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Everyone knows a good pair of jeans are hard to find. With a seemingly never-ending pool of brands and styles, it can be overwhelming to even begin the search for the perfect fit.
Look no further– our fashion team has put together a list of each of their favourite trusty denims on the market right now. Whether you’re on a budget or keen to splash out, we’ve got you covered.
Dinah van Tulleken, Fashion Editor
Dinah likes a good straight-leg jean, sometimes edging towards wide but nothing exaggerated
I used to chase every denim trend that came along – skinny, straight, cigarette, ripped, frayed, flared, even wide. I’ll admit, I once tried the horseshoe jean too (that exaggerated barrel shape that makes it look as though you’ve just stepped off a horse – not a good look for me).
But the wonderful thing about getting older is realising you don’t have to keep up with fleeting trends anymore. I’m too tired to care, and nothing has made me happier than embracing that. These days, as a middle-aged mum of three, I know exactly what I like: a really good straight-leg jean, sometimes edging towards wide when I’m feeling brave, but nothing exaggerated, nothing showy. I love a high waist that pulls in those little muffin tops that are now just a happy part of who I am.
So, after years of trying on every shape under the sun, these are the four pairs I actually wear, the ones that make getting dressed feel easy.
Albaray’s straight-leg jeans are my weekend essential. They’re made from thick, traditional denim with no stretch – the kind that only gets better with washing and wearing. The cut is spot on: not too slim, not too wide, and cropped perfectly at the ankle so there’s no need for turn-ups. They’re not the smartest pair I own, but they don’t need to be. These are my relaxed, dressed-down go-to.
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Not cheap, but worth it. Me+Em’s denim is as good as their trousers – and their trousers are very good. If you want that relaxed, slightly undone look but still need to appear like a functioning adult, these are the ones. The denim feels luxurious, the cut is forgiving, and the slightly lighter wash works with everything. They’re the jeans I reach for when I can’t be bothered but still want to look as though I’ve made an effort.
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Frame jeans are ludicrously expensive, I know, but these are worth every penny. They make you feel like a million dollars – incredibly comfortable and effortlessly flattering. The cut is wide, but not as dramatic as the name suggests: long, lean, and with just the right amount of drape. The denim has structure without stiffness. Available in a range of washes (and even corduroy), but the Femma are my favourite.
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Levi’s describe these as ‘hip-slimming, waist-defining, leg-lengthening’ and I have to agree. The high waist holds you in beautifully, and the classic straight leg really does add inches. The fabric (99% cotton, 1% Lycra) gives just enough stretch to stay comfortable while keeping their shape. They have that classic button fly and, crucially, no waist gaping, despite a generous 14-inch rise.
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Amy Kester, Deputy Fashion Editor
Amy’s go-to when starting an outfit from autumn through to spring is a good pair of denims
I’ve never been a huge fan of tailored trousers as they don’t suit my body shape and I tend to only wear dresses in the summer or to an event. So from the autumn through to spring, my go-to, failsafe outfit starts with a pair of good old trusty denims. My preferred style are wide-leg as I feel like they’re easy to wear and balance me out. But if I’m in need of something smarter, you can’t go wrong with a good pair of flares. Over the years, I’ve tried on hundreds of pairs of jeans, from High Street to more high end, to find the right styles that fit like a glove while being comfortable and durable.
Here are my four top picks for every budget.
I never thought I’d picking up a pair of jeans with my weekly shop, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the supermarkets’ fashion offerings. Part of their Studio Edit, these wide leg jeans from ASDA have been become a firm favourite. The dark indigo wash make them a great transitional style and are perfect for taking me from desk to dinner with friends.
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Those shopping on the High Street for jeans should head to H&M. Their wide leg jeans fit me perfectly. For once I don’t have to size up and cinch myself in with a belt because they actually fit at the waist and hips. Length-wise they look great with both heels and flats. Prices start from around £27.99 – a total bargain and they wash well.
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For flared jeans I’ve had to look beyond the High Street as it’s proved impossible to find a pair that aren’t miles too long in the leg. I recently tried a pair from Good American as they launched at Asos, and was pleasantly surprised. I opted for the ‘good legs flare jeans’ and was amazed to find they fit like a glove. The soft denim means they’re a comfortable fit and I’m pleased to report that six months and many wears later they’ve kept their shape.
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If I’m going to fork out on something, it tends to be either on a coat, boots or handbags. And though I wear them day in, day out, I’ve never seen the point in spending fortunes on a pair of jeans. But I have found that in some instances the price really does reflect a far higher quality pair of jeans. Take LA born brand Rails. I’ve always been a fan of their plaid shirts and sweatshirts, but recently have been enticed in by their denim. I can see why their Getty wide leg jeans are a bestseller. Under £200, these jeans are designed to make you look and feel fabulous thanks to their ultra-elongating 31-inch inseam and high-rise cinched waist. I particularly like the black pearl wash that makes them feel that extra bit special compared to the many blue designs I own.
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Kathryn Winter, Fashion Writer
Kathryn used to think jeans did nothing for her figure as a 5ft 10 woman but loves the varied leg lengths and styles now available on the High Street and even in supermarkets
As a 24-year-old fashion writer, I’m always on the hunt for those everyday pieces that have a little dynamic edge. I’m not talking about anything crazy, but items that tastefully tap into trends, give me a real confidence boost and are wearable from the office to evening events.
For the longest time I thought jeans, on me, were dreadfully boring and did nothing for my figure. As a 5ft 10 woman, most denim that was stocked in High Street stores never quite fit me as intended. So nothing I ever tried on gave me that wow factor. And I’m sure the same goes for those on the petite side.
When High Street, and even supermarket brands such as Sainsbury’s Tu, started introducing varied leg lengths and tapping into wider, more interesting styles – that changed everything for me. I fell in love with jeans.
Flares, wide-leg and palazzo styles are my favourites due to the slightly dramatic yet flattering silhouette they give an outfit. Pairing them with fitted tops and short belted jackets complement these styles further for an exaggerated hourglass shape.
As the saying goes ‘wear it while you’re young’ – here are my top four:
Reiss’ denim is top-tier for me, their cut and quality feels second to none. This pocket patch flared style is as close to Victoria Beckham’s viral leg-elongating Alina jeans (£390) at a more reasonable price. They offer just the right amount of flare for elegance, and hug the bottom and legs in a flattering way. I have encouraged so many people to try these on and almost all of them have made the purchase.
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These ultra fitted, super high waisted jeans work wonders for sculpting the bottom and stomach. Despite looking tight, they are actually super stretchy, so you have full movement and will be comfortable all day. They come up long in the regular length, with a few of the colourways offering additional varying lengths. I like balancing these out with an oversized blazer or floaty shirt.
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You may assume that a palazzo cut will be too dramatic, but believe me these Tu jeans are supremely wearable. They are still smart but wide enough to be a little more eye-catching. With the perfect amount of stretch they support the bottom and waist while remaining comfortable throughout the day. Pair with a fitted top to give you a fabulous hourglass silhouette.
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These wide-leg jeans fit to perfection. High on the waist and offered in three different lengths – so they feel luxuriously tailored. Balanced out with a striking red stripe down the side adds a touch of interest to an otherwise classic style. These are great for dressing up with red heels when going out, or dressing down with trainers for a relaxed sporty look. They also court compliments!
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