I Tried On All the Coolest Items From Grlfrnd—These Are the Things Worth Buying

I’ll admit it—I’ve become a bit of a denim snob after years of being an avid collector. After trying on what feels like every brand under the sun, I’ve developed a pretty strong radar for which brands are actually worth investing in. So when I had the chance to try on a full lineup from Grlfrnd, the buzzy label known for its cool fits and vintage-inspired washes, I knew I’d be extra picky. My denim drawers are currently full, so there’s not much room for new adds.

However, Grlfrnd as a brand has been impressing me lately—not only with the way it nails the vintage-meets-modern formula but also with its attention to the small, almost subconscious details that make a pair of jeans feel special. Its brand ethos, in particular, felt like the denim equivalent of a power move: no logos, no flash, just great fabric, sharp fit, and a vibe that says “I know what I’m doing.”

Turns out there were more standouts than I expected, and I’m even considering swapping out some of the styles I love to make room for these. Whether you're hunting for classic straight-leg jeans, a fresh jacket silhouette, or a non-denim surprise that still brings the edge, Grlfrnd delivers. Keep scrolling for the pieces that genuinely impressed me.

My review: I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pair of black jeans, and the Sara style from Grlfrnd instantly stood out. Of all the jeans I tried, this one felt the most polished thanks to its super-high rise and clean, structured silhouette. It was a bit snug compared to the others (even though I took the same size, 27), but once I zipped them up, I understood why: They’re designed to sculpt.

What sets the Sara apart from its other straight-leg styles like the Danie or Walker is the rise. These sit noticeably higher—above the natural waist—and create a cinched effect that felt so flattering, especially when styled with a tucked-in top. The fit is a straight leg but with less give through the hips and waistband than the mid-rise styles. If you’re used to a more relaxed or broken-in feel, this pair will feel a little more structured—but in a way that makes your outfit instantly feel more elevated.

I first tested them in a true black with zero fading, which made them feel versatile enough for both day and night. The fabric is that same midweight rigid cotton denim that the brand is known for, and while there’s no stretch, the cut hugs in all the right places. At 5'7", I personally feel like I'm on the taller end of the things, but the straight leg still had a clean, elongating effect—there was a bit of puddling, leaving room for a trip to the tailor, but that's better to me than an awkward crop (my denim worst nightmare).

If you’re after that sharp, high-waisted black jean that makes your outfit feel instantly put-together, this is the one.

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My review: Next, I tried the Sara style again, this time in a medium wash dubbed Lenox Hill, and I’m officially naming it my answer to the “Will I ever wear skinny jeans again?” debate. Short answer: no, not technically. But this pair is as close as I’ll get—and I’m surprisingly into it.

These jeans are super high-waisted and cut in a way that hugs your hips and thighs in all the right places while still reading as modern, not dated. They’re tighter than the wide-leg or bootcut styles I usually gravitate toward, but the fit is so flattering that I didn’t mind. I kept my usual size, and even though they were snug, I liked the hold and structure they offered.

The wash is what really won me over. It’s the kind of clean, classic blue that pairs well with black, which is key for how I wear denim year-round. And even though I tend to avoid slim fits, the slight vintage-inspired straight leg and the way they puddle a bit at the ankle gave them just enough edge to keep things interesting.

These are ideal for the days when you want something sleek but aren’t ready to go full-on skinny. It’s the in-between that makes sense right now.

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My review: Bootcut denim is having a quiet renaissance in 2025, and this pair is a near-perfect entry point. It nods to the '70s just enough to feel nostalgic, but not so much that you feel like you're wearing a costume. I could easily picture a Chloé collector reaching for these. They were the most comfortable style I tried on all day—an unexpected twist given that they're made from 100% cotton.

The fabric is a midweight rigid denim, so there’s no stretch here, but the cut made them feel surprisingly forgiving. I tried them in my usual size, 27, and they molded to my body in the best way after just a few minutes. Unlike many vintage-style jeans that hit awkwardly at the hips, these have a flattering mid-rise that sat right where I wanted it to. They didn’t pinch, gap, or require any acrobatics to get into. Just an easy zip-and-go moment.

Design-wise, the Danie has a timeless bootcut silhouette that felt fresh styled with a tucked-in tee and a sleek blazer. The back pockets are positioned for a subtle lift, and the length makes them ideal with a heeled boot or platform sneaker. I’m 5'7" and felt like they were the perfect length. Although, they gently touched the streets when I went for a quick walk around the block in them.

If you're looking to ease into the return of the bootcut, this is a top-tier option. It feels directional without trying too hard—and it's comfortable enough to wear all day. No stretch needed.

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My review: I’ve never considered myself a slim-fit-jeans girl—I tend to gravitate toward wide-leg silhouettes—but these totally surprised me. The Walker jeans felt like the perfect in-between: slimming without being skintight, and long enough to create that puddled effect at the ankle that gives the whole look a cool, relaxed finish. It’s the kind of jean that could convert a wide-leg loyalist (hi, it’s me).

I tried them in a dark wash, which felt like it was made to be styled with black. It has just the right amount of fading to look worn-in, but not distressed. And because the fabric is 100% cotton, it has that vintage feel I love—but with a modern, flattering fit. I stuck with my usual size (27), and while they felt snug at first, they broke in nicely after a few minutes of wear.

Design-wise, the mid-rise sits comfortably without cutting into your stomach, and the button fly adds a subtle nod to heritage denim. The slim leg tapers without clinging, which made these a great “dressed-up” denim option when paired with a sleek shoe or pointed boot. I could see myself wearing them to a meeting and then straight to dinner.

For anyone who’s been curious about slim jeans but doesn’t want to relive 2013, these are the update you’ve been waiting for.

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My review: Baggy jeans are my forever weakness, and slipping into the Rey style from Grlfrnd felt like a true summer guilty pleasure. These are the kind of jeans that instantly say “cool girl off-duty”—oversize in the best way, with a dramatic wide leg and an unexpected striped print that made me smile the second I put them on.

Compared to the other styles I tried, these are by far the most relaxed. The striped motif gives them a vintage, almost nautical vibe and the bold silhouette is balanced by a high rise that keeps the look flattering. I wore my usual size (27), and they fit exactly how I wanted—loose, breezy, and baggy without swallowing me whole.

The Rey jeans are perfect if you’re craving something fun and nonchalant for summer. They feel like the anti-skinny jean in every way: playful instead of polished, oversize instead of structured, and surprisingly versatile if you’re willing to lean into the proportions. I’d wear them with a bikini top and oversize shirt on a beach weekend or style them with a tucked-in tee and platform sandals in the city.

If the other Grlfrnd styles were the jeans I’d wear to dinner or meetings, this is the pair I’d throw on for iced coffee runs and summer Fridays. A very stylish exhale.

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