The Best Jeans, According to a Fashion Editor Who Is a Serious Denim Obsessive
From embellished styles to classic cuts, consider this your definitive list for buying the best pairs of jeans right now.
For many of us, the best jeans are the backbone of a well-curated wardrobe. They’re the reliable piece we reach for when we want to dress an outfit down, create something that feels effortless, or simply solve the “what do I wear?” dilemma. As a Fashion Editor, it’s taken years of trying countless cuts, rises and washes to identify the best jeans—styles that not only suit my shape but also work seamlessly with the widest range of pieces already in my wardrobe.
After all, the best jeans aren’t a one-season investment. With proper care, high-quality denim can last for years, making it essential to find a pair you’ll want to wear on repeat. While denim trends evolve, the best jeans are those that balance timeless appeal with modern styling potential. They should anchor your outfits, elevate everyday looks and, most importantly, make you feel confident every time you put them on.
Versatility is key when it comes to the best jeans for women. Whether styled with a soft cashmere jumper and boots in winter or paired with a lace blouse and flip flops in summer, the right pair will work year-round. From classic straight-leg jeans to relaxed barrel-leg fits and '70s-inspired wide-leg silhouettes, the best jeans offer endless styling opportunities without ever feeling overworked.
As a true denim enthusiast with the essentials already covered, I’m always on the lookout for standout additions to my rotation. To help you find your perfect pair, I’ve scoured both heritage denim brands and contemporary labels to uncover the best jeans for women to invest in now—styles that combine quality, longevity and effortless style.
The Best Jeans for Women, as Chosen by a Fashion Editor
The Best Straight-Leg Jeans
If you only invest in one pair of jeans this season, make it Reformation's straight-leg style. A true wardrobe classic, they're relaxed enough to be worn everyday but can also be smartened up with a sleek shirt and slingbacks.
Sat high on the waist with a '90s-inspired straight leg, Agolde's blue-toned jeans offer a nostalgic take on the straight-leg trend. Pair them with loafers, trainers, and even knee-high boots for easy versatility.
Uniqlo's slouchy straight-leg jeans offer a more relaxed take on straight-leg styles. Available in three washes, I love this vintage tone for a lived-in look.
Featuring a loose-fit silhouette, these black jeans will see you through any season.
If you're looking for a pair of comfortable straight-leg jeans, you can't go far wrong with Mint Velvet's denim range—the 1% elastane composition helps with that. Thanks to the high-rise waist and straight cut, they're designed to make legs look ultra-long regardless of your height (and they come in short, regular and long lengths). They're a true crowd-pleaser.
The Best Barrel-Leg Jeans
Horseshoe or barrel jeans hug at the waist before rounding at the leg to create a unique balloon-style shape. This Topshop number has an exaggerated silhouette that looks great paired with a fitted top for a balanced look.
California-based brand, Same's polished balloon jeans lead the way when it comes to this modern denim shape.
Want to wear jeans to the office? These barrel jeans perfectly bridge the gap between easy-wearing denim and smart-tailored trousers.
Featuring a flattering silhouette, I simply cannot stop wearing mine this season with a soft tee and pointed toe heels.
If blue denim isn't for you, Free People's horseshoe jeans come in 20 different shades to help you out.
The Best White Jeans
With large front pockets and a contrasting button, Khaite's wide-leg white jeans feel more work-friendly than many other styles.
Consider a white barrel-leg a more formal alternative to everyday denim. I pair mine with everything from flip flops and trainers to slingbacks.
Low-rise jeans may feel like a throwback, but the white shade makes them a little more grown up.
A simple shirt is one of the easiest yet impactful styling options when it comes to white jeans, and it works for both the office and the weekend.
Cropped white jeans are an easy way to make an outfit feel more summer-ready.
The Best Long Jeans
With a slightly slim cut leg and high-rise waist, Reformation's Bex jeans make the perfect day-to-night jeans. Plus, they come in three different leg lengths.
With a dedicated range of denim for longer legs, New Look stocks a great variety of different styles that guarantee a satisfactory fit. These straight-leg jeans are a perfect everyday option.
Many don't know this, but Sézane offers a number of jean styles in a taller length, catering to those over 1.7metres.
While denim has a place on the catwalk every season, for SS26, dark denim tones were spotted everywhere, from Khaite to Dior. Tap into the trend in this long length style from Frame.
M&S's denim range is designed in five different leg lengths to ensure a perfect fit, regardless of height. These ankle grazers offer a classic French-girl approach to denim with their chic ankle-grazing cut.
The Best Petite Jeans
This barrel-leg style is especially on trend and adds an extra layer of interest to any outfit.
While most petite brands tend to stick to classic designs, Reiss's petite denim offering has plenty of variety, including this chic chocolate brown style.
Mother recently launched a line catering to petite frames, and as someone who always has to hem her trousers after buying them, I am thankful.
Another great go-to, M&S's ultra-comfortable jeans come in three different lengths, which makes getting the perfect fit from the get-go a much easier task.
Petite-friendly, chic, and comfortable—Wrangler is a household name for a reason.
The Best Embellished Jeans
These studded jeans offer just a touch of added detail and the subtlety is sure to make for easier styling.
Embellishment doesn't have to always be sparkles or studs—embroidery options abound this season. These are the most subtle and elegant version I've found.
For a more daring approach, I'm obsessed with Veronica Beard's crystal-detail jeans. Wear with simple pieces to allow the jeans to be the main event.
You may not think of Self-Portrait as a destination for denim, but these embellished jeans are the greatest alternative to a party dress.
These silver studded jeans are a great alternative for anyone who isn't a fan of sparkle.
The Best Wide-Leg Jeans
Few brands so basics quite as well as Toteme, and this light wash wide-leg pair is a real fan favourite.
A cropped length works especially well in summer, especially when worn with a flip flop.
My Frame jeans are now six years old and still going strong.
For an ultra wide-leg, turn to a palazzo silhouette.
Paige denim is among the crowd of luxury denim labels and this wide-leg cut feels especially sleek.
The Best Vintage-Feel Jeans
Levi's 501's are arguably the most recognisable retro-fit jeans of all time. Marilyn Monroe, Hailey Bieber and Alexa Chung are just a handful of celebrity fans.
These low-rise '90s jeans feel like one from Gap's rich archives.
It can often take a long time to get your denim to that wonderful worn-in point, but Aligne's washed out style already feels like part of a well-loved wardrobe.
Suede ankle boots, a slouchy tee and layered necklaces will only add to the laidback look of these wide-fit distressed jeans.
This cropped indigo blue style has a Parisian air to it. Simply pair with a Breton knit and ballet flats to channel effortless French style.
What are the best jeans for my body shape?
It's time to ditch the rule book. Gone are the days when certain body types are warned away from certain styles of jeans. As Betty Madden, VP Global Design at Lee explains: "With innovative fabric technology around stretch and recovery, women have much more opportunity to try a broader range of fits. This allows women of various body shapes to be more adventurous and find fits that help express their personal style. For example, flares used to be harder to wear if you aren’t tall, but we’re seeing women of all sizes and shapes wear and enjoy them. It’s more about personal expression and preference than ever before." Our advice? Try, try and try again—the more brands, sizes and silhouettes you try, the more likely it is that you'll find a label you can go back to time and again.
How can I prolong the life of my jeans?
Once you've found the right pair of jeans, you want to make sure they last as long as possible, so take a look at Madden's care tips below:
"Do not over wash your jeans. Only wash them when they are stained or soiled, ideally hand wash in cold water or on a gentle cycle. Then, line or air dry. Take care of them like you would a work of art and they will deliver beauty in every wear."
