying a ton of pasta at dinner, our tester felt so comfortable and at ease in these jeans. She’s tried all the popular jean brands (Agolde, Levi’s, Pistola, Abercrombie, Gap), and she swears these flares are the best.
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Caitlyn Martyn, former associate editor: “I have gotten so many compliments on my shape in these jeans, and my best friends all agree that they make my butt look crazy good.”
Best Boyfriend
Kut from the Kloth Catherine Mid Rise Boyfriend
Material: 91% Cotton, 7% polyester, 2% elastane | Size Range: 00-18 | Rise: Mid | Inseam: 26.5 inches (after roll up)
We love a good boyfriend jean outfit for a casual look or to offset more elevated pieces. These jeans check off all our boxes. They fit great—even on our tall tester, the length is perfect. “I’m actually really impressed and surprised with how well they fit. It’s been a long time since a pair of jeans felt that good, to be honest,” says our tester Bierley. “There isn’t anything about the thighs that is too loose or the waist that is too tight.” Working as a photographer, our tester moves around a lot, and the material provides the ideal amount of stretch to crouch comfortably. In fact, one of our testers describes these jeans as a more sturdy pair of leggings.
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Dera, tester: “Given their wear, design, and materials, I would’ve thought these would be more expensive! The price point is wonderful for someone like me who, only ever buys jeans from Old Navy, and wants to invest in a solidly nice pair of jeans.”
Best Wide-Leg
Everlane The Way-High Sailor Jean
Material: 98% Regenerative cotton, 2% elastane | Size Range: 23-33 | Rise: High | Inseam: 27.5, 29.5 inches
Rightfully dubbed “sailor jeans,” this pair gives you that nautical wide-leg and high-rise. Yet what really impresses us is how comfortable and stretchy these jeans are without sacrificing style. “The denim is solidly constructed and holds its shape while wearing, unlike cheaper denim that tends to loosen throughout the day,” says Molly, one of our testers. “They aren’t as stiff and weighty as classic Levi’s or vintage denim, for example, but they provide a similar look that is much more comfortable and forgiving.” Even after washing them in her building’s abrasive washing machine, our tester says the denim stayed in mint condition. Do note that the high-rise is quite high—it reaches our rib cage while sitting down—and there are two different inseams to choose from.
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Molly, tester: “I love the fit and the comfort of these jeans. They are slimming and comfortable while still looking nice and refined. They fit and wash are very sophisticated, so they can easily be dressed up with heels or dressed down with sneakers.”
Best Shaping
Spanx Spanxshape EveryWear Flare Jeans
Material: 91% Cotton, 7% polyester, 2% Lycra elastane | Size Range: XS-3X | Rise: High | Inseam: 32, 34, 37 inches
Spanx is known for its shapewear, so it comes as little surprise that they make the best shaping jeans. Yet before you worry that “shaping jeans” will be restrictive, know that these are one of the most comfortable pairs we’ve tried. While we usually can’t wait to take jeans off at the end of a long work day, we barely feel like we have these on, partially thanks to the lack of hardware and zippers in the pull-on style. A combination of cotton, polyester, and elastane allows these jeans to hug us in all the right places while smoothing out our tummy and lifting our backside. With a flare leg, they look and feel more like jeans than jeggings, and they don’t sag or stretch out over time. Do note that they run long, even in the petite sizes, and are meant to be worn with heels.
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Chrissy, tester: “Typically, I can’t wait to get home and take them off like with my regular jeans, but I never felt that way with these jeans. They are definitely the most comfortable jeans I have tried.”
Best Stretch
7 for All Mankind Straight Leg Jeans
Material: 35% Organic cotton, 34% cotton, 14% recycled polyester, 14% lyocell | Size Range: 23-34 | Rise: Mid | Inseam: 33 inches
What if we told you that you could get the comfort of sweatpants in designer jeans? Well, that’s the case with our favorite stretch jeans. “These are not only my comfiest jeans, but also my comfiest pants overall,” says our tester Karla. “No buttons or tags digging into the skin, and the waist did not pinch at all. I kept telling everyone that the jeans were so comfortable, it was equivalent to wearing soft sweatpants.” While high-stretch jeans might be less durable or more prone to sagging, that isn’t the case with these. “The jeans held up well throughout wearing them. There was no fading, shrinking, or any changes when they were washed and dried. They are very durable and still look as new as the day I got them,” says Karla.
Katy, tester: “These jeans were SO comfortable, I wouldn’t mind wearing them on a travel day if needed. The fabric is soft, there was no pinching or digging, and the material is lightweight.”
Best Petite
Agolde Ren Jean
Material: 100% Cotton | Size Range: 24-34 | Rise: High | Inseam: 25 inches
Anyone who is petite knows it can be a challenge to find jeans that fit without having to take them to the tailors. But these jeans from Agolde are specifically designed for shorter frames. Byrdie Editor Alyssa Kaplan says the high-waist hits her 5-foot-1-inch frame perfectly—without being too high—while the shorter inseam hits an inch above the floor, giving her the option to wear these with flats or heels. Since they silhouette sits between a straight and wide-leg jean, they are aren’t overwhelming. The 100% cotton construction and button fly give them that vintage feel Agolde is known for.
Alyssa Kaplan, editor: “They’re really just the perfect proportions for petite people looking for a relaxed (but not super baggy) pair of jeans.”
Best Baggy
Reformation Carry Slouchy Wide Leg
Materials: 80% organic cotton, 20% recycled cotton | Size Range: 23-34 | Rise: Low | Inseam: 32 inches
If the word “low-rise” sends shivers down your spine, it’s probably because you have PTSD from the early aughts. Have no fear! This low-rise style from Reformation rewrites any stereotypes. Thanks to the slouchy, wide-leg and moderate rise, these offer a sophisticated take for the risk takers that are tired of high-rises. Former writer Amanda Rosenthal loves how the 100% cotton pair molds to her body for a custom-look and feel. In fact, she loves them so much she already owns four pairs from the 12 different colorways.
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Amanda Rosenthal, former writer: “The fit is unparalleled, the silhouette is timeless, the durability and fabric are superior, and I always receive compliments when I style them.”
Best Bootcut
Just Black Denim The Low Rise Bootcut
Materials: 96%Cotton, 3% elasterell-P, 1% spandex | Size Range: 24-31 | Rise: Low | Inseam: 31 inches
With the rise of Western fashion, it’s no surprise bootcut jeans are also making a comeback, because you guessed it, they’re perfect for wearing over cowboy boots. This style from Los Angeles-based Just Black Denim is a great everyday jean since it goes with everything from boots to heels, ranges from dark to light wash, and features soft, stretchy fabric. Hitting right below the belly button, it’s the ideal low-rise that is, well, not too low. The 31-inch inseam is not too long nor too short on our 5-foot-2-inch frame, and we always feel taller in this pair.
Emily Cieslak, associate editor: “These are my go-to jeans. They are super comfortable, they go with all kinds of shoes, and I can dress them up and down. I always get compliments when I wear them, too.”
Best Mom Jeans
Still Here Childhood Jeans
Material: 100% BCI-Certified Cotton | Size Range: 22-32 | Rise: High | Inseam: Not listed
If you love the look and feel of vintage denim but haven’t been lucky enough to score the perfect pair at a thrift shop, we recommend scooping up this one from Still Here. Not only do they boast a classic high-waist with a button fly, but the 100% cotton makeup offers that thick, rigid feel that takes us back to the ‘80s. Yet that doesn’t mean they aren’t comfortable. “I wore them everywhere and did many activities in them from long walks to city bike rides to celebratory dinners,” says our tester Kathleen. “These jeans were extremely comfortable.” The straight leg and wedgie fit also works for a variety of body types. “I think it can be hard to find true straight-leg pants that aren’t wide-leg and aren’t too tight on my calves, so it was a relief to try on the jeans and be happy with the way they fit my body and see it be honestly marketed online,” says our tester Heer.
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Kathleen, tester: “I love how the jeans fit me! I was looking for a baggy jean but not one that was OVERLY baggy, and these were it. Even though they were baggy, they hugged my bottom just right which still gave me a complimentary shape. They were a bit long, but one cuff made it perfect.”
Best Plus Size
NYDJ Marilyn Straight Jeans
Material: 90% Cotton, 8% elastomultiester, 2% Lycra® elastane | Size Range: 00-28, petite | Rise: High | Inseam: 30,32 inches
Coming in plus sizes up to 28, in addition to petite and regular, these high-rise, straight jeans cater to all body types. Not to mention, they have a smoothing panel in the front and a signature design in the back to accentuate your curves. “The fit is really good and contoured to my body well,” says our tester Rachel. The material is stretchy yet feels high-quality and looks great after wearing and washing. “The material is somewhat medium: not paper thin but not a heavy, unstretchy jean, so they’re comfy to both chase my kids in and sit down on the couch to relax in, plus sit at my desk to work,” says our tester Kate.
Rachel, tester: “These jeans were super comfortable. No digging or annoying tags. The material of the jean was not too thick and not too thin, so I think it’ll hold up well over time. The material was stretchy enough to allow for movement but not so stretchy that it lost its shape over time.”
What to Look for in Jeans
- Fabric: If you prefer the feel of rigid denim, go for styles made out of 100% cotton. These styles may feel tight at first, but they will gradually stretch out and mold to your body. If you want stretch jeans from the jump, go for pants that blend cotton with elastane or spandex.
- Silhouette: From skinny to flares to barrel to bootcut, jeans come in various silhouettes that complement different shoes and aesthetics. Most stylists recommend investing in a few different silhouettes, but if you can only get one, they recommend the straight leg. “They are great for all silhouettes, flattering, simple, and the most comfortable,” says stylist Catherine Bibeau. “And they can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion with any kind of shoes.”
- Inseam: Carter recommends checking the inseam length, which is the length of the inner pant leg, and considering not only your height but also what type of shoe you’re planning on wearing with any given pair of jeans. If you plan on wearing your jeans with heels, you may want a longer inseam, whereas a shorter inseam is better for wearing with flats or sneakers. If you are short or tall, look for styles that offer inseams for your height for the best fit.
How We Tested Jeans
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To find the best jeans, we first chose a range of jeans from top brands in different silhouettes and price points, and gave then them to testers of all ages and body types. We wore the jeans in our everyday lives for several months and took note of the following:
- Fit: First, we chose jeans that fit us without tailoring. We also paid attention to gaping at the waist, a rise that fit just right, and the correct placement of pockets and fading.
- Durability: After regular wearing and washing, we evaluated how well the jeans held up. We eliminated pairs that were too stretched out, ripped, or faded drastically.
- Comfort: We selected jeans that were comfortable enough to wear all day while still offering enough support to not sag after several hours.
- Versatility: We looked for pairs that were the perfect length that we could wear with both short and low heels for maximum versatility.
Meet Our Experts
We interviewed these experts to help us uncover the best jeans to buy now.
- Kennedy Carter is a fashion expert and the Creative Director at Amazon Style.
- Catherine Bibeau is a stylist, fashion veteran, and creative fashion designer with over 15 years of experience.
Why Trust Byrdie
Emily Cieslak is an associate editor at Byrdie and has written countless articles about jeans over the years. She has tried all the denim trends—from barrel to skinny—and is currently supporting the return of low-rise jeans. She tested several pairs on this list and spoke to experts on how to shop for the best jeans.
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/best-jeans-for-women-11781149