8 Best Jeans for Women, Tested by Our Editors With Different Body Types
Updated: Jul. 15, 2024
Skip trying on dozens of pairs and go straight to these best jeans for women, which have been tested by our team. There are washes and cuts for every preference.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
When your favorite loungewear sets just won’t do for the occasion, you can’t beat a classic pair of jeans. The best jeans for women, however, come in a range of styles, making them intimidating to shop for. So, what’s going on in the world of fashion these days?
“While the skinny jean has reigned supreme over women’s fashion for over a decade, a shift in the silhouette of women’s denim is underway,” explains Sadie Cherney, a fashion expert and the owner of three designer resale boutiques. “Now we’re seeing higher-waisted styles with looser legs and cropped lengths.”
We searched high and low to find the best jeans on the market, covering a variety of fits and price points. Then, our editors and testers put them on and went about their daily lives in order to see which pairs lived up to the hype. Based on their feedback, we created this list of the best jeans for women.
Best overall jeans for women
Madewell The '90s Straight Jean
Pros:
- Stretch to allow for comfortable sitting and movement
- Available in standard, plus, petite and tall sizes
- Available in waist sizes 23 through 33
- Can easily be dressed up or down
- Universal style for all occasions
Cons:
- Not all washes are stretchy
You can’t go wrong with the Madewell ’90s straight jeans. They boast a timeless style and universally flattering silhouette that’s designed to enhance your, ahem, assets. An 11.5-inch rise, straight leg and Fair Trade-certified materials will make you want to clean out the closet to fit these in. They’re available in nine washes and sizes 23 to 33 in petite, standard, plus, tall and taller options.
Annamarie Higley, product testing manager, put these jeans on and was immediately impressed by their comfort and fit. “These jeans are very comfortable,” she raves. “The garment label says they’re 99% cotton and 1% Lyrca elastane. I wouldn’t think 1% would make a considerable difference, but these jeans have awesome stretch that allow for comfortable sitting and movement. Meanwhile, they don’t loosen up during wear, so they didn’t look baggy.” Higley notes that the stretch made the pockets more functional than those on stiffer jeans. She says that they’re good for holding onto phones, cash and slim card holders.
In order to bolster their longevity, the brand recommends washing these jeans every 10 wears. Higley admits that she was skeptical of this recommendation, initially deeming it outrageous. To her surprise, it wasn’t all that crazy. “After six or so wears, I still haven’t felt the need to wash them. They still look and fit the same way they did during the first wear because the material doesn’t loosen or wrinkle,” she explains. And when she finally did wash them, she was pleased to find that they didn’t fade. “I’m so impressed and pleased because fading from washing is an issue I’ve run into with black jeans in the past, and I’d love to preserve this pair’s color. Ultimately, I washed them on cool with clothing of like colors and let them air-dry, as I do all my denim. They seem to be in great condition,” she says.
Though she loved how these jeans fit, felt and washed, Higley was slightly disappointed with the color. She ordered these jeans in Belmere Wash, which appear to be black on the website. However, she describes them as more faded than the photo on the website indicates. “These are more of a very dark gray jean rather than a true black, which is what I was after,” says Higley. That being said, she is impressed by their high quality and doesn’t anticipate getting rid of them anytime soon.
Best budget jeans for women
LC Lauren Conrad High-Rise Skinny Jeans
Pros:
- Only $40
- Sizes 0 through 18
- Available in short and long sizes
- Stretchy and flexible
- Washes well
Cons:
- Runs big in the waist
There’s a time and a place for skinny jeans, according to style experts. There’s no reason to toss an existing wardrobe or cancel favorite styles altogether—just update the way you wear it. Skinny denim—like these LC Lauren Conrad skinny jeans —are made modern with a high-rise style or dark wash. They’re available in sizes 0 to 18, short, average and long lengths and four washes.
Madi Koetting, shopping editor, was an instant fan, calling these jeans beyond comfortable. “It’s like slipping on a high-end pair of trousers: Your waist and legs aren’t confined to the thickness of the jean material, and I felt comfortable and confident to squat, move and bend in these jeans,” she shares. Koetting notes that these jeans do run a bit big in the waist and suggests sizing down if you prefer a more snug fit. Speaking of the fit, Koetting also points out that after two washes, these jeans were good as new with no shrinking or fading.
“Everyone needs a good pair of skinny jeans no matter what the Gen Zers say,” says Koetting. “And that’s where the Lauren Conrad pair is a trustworthy staple for dressing up with a blouse or blazer, and dressing down with a T-shirt and hat.” Just make sure to pair the skinny jeans with a modern top to keep the look current; skip the cold shoulder tops, infinity scarves and other styles that date you.
Best plus-size jeans for women
M Jeans By Maurices Classic Straight Curvy Jeans
Pros:
- Size-inclusive range
- All-over stretch
- Very affordable
- Available in five lengths
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Only one wash offering
Plus-size gals will love these affordable classic straight jeans from Maurices, arguably one of the best jeans for women who have curves. Available in sizes 14W through 24W and in five different lengths, they are a dream to wash and wear, and they’ll quickly become a new go-to wardrobe staple that’ll leave you feeling comfortable and confident while on the go, according to our tester, Casey Clark.
Clark says they fit true to size and are breathable enough for all-day wear. “They felt like denim but not as heavy as other brands I’ve tried before. I can’t categorize them as lightweight either, but they were just right for me,” explains Clark. “They fit well around my hips, waist and thighs and then started to flare out once they reached my calves. That left them with a breathable fit and feel, which was easy to move around in and comfortable for long wear.”
Another notable feature is the pockets, which Clark describes as spacious enough to hold her phone, keys and lipstick. And while they’re only offered in one wash, Clark appreciated how they matched with different colors in her wardrobe, allowing her to mix and match for various styling opportunities. It’s also worth noting that since these jeans have no distressing, they can be dressed up or down. “At the end of the day, these jeans are ideal for those with curvier figures who want to be held in and comfortable while they go about their day,” says Clark.
Best mom jeans for women
Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High-Rise Mom Jean
Pros:
- Comfortable, relaxed mom jeans fit
- Available in waist sizes 23 through 37
- Five length options
- Six wash variations, including white and black
- Medium price point for high quality
- Cotton and elastane blend keeps shape and allows for easy movement
Cons:
- Style may not be appealing to those looking for a crisp, polished finish
Mom jeans are back in vogue, and they’re modernized with slightly more flattering fits and fabric textures to help nail the look. “Don’t worry—they aren’t the same as the mom jeans from the early 2000s,” says Bernadett Vajda, a New York-based style expert. “They are revamped to fit the modern-day woman who desires comfort. They have a looser fit and a higher waist and are easily styled with a crop top, oversized blazer and boots—the choice is yours.”
These Abercrombie & Fitch mom jeans are among the best jeans for women, and they’re popular for a reason. They’re size-inclusive with an expanded range and lengths ranging from extra-short to extra-long. The higher-rise waist nails the style while an additional 2 inches through the hip and thigh—compared to A&F’s regular high-rise mom jeans—means you’ll never have to worry about that pesky waist gap.
Caroline Lubinsky, senior shopping editor, tested these jeans in cream and was pleasantly surprised by how comfy they were. “These were shockingly comfy for white jeans (I feel like a lot of white jeans are quite stiff). I would wear them for all-day wear if I wasn’t so concerned about spilling things on myself,” she quips.
If you’re confident enough to wear the best white jeans without the fear of ruining them, Lubinsky recommends this pair for casual occasions such as meals with friends, concerts or even on vacation. If you’re shopping for a fancier event, however, you may want to opt for a dressier pair, as Lubinsky doesn’t feel that this pair offers a crisp, polished finish.
Best sustainable jeans for women
Everlane The Way-High Jean
Pros:
- Made of organic cotton
- Brand prioritizes sustainability
- 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane construction
- Washes and wears with ease
- Available in sizes 23 to 35
Cons:
- Tighter fit makes pockets less functional
- Runs small
It’s no secret that fast fashion is pretty terrible for the environment. If you’re looking for something more sustainable, then Everlane’s The Way-High jeans are for you. The brand prioritizes sustainability with its Ever-Better factories, innovative water-saving techniques and utilizing cleaner cotton. These jeans, which are made of organic cotton, are available in seven washes to suit every personal style. They also come in various washes and an impressive size range from 23 to 35. Choose from several inseam lengths and then pair them with a loose sweater or T-shirt, like Koetting did.
Koetting, who wore these jeans on an all-day excursion around Charleston, describes them as casual yet elevated due to their ankle detailing and perfect for an all-day outing. “These jeans can be dressed up or down with ease. I always get compliments on the fun ankle detailing,” she says.
In terms of fit, Koetting found this pair to be snug around the waist and looser around the legs for that straight-leg look. Additionally, she notes that these jeans run small and recommends sizing up.
Best bootcut jeans for women
Levi's 725 High Rise Bootcut Jeans
Pros:
- Higher waist cinches and accentuates natural curves
- Subtle bootcut for a flattering silhouette
- Classic styling
- Available in sizes 23 to 34 in several lengths
- Quality denim that'll last for years
Cons:
- Some reviewers note these run a bit small
These flattering Levi’s bootcut jeans are probably the same ones moms wore back in ’89 and the ideal way to honor that denim-loving lineage. These classic Levi’s jeans are available in 10 washes to suit every personal style. They also come in an impressive size range from 23 to 34. Choose from several inseam lengths and then pair them with a modern shirt or a vintage concert tee.
Daria Smith, senior shopping editor, paired these jeans with her trusty cowboy boots and headed outdoors. They were so comfortable that she decided to wear them out with friends and even while working from home. “I love these jeans for casual, everyday wear,” she says. “The light wash deters me from wearing them for special occasions. However, you could opt for a dark wash for nicer events.”
While there’s some debate about how often you should wash your jeans, Smith aims to wash her denim every three to 10 wears. “I wash every three wears if I’m outside, especially by a bonfire—anytime I sweat. However, I lean closer to the 10 wears if I’m sitting at a desk or grabbing dinner with friends,” she explains. Like all of her Levi’s (the brand is a staple in Smith’s wardrobe), this pair held up beautifully. It’s no wonder that Levi’s is one of her go-to retailers. “They have a ton of life,” she exclaims.
Best splurge jeans for women
Ayr The LaLa Jeans
Pros:
- Comfortable straight-leg fit in stretch denim
- Available in sizes 24 through 34
- Sustainably made in California
- Will break in after just one wear
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Only two washes available
Remember those jeans that Rachel wore in Friends? Well, here they are—in stretch denim! Ayr’s splurge-worthy LaLa jeans will be the best purchase you make this year. Just ask Lubinsky, who wore these jeans to a concert and declared them to be the most comfortable jeans she’s ever worn.
“I didn’t feel like they dug into my hips or waist in any spot,” she says. “I also wore them on a night out with friends, and they withstood dancing, which is an impressive feat.” And that didn’t change after washing. According to Lubinsky, who tossed these jeans in both the washer and dryer, they washed well and maintained their shape.
Lubinsky also appreciated the fact that these jeans could easily be dressed up or down. “I wore them to a Hozier concert with a cut-off tank and sneakers and to a bar in Dallas with a sparkly bodysuit and cowboy boots,” she shares. “They are very versatile.” That’s especially good to hear, given this pair’s high price point. Lubinsky admits that they are a bit of a splurge, but given their comfort and versatility, she argues that they’re worth every penny.
Since these jeans are on the pricier side, you’ll want to be sure you get the perfect fit. Lubinsky notes that these jeans run slightly large, even more so once they’re broken in. So she advises keeping that in mind when deciding which size to order.
Best cropped jeans for women
Agolde Riley High-Rise Straight Crop
Pros:
- Cropped just above the ankle
- Crafted with sturdy, yet stretchy, denim
- Available in sizes 23 through 34
- Offered in 12 washes
- Universal high-rise and straight-leg fit
Cons:
- Stiff at first
- Pricey
If you’re on the hunt for a pair of cropped jeans, then look no further than these high-rise jeans from Agolde. They’re cropped just above the ankle and crafted with sturdy denim, making them ideal for anyone who’s sick of jeans that stretch as you wear them, according to shopping editor, Emily Way.
“These are sturdy and don’t stretch very much, so they don’t get too loose during the day,” says Way. “Some folks who prefer a little ‘give’ might not want to splurge on these. They’re definitely heavy-duty jeans.” Way, who spent around 80 hours in these jeans, notes that they are stiff at first and require some wear in order to break them in. But once they’ve been broken in, she insists that they are incredibly comfortable with a nice, sturdy feel.
They even held up well in the wash. “I washed them twice on a cold wash with a tumble dry, and they held up very well,” shares Way. “They softened out a little and did shrink just a touch, but nothing significant. They still fit really well and don’t pinch or restrict my movement.”
Way’s only reservation about these jeans is the lofty price tag. “I think it’s a bit high—these are comparable in quality to a pair of Levi’s I’ve had, which are super nice but also about half the price,” she explains. But if you’re willing (and able) to splurge on a pair of the best jeans for women, then go ahead and add this pair to your cart.
What to look for when buying jeans for women
The keys to finding the best jeans? Material, construction and knowing what flatters your body shape. “Material is so important,” says Cherney. She notes that those who prefer structure and support will do best with 100% cotton styles while those who like a little flexibility should look for cotton with about 2% Lycra content in the material. Even that small amount will give the jeans the ability to stretch about 15%.
You can narrow down the trendy jean styles even further by determining how high of a rise you like in your denim. Figuring out where you want jeans to sit on your hips or waist is as important as picking the right type of bra.
“Skinny jeans were the accessory to the outfit, often hidden like leggings under a tunic or a flowing top, but current denim styles are taking center stage in ensembles,” says Cherney. “They’ve got flattering and supportive waistlines, tailored backsides and interesting loose leg cuts. They are the statement piece.”
“Evaluate the ‘rise’ of the jeans, which is the measurement of the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. This will determine where the jeans sit,” Cherney explains. “Low rise sits on the hips and high rise on the waist. High-rise denim makes it easier to wear and conceal shapewear pieces if that’s something you wear. While both options have been trendy in past years, mid-rise jeans are going to be the most classic and timeless if purchasing high-end denim.”
Once you know where on your torso you’d like the denim to rest comfortably, which materials you would feel most comfortable wearing and which washes you like best, you can more easily pick the right denim styles for your body type.
Why you should trust us
Everyone wants to feel good in their clothes—our editors included! When it comes to finding the best jeans for women, we paid particular attention to testing jeans for every body type, style and budget. We’ve tried them all—from the best white jeans and blue jeans to the best plus-size jeans and skinny jeans—in order to create a curated list of the best denim on the market. For this article, we also consulted two fashion experts: Sadie Cherney and Bernadett Vajda. Sadie Cherney is a fashion expert who owns three South Carolina Clothes Mentor resale boutiques. Bernadett Vajda is a New York-based image consultant and style expert with over 10 years of experience as a model in the fashion industry.
How we found the best jeans for womenÂ
As shopping experts, our job is to hunt through the thousands of pairs of jeans on the market to find the winning ones. We started by looking at what the jeans are made of, what they look like on various body types and what price point they fall into. Then, we took advice from fashion experts to see what makes a high-quality pair of jeans that’ll last wear after wear, as well as what fashions are trending. We then combed through user reviews to see how real people interact with the jeans and if they stood up to the test, making them worth your investment. And finally, our testers—Annamarie Higley, Casey Clark, Madi Koetting, Caroline Lubinsky, Daria Smith, and Emily Way, who have years of experience in the commerce world—spent over 300 hours in these jeans to assess the quality, fit and comfort. From there, we narrowed down our selection to the eight best jeans for women.Â
FAQ
Which jeans are the most flattering?
Finding a pair of flattering jeans will depend on each individual’s body type. For some, high-waisted jeans create an elongating effect if they have shorter legs. Skinny jeans may make someone’s body look long and lean, but for shorter people, they could make them look even shorter. It can be a bit trial and error to find the perfect jeans.
What are considered expensive jeans for women?
The concept of “expensive” may be subjective to each individual’s budget, but jeans at a higher price range typically fall within $150 to $250. Of course, there are jeans that’ll cost more, especially if they’re a designer brand. However, many people would agree that any pair of jeans over $100 is classified as “expensive.”
Can you wear white jeans all year?
If you thought you couldn’t wear white jeans after Labor Day, think again. Transition your white jeans from summer to fall and beyond by pairing them with sweaters and fall hues, such as burgundy, olive green and deep yellows and oranges. In the winter, pair them with festive hues like emerald green or cherry red.
Originally Published: March 11, 2024
