I Tried the 2024 Jeans Trend French Women Love—These 10 Pairs Are the Best-Fitting

While wide-leg jeans and have been the cool new kid on the block for the past few seasons (unquestionably racking up a ton of miles on my denim odometer), when I saw relaxed '90s straight-leg silhouettes pop up on the spring 2024 runways, it felt like a stamp of approval to lean into the style again. Don't get me wrong; I'm not giving up on my wide-leg jeans any time soon. They are the defining denim trend of the past year, after all, but straight-leg jeans have always been the silhouette I've gravitated to the most. The classic style loved by chic French women is versatile, polished, and easy to wear with sneakers and heels alike.

On a mission to add a handful of new pairs to my denim collection, I tried and tested a whole host of brands and styles to find the best-fitting (and coolest!) straight-leg jeans out there.

Here's what I know: Not all straight-leg jeans are created equal. They have to fit properly, feel good, withstand frequent wear, and of course, make you look and feel your best. Whether you're looking for a relaxed-fitting '90s silhouette (like the runway image above) or desire a more formfitting pair, or perhaps you're in search of the perfect mid-rise silhouette or seeking a pair that will make your booty look great, below I'm sharing a variety of styles that are great-fitting and get my (very picky!) fashion-editor stamp of approval.

Keep scrolling to see my favorite straight-leg jeans for all budgets. (For reference, I am 5'6" and usually wear a size 26 or 27.)

Levi's: 501 Original

If you haven't stumbled upon the perfect pair of '90s vintage straight-leg jeans à la '90s Cindy Crawford or Rachel from Friends, then you'll want to head straight to Levi's site and get yourself a pair of 501 Originals. This is one of my top picks in terms of comfort, style, and value for money. They come in a whole host of washes. I'm wearing Shout Out Stone, which I was drawn to because they feel smart enough to wear to work or a night out. They're classic (not overly trendy) and flattering on different body types. They're non-stretch but surprisingly comfortable and easy to move in. I'm wearing the 30-inch length, but you can choose a longer or shorter inseam for your height. This is one of my go-to pairs I reach for day and night. I am also strongly considering buying the 501 '90s jeans, which have a slightly looser fit throughout the leg and a classic mid-rise. They're next on my wish list.

How to Style

Opt for a simple, white tee and a blazer to keep these jeans looking extra French.

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Slvrlake: London Jeans

There is a small number of denim brands I'd happily pay over $250 for, and Slvrlake is one of them. The quality of its jeans is truly superior. Since I love an off-white tonal look these days, I went for the highly touted signature London jeans in natural white. I feel like my legs look three inches longer in these jeans! They have a high-rise silhouette that elongates the legs and are made of rigid cotton, which gives them a vintage feel. I love the craftsmanship and attention to detail.

How to Style

A classic white-on-white combination is always elegant-looking (plus, it's great for extra-hot days in the summer.)

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Agolde: '90s Pinch Waist High Rise Straight Long

I, and practically every one of my fellow Who What Wear editors, own Agolde's '90s Pinch Waist jeans, which are quite literally one of the best straight-leg jeans out there. Inspired by this best-selling style, the brand came out with a slightly longer-length version, which I just had to try. While they're slightly too long for my frame, I absolutely love the look of them cuffed up. Worn with pointed-toe kitten heels and a belt, they look trendy and of-the-moment. I also love that they feel like a vintage pair. They're rigid with a hint of stretch and ooze model-off-duty vibes.

How to Style

Play up the timeless factor of these jeans with a few, classic French-girl staples like polished slingbacks, a turtleneck, a slouchy bag, and a leather belt.

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Gap: '90s Straight Jeans

I have two words: surprisingly great. I am pleasantly impressed with everything about these jeans. They're classic-looking and feature a long, lean '90s cut that comes in three inseams. These have some nice stretch (they're made from a flexible denim blend) and are fitted through the hip and thigh, staying snug around the butt and then going into an elongating, full-length straight leg. These are one of the least expensive on this list yet easily outperform other budget jeans and pricier pairs. They're so good for the price (and they often go on sale too!).

How to Style

A simple gray cardigan over a white tee and matching timeless ballet flats make these jeans feel so 2024.

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Madewell: The '90s Straight Jeans

Madewell's jeans have long been a favorite among our editors for quality, of-the-moment silhouettes and value for money. The '90s Straight Jeans are my new favorites from the brand. They fit snugly through the hips and thighs and make your butt look great. It's made of vintage-y structured denim with a touch of stretch for a broken-in feel. They come in a variety of washes, and they're perfect for everyday casual wear—comfortable, chic, and versatile.

How to Style

One of my favorite ways to wear straight-leg denim is with a simple black tee in combination with a smooth leather belt. By adding these fun, strappy kitten heels, your straight-leg jeans will feel a bit more playful for any after-work events.

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Reformation: Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans

Reformation always does such a great job of creating just the right silhouettes that feel of the moment and fashion-forward. For a '90s runway look, similar to the image at the top of the story, I recommend Reformation's Val jeans. Simply put, these feel cool. They're a mid-rise silhouette designed to be slouchy below the natural waist, thighs, and legs. They're made from a rigid non-stretch fabric and come in a variety of washes. I recommend sizing down, as they have a looser fit. They are on the longer side, so these pair better with heels if you're not going to get them altered.

How to Style

Especially when you're opting for a darker-wash straight-leg jean, you can never go wrong with casual elements like flat, minimalist sandals or a plain muscle tank.

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Frame: Le Jane

If you're looking for a straight-leg pair with a slightly wider leg opening, then Frame's iconic Le Jane is the perfect option. I love the slightly slouchier silhouette of these rigid jeans, which makes them feel trendy and cool. I usually wear them with heels (they have a 34-inch inseam), a white tee, or a chic vest for a French-inspired look.

How to Style

Go for your favorite button-down best and pointed-toe mules for a look that feels utterly chic yet casual-enough for everyday errands.

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Citizens of Humanity: Charlotte High-Rise Straight Jeans

Okay, so these are not new jeans. In fact, I've owned them for at least three years now, and I wear them all the time, which is why I needed to include them on this list! These cool non-stretch jeans are one of my absolute favorites of all time. They look vintage, the high waist sits perfectly on my torso, and they have major French-girl vibes.

How to Style

Ideal for chillier climates, opt for a layered look featuring a peek-a-boo white shirt, a cozy knit, and a boxy, oversize blazer of choice. This look is head-to-toe French girl–approved.

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Citizens of Humanity: Zurie Straight

As you can tell, I'm a big fan of Citizens of Humanity jeans (the quality is so good), and its new Zurie jeans do not disappoint. They elongate the legs and are super flattering thanks to the 11 3/4–inch high rise, and I'm obsessed with the vintage-inspired lighter wash. They have a longer inseam, so I generally wear these with heels.

How to Style

Can you tell this outfit formula is a French-girl staple? A white tee, slouchy blazer, and leather belt will never go out of style.

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Pistola: Mid-Rise Classic Straight

L.A.-based brand Pistola makes some seriously flattering jeans—its mid-rise classic silhouette is one of them. These are the type of jeans you want to throw on when you have a busy day running around and want to feel comfortable and confident. The denim wash is so versatile, and they fit like a glove.

How to Style

I kept it simple with this final look, going for a basic blank tank and matching ballet flats for an overall sleek, minimal, and polished look that you can put together in less than 2 minutes.

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