Even if you’re not the most fashionably inclined, a good pair of jeans is the cornerstone of every practical wardrobe. From straight-leg, loose fits, to dark-wash skinny jeans, the denim market can feel overwhelming just from the sheer amount of variety. With so many types of jeans out in the clothing universe, how do you find a pair that works for you? Here’s where a trusty recommendation comes in.
To find out which jeans are the best of the best, I turned to my fellow editors to share which pairs of jeans they can’t live without. As experienced shoppers whose job revolves around finding the finest fashion has to offer, it turns out you can’t get a much better denim endorsement than our editors. Whether you’re on the hunt for curve-friendly jeans or a pair that goes with every single hoodie you’ve acquired this year, keep scrolling to see our editor-approved favorites.
“I have these in two colorways and I just love them. They fit so perfectly and seriously pair well with tons of outfits—the Levi’s hype is real!”
“By far the comfiest jeans I’ve owned, so much so that I even wear them when I work from home. They just feel so smooth on your skin and are incredibly soft.”
“If you’re looking for affordable but quality denim, Zara is your best bet. I’ve owned Zara jeans since high school, and they’ve never let me down. They’re comfortable and have a great selection of relaxed fits which are especially on-trend right now!”
“High-waisted jeans are the only kind I wear and it simply doesn’t get any better than Levi’s Ribcage. Adored by editors, stylists, and celebs alike, they have an amazing fit that seems to work for everyone who tries them.”
“These are the jeans I wear when I’m going for a casual and relaxed vibe. They have the perfect amount of slouch in them for that ’90s look the name promises without being too slouchy and the button-up fly also adds an elevated feel.”
“Everyone needs a great pair of straight-leg jeans in their arsenal and these are my favorites for a number of reasons. The fit is spot-on, they’re comfortable, and are a classic. Simple as that.”
“My favorite pair of affordable jeans, period. You seriously can’t go wrong with this classic shape and wash.”
“I’ve fallen back in love with ripped jeans. I was on the hunt for the perfect pair and let me just say that these are truly amazing. From the big ’90s-inspired rips at the knees to the slightly loose fit, they feel like the real deal.”
“Trouser-style jeans with a wide cut and high rise are my go-to style. These are so good that I ordered them in multiple washes.”
“I’m obsessed with high-rise flare jeans, and my favorite pair is from the sustainable denim brand DL1961. The wash is not only easy to pair with just about anything, [but the] denim itself is probably the softest pair I’ve ever owned.”
“I’ve owned these mom-fit jeans for over five years now, and I have to say I’m surprised by how well they’ve held up considering how affordable they are. They’re my favorite pair to throw on when I’m rushing out the door because they look great with everything and still fit the same way they did when I tried them on.”
“Black jeans are a wardrobe essential, and I live and swear by this pair from Good American. I love that they’re coated, so they’re a bit shinier and feel much more polished than a regular pair of jeans.”
“These are the #1 jeans I wear when I want to be comfortable. They’re super stretchy and I’ve even tested them on multiple long-haul flights—and they passed with flying colors.”
“I usually wear straight-leg jeans or skinnies, but I love flared jeans to mix it up every now and then. Veronica Beard makes jeans with a fantastic fit and quality. “
“I’m 5’10,” so it’s very hard for me to find jeans that are truly full-length. (I’ve purchased many a pair that I thought were long but ended up looking cropped on me.) These Levi’s jeans have a 33″ inseam, so they do the trick.”
“Madewell makes great affordable jeans. Every pair I’ve tried from there has been so comfortable and flattering. This classic style is my go-to, though.”
“These Reformation jeans are also very comfortable and affordable, and they make my legs look so long (I’m 5’4,” so that’s saying a lot). I also enjoy the button fly—it gives them a cute vintage look.”
“I wear these jeans pretty much every week in the fall and winter. I like the 100% cotton Pinch Waist jeans, but this black stretch pair is the one I wear the most by far. They don’t stretch out at all and breathing is a lot easier than in the rigid pair.”
“I’m obsessed with Citizens of Humanity jeans—especially the Charlotte High Rise Straight Jeans—they’re the perfect high-rise, straight-leg fit and have a cool vintage wash. The quality is amazing too. I’ve worn them to death and they still hold up great.”
“Madewell is my trusty go-to for comfortable, good-fitting, affordable jeans. They’re always on frequent rotation in my wardrobe.”
“While Slvrlake jeans come with a higher price tag, in my opinion, they’re one of the best denim investments you can make. They’re not only extremely flattering but [are also] super luxurious and will last you a lifetime.”
These are truly the MVP of my jean collection. I discovered them on a random shopping trip to the Berhska store in SoHo. It’s not a brand many Americans know about, but this pair of jeans is so well-made—the fabric is so hefty!
As you may be able to tell, I love wide-leg jeans. Especially as a curvier girl, I find that this shape just suits me best to highlight my waist and accommodate my curves. This pair has lasted me longer than other more expensive jeans in my closet that retail for double the price. It’s another plus for me that the brand is size-inclusive.
If you can get a pair of these, count yourself lucky. AMO jeans usually sell out really fast, and for good reason. The washes are impeccably done and are super versatile. I’m really into straight-leg shapes, and this one works very well with dressier tops.
“COS jeans are the unsung hero of this entire roundup! Bold, but true, in my opinion. They don’t compromise on fabric, so they have that thick, luxurious feel that really holds you in and will stand up to a thousand washes.”
“Levis just gets it. The fit of these is impeccable, and I haven’t seen too many new jeans that have nailed the vintage-wash look so well. That little line down the middle from the knee to the ankle gets me every time!”
“You’ve got to have a good ripped jean in your closet since the style always comes back around, and this is the perfect pair to me. Relaxed with natural-looking rips that feel like you actually wore these jeans for a decade.”
“It’s safe to say these jeans are a Who What Wear favorite. The high rise is utter perfection and the darker wash makes it easy to dress them up or down with ease.”
“Whether they are new or a vintage pair I scored from a thrift store, I know I will never get over Levi’s 501 jeans. They are always the perfect wash, fit, and they only get better over time.”
“My London jeans from Slvrlake are the jeans I put on when I want to feel like a million bucks. They make me feel super confident thanks to their pristine fit and expensive-looking wash.”
