The Best Jeans of 2024, According to Who What Wear Editors and Readers
For the past few weeks, I’ve been on a bit of a denim deep dive, eager to uncover the jeans that have been dominating sales among Who What Wear readers and editors. As a team that talks about denim constantly, I was curious: which pairs have you all collectively bought this year and are carrying into the next? To find out, I turned to our data team—the real experts when it comes to all things numbers—and asked them to dig into the stats. The results? A massive spreadsheet breaking down every burning question about the best jeans of 2024. Nearly three hours and 396 pairs later, I can confirm these pairs are it.
From the perfect straight legs to the most flattering barrel legs, the best-selling jeans of 2024 come from brands like Levi’s, H&M, and Zara. It’s not just about the brand, though—these styles have earned their top spots because they combine affordability, fit, and style in a way that makes them wardrobe staples.
If you’ve been eyeing a pair but haven’t quite taken the plunge yet, now might be the time to give them a try. After all, the numbers don’t lie. Ready to see which jeans you’ve all been buying in 2024? Keep reading to discover the best sellers you (and we) can’t get enough of.
First Place: H&M Wide High Jeans
Given their ultra-low price point, I'm not shocked these H&M jeans came out as the #1 jeans Who What Wear editors and readers bought this year. Nearly 500 people bought these jeans from our stories, nearly double the next best-selling pair. (I even bought a pair myself this year!) At just $30, they're probably one of the most accessible pairs on this list, ranging in size from a sizes 0–20.
Second Place: Free People We the Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
If there was one denim style that defined 2024 the best, it would be barrel jeans. This controversial denim style was catapulted into popularity this year thanks to Free People's under-$100 pair that made it on hundreds of our articles and social media posts this year. Love them or hate them, barrel jeans are here to stay and this pair taking our #2 spot of the year just proves their undeniable supremacy in 2024.
Third Place: Zara High Rise Z1975 Straight Leg Jeans
Classic, simple, and stylish is the name of the game for our #3 best-selling jean of 2024—the Zara High Rise Z1975 Straight Leg style is one of the brand's denim staples that is constantly sold out (or on the verge of being!). According to our numbers, over 250 of you bought this jean in 2024, no doubt thanks to its low price point and versatility.
Shop more of the best-selling jeans of 2024
This tried-and-true pair is loved by hundreds of Zara customers.
Reformation might be own for their stunning dresses and pretty tops, but don't discount the retailer's great denim—this pair easily landed in our top ten best-sellers list this year.
There's something so effortlessly chic about black denim.
Another pair of low-cost Zara jeans our readers couldn't resist this year.
Run, don't walk—these jeans (which were the best-selling pair on Nordstrom this year!) are discounted before the year ends.
For the friend who loves a dramatic puddle silhouette, they might find comfort in the fact that our readers loved this baggy pair, too.
Reformation's Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans already have a cult-following online thanks to how long they make your legs look.
The proof is in the pudding—everyone loved barrel leg and horseshoe jeans this year.
These COS jeans have a slight barrel leg look for those who want something a bit more subtle.
These J.Crew stretch jeans ranked in our best-selling jeans of 2024 list, mostly because of how well-priced they are. J.Crew denim doesn't frequently go on sale, so when the discounts are deep, we're big fans of telling everyone they need them.
Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor whose work ranges from dissecting size inclusivity at fashion week to discussing how American Girl Doll meme accounts are the the answer to society's collective spiral. She's covered it all: Queen Elizabeth II's corgis, Roe v. Wade frontline protests, and the emergence of jorts (or jean shorts for the uninitiated). At Who What Wear, Ana is responsible for delivering smart, insightful, personality-driven shopping guides and trend features for a digital-first generation.Before joining Who What Wear, Ana was Glamour magazine's editorial assistant, where she focused on daily news and special packages, including leading the brand's 2022 Met Gala coverage. For more than half a decade, she has covered style, beauty, and digital culture for publications such as Paper magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue Japan, and Allure, among others. Ana has been called a rising star in media by publications such as Nylon and Teen Vogue. (Her mother, meanwhile, calls her "the coolest person" she knows.)
-
Stylish Women in NY and L.A. Always Wear Their Levi's With This Classic Shoe Trend
From Lily-Rose Depp to Dakota Johnson.
By Eliza Huber
-
Jennifer Lopez Wore the Pretty Shirt Trend That Makes Even Y2K Jeans Look Elegant
We love an elevated J.Lo outfit.
By Allyson Payer
-
Brooke Shields Knows the Exact Boot Trend to Wear With Skinny Jeans
Miss Americana.
By Drew Elovitz
-
These 30 Incredibly Chic Sale Picks From Madewell, Gap, and Banana Republic Scream Fashion Person
Good luck picking just one piece.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
"Rich-Looking French Vibes" Is the Goal—30 Pieces From the Nordstrom Holiday Sale That Fit the Bill
Très chic.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
30 Stellar Finds From Nordstrom, Zara, and Abercrombie Worth Dropping Into Your Fashion Friend Group Chat
I see elevated outfits in your future.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Blake Lively, Sofia Richie, and More Stylish Women Know These Jeans Are Better Than Designer
They're $98 but look way pricier.
By Eliza Huber
-
Fashion People Swear By Khaite's Jeans—Now I Know Why
Signature silhouettes and striking details.
By Nikki Chwatt