Trying on clothes is one of the perks of being a fashion editor. Before we write about a new trend or It buy, we'll often take the time to test-drive the item ourselves. At Who What Wear, we are all low-key obsessed with denim and have certainly tried on our fair share of jeans. After all, they are the wardrobe essential that works for literally every occasion and goes with everything. That said, not all jeans are created equal, and after trying on hundreds of pairs, we have a few favorites that we wear on repeat. I am envious of my colleagues' denim collections and often ask where they got certain pairs that are especially flattering, so I decided to ask my co-workers where their favorite jeans come from and test-drive a few new pairs for myself.
Finding the perfect pair of jeans can be a daunting task. With so many denim brands, styles, cuts, and washes to choose from, it's easy to get overwhelmed. We've done the hard work for you and tested out a wide range of jeans to find the ones that we truly love, from the slim-fit jeans that replaced our skinnies to the extremely popular wide-leg styles that are bound to sell out to a pair that doubles as cargo pants. If you're in the market for a new pair of jeans, look no further. But first, allow me to share the top five pairs in my collection.
Top 5 Jeans for Women
- Best Wide-Leg Jeans: Citizens of Humanity Annina Jeans ($238)
- Best Bootcut Jeans: EB Denim Maria Bootcut Jeans ($285)
- Best Slim-Fit Jeans: Frame Le Sleek Straight Jeans ($258)
- Best Baggy Jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch Low Rise Baggy Jeans ($90)
- Best Straight-Leg Jeans: Same The Perfect Jean ($395)
Best Wide-Leg Jeans
Citizens of Humanity's Annina jeans just might be its most iconic style. Everyone I know who's tried them owns multiple pairs because the fit is just that flattering. They're a lightweight, wide-leg, baggy style that makes your legs look miles long. Naturally, I'm obsessed.
Material: 70% lyocell, 30% preconsumer cotton
Sizes: 23-34
Type of rise: High-rise
Pros: Not too wide legged
Cons: Runs a bit short
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Best Bootcut Jeans
Bootcut jeans are having a moment right now, and it's for good reason. The throwback style pairs well with both boots and heels, making it a versatile style that you'll want to wear again and again. This pair from EB Denim gives the ultimate nostalgia with its low waist and fitted flare. It's officially my favorite style.
Material: 64% cotton, 35% tencel, 1% elastane
Sizes: 24-31
Type of rise: Low-rise
Pros: Buzzy silhouette
Cons: A bit rigid
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Best Slim-Fit Jeans
In a world of skinny jeans, I'm just more of a slim-fit person. The word around the block is that most denim collectors feel the same. A slim-fit style gives the flattering aspect of skinny jeans without what might feel like a restrictive shape. This pair from Frame feels just as comfortable as my favorite yoga pants but has a much more polished look. The contrast stitching in this wash completely sold me in an instant.
Material: 81% cotton, 11% lyocell, 6% elasterell, 2% elastane
Sizes: 23-32
Type of rise: Mid-rise
Pros: Super comfortable
Cons: A bit flared at the hem
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Best Baggy Jeans
If you're sick and tired of me talking about these jeans, I'm sorry. I want to wear them every single day because they just make everything look so effortlessly chic. They hang off the hips at just the right spot, and as someone with long legs, I appreciate the way that they pool at the ankles. I always feel comfortable with them on, and as you know, I'm a sucker for low-rise, so this Abercrombie pair is perfection.
Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane
Sizes: 23-37
Type of rise: Low-rise
Pros: Great price point
Cons: Runs large
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Best Straight-Leg Jeans
A new pair of jeans in the luxury space comes from a brand called Same that is well-known for its beautiful swimwear but now has ventured into the denim category. The brand calls this pair the Perfect Jean, and I truly think that name fits the bill. It has a beautiful tortoiseshell button and an incredible wash, and the fit is—you guessed it—perfect.
Material: 100% Italian organic cotton
Sizes: 22-32
Type of rise: Mid-rise
Pros: Incredible fit
Cons: Pricey, runs small
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Editors' Picks
And now, my co-workers' hot takes on denim:
"Citizens of Humanity's Zurie jeans single-handedly convinced me to ditch wide-leg jeans and opt for the more fitted and tailored stovepipe silhouette, the more elegant big sister to skinny jeans. The high waist, snug fit, and trouser-like cut make them feel very sophisticated. They also have the tiniest bit of stretch, so they're shockingly comfortable. I've even flown in them. Whenever I wear them to fashion events, questions about their origin follow." — Eliza Huber
Material: 98% cotton, 2% polyurethane
Sizes: 23-32
Type of rise: High-rise
Pros: Classic style
Cons: Limited shade range
"I love my Aligne barrel jeans. No joke, I own them in three different colors and two different sizes. As a plus-size editor, it's tricky to find denim that fits well, much less trendy denim that fits well. I've packed them everywhere—from Copenhagen to Paris to Tokyo. I love how comfortable they are, and they have a a slightly wider horseshoe shape than other brands and aren't as rigid or dramatic, making them instantly wearable for long days of sightseeing or simply being on the go." — Ana Escalante
Material: 100% organic cotton
Sizes: 24-40
Type of rise: High-rise
Pros: Incredible size range
Cons: Trendy
"Khaite's Danielle jeans are even better than the hype—the fit is perfect, and they have the most incredible leg-lengthening effect. They're so good that I've already invested in three shades of this exact denim style." — Kristen Nichols
Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane
Sizes: 23-32
Type of rise: High-rise
Pros: Fit really well, timeless, durable
Cons: Pricey, runs long
"I'm not kidding when I say these might be the best jeans ever. They're the perfect amount of relaxed without veering into baggy territory and honestly rival any vintage pair you could find. I wear them at least once a week and always get so many compliments on the fit." — Anna LaPlaca
Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: 24-32
Type of rise: Mid-rise
Pros: Comfortable, attainable price point, vintage-like
Cons: Runs small
"I'll be honest: There are a few denim brands I wear on repeat, but I do love the variety at Madewell. My favorite pair of straight-leg jeans offers just the right amount of stretch (not too much, not too little) and comes in a great wash." — Bobby Schuessler
Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane
Sizes: 28-44
Type of rise: Mid-rise
Pros: Timeless design, comfortable fit
Cons: Doesn't wear well
"Slvrlake's London jeans are legitimately the most comfortable 100% cotton jeans I've found, and I've tried many. They're on the pricey side, but I often find them on sale. They're just a classic pair of straight-leg jeans that'll never go out of style." — Allyson Payer
Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: 23-32
Type of rise: High-rise
Pros: Timeless and comfortable
Cons: Runs small
Shop more fashion editor–approved jeans:
I usually don't go for cropped jeans, but these have a way about them.
I'm obsessed with the styling here.
I'm obsessed with the cuff on these.
Low-rise done right.
Bring on the oversized.
I've been wearing this style for years and love it.
I love a drawstring waist.
Cargo is always a good idea.
Another pair I own and am obsessed with.
The best pair of classic wide-leg jeans.
These are just so cool.
A pair of jeans I will never get bored of looking at.
Dark-wash denim makes me feel some type of way.
Skinny flare is always such a flattering combo.
Don't forget to invest in black jeans—they go with everything.
High-waisted jeans are never a bad idea.
The only pair of jeans you'll want to wear.
Yep, you're coming home with me.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Jeans for Women
When compiling this list of the best jeans for women, we considered Who What Wear reviews and editor-approved styles, customer reviews, celebrity endorsement, hype on social media, and whether an item was so in demand it's currently out of stock. Then, we solidified our list, looking at what pairs of jeans stood the test of time despite fleeting trends. From there, our editor wore each pair of jeans for different occasions, such as running errands in the city, grabbing coffee with friends, and heading to the office. When sharing her thoughts, she considered the fit, wear, feel, and style of the jeans to give the best review for our readers.
Why Trust Who What Wear
Who What Wear is a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource. Our fashion and beauty editors uphold Who What Wear's editorial standards and values every day with high-quality, expert-backed stories and product recommendations and selections.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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