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The best jeans for women are the pairs you want to live in: Ones you can wear over and over again, and that get better each time you slip into them. They’re the styles that might be a small investment but have a large return and last for seasons to come. If you’re in the market for new denim, keep in mind that trends come and go, but classics are forever. A fresh and well-fitting pair of jeans is personal, whether you prefer to find a single, perfect silhouette and stick to it (à la Tonne Goodman’s stark white, straight-leg, non-stretch denim Levi’s) or keep a few favorites on rotation to switch up the wash or cut.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Jeans for Women:
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a handful of foolproof, can’t-go-wrong silhouettes every woman should have in her wardrobe. For starters, consider a classic stovepipe or boot-cut jean (both of which can be dressed up or down). Then try a more relaxed fit, like a pair of wide-leg or ankle-length jeans for the weekend. If you’re looking for something that’s comfort-first, you’ll find happiness in a baggy or relaxed-leg style.
Regardless of your preferred style or shopping habits, sticking to simple, vintage-inspired washes with minimal (if any!) distressing is the way to go for added versatility. Of course, the hundreds of options on the market can still be daunting. We’ve gone through them all and found 28 perfect pairs of the best jeans for women right now, below.
The Wide-Leg
Wide-leg jeans are a wardrobe staple that add instant sophistication to any look. If you pick the right wash, they can easily take you from the workplace to the weekend and beyond. We love an assortment of variations in true blue, whether that be a simple, high-waisted pair like the Anina from Citizens of Humanity, or a fashion-crowd favorite, such as Khaite’s Jacob jean. A true crowd pleaser, the super wide-legs from Madewell come in both regular, petite, plus, and tall sizes, making finding your denim white whale all the easier.
The High-Rise Straight
Nothing feels more nostalgic than a pair of high-waisted, straight-leg jeans. Teetering the line between slim and wide-leg, the style comes straight from the ‘90s but has been reinterpreted by many designers for contemporary wear with fits for modern day. The Agolde ‘90s Pinch Waist is high on our must-haves, while designer takes from The Row and Khaite are as close to vintage-sourced as you can get. Tuck in a T-shirt or tank, add a simple shoe, and you will have a classic look that just feels downright cool.
The Flare
The flare jean has taken on many personas over the years, from buttoned, naval garb to the bohemian bell bottoms of the ’70s. Today, it is considered a style constant, always on offer by true denim brands. Take, for instance, Frame’s Le High Flare or Mother’s The Weekender. Both are as classic as they come and, season after season, reissued in new washes. And if you prefer a micro flare, we’ve got you covered, too. Khaite’s Vivian boot-cut shape is cropped to perfection and will show off a really great pair of ballet flats or summer sandals.
The Baggy
There’s something about a baggy jean that always feels good. They’re relaxed, they’re fuss-free—they’re what effortless denim is all about (and are unsurprisingly, very easy to style). We can’t get enough of the low-rise styles out there currently, from the throwback, early-aughts designs from Levi’s to the relaxed, wide-leg from Slvrlake. However, if you prefer something with a slightly higher rise, the Ayla from Citizens of Humanity will be just the ticket. Tuck in a button down and belt them for a more polished take.
The Comfy
The most comfortable jeans are generous enough to feel like sweatpants, but have plenty more polish. These are for those days where all you want is a little extra room. Whether it be a relaxed, straight-leg silhouette from Frame, something cut from a featherweight denim, such as Rag & Bone or Madewell’s trouser styles (both which feel as light and soft as air!), or even a trending cargo shape from Haikure, these pairs can be worn everywhere and anywhere, including travel days.
The Slim-Fit
Don’t worry, these are not your average skinnies. A good slim-fit jean will be cut close to the leg, but won’t feel as unforgiving as a skin-tight jegging. (If you’re drawn to this silhouette, opt for a high waistband to really give you that long and leggy look.) Re/Done’s Stovepipe jean is a forever essential in our book, while Everlane makes an under-$100, eco-friendly style in organic cotton. Prepare to wear these with everything from tanks and tees to sweaters and leather jackets, all year long—they’re just that versatile.
The Cuffed
If you crave a little something that makes more of a statement, an intentionally cuffed jean is a timeless choice. We recommend keeping things modern, rather than skewing too boyfriend-style, by going the tailored route. Both of these pintuck seam versions from Bottega Veneta and Ulla Johnson have a very grown-up feel. Or test drive an oversized, baggy version, such as Agolde’s Dame for a cool, weekend ’fit when paired with a retro sneaker. Alternatively, tuck in a blouse and pair with your favorite ballerinas or a sleek loafer for an easy, everyday combo.
