


While trends tend to entertain the masses for a short while, jeans are here to stay — especially as the turn of a new decade has consistently proven it.
And, while there certainly isn’t a shortage of brands offering denim bottoms that’ll accentuate everything you want them to, selecting the perfect pair can be a challenging feat at times.
Any way you slice ’em — from TikTok-famous mom jeans to the seamless high-waisted — the best places to buy jeans offer an array of cuts that’ll meet your preferred style, wash and budget. (Related: best men’s jeans).
From Abercrombie and Everlane to Levi’s and Lulus — to even high-end retailers like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, we corralled the best places to buy jeans, divided by the style of your choice. Even Amazon has some of our favorite jeans (thanks, Prime)!
Check out the only jeans style guide you’ll need or scroll down to see a list of our some of our favorite pairs. Whether you want to pair your look with one of our favorite bodysuits or sweaters or simply add some fresh denim to your wardrobe, we’ll have you dressed to the nines.
Click to jump to a specific style of jeans:
High-waisted, otherwise known as the “tuck-it-in,” seamless pair, is, as its name suggests, are on the rise.
As one of the most popular with an incredible number of hem picks — from skinny all the way to fit and flare — the options are endless. Our favorites include Good American Good Curve High Waist Distressed Straight Leg Jeans ($139), Gloria Vanderbilt Classic Amanda High Rise Jean (starting at $5) and Levi’s Ribcage Wide-Leg Jeans (starting at $108).
If you’re looking for more affordable options, we recommend shopping at Nordstrom and Amazon, though Lulu’s and Madewell have some of the widest collections we’ve seen.
What are mom jeans, exactly? Made popular in the late 80s and early 90s, this on-trend pair is known to make your booty appear flatter and longer, while having a slightly relaxed fit toward the hem.
Not to mention, they’re one of the most versatile designs of denim to date. We adore Levi’s Mom Women’s Jeans ($108), along with Topshop’s pair ($74) and Madewell’s The Perfect Vintage Straight Leg ($128) at Nordstrom.
In ranking the best mom jeans, we find that Abercrombie and Target have great selections.
If we’re being honest, we’ve never been dealt with such a derisive debate none other than the skinny versus straight leg phenomenon as of late. But, they’re still a classic, notably for hugging your booty and ankles in just the right places.
We’re all about DAZE Denim’s Moneymaker Distressed High-Rise Skinny Jeans ($79) at Lulus, Mother The Mid Rise Dazzler Ankle ($248) available at Revolve and AG’s Farrah High-Rise Ankle Skinny Jeans ($215) you can shop at Bloomingdale’s.
For more budget-friendly options, score great skinny jean finds at Everlane, Macy’s and rather impressively, Amazon.
The boyfriend jean, otherwise known as the slouchy and relaxed fit, are great for a number of reasons — one being the unmatched comfort.
For this reason (and then some) we adore Rolla’s Sailor Jeans ($109) available at Free People, Frame’s Le Garcon Mid-Rise Distressed Slim Boyfriend Jeans ($220) at Nordstrom and Levi’s New Boyfriend Jeans (starting at $21) you can score on Amazon.
But, the styles don’t stop there. Find even more closet-worthy selects from J.Crew, Anthropologie and Good American, the latter oh-so-popular.
You can’t go wrong with straight-leg, the non-negotiable for wearing with your favorite booties or heels.
Our top three pairs include Free People’s Maggie Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans ($25), Everlane’s The Rigid Way-High Jean ($83) and Mother’s The Ditcher Cropped Fray Jeans ($248) available at Amazon.
What’s more, you can snag some more flattering pairs from Urban Outfitters, Everlane and Rails.
Bootcut ain’t just for the boots, folks. This fashion-forward yet simplistic cut is here to stay, especially with RE/DONE 70s High Rise Skinny Boot ($295), Good American Curve Bootcut Jeans ($73), and Lee’s Flex Motion Regular Fit Bootcut Jean ($31) available on Amazon.
Not to mention, the buffet of bootcut jeans remains vast. Shop more waitlist-inducing styles from Spanx, Levi’s and Nordstrom.
We reviewed several pairs of our favorite curvy jeans (spoiler alert: they’re from Abercrombie), but so many dreamy pairs bless the market nowadays.
From Abercrombie’s Curve Love Ultra High-Rise 90s Jeans ($80), the star of the show, to head-turning pairs — like Curve Designs’ Brady Vintage Jeans ($110) and Madewell’s Curvy High-Rise Skinny Jeans ($90), the world is your oyster. Or rather, fashion show.
Though plus-size jeans can be difficult to score at times, we ran through the mill (retailer websites, that is) to find the most flattering fits that’ll hug and flaunt all the right places.
We recommend Madewell’s The Plus Perfect Vintage Jean ($128), Ava & Viv’s Plus Size Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans ($20) from Target and Bandolino’s Plus Size Mandie Five-Pocket Perfect-Fit Jean ($12) on Amazon.
No, you don’t have to live in swing dresses and sweats while bopping around with your baby bumb. Jeans are some of the most flattering looks when you’re carrying, not to mention the growing amount of cuts and washes available.
We love Abercrombie’s Maternity Ankle Straight Jeans ($72), Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara’s Maternity Curvy Jeans ($29) and J.Crew’s Maternity Jean ($60) to name a few under-$100 pairs.
For petite frames, the most important item to avoid when scouring the shelves for jeans is unwanted bunching around the back leg area. Though we support straight-leg and baggier fits, you want to ensure the pair you choose accentuates your frame.
That said, The Loft is, by far, the best place we found to buy petite jeans. Its curated shop of petite jeans sets the bar high, especially with the Petite Deconstructed Straight Jeans ($63).
But, we also deem the NYDJ Marilyn Straight Jeans in Petite ($99) a great option, along with the High-Rise Everyday Soft Denim Skinny Flare from White House Black Market ($99).
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Regardless if you’re tall, petite or somewhere in between, you’re bound to find your perfect fit with these A&F jeans. They sit at the natural waist, have built-in stretch and come in 14 different washes. Unlike skinny jeans, they offer more room in the bum and thigh area, and the streamlined silhouette makes them polished enough for work. According to several happy Abercrombie customers, they fit true to size and as one reviewer put it, are the “perfect jeans.”
Review: “So happy I got these. The color is perfect and classy. You can dress them up or down. The sizing is spot on and the Curve Love is perfect on my hips and thighs.”
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If you hate dealing with waist gap or feeling like your thighs are suffocating in your denim, Good American is the brand to know. Besides being size inclusive, their jeans are truly chef’s kiss when curves are concerned. The Always Fits Good Classic Slim Bootcut Jeans, for example, have a one-size-fits-four design, which means they’ll still hug you like a glove whether it’s that time of the month, you’ve lost a few pounds or just enjoyed lunch. The high-waist design creates an hourglass shape, while the stretchy material conforms to your silhouette. Available in sizes 00 to 32 plus, one happy customer dubbed them “magic jeans.”
Review: “These jeans are simply amazing! They fit like a glove and make my booty look phenomenal. You won’t regret getting these!”
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When trying to create length, go for a pair of jeans that are skinny or straight in a mid or high-waist style. The Relaxed Slender Jeans are our choice, especially since they come in petite, offer lots of flexibility, and include the brand’s signature Lift Tuck Technology. Although they’re only available in a dark blue rinse, we love their stretchiness and the way they make you look tight and trim. They work great with ballet flats, chunky white sneakers and of course, heels. Simply add your favorite blouse and you’ll be good to go!
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If you like anything with a vintage bohemian aesthetic, you’re probably already a fan of Free People. They make gorgeous clothing for the free spirit and these corduroy jeans are no exception. We love how subtle the flare is and the way they sit high on the waist. They don’t have any back pocks, which we’re not a fan of. However, we’re willing to overlook, especially since these jeans that work great for taller ladies come in nine colors, including scarlet and an icy grey called love stone.
Sizes start at 24 and go to 33, but you may want to size down, as this one happy Free People customer did.
Review: “I’m 5-feet 11 inches and weigh 145 pounds. I’ve always had a hard time finding flare jeans that are long enough for me. I finally found them! They actually touch the floor when I wear them. I would definitely recommend sizing down. I got a size 26 and normally wear a [size] 27.”
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Some people say that skinny jeans are out this year but we don’t think so. They look soooo good paired with heels, boots for fall or even flats. If you agree, try these skinnies on for size from J.Crew. They’re stretchy but not so stretchy that they’ll lose their shape after a few wears. They also have classic 5-pocket styling and are currently 75% off!
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We all want those fitted pair of jeans that feel comfortable like leggings but look like…jeans. This pick from Wit & Wisdom is our top choice. The material has just the right amount of spring to make them feel like you’ve had them for ages. A fit system slims unwanted bulges without that confined feeling. According to several happy Nordstrom customers, these fit great, regardless if you’re bottom heavy or have a softer midsection.
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Regardless of your jean size, you may be blessed with an ample backside and find difficulty finding denim that works for your shape. These Everlane jeans were designed with you in mind and are available in a 26.5 inch inseam, as well as a 28.5 inch inseam. Made from a blend of organic cotton and chemical-free Roica V550 yarn, the jeans feature a back hook seam that shapes and lifts the rear. The pockets are also stationed higher to give the illusion of bounce. Available in five different washes, sizes run between 22 and 35.
Review: “Really like these pair of jeans from Everlane. They’re very comfy, fit great, not too tight but not too loose either. Would definitely buy other pairs in different colors.”
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We love that wide legs are finally back in style, especially when they have contouring abilities. These Spanx jeans feature a hidden core technology that smooths the midsection and lifts the butt. They’re also soft, offer high-rise coverage and are in a pull-on style. Available in sizes XS to 3X.
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Some of the best jeans for women can be on the pricier side but not these! Coming in at under $30, the Women’s Curvy Totally Shaping Straight Jeans are a total bargain and worth having more than one pair of. Don’t believe us? Ask the 15,000 plus happy Amazon customers that gave a five star rating. Many praise the denim for being comfortable, not too light or heavy and offering ample stretch. They’re available in five classic colors, including two different shades of black.
Review: “I love these jeans! The size range is great (always nice to be able to order longs) and they fit just right. I’m 5-feet six with long legs and I wear a size 6 long. I bought a second pair after having the first pair for several months, and they are my go-to jeans right now. I also appreciate the fact that they’re reasonably priced.”
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Cropped jeans are perfect for weekends when you just want to stroll around town in your Birkenstocks. They also look great with mules and other flat footwear. Currently, the cropped jeans we like the most come from Madewell. They’re flexible but bounce back to their original shape, are mid-rise and have a slight flair. Available in eight different colors.
Review: “I’m really picky about jeans. [They] must be comfy and flattering, and these are both! The Kick Out are the most flattering ones I have. I own two different sizes. I wear the larger ones when I want to be super cozy and [have something] more baggy with a sweatshirt and vintage looking sneakers. And they look super cute. My more fitted pair are perfect for when I want to look more dressed up, and I pair [them] with a blouse or sweater and booties. The Stovepipe Jeans used to be my favorite, but now it’s these.”
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For lazy days when you’re not in the mood for something tight, go for a relaxed boyfriend jean. We like this pair Rag & Bone. Slightly slouchy, they offer the perfect amount of movement without going into baggy jeans territory. Wear with a tucked in tee and your favorite sneakers on your days off. For the office, go with a sweater or a blouse and blazer.
Review: “Love these jeans! Great relaxed fit, looks great with booties [or] stilettos.
More than I usually spend on jeans but worth it!”
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Every woman needs at least one pair of Levi’s in her closet and the 312 Shaping Slim Women’s Jeans may as well be it. Featuring four-way stretch and built-in tummy panels, we love how they hug the frame, while also remaining flexible. They’re soft too and come in several different colors, including black.
Review: “These jeans are extremely comfortable and really fit well. Nothing but Levi’s for me from now on.”
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We’re all for fashion that’s good for the planet, so we love these Fair Trade Certified white jeans from Universal Thread. Besides being affordable, they’re not made from any problematic substances. Offering lots of pockets and a high rise fit, they look great with a semi-fitted sweater or tee.
Review: “Absolutely love these jeans! I’m someone who has struggled to get on the straight leg trend but these make me feel very confident and are super flattering! I did get a regular 8 (normally a [size] 10) and I would agree with others who said to size down, because the [size] 8 fit like a glove.I will have to reorder the 8L, because they are a tad short. I’m in between 5-feet 7 and 5-feet 8.”
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You don’t have to forgo style when you’re pregnant. Take the Maternity Boyfriend Jeans from Hatch, for example. They’re trendy and comfortable, and isn’t that what it’s all about, regardless if you’re having a baby or not? Available in two different colors, we like the subtle distressed look the denim offers, as well as the grow-with-you bamboo/spandex wedge. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to until you deliver.
Review: “These are the perfect maternity jean. They are very comfortable while still [being] flattering. The quality of the denim is a dream. I did size down and found that fit to work better for me. I am already living in these! Hope they come out with more washes.”
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We like all the flare jeans from Anthropologie. However, if we had to pick just one pair to spend our days in, we’d go with the Frame Le High Easy High-Rise Flare Jeans. The flares are a smidge wider than others and we like that vintage-inspired drama! Also, Frame makes some of the best designer jeans for women, so you know we have to add these to our cart. They have slight distressing in the front, are soft and look fantastic with a heel, wedge or even a block heeled boot.
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Levi’s is one of the most iconic denim brands around and you may feel iconic slipping into a pair of the 721 High Rise Skinny Jeans. The offer a sleek silhouette and come in 11 different styles. Regardless of what people say, we still like a skinny jean for the office, especially when paired with comfortable but chic work heels. They also make a dressier date night look in comparison to those of the relaxed variety.
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Whether you wore them in the ’70s or ’90s, flares are back again. We like this pair from Paige. A flared bottom with a high rise style is generally flattering and we love that these come in such a deep black color. If you want to lean into the vintage look, add platform heels and your favorite band T-shirt. Of course, these look good with almost anything, so don’t be scared to opt for a blazer instead or a slouchy sweater.
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If you love Spanx leggings and shapewear, you have to try their jeans. This flared pair, for example, has a hidden core shaping design to flatten the tummy, creating a more streamlined look. There’s also some lifting in the butt area and lots of stretch all around. This pull-on style is beyond easy to wear and looks amazing with a sweater, tee-shirt or a spaghetti strapped cami.
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