Ask any fashion editor, and they will tell you that jeans are an item you will always need in your life. No matter the cut, good-quality denim will see you through all the seasons, and complement almost every item in your existing wardrobe perfectly.
If you’re unsure which style to go for, the foundation of any timeless wardrobe includes three pairs of jeans: a high-waisted wide-leg pair, a straight-leg pair and a slimmer-fitting silhouette.
From there, it’s easy to build any outfit utilising other items in your capsule wardrobe (opens in new tab). You can add a t-shirt and an oversized blazer, a camel coat (opens in new tab), a cashmere knit (opens in new tab) or a sparkly top and you’ve got three effortless day-to-night looks, whether you want to accessorise with trainers, chunky boots (opens in new tab) or heels.
Shopping for jeans can be a tricky affair and takes a lot of trying on to find out the correct style for you. To make it easier for you, I’ve scoured my favoured designer and high-street denim brands to find what I feel are winning trousers for everyone.
To delve deeper into the world of trends, I spoke to the Styling Team Lead at Stitch Fix UK (opens in new tab), Farrah-May Archer, who said: “Unsurprisingly, this season we’re seeing denim trends toying with Y2K and ’90s references, on runways such as Blumarine, as well as across the high street. Now is the time to embrace nostalgia and make a statement with your denim choices, by opting for extreme baggy styles, cool cargos or maximalist looks.”
“Meanwhile, we’re also seeing the understated straight leg making a resurgence, and in my opinion, this is the most versatile of jeans.”
How to choose the best jeans
“I would prioritise nailing down your budget, fit and preferred style in advance,” advises Farrah-May. “When my Stitch Fix (opens in new tab) customers request a pair of trusty denim jeans, I pay particular attention to their sizing, so I can then find the perfect match. If you’re going to invest in a good quality pair of jeans, you want to ensure the fit is perfect.”
How can I prolong the life of my jeans?
Once you’ve found the right pair, you want to make sure they last as long as possible. We’ve got a whole guide on how to stop your jeans going baggy. But before you read that, make sure to check out Farrah-May’s tips.
“My main trick is to avoid over-washing your denim so it will maintain its shape and colour. I also recommend air drying your jeans, as opposed to putting them in the dryer, as high temperatures can cause long-term damage to denim fibres.”
What are the best jeans for my body shape?
As for which style will best suit your body type, think about proportions. If you’re curvy, a high waist is more flattering.
Worried about height? Whether you’re tall or short, many brands like Levi’s (opens in new tab) and M&S offer most styles in different lengths. For those 5ft or under, cropped styles that show off the ankle really elongate the frame.
So now that you’re an expert on all things denim, scroll down to shop the best jeans of the season as personally recommended by our editors. Yes, these selections have been tried and tested.
For more inspiration, don’t forget to check out our guide to the best sustainable jeans, too.
Shop the best jeans as recommended by our editors:
Best vintage-feel straight leg jeans
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“These are a classic for a reason. Levi’s 501s offer the perfect fit with a slightly vintage aesthetic. They are fitted on the waist but still offer a little room in the leg, with no gaping. Not to mention they wash and wear so well. I’ve had mine for years.” – Jenny Proudfoot, Features Editors
Materials: 100% Cotton
Size Range: 23 – 34
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RE/DONE 70s Stove Pip high-rise straight-leg jeans
As a brand, Re/Done started by altering vintage Levi’s so you just know the brand has a penchant for vintage-style jeans. Nowdays, the label creates its own products but all of them have a vintage flair.
Materials: 100% Organic Cotton
Size Range: 23 – 32
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Vintage Straight High Jeans
“I was dubious about trying H&M jeans, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this pair in particular. They’re thick denim so don’t lose their shape after a few wears, and they offer the perfect vintage feel.” – Zoe Anastasiou, Fashion Editor
Materials: 100% Cotton
Size Range: 4 – 22
Best Wide Leg Jeans
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“These jeans have the perfectly slouchy fit that works for any everyday activity. I have dressed these down with a knitted sweater and trainers as well as dressed up with a blazer and pointed heels.” – Sofia Piza, Producer
Materials: 100% Cotton
Size Range: 22 – 34
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Agolde Crossover-button jeans
These jeans were seen all over social media last season, embraced by any and every influencer. The cross-over button provides a unique detail, while the wide, barrel leg creates a chic silhouette.
Materials: 100% Cotton
Size Range: 23 – 34
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Frame Long Barrel high-rise jeans
Renowned for its incredible fit, Frame is a denim brand beloved by celebrities and editors alike. The wide-leg silhouette on these jeans provides the perfect barrel shape.
Materials: 100% Cotton
Size Range: 23 – 32
Best Petite Jeans
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ASOS DESIGN Petite ’90s straight jeans
“If you’re petite, the options can feel pretty limited when it comes to jeans. Luckily, ASOS is one of the few brands that always provides an array of styles for the petite demographic. I love these ’90s-inspired straight-leg jeans. The denim is rigid, which gives a vintage feel, and they are the perfect crop on a shorter leg.” – Zoe Anastasiou, Fashion Editor
Materials: 100% Cotton
Size Range: 23 – 34
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M&S Sienna Straight Leg Jeans
M&S is great at providing varied sizing options and when it comes to jeans, the brand offers 5 different kinds of lengths. These jeans are available in either short (with a 29 inch inseam) or extra short (with a 27 inch inseam)
Materials: 80% cotton, 18% polyester and 2% elastane
Size Range: 6 – 24
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Topshop Petite Editor jean
“I have worn Topshop jeans for years. They are some of the only jeans that fit my petite frame (I’m 5ft1 for reference). I love that there is a wide range of leg lengths depending on if I want a baggy or cropped style. The Editor jeans are my absolute favourite. They feature a straight leg, with a high-waisted design that flatters my frame. You can get them in lots of different washes, and the bleached blue are my go-to for summer.” – Grace Lindsay, E-Commerce Writer
Materials: 100% Cotton
Size Range: 24 – 34
Best High-Waisted Jeans
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& Other Stories Flared High Waist Jeans
This style is so popular at & Other Stories, the brand has released it in 12 different colour ways. Offering a distinctive retro style, these jeans have a wide leg, patch pockets on the front and a very high-rise waist that works to elongate the leg.
Materials: Cotton 99%, Elastane 1%
Size Range: 24 – 31
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Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans
You can’t talk about high-waisted jeans without mentioning Levi’s ribcage jeans. This style offers Levi’s highest rise yet to help define your waist and elongate the leg. The rise on the front measures 12 inches.
Materials: 79% cotton, 21% TENCEL™ lyocell
Size Range: 23 – 34
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Whistles Authentic Hollie Button Jeans
If you’re looking for a high-waisted jean, a button-front style will offer the perfect vintage look. These jeans feature a straight-leg silhouette and will pair perfectly alongside sandals, sneakers and ankle boots.
Material: 100% cotton
Size range: 24 – 34
Best Mom Jeans
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“These are one of those clothing items that you just know will be in your wardrobe forever, and that’s exactly what this brand aims to create. They design pieces that will stand the test of time, and you can definitely tell. Not only do I love the wash and the tapered silhouette of these jeans, but the denim is the perfect mix between soft and rigid, meaning they are comfortable to wear but don’t lose their shape.” – Grace Lindsay, E-Commerce Writer
Materials: 98.5% organic cotton and 1.5% degradable elastane
Size range: 23 – 34
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Levi’s 501 Cropped Mom Jeans
“Levi’s has done it again. These mom jeans come in the most perfect, true blue colour, and fit like an absolute dream (although they can come up a little small so I always size up). I especially love that you can choose from three different leg lengths as I am on the more petite side. ” – Grace Lindsay, E-Commerce Writer
Materials: 99% cotton and 1% elastane
Size range: 23 – 34
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Topshop Premium Mom Jeans
“These Premium Mom Jeans from Topshop are great quality at a great price. They are true to size and have lasted me for years, without fading or going baggy. I will definitely be repurchasing in more colours.” – Grace Lindsay, E-Commerce Writer
Materials: 99% cotton and 1% Lycra elastane
Size range: 24 – 36
Before you add your favourite jeans to basket, don’t forget to add the latest Liberty discount codes, (opens in new tab)Mango vouchers (opens in new tab) and more found via our Marie Claire voucher page (opens in new tab).
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