The best jeans for women to buy now and wear forever
Shopping for the best jeans is one of the most tedious tasks a woman can undertake. Get it right and your life will be changed, but get it wrong and you'll be left crying 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? Denim jeans are the ultimate stalwart staple and as versatile as clothing comes. Seriously: no other garment comes anywhere close. Sure, denim trends come and go (goodbye, jeggings and skinny jeans; hello, baggy jeans), but whatever cut is of-the-moment, they're an item that fashion will never be without.
Even today we see jeans walk the runways, proving their immortality. AZ Factory showcased several dark denim looks on their spring/summer 2023 runway, while Givenchy opted for lighter, acid-wash jeans paired with matching denim jackets and bralettes.
Best jeans for women, at a glance
- Highest-waisted jeans: Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans, £110, Levi's
- Best jeans for curvy women/plus sized jeans: Vero Moda Curve Mom Jeans with High Waist, WERE £36 NOW £22, ASOS
- Best white jeans: Ultra High Ankle Jeggings, £19.99, H&M
- Best straight leg jeans: Cynthia High Rise Straight Jeans, £168, Reformation
- Best mom jeans: Jackie Jean, £250, Anine Bing
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?
Finding a woman who is the same jeans size across all of their favourite retailers is a rarity. 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.
On that note, your style choice is plentiful. There are cult 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 types of jeans 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.
- Skinny 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.
- Dad jeans: Similar to boyfriend jeans but slightly more vintage looking and tend to be mid-waist as opposed to low.
It's a good idea to look towards denim trends for styling inspiration. This year has been less about the statement detailing/patchwork embroidery or the like, with people focusing on investing in styles that they know are going to stay with them for longer than a season instead. Smart.
For more from GLAMOUR UK's Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
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 ASOS jeans: Bestselling straight fit
Selected Femme Kate Organic Cotton Straight Leg Jeans with High Waist, WERE £70 NOW £28, ASOS
Why we love them: Part of the ASOS Responsible Edit, these high-waisted jeans are made with Organic Cotton which has been grown using less water and no pesticides.
Washes: Mid-blue.
We've searched through thousands of high-waisted jeans - here is our edit of the best pairs. Save when you shop for the best jeans for women with these ASOS discount codes.
Best Levi's jeans: Best denim brand
Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans, £110, Levi's
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 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.
Washes: Numerous.
We've searched through thousands of high waisted jeans - here is our edit of the 25 best pairs.
Best high street jeans to wear with T-shirts & more
Treasure Cut Jeans, £75, & Other Stories
Why we love them: “Kate Middleton famously loves & Other Stories jeans – and I can totally back her decision. Sure, the Favourite Cut jeans are her style of choice, but the Treasure Cut have proven just as popular (if not more so) since their launch. They're super high-waisted, fit like a glove and have flattering wide legs. Making them the perfect companion for a pair of fresh white trainers.”
Washes: Fisher Blue, White, Deep Blue, Sand, Cream, Black, Grey.
Best fit jeans: Slim-fit jeans
The ’90s Cheeky Jean, £105, Everlane
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.
Best straight leg jeans
ZW The Marine Straight Jeans, £35.99, Zara
Why we love them: “I'm absolutely obsessed with Zara's Marine jeans,” GLAMOUR's Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett said. “They're so high-waisted, really stretchy and hug my figure in a way that other jeans just don't. I love the wide legs, the fact that the hemline sits just above my ankles (and is slightly frayed) and that some of the colour-ways have cute little pockets on the front. Run, don't walk.”
Washes: Light Blue, Blue, Mid Blue, Dark Blue, Black, Lilac, Stone, Orange, Ecru, Pink.
Best skinny jeans/slim leg
High Rise Sculpt Jeans, £29.99, Zara
Why we love them: You may or may not be a fan of the skinny jean – the nation is definitely split into two camps – but there's a strong case ~for~ having a pair in your wardrobe. Namely, to tuck into knee-high boots and wear with an oversized blazer. This pair from Zara are super high-waisted, have a five pocket design and ample stretch.
Washes: Light Blue, Blue, Navy Blue, Black, Grey, Blue Grey.
Best jeans for curvy figure
Vero Moda Curve Mom Jeans with High Waist, WERE £36 NOW £22, ASOS
Why we love them: Danish fashion house Vero Moda are the brand behind these plus-size jeans, which have narrow legs that are cut closely around the thigh.
Washes: Black.
It's official: these are the absolute best plus-size jeans that flatter every shape and size.
Best Marks and Spencer jeans
High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans, £35, Marks & Spencer
Why we love them: Don't overlook M&S 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 M&S denim is made with sustainably sourced cotton and less water.
Washes: Light wash, indigo and black.
Save when you shop for the best jeans for women with these Marks & Spencer discount codes.
Best black jeans
Luxury High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans, £55, Marks & Spencer
Why we love them: So many good things to say about this pair of high waisted black jeans from M&S. Timeless and flattering, they're crafted from a brushed back cotton-blend fabric for a luxuriously soft feel and have a super high waist. All M&S denim is made with sustainably sourced cotton and less water.
Washes: Black, dark indigo.
Save when you shop for the best jeans for women with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
Best jeans for women with different washes: Non-stretch
501 Original Two Tone Jeans, £110, Levi's
Why we love them: Levi's 501 silhouette is arguably its most iconic, coined the “blue print for every pair of jeans in existance” by the brand themselves. They were invented by the founder back in 1873 and have been a mainstay ever since.
Washes: Light wash, mid-wash, black, indigo, dark wash, destructed, white and two-tone.
Best embellished jeans: Printed denim style
ALEXANDER WANG Embellished Leather-Trimmed High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans, £990, Net-A-Porter
Why we love them: After something to wear to all those upcoming festive 'dos? A Christmas party dress is cool, sure, but these Alexander Wang high-rise jeans, adorned in glittering crystals, are an elevated back-up. Wear them with a bodysuit and prepare to get compliments aplenty.
Washes: Mid denim.
Best jeans for women: Perfect fit
Curve Love Ultra High Rise 90s Slim Straight Jean, £75, Abercrombie & Fitch
Why we love them: The Curve Love range at Abercrombie & Fitch is almost always sold out, which tells you everything you need to know about the styles. 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.
Best designer jeans
VALENTINO Feather-Trimmed Straight-Leg Jeans, £1,790, Net-A-Porter
Why we love them: Another way to elevate your Christmas party get-up to new heights, Valentino's slightly-cropped black jeans have fluffy feather plumes which bounce as you walk. Best paired with heels, this design has been crafted in Italy, cut in a straight-leg silhouette and have a logo-embossed silver button.
Washes: Black.
Save when you shop for the best jeans for women with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Best tall jeans: Best jeans for longer leg lengths
ASOS DESIGN Tall High Rise 'Slim' Stretch Straight Leg Jeans, WERE £28 NOW £17, ASOS
Why we love them: On the hunt for the best jeans for tall women? We got you. Well, ASOS have... these light wash jeans have straight legs and a high waist for a super flattering fit.
Washes: Light wash.
We've found 17 pairs of straight leg jeans that will ease your transition out of tracksuit bottoms. Save when you shop for the best jeans for women with these ASOS discount codes.
Best mid-wash jeans: Relaxed fit
RE/DONE 70s High Rise Stove Pipe Straight-Leg Jeans, £265, Net-A-Porter
Why we love them: Famed for their vintage-inspired denim and epic collaborations (with Levi's, to name the most recent), RE/DONE know a thing or two about good jeans. These straight-leg jeans are cut from classic blue denim, and inspired by 70s silhouettes, look best with a pair of white trainers or chunky black ankle boots. They fit true-to-size, so take your normal size.
Washes: Mid denim.
Best jeans for women: Skinny fit stretch jeans with elastane
Ultra High Ankle Jeggings, £19.99, H&M
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.
Save when you shop for the best jeans for women with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
Best high rise jeans: Straight fit
AGOLDE Criss Cross Frayed High-Rise Straight-Leg Organic Jeans, £280, Net-A-Porter
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.
Save when you shop for the best jeans for women with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Best jeans for women with distressing
Wedgie Straight Jeans, £110, Levi's
Why we love them: True to size according to most reviews, these jeans offer a cropped finish which is ideal for spotlighting a pair of box fresh fashion trainers.
Washes: Black, mid wash, light wash, dark wash.
Best baggy jeans
Yoko Classic Blue Jeans, £40, Monki
Why we love them: If you're after a classic and timeless pair of jeans, make a beeline for Monki's £40 Yoko jeans which have a flattering high waist and straight legs.
Washes: Washed indigo.
Best jeans for women: Slim-fit mid-rise jeans
The Straight Crop Soho Grey with Released Hem, £210, 7 For All Mankind
Why we love them: If you're not into the retro look and feel of a high rise waist, then opt for a mid cut like this pair from 7 For All Mankind. We can't get enough of the raw hem.
Washes: Grey, dark blue and light blue.
Best tapered leg jeans for women: Stylist/influencer adored
Why we love them: The Jackie jeans from Anine Bing are somewhere between a mom jean and a straight jean. They're somewhat rigid (enough to hold their shape), but are soft enough to sit in comfortably all day.
Washes: Blue.
Best low rise jeans
Low Rise Wide Leg Jeans, £45, River Island
Why we love them: Part of River Island's curated collection with Sofia Richie, these low-rise wide-leg jeans give off all the ‘90s vibes - and we can’t get enough. They're also made with responsibly sourced cotton. Yay.
Washes: Light blue.
Save when you shop for the best jeans for women with these River Island discount codes.
Best jeans for women: Workwear
Jeans Culotte High Waist, £35.99, Mango
Why we love them: Complete with a raw hem and wide leg, the Mango culotte jeans are cropped just in the right place (the ankle). You could dress them up with heels or keep it casual with loafers.
Washes: Black, blue, white, khaki, camel, brown.
Save when you shop for the best jeans for women with these Mango discount codes at checkout.
Best jeans for hourglass figure UK
Cynthia High Rise Straight Jeans, £168, Reformation
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.
We've searched through thousands of high waisted jeans - here is our edit of the 25 best pairs.
Best jeans for women with front and back pockets
Flared High Jeans, £19.99, H&M
Why we love them: If you're into skinny jeans but are looking to branch into other territories then these flared jeans could be the ticket.
Washes: Light blue, mid blue, dark blue, black, vintage wash, white, grey.
Best stone wash jeans: Bootcut jeans
CRVY Wild Honey Denim, £88, Free People
Why we love them: We're forever fans of these semi-stretch flared jeans which slip on like a dream and flatter every figure.
Washes: Black, light wash, white, dark blue, red mahogany.
Best jeans for women: Side split jeans
ASOS DESIGN Lightweight Dad Jeans with Split, £38, ASOS
Why we love them: Our only qualm with these jeans is that they don't go larger than a waist 36 or leg 32, everything else? Perfection.
Washes: Blue.
Save when you shop for the best jeans for women with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
Best jeans for women: Vintage wash
70's High Slim Straight Jeans, WERE £120 NOW £70, Levi's
Why we love them: If you like the ‘70s look but don’t want a flared leg then these are the pair of jeans for you. We just wish they came in more washes.
Washes: Light blue, mid blue, dark blue, black, indigo.
Best jeans for women with long inseam
Wide Denim Trousers, £39.99, H&M
Why we love them: Above 5'9" but want to wear H&M (even though they don't have a tall section)? These jeans should fit. They feature extra long legs so you needn't worry about that ankle swinger look.
Washes: Cream, light blue.
Save when you shop for the best jeans for women with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
Best jeans for women: Faded
MAPLE High Wide Jeans, £79, Arket
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.
Best jeans for women: Stripe
Denimist Teri Wide-Leg Carpenter Pants Jeans, £348, Free People
Why we love them: Cargo trousers are so in right now, and these bridge the gap between them and jean courtesy of their denim stripe design.
Washes: Blue, pink.