These Are the Best Jeans From J.Crew and Madewell, According to Reviews
There's always a reason to update your denim wardrobe: Your old pairs don't fit like they used to, or there's a specific wash or style that you're missing in your rotation. And while there are very pricey jeans in the over-$200 range that you might feel like you need to buy to check off either of these boxes, I can assure you that the denim at J.Crew and Madewell will satisfy your closet's needs just as effectively, all the while making your wallet very happy. Even better? They come with some pretty impressive reviews and ratings from your fellow shoppers. It's all about spending your hard-earned cash on things that you can actually rave about, right?
Ahead, I went through all the top-rated and -reviewed jeans on both sites so you can secure your perfect pair. From classic straight-leg, dark-wash styles to the more adventurous wide-leg, low-rise ones, there are tons of options. And as an added bonus, some even happen to be on sale right now, so you can stretch your money even further for a great pair of jeans. Keep scrolling for the 23 best jeans from J.Crew and Madewell, and they'll look even better when styled with a sweater or a pair of cute ballet flats.
Top-Rated J.Crew Jeans
Reviewer Highlight: "The fit is flattering, and the style is so versatile and classic. These are those jeans you can pack for a trip and wear for multiple kinds of activities/days. I got the jean size that most often fits me and best matches the size guide measurements—the fit is perfect! Not too tight, and they don’t stretch out a lot. Also got the regular length and at 5’8” they hit at my ankle, so they work great with boots!"
Reviewer Highlight: "I am loving these skinny flares. I’m short but not a petite and these fit perfectly with a platform bootie. Elongating and just so flattering. I bought them in black and white. Runs very large and has stretch so I sized down two sizes."
Reviewer Highlight: "I love these jeans. They hit me right at the ankles. The demi-boot is flattering, and the wash can be dressed up or dressed down."
Reviewer Highlight: "I bought these a couple of months ago and wear them much more frequently than I expected to! I am 5’6” and the length is great with Chelsea boots. The color is very versatile. The legs are wide but not too wide. They look great with a fitted sweater."
Reviewer Highlight: "Not too skinny, not too high, and not too wide or baggy. I bought two colors and might get more!"
Reviewer Highlight: "I am obsessed with these jeans! I am tall (5'10") and they are a perfect fit. Don't order them in a tall unless you are over 6'. The regular is just perfect. I am usually a 26 but wanted these to be a little baggy. I ordered them in 27 and they are perfection! Soft like you have owned them forever, but they don't look saggy in the butt. They are old school jeans. Love them!"
Reviewer Highlight: "Super cute, super wide-leg jeans that fit true to size. Rigid denim fits perfectly snug through waist and hip with a wide full leg. A tad shorter than I expected but not too short. I'm 5'8", 155 lbs. They feel young and fresh. I ordered a 30 which is my usual size and they fit perfectly."
Reviewer Highlight: "Love this jean! The fabric is soft, not thick or thin. You can wear them all year round. They really give a cool and chic look. The slouchy jeans look just like the photos. I usually wear size 26 or 27, but I went with a 26 on this. Looks super cute with sneakers, and you can dress up or down."
Reviewer Highlight: "Love! I have gotten so many compliments when wearing these. I’ve bought several jeans from J.Crew in the past (longtime J.Crew customer because their style is classic and timeless). Jeans are not my go to for J.Crew, but these are a must! Favorite pair right now and i buy a lot of jeans from Mother, L’Agence, etc. I’m a jeans girl with many styles. This is an A+."
Top-Rated Madewell Jeans
Reviewer Highlight: "These jeans are DREAMY. They do run a full size small in the Mercer wash ONLY (I really wish Madewell differentiated the fabric construction between the washes better, the Mercer is 100 percent rigid cotton and the Enmore and black washes both have elastane, so stick with your usual Madewell size for those two.) They are rigid but comfortable. Like sit down at a dinner party on your first wear comfortable. I could cry. I could sing. Stunning jeans. I'd buy in every single wash in the 100 percent cotton. Run. Worth every penny."
Reviewer Highlight: "Perfect straight/baggy fit and in a style that can be easily elevated for dressier occasions for work or [dressed] down for the weekends."
Reviewer Highlight: "These jeans are amazing! Well constructed, fit beautifully, and are the perfect length. I read the other reviews that said to size down and I was hesitant especially as this was my first pair of Madewell jeans ever, but I'm glad I did because they fit wonderfully. Get these jeans, they are actual perfection."
Reviewer Highlight: "I never write reviews online, but these are so amazing. I’ve been looking for good wide-leg jeans for a year now and these are super comfortable, incredibly flattering, and the regular was a perfect length (I’m 5’6). They also have just the right amount of stretch."
Reviewer Highlight: "Really nice cargo jeans! I do think these run big. I bought size 25 because there was no smaller size in store (I feel that they are a little bit loose, but nothing a belt can't solve). Very trendy."
Reviewer Highlight: "Absolutely love the fit of those jeans! Super cute and flattering. I'm going to buy a second pair because it never fails that when I find a favorite item, it gets discontinued. Can be dressed up or down. Got my usual size and they're plenty roomy, they don't run small."
Reviewer Highlight: "Love these. The length is perfect for me at 5'7", but they might be long for someone shorter. I got my regular size (26) and the waist is maybe a smidge tight, but sizing up would make them too big everywhere else. I'm fairly straight up and down, so if you're curvier, you might find sizing up like they recommend works better."
Reviewer Highlight: "I’m so glad Madewell came out with another color and style of the wide-leg jeans. I hadn’t been able to find a pair that fit quite right until this pair. The fit is really so flattering and just perfect. The waist tapers in a little and that works so well for me as most jeans tend to gape. I purchased my regular size and haven’t had it stretch out throughout the day, which is a bonus. The lighter color is also just the right shade. Get these jeans because they are absolute perfection."
Reviewer Highlight: "I bought these final sale a bit unsure of what I would receive and these are better than I imagined. A unique dark wash with seams up the middle. I’m 5'6" and they are the perfect length for me. Run true to size. So happy and would definitely recommend."
Reviewer Highlight: "EVERYONE made sure to tell me how cute these jeans are every time I wear them, which has already been like five times in the short amount of time I've had them."
Reviewer Highlight: "These are the cutest, coziest "cool girl" low/mid rise loose jeans. They do run slightly large in the waist but I think that's what makes them so flattering and great. You can definitely dress these up or down. They would be cute with strappy heels for going out and with lug sole loafers for the daytime. I want to buy the cream pair too! If you're thinking about getting these, please let this review be a sign to do so."
Reviewer Highlight: "I stopped by Madewell today because I needed a pair of jeans that fits well and I can wear now in winter. These were the first pair that caught my eye. I tried on all the jeans in the store, and these were my favorite. I like that these are a little different from what you can find everywhere. The rectangular pockets and the horizontal seams across the legs give them a bit of style. The shape is perfectly straight and not skinny."
Shop more top-rated J.Crew and Madewell items:
Reviewer Highlight: "Love this cropped shirt. With the trend for longer shirt styles flooding the clothing market, it's nice to have a cropped option for petite fashionistas. This shirt is the perfect length of cropped for daytime, office, and casual wear. Well done J. Crew!"
Reviewer Highlight: "This bag is a 10/10. Perfect work bag. It fits my work laptop, notebook, card case, and a pouch perfectly without feeling too bulky or heavy. I switched to this bag from the MZ Wallace tote and it was the best choice ever. The leather is smooth and beautiful, the only con for me is that it doesn't come in black suede."
Reviewer Highlight: "Adding my voice to the chorus of positive reviews. This sweater literally feels like wearing a cloud. It is not itchy at all. The brushed cashmere is beautiful and light. Absolutely gorgeous texture."
Reviewer Highlight: "This is my first time ever writing a review for clothing…but this is just that good. I’ve been looking for the perfect slip skirt for YEARS, and they’ve always been too tight in the wrong places or too big and frumpy looking. I carry most of my weight in my mid-section, and this is the first slip skirt I’ve found that perfectly hangs in the most flattering way."
Reviewer Highlight: "I've been on a hunt for more than a year now for the perfect ballet flat that's both on trend and functional for walking, commuting, etc. These are absolutely perfect. They have a subtle square toe, a narrow and flattering look, and are made out of super soft leather. The strap has elastic which allows the shoe to cohere to the foot without being too tight. Absolutely love these and I already know they will be a staple!"
Reviewer Highlight: "Bought these this summer. Love just being able to slide them on and go to the beach or pool. Closed front is perfect compared to buying men’s boxers."
Reviewer Highlight: "Love the collarless design of this denim jacket with the gold buttons. It really takes a classic up a notch. It fits true to size and the cropped length is perfect with dresses. If you are looking for a new jacket definitely give this a try."
Reviewer Highlight: "This is a lovely halo of sparkle that sits beautifully at the collarbones and draws attention as it sparkles. The bezel setting is perfection and looks so lovely with so many dainty chains to make a more casual statement."
Lauren Adhav is a freelance fashion editor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she always wanted to work at a fashion magazine. After finally getting an internship at Town & Country in 2015, she moved to New York City and continued to get her footing in the industry with stints at Cosmopolitan, W magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and Moda Operandi. In 2017, she returned to Cosmo full time, starting off as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant and working her way to fashion editor. She contributed to both the website and print issues, pitching new ideas, forecasting trends, covering red carpet events, and informing the overall coverage and brand voice. After five years in NYC, she moved to the West Coast for the sunshine and the change of pace. As a freelance fashion editor, she still contributes to Cosmo and now Who What Wear. She's always trying to get ahead of the next big trend before it goes mainstream and loves discovering fashion brands with a unique point of view (Chopova Lowena, Sandy Liang, and Bode being some of her current favorites). She also spends an unhealthy amount of time online shopping for the perfect piece, and now that she's in L.A., she's rediscovering her soft spot for malls. On the weekends, you can find her walking around the Silver Lake Reservoir, trying to catch up on her tan at Venice Beach, and probably ordering a Chinese chicken salad at Joan's on Third.
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