Take this from somebody who has owned and currently owns far too many pairs of jeans—the best ones are obtained through word of mouth. There’s really no other way. So when new styles drop that aren’t already beloved by everyone in the fashion community and beyond (including but not limited to Levi’s 501s and Agolde’s Pinch Waist silhouette), they really need to be tested, worn, washed, worn again, and finally, talked about—a lot.
With 2024 wardrobes being conceptualized and built as we speak, I thought I’d get the ball rolling on next year’s must-buy denim by skipping a step in the process. By that, I mean that rather than waiting for the best jeans recommendations to make their way to me, I sought them out. But I didn’t ask just anyone. Instead, I called on the shoppers I trust most, my fellow Who What Wear editors, who, between them all, have probably tested out every pair of jeans on the market at any given time. And as always, they came through. Scroll down to shop the 2024 Zagat guide to denim.
“Everyone and their mother needs these jeans, and that’s a fact. Barrel-leg shapes are about to take off in 2024, and if you ask the half of our editorial team who owns this Free People pair, they’ll agree with me when I say that it doesn’t get any cooler (or more affordable) than these. Earlier this year, I purchased the mid-blue wash and loved them so much that I promptly ordered the cream-toned pair next. They feature a mid-rise waistline, so they sit a bit lower on the hips, which gives the jeans a more relaxed look.” — Anna Laplaca, Editor
“I’m almost embarrassed to admit how often I’ve worn the Citizens of Humanity Ayla Jeans. The soft cotton and relaxed fit make them the most comfortable pair I’ve ever worn. I recommend sizing down (I’m wearing a 28 here) for a better fit in the waist. In warmer weather, I kept them cuffed to wear with flat shoes like the ones pictured, but now that winter is here, I’ve been rolling them down to wear with a heeled boot. They’re basically a two-for-one, right?” — Natalie Gray Herder, Editor, Branded Content
“Back in 2021, Abercrombie became a go-to denim spot denim for me. For once in my life, there’s not a huge gap in the waistband or discomfort in the thighs when I try on jeans. Low-rise styles were major this year, and I tapped into it heavily with these low-rise baggy jeans in a light wash. They’re perfectly oversize without feeling like I’m drowning in denim. I’m 5’4 and I picked these up in the regular length, but they are also available in short and tall. I’d consider these true to size, but they definitely loosen over time, which I like because it adds to the relaxed style that has continued to trend this year.” — Aniyah Morinia, Fashion and Beauty Editor, Branded Content
“I tried these on when they first came out for an iteration of my series Let’s Get a Room and fell in love within seconds of zipping them up. I love the relaxed, low-slung fit of them, which makes them feel almost like you’re not wearing jeans at all, but rather sweatpants that look really good with just about everything. I’ve flown in them, taken long-distance trains in them, and worn them out and to the office alike. I love them so much, in fact, that I ended up buying the dark-wash version as well. Just be aware that they stretch out, so I suggest either sizing down or going with your normal size. In other words, definitely don’t size up.” — Eliza Huber, Editor
“If you wear jeans to the airport, that’s when you know it’s real. I’ve tried and tested more pairs of ‘comfortable’ denim than I can count with both hands, but frankly, I keep on coming back to my same beloved pair from J.Crew that practically lives in my carry-on luggage. Enter the J.Crew mid-rise ’90s classic straight-fit jeans. They have just the right amount of structure without feeling too restrictive, meaning I can wear these for an eight-hour day walking around the city as easily as I wear them on a red-eye international flight. Most of the washes on this pair are pretty universal, but the style I’m wearing here (in Birchwood) has to be one of my favorites.” — Ana Escalante, Assistant Shopping Editor
“I first ordered a pair of Khaite’s cult Danielle jeans after spotting them on Kendall Jenner, and they are worth all of the hype. They’re high-waisted, stovepipe jeans with a very long inseam that makes them particularly elongating. They’re also finished with the brand’s signature enameled button, which adds a polished element to the jeans.” — Kristen Nichols, Associate Director of Special Projects
“I originally got these jeans on a whim when I needed a pair that would fit underneath all of my tall boots. I’m not necessarily the biggest skinny-jean fan, but once I got my hands on these, I found myself wearing them nonstop. The wash is this deeper navy, perfect for the winter months, and they have just the right amount of stretch to them. Plus, they come in petite, and as someone who’s on the shorter side, I was thrilled that I didn’t need to take these to a tailor.” — Grace O’Connell Joshua, Assistant Shopping Editor
