In a world of divisive clothing characters, straight-leg jeans are an everyman. They’re the perfect cross between skinny and flared; the happy medium of body-hugging and loose; a garment that looks good with basically anything. The humble denim design is a classic — and we all ought to own at least one good pair.
What to look for in the best straight-leg jeans for women
With their simple silhouette, straight-leg jeans have a grounding effect — making them the ideal starter for days when you don’t know what to wear. After all, when the jeans are right, the rest of your outfit thrives. Step one: know what you’re looking for.
Heavier denim indicates a more durable pair, meaning it’s less susceptible to stains and keeps you warmer during winter months.
But the stretch factor is also worth considering. This is especially important if you’re looking to walk, sit, and stand in them all day. Be sure to weigh these functional factors when shopping. Then comes the style.
If you’re in the mood for minimalism, opt for a pair with tidy hems and monochrome washes. If you’re on the hunt for grungy nostalgia, go for the garment with rips and tattered tailoring. Above all, the best jeans are the ones you feel the most confident in. From polished and put-together to laid-back and easygoing, straight-leg denim does it all.
How to style women’s straight-leg jeans
Luckily, the vintage-inspired silhouette doubles as the foundation for any outfit. For a polished look, pair them with a tucked-in top and a boxy blazer. For a breezy effect, wear them with a billowing white button-up and a ludicrously capacious bag. Regardless of how you’re feeling, these classic true blues are endlessly aesthetically adaptable.
The best straight-leg women’s jeans to buy right now
Best overall
The Hustler high-rise ankle fray jeans
The award for best women’s straight-leg jeans goes to this pair by L.A.-based denim brand Mother. Hitting comfortably along the hips, they hug the thighs without restricting them. They loosen below the knees for a fitted-meets-effortless look.
The wash is gently distressed. The hems are ever-so-slightly frayed, giving that comfortable lived-in effect you look for in a good pair of jeans. Made of 94% cotton, they’re hailed for being soft and cozy with the right amount of stretch. Plus, this high-rise jeans design accommodates petite sizes, too.
Best rated
Levi’s Women’s Wedgie straight jeans
Levi’s iconic Wedgie jeans are a cult favourite for a reason. Apart from the hard-to-miss name, the vintage-inspired style comes with special construction to highlight natural curves. This pair, made in a classic straight-leg style, is a go-to with over 3,000 reviews.
Hitting above the waist and sitting snuggly through hip and thigh, the straight form style comes in a variety of colours, cuts and fits (including plus-size options) for the no-brainer addition to your wardrobe.
Best black straight-legs
Good American Good Legs straight jeans
With its striking jet-black hue, this mid-weight pair of denim adds modern sleekness to the classic straight-leg silhouette. Easy to dress up with a crisp tee and a minimal leather jacket, they embody the versatile beauty of jeans. But with a visible button-fly, they bring an added touch of rustic hardware to the mix.
Good American is known for its plus-size inclusivity. We love the brand’s straight-leg jeans made with a super-stretch material for all-day comfort. Consider these a comfortable alternative to yesteryear’s skinny jeans.
Best Levi’s
Levi’s 501 original fit jeans
Is any pair of jeans more iconic than the Levi’s 501s? We’d argue not. As the blueprint for denim, the iconic brand’s timeless design is an easy entry point into straight-leg denim. Relaxed through hip and thigh with subtly tattered edges, these gray-wash straight cut pants evoke an hourglass shape with a colour that sticks out from navy classics.
Best budget
Lee’s relaxed-fit women’s straight-leg jeans
Lee has been making quality denim for over 100 years, so it’s no wonder the brand offers a go-to straight-leg design. Look no further than the 25,000+ reviews and the accessible price point. Starting at $44, the classic straight leg fits comfortably through the leg and thigh for an all-day fit.
They’re suitable for machine wash and available in 31 (yes, really) colours, styles and sizes. Reviewers love them for being both comfortably casual and elevated for professional spaces. This classic straight-leg jean features flattering higher rises we love.
Best high-waisted
Reformation Liza ultra high rise straight jeans
High-waisted jeans are the unsung hero of any wardrobe, and this pair by Reformation exemplifies why. Curve-accentuating and flattering, they’ve got a rich dark blue fabric and clean finished hems of a put-together look. They’re an updated, refined take on mom jeans—only better.
Made of cotton and Tencyl Lyocell, this pair strikes the perfect balance between stretch and structure. If you’re wondering, Lyocell is a man-made fibre known for its softness and durability. In other words: these jeans stay cozy for hours on end with a perfect fit.
Best mid-rise
Dynamite Mika relaxed straight mid rise jeans
A quintessentially laid-back vibe, mid-rise jeans bring instant nostalgia to any ensemble. This pair by Canadian brand Dynamite runs slightly large to add relaxed fit to straight-leg refinement. We love the light wash and attention to detail in this perfect pair.
Made of cotton and organic cotton, they’ve got sufficient durability and hold their structured straight leg shape. To care for them, turn them inside out and wash in cold water every eight wears.
Best cropped
Agolde Kye mid-rise straight jeans
Cropped straight leg jeans for women = more opportunities for showing off your fall footwear. Whether you opt for mesh flats or heavy-duty Dr. Martens boots, these Agolde jeans end right above the ankle. They’re a must-wear everyday garment that works in any season.
With a mid-rise waist and a slim fit through the hips, they accentuate your legs without feeling restrictive. These are about to be your new favourite pair of straight jeans for women to coordinate with ankle boots and other show-off shoes.
Best ’90s straight legs
Levi’s ’90s women’s straight-leg jeans
With acid-wash detailing and worn-with-love rips, these straight-leg Levi’s true blues embody lived-in ‘90s nostalgia. Made of 100% cotton with a classic button-fly, they’ve got the old-fashioned appeal of straightforward straight-legs. This low maintenance ultra high rise 90s straight jean is suitable for machine washing.
They’re the staple of a laidback weekend uniform. The timeless straight silhouette is flattering on a variety of body shapes.
Best dark wash
Uniqlo stretch slim straight jeans
Made with comfy stretch denim, Uniqlo’s dark wash jeans are breathable at the hips and waist without missing the shaping effect of well-structured pants. With classic stitching, five-pocket design and a versatile mid-rise style, they mimic classic heavy denim with stretchy wearability.
And if you really love this pair of straight-leg jeans, they’re available in three colours. We know you will.
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The post We Should All Be Wearing Straight-Leg Jeans appeared first on FASHION Magazine.
