I have a love-hate relationship with jeans. On one hand, they're my favorite thing to wear. On the other, they can be extremely difficult to shop for. Everyone has a denim horror story, jumping up and down in the fitting room and struggling to make a pair you so desperately wanted to work fit your body. While I've had my fair share of traumatic middle-school fitting-room experiences with low-rise jeans, I've come to figure out a personal life hack when it comes to shopping for denim. All you have to do is read the reviews.
Although no one knows your style and body better than you do, shoppers around the world more than likely have the same concerns when it comes to jeans. Is the wash unflattering? Are they too long? Will they uncomfortably pinch your waist? While you can't exactly know how jeans will fit until you try them on, you can get a head start on figuring out which pairs are better than others by reading what other people think of them. That's where Nordstrom comes in.
Nordstrom's no-frills rating and reviewing system is a lifesaver when it comes to finding jeans. After combing through reviews to find a pair for an upcoming trip I'm taking, I knew I had to share my foolproof system for finding the best jeans. From low-cost, high-joy pairs to denim that has hundreds of glowing reviews, these pairs passed my test. Scroll through to discover the highest-ranked jeans on Nordstrom.com.
Best High-Waisted Jeans
This pair of jeans might be the most iconic on this list. With a high waist and slim fit that hugs in all the right places, these Levi's jeans top my list of the best high-waisted jeans. In fact, they might be the best jeans of all time.
"These are literally the best Levi's, and when you get the right fit, these make your booty look amazing! As for this style, they run true to size, but like most Levi's you need to try them on, so I always go with my true size, one size down, and one size up! 10 out of 10. You will find the perfect fit! Make sure they fit tight because they will form to your body and stretch a bit." — Nordstrom reviewer
These Madewell jeans are loved for their comfy fit and universal wash. A high-waist fit and a straight-leg cut make these perfectly flattering on anyone.
"These are a comfortable and flattering pair of jeans. I love the simplicity of them/no distressing and a nice wash." — Nordstrom reviewer
For an ultra-tight, extra-high-rise fit, you can't go wrong with Favorite Daughter's Super High Waist fit. Like the name suggests, the higher cut and tighter fit near the top holds everything together and keeps you looking snatched throughout the day.
"These are flattering, and the fabric is high quality. Love that they are cotton jeans and will not lose their shape. The high waist pairs beautifully with a variety of fitted and cropped tops." — Nordstrom reviewer
Best Wide-Leg Jeans
This might be the most trend-forward pair of jeans on this list. Thanks to their wide-leg cut and deep indigo wash the Myra jeans are one of my favorites.
"Excellent fit— flattery makes waist small, accents the booty and super comfortable. I got a many compliments —new favorite jeans" — Nordstrom reviewer
Fans of ultra-wide-leg jeans will definitely be into this pair. With an exaggerated, longline cut and a classic not-too-blue, not-too-gray wash, this pair will live in your closet forever.
"I love these. The style and cut are so flattering on me! I have bought 2 pairs in white, the khaki color, a yellow pair, and now millstone in the denim. Soft, comfy perfection!!" — Nordstrom reviewer
An unexpected turn for 2024: Billabong jeans have been popping off. Take their cult Free Fall Wide Leg Jeans, for example, which influencers and this editor rave about.
"I love love love these jeans. They fit perfectly for me. Love the frayed hem, large pockets, and just enough stretch to stretch where needed." — Nordstrom reviewer
Best Skinny Jeans
Tight but not constricting is the consensus for these beloved Good American jeans. With three distinct washes in this shape alone, there's a tone for everyone if you're looking to dip your toe back into the skinny-jeans world. But don't let the idea of a dated silhouette fool you—everyone and their mother are wearing these jeans, according to the dozens of five-star reviews they have on Nordstrom.
"I have been buying jeans on here since the first launch. … The material is amazing!!! That's what legit sold me. It's stretchy, they last for such a good time, soo many sizes. Ugh I'm just in love with every pair. Definitely a staple in my wardrobe." — Nordstrom reviewer
AG's cool girl–approved jeans are some of the top-rated styles at Nordstrom. Thanks to this formfitting pair that's just the right shade of blue, it's no wonder these are a best seller.
"For a couple of years, I have seen a number of style bloggers rave about these jeans. I really didn't put much stock into the raves because quite frankly they 'rave' about a ton of expensive junk that isn't all that great, but I was SO WRONG about these jeans. They are literally the most comfortable jeans I own, even better than some of my yoga leggings!!" — Nordstrom reviewer
If you take a peek at the wave of five-star reviews this pair from Mother has, it's not hard to tell why. Customers rave about how comfy and well-fitting these are, especially if you're on the shorter side.
"I love Mother & now that I've been able to try petite sizing, I am even more in love. I'm just under 5 ft, and these fit perfectly in all the right areas. These are supposed to be a little above the ankle, which never happens for me in regular sizes." — Nordstrom reviewer
Best Low-Rise Jeans
These jeans are the perfect mix of vintage and modern-day aesthetics and have a classic wash and effortless low-rise cut that would make anyone jealous.
"If you want the perfect low-rise jeans, these are for you! I saw them on TikTok and had to buy. They are the best low-rise jeans. Only buy though [if] you are wanting low rise!!" — Nordstrom reviewer
If you're looking for low-rise jeans that have minimal slouch while still maintaining a cool, slightly oversize fit, look no further than these tried-and-true Joe's jeans a few Who What Wear editors swear by.
"Buttery soft, flattering & perfect length. I got them for fall, but once I tried them on, they made their way into my summer wardrobe." — Nordstrom reviewer
This vintage-looking pair of PacSun Low Rise Baggy Jeans favors the bold fashion person who takes inspiration from retro Y2K silhouettes. With an exaggerated low cut and maximalist flair, these jeans almost feel like a well-loved, worn-in pair you'd find when going thrifting.
"Fit great, look great. Love. 100% cotton, True to size." — Nordstrom reviewer
Best Flared Jeans
As a proud owner of Good American's best-selling flared jeans, I can attest that they're that good. Although I have both a dark-wash and a black-wash pair, nothing beats the original best-selling jeans. If you're looking for a modern take with a subtle flare above the ankle, this pair might be calling your name.
"These compliment my shape so well. They are super comfortable and have awesome stretch. I'll buy in more colors for sure." — Nordstrom reviewer
Reviews of this pair of Mother jeans call out how well they fit. Notably, customers rave about how they fit in "all the right places" for petite customers. With their slightly less dramatic flare than the Good American pair from above, I'm convinced I need to add these to my cart ASAP.
"These Lil' Mother jeans are amazing! I'm so glad someone knew that petite doesn't mean just shorter length. Petite size is shorter proportions in the rise as well, and these are perfect!! I hope all the makers of clothes catches on!" — Nordstrom reviewer
After seeing this pair of jeans go viral on TikTok, I know it's not just me who thinks these jeans are *it.* Just take it from this review:
"These jeans are perfect! Love the hippie look, it's so hard to find jeans like this. Worth every penny." — Nordstrom reviewer
Best Plus-Size Jeans
If the oversize pockets and chic wash don't have you convinced yet on these Madewell jeans, maybe the fact that they're a hidden favorite will.
"Perfect jeans for a curvier body. I'm between sizes 18W and 20W. I got these in a 20W and they fit great. I'm 5'4" and the crop length is great too (don't have to get them hemmed). They land right at my ankle. They have a little stretch but don't lose their shape. Madewell, please bring more colors/washes of this style in plus sizes!!" — Nordstrom reviewer
Frankly, shopping for jeans as a plus-size person can be stressful. From too-tight fits to clunky, awkward styles, it's been a nightmare to find a pair of chic, well-fitting jeans—until now. I own these NYDJ jeans, and they're constantly the pair I reach for first. If you won't take it from me, take it from this Nordstrom customer who feels the exact same way.
"I immediately loved these when I put them on. They are super soft, comfortable, and give me the wide-leg look while still being flattering. The butt looks great in them. What else is there? I am 5'7" and styled with espadrilles with a few inches of height to them, and I still have a bit of 'puddle' around the ankle but not to the floor. Great for the tall girlies. These make my legs look so long! Love them!" — Nordstrom reviewer
Not only are these jeans beloved for their great, chic fit, but they're also on sale!
"Jeans never fit me, but I took a chance and ordered these online, and they are perfect. Love them and love the weight of the fabric." — Nordstrom reviewer
Best Straight Jeans
If you ask anyone on the Who What Wear team, they'll most likely tell you that they own a pair of these Ribcage Levi's jeans. After swooning over them for years, I decided to take the plunge and get them. Suffice to say, I wish I got them sooner. I love them as much as the rest of our editors, and the internet does too. Make sure to order a size up, though, according to reviews.
"Did I feel like I could accomplish anything in the world when I put these on? Yes. Will I be buying these in every wash available? Absolutely. I've been a fan of Levi's Ribcage jeans for a few years, but all of mine were cropped, making it hard for me (5'9") to wear them throughout the year. These jeans have the perfect combo of a high rise, straight leg (but not too baggy), and perfect length to wear with so many shoe options without looking like a dork." — Nordstrom reviewer
I'll let this stellar review do the talking:
"I will never buy jeans anywhere else. These are amazing jeans, the best quality, and the fit is so good! Do yourself a favor and get these." — Nordstrom reviewer
The faded-in wash on these straight-leg Mother jeans is nothing short of cool girl approved. With a slight crop perfect for showing off platform sneakers or kitschy anklets, this pair of jeans has to be one of the most trend-forward on this list, by far.
"I own 20+ pairs of Mother jeans, and this is my new favorite. I've been looking for a pair of dark-wash jeans to pair with blazers, and this wash is the perfect amount of worn-in. … Overall, these are super flattering on the thighs and booty, and the straight leg hits at about ankle length for me at 5'4", which makes them perfect for wearing with sneakers and flat sandals. Get them!" — Nordstrom reviewer
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