The best pairs of jeans are the ones you want to live in and wear again and again – and they get better every time you slip them on. However finding the “perfect style” can be hard, given there are so many different silhouettes, cuts and washes available, plus sizing can vary depending on the brand.
The options are endless, and so to help you with your search, I spent a day changing-room hopping to give you insights on the best jeans you can buy right now. After trying on countless pairs of varying shapes, sizes, and cotton compositions, I’ve realised that the pool of exceptional, stand-out styles is much smaller than you’d think. The age old technique of trial and error has turned me to the classics such as Levi’s, Citizens Of Humanity and Agolde, as well as more contemporary iterations from the likes of Arket, Uniqlo and Cos. Vintage stores are worth visiting too: Unlike off-the-rack styles, vintage denim offers worn-in appeal, as well as unique details like rivets, stitching and patches that give jeans a beautiful lived-in quality.
Before heading off on my quest to the fitting rooms, I grabbed a few different types of shoes that I would want to wear with my every-day denim – a kitten heel, a trainer, a boot, and of course a loafer, squeezed into my largest tote-bag. It might sound like a painstaking process, but it paid off tenfold when I saw how different jeans transformed with a simple shoe change.
Read more: Best Black Leggings For Women
Also note that there’s not one particular style for each body shape. This is a common misconception that should be thrown out. It’s about finding the brand that has the right fit for you. Fits vary and so do fabrics. Every body is different, so what might be a wide-leg for one, could be a straight-leg for another. I definitely found that some styles were more form-fitting than their labels suggested, while others were deceptively loose. Wear what feels comfortable, not what you think should fit – that’s how to find perfectly-fitting jeans.
To find out which styles have our hearts, see British Vogue’s breakdown of the best jeans to try now.
Vogue’s edit of the best jeans for women:
- Best overall jeans: Levi’s Baggy Dad Jeans, £100
- Best low-rise baggy jeans: Marks & Spencer Wide-Leg Jeans, £40
- Best white jeans: Arket Lupine Flared Jeans, £85
- Best straight jeans: Uniqlo Wide Straight-Leg Jeans, £35
- Best low-rise straight jeans: Agolde Fran Straight-Leg Low-Rise Jeans, £310
- Best high-rise straight jeans: Me + Em Full-Length Straight Jean, £175
- Best selvedge jeans: Nudie Jeans Clean Eileen Dry Twilight Selvage, £200
- Best irregular waistband jeans: Alaia Layered Jersey-Trimmed Jeans, £1,000
- Best embellished jeans: H&M Rhinestone-Embellished Jeans, £40
- Best barrel-leg jeans: Free People Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans, £98
- Best turn-up jeans: Citizens Of Humanity Ayla Wide-Leg Mid-Rise Jeans, £350
- Best pleated jeans: Golden Goose Embellished Pleated High-Rise Jeans, £315
- Best lounge jeans: Rag & Bone Miramar Sofie Wide-Leg Jeans, £245
- Best bootcut jeans: Levi’s Super-Low Bootcut Jeans, £80
- Best slim-fit jeans: Arket Azalea High Slim Stretch Jeans, £87
Low-rise baggy
Opting for these in a size up from my usual, I loved how they sat low and loose on the hips, falling in a wide, straight line down the leg. I tried them on with heels because the 31” length somewhat drowned me, but I later realised that Levi’s offers this style in four different leg lengths, so if I were to purchase them, I could size down to 29”. They came with a denim string to tie around the waist – which would look great when you want to cinch – but for more casual looks, I’d opt for no belt. One thing to remember is that, while vintage Levi’s might run small, the current mainline collections run true to size.
White jeans
Having never tried Reformation’s jeans before, I was really impressed by the quality of this pair. With a straight silhouette and a medium-thick composition that holds its shape, these are a style that can be dressed up with heels or kept casual. The only issue here was that I couldn’t try my true size (25), so I went with a 24. With this in mind, they came up tight on the waist and the upper-leg, so if you want yours to be low-waisted, as the style name suggests, then I’d advise sizing up from your standard.
Straight jeans
I actually already own a pair of these Uniqlo jeans and receive compliments every time I wear them (which is very often). Unlike some baggy jeans that can be very exaggerated, Uniqlo’s wide, straight-leg denim has a flattering, tailored cut that doesn’t engulf the legs. They are loose throughout, with a mid to high-rise waistline depending on which size you choose. I opted for a size up which meant that I had a little extra leg room and the waistband sat just above my hips. The cherry on top? They still offer some shape around the hips even though they’re loose throughout the leg. Plus, you can choose from four classic colourways.
Low-rise straight
I have the wide-leg version of these (the low-slung baggy) and now I need this low-slung straight-leg style too. (How many pairs of jeans is too many?) As someone who prefers looser styles, these hit the sweet spot of straight, but not too clingy, and I didn’t have to size up to get the desired low-waist fit. These are definitely a throw-on-and-go pair that look casually cool with minimal effort. I also see them looking chic un-cuffed and paired with a heeled boot.
High-rise straight
Citizens Of Humanity is firmly in the premium category, but trust me when I say the jeans are worth the investment as they’ll likely last you a lifetime. This straight-leg style sits mid to high-waist and, although the denim is thick, it’s ultra comfortable and perfectly malleable. The selling point for me is that they are cut with a little extra room for the thighs and hips so you don’t feel constrained. These run true to size.
Selvedge jeans
The polished alternative to frayed denim, selvedge jeans are a favourite amongst fashion crowds, with countless brands and designers putting their own spin on the style. The above pair are from Guess, which I’ll admit I’d never thought to try before, but on the Selfridges shop floor I was drawn to their deep wash and slightly more affordable price-tag compared to other premium brands. (These are £120, but other Guess styles are closer to the £70 mark.) They sit at mid-level on the hips and have a flattering straight leg, with the loops on the side giving them a carpenter feel. However, perhaps the most impressive thing about this pair was how flattering they were on the hips. The way they hugged in all the right places meant that I left the fitting rooms a Guess Jeans convert!
Irregular waistbands
These jeans from Haikure are the perfect slouchy style. I loved how soft they were, making them great for days when more rigid compositions don’t fit the bill. In size 27 (two sizes up from my usual) they were slightly on the large side, but in a size 26 they would have been the perfect low-rise cut. I own a Haikure denim jumpsuit and, although it’s reflected in the price, I can attest to the brand’s incredible quality. The “chopped-off waistband” adds a playful element to casual looks.
Barrel-leg jeans
I’m under the impression that barrel-leg jeans are among the more flattering pieces of clothing out there. The playful, ballooning silhouette magically balances out proportions and allows room for your legs to move – all while retaining their structure. This style from Citizens of Humanity is high waisted, and just like its best-selling Ayla style, they fit like a glove in my usual size (25). The length on me was perfect, and if you’re taller then they’ll come up ever-so-slightly cropped. Paired with ballet flats, they’d make the perfect foundation for plenty of spring outfits.
Embellished jeans
Sequins and studs are no longer reserved solely for festivities. Decorated denim is suitable for year-round consumption and is especially great if you’re in need of a simple day-to-night outfit. This soft cotton pair from Reformation has an ideal wide-leg fit and I enjoyed how the silver accents follow the stitching around the side seams and the back pockets. Although my usual size would have fit, I sized up here as I didn’t want to feel restricted.
High-rise wide-leg jeans
Arket denim truly lives up to the hype. I tried on several pairs of wide-leg jeans which were all strong contenders, but it was the Coral relaxed fit that ultimately won me over. Typically, I steer clear of high-rise styles as they can feel a bit restrictive, but the vintage blue wash on these was too good to pass up. I went up a size to ensure a more comfortable fit, and the waistband was just right, while the length hit just above floor level .The elongating effect of this silhouette had me wondering if I should dig out my old pairs of high-waisted jeans from the back of my wardrobe.
Turn-up jeans
I have owned the same pair of Citizens Of Humanity jeans for six years and can attest to their longevity. The fabric ages beautifully, moulding to your body over the first few wears, but retaining its shape for years to come. The Ayla wide-leg silhouette is softer than some other styles from the brand, but is still thick enough to maintain its structure. I love how these are cut with the perfect amount of extra leg room, allowing comfortable movement without entirely drowning your figure. The fit around the hips is on the looser side (which I’m a big fan of) and the turn-up cuffs give it a relaxed, vintage feel. These were the most comfortable and versatile of the lot and I’ll be adding them to my shopping basket imminently. Note: I sized up for a more relaxed look, sitting lower on the hips.
Pleated jeans
Adding pleating to the front of jeans instantly gives them a tailored edge, while providing a little extra wiggle room around the upper-leg. I recently discovered EB Denim via its Rizu shorts, which have become somewhat of a staple in my summer wardrobe. After the success of my shorts, I had high hopes for this barrel-leg pair. Online, the fit is described as low-rise – and they were just that. In my regular size, they sat very low on the hips but didn’t risk falling too low, and thanks to the lightweight cotton composition, the wide fit drapes smoothly down the leg. The only hiccup here was the length, but I like how they look rolled-up, so it would be easy to iron in the hem folds or get them taken up.
“Lounge” jeans
PSA: These aren’t actually jeans! They’re cotton tracksuit pants designed to look like denim. (Yes, really!) The only thing that gives them away is how incredibly soft the fabric is. When I looked in the mirror, I saw what looked like jeans, but the comfort levels suggested otherwise. It’s an optical illusion, a rule-defying design, and a game-changing investment. (That’s no exaggeration.) They were a little long on me (I’m just under 5 ft 4 in), but they’d be easy to hem, and they have a comfortable elastic waistband which I chose in my usual size. They also fasten with a zip and button, just like “real” jeans would.
Bootcut jeans
Close to giving up on finding a bootcut style with the right proportions, I tentatively approached Rag And Bone’s offering, the Peyton. Here was a style I could get on board with. Although these are made from 99 per cent cotton, they still have a bit of stretch, which comfortably moulds around the hips and thighs. In my usual size, the mid-rise waist fit like a glove, while the elongated bootcut flare helped to give the illusion of longer legs – this was a surprising bonus from the bootcut jean. The rest of Rag And Bone’s denim offering includes an array of classic cuts, as well as the aforementioned Miramar “lounge” jeans and a featherweight denim dress, each as high quality as the next.
Slim-fit jeans
A slim-fit jean isn’t something I thought I’d be wearing in 2025, but with the likes of Miu Miu and Balenciaga backing the close-cut silhouette, there is no denying the return of this divisive style. Admittedly, this is the style I struggled the most with, trying on countless iterations in rigid cotton, soft cotton, with a crop and without a crop. But it was this pair from 7 For All Mankind that worked best, even though off the body they looked worryingly like leggings (please, nobody bring back jeggings). With the help of a heeled boot, this soft, jet-black pair made me feel sleek and sculpted. I tried a size up which fit well, but I’d advise going with your usual size as these are likely to stretch with wear.
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