As a fashion editor, I like to think I know quite a lot about the coolest denim on the market, but of course it’s impossible for me to know firsthand which styles are really worth buying and which are just hype. So I tapped the best resource at my disposal—the fabulous PureWow editorial team—to find the absolute best jeans for women, according to our editors. Whether you’re petite, on a budget, in need of something comfortable and chic or just trying to decide what brand to try next, you can feel good knowing these 16 pairs come with the PureWow stamp of approval.
The 16 Best Jeans for Women According to Our Editors and Their Intense Love of Denim
The ultimate wardrobe staple
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Updated Mar 19, 2025
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
Abby Hepworth for PureWow
The Best Jeans for Women at a Glance:
1
Best Overall
Everlane Way-High Sailor Jeans
read more
2
Best Under-$100 Jeans
Levi’s 501 ‘90s Jeans
read more
3
Best Jeans for Petites
Rag & Bone Dre Low-Rise Ankle Jeans
read more
4
Best Barrel-Leg Jeans
Abercrombie & Fitch Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
read more
5
Best Wide-Leg Jeans
AYR The Secret Sauce Jeans
read more
How I Chose the Best Jeans for Women
To compile our list of must-have jeans I polled the PureWow editorial team to see what pairs they swear by. I then read as many reviews as I could, across multiple retailers when possible, to ensure our editors’ recommendations weren’t just flukes. I made sure to seek out reviews from folks of all different ages, sizes and body types. And for more expensive pairs, ensured they hold up well over time, making them well worth the investment. The end result is a list of 16 of the best jeans for women according to PureWow editors who live and breath denim.
Best Overall
1. Everlane Way-High Sailor Jeans
What We Like
- eight wash options
- made of organic cotton
- flattering high rise
What We Don’t Like
- reportedly run small
Everlane
Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera only recently discovered the joys of Everlane denim, but has been living in this High-Waist Sailor style ever since. “I’m obsessed,” she raves. “They have just the right amount of stretch to keep them comfortable, but they still hold their shape throughout the day. I love the Sailor cut because I don't find myself constantly pulling them up.” She does recommend going up one from your usual size for maximum comfort, as do many other reviewers (it’s noted that the model pictured has also sized up), but assures that the waistband won’t gap and the butt won’t sag in one size up. The slight A-line silhouette isn’t quite as wide as a ‘70s bell bottom but still offers plenty of room in the legs. And with 2 percent elastane woven into the organic cotton, the material has just enough stretch to allow for a full range of movement while maintaining the look of raw denim.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 23 to 33
- Materials: 98 percent organic cotton, 2 percent elastane
- Inseam Length: 27.5 and 29.5 inches
Best Under-$100 Jeans
What We Like
- under $100
- lots of wash options
- classic cut
- durable
What We Don’t Like
- reportedly run big
- some sizing discrepancies between washes
Levi’s
I now own three pairs of these jeans and already have eye on a fourth (gotta get that white wash for summer). The mid rise is oh-so flattering on my shorter torso, but even long-torso-ed reviewers agree the rise is super comfortable—not too low, nor too high. And the straight-leg silhouette is effortless and timeless, pairing just as well with button-up shirts and kitten heels for the office as they do with cropped tees and low-profile sneakers for weekend hangs. I will admit, the 100 percent cotton will likely feel tight at first, but it does stretch and conform to your figure over time and is so comfortable after just a few wears. The different washes also seem to vary greatly in size, so if you have the option to try your exact pair on IRL in a store, I highly recommend it.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 23 to 34
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
- Inseam Length: 28, 30 or 32 inches
Best Jeans for Petites
3. Rag & Bone Dre Low-Rise Ankle Jeans
What We Like
- flattering mid rise
- great for petite frames
- classic cut
What We Don’t Like
- only one inseam option
- high price point
Rag & Bone
Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint highly recommends this Rag & Bone style for anyone who is sick of constricting their stomach in high-rise styles. “As a person with no waist, I’m so glad we don’t have to wear high-rise jeans all the time anymore,” she gushes. “I love that these are relaxed and modern—a happy medium for a millennial who wants to look contemporary, but secretly misses skinny jeans.” Don’t let yourself be scared off by the “low rise,” these aren’t the whale tail-baring jeans of the early aughts. They actually fit more like a mid rise, with enough fabric to fully cover your bum without cutting you off at the belly button, particularly for smaller frames like Quint, who often finds high-rise styles go far too high to be flattering or comfortable. The cropped length also hits just the right spot on those under 5’4”, so you won’t have to worry about hemming.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 23 to 34
- Materials: 99 percent cotton, 1 percent Lycra spandex
- Inseam Length: 27 inches
Best Barrel-Leg Jeans
4. Abercrombie & Fitch Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
What We Like
- under $100
- three inseam lengths
- available in Curve and Classic fits
What We Don’t Like
- not as timeless as other silhouettes
- few wash option
Abercrombie & Fitch
Barrel-leg silhouettes are the latest and greatest in denim trends for some time now, but if you also want a pair that is supremely comfortable, Associate Fashion Commerce Editor Stephanie Meraz is a big fan of this Abercrombie design. “They’re the coolest thing since sliced bread,” she tells me. “I’ve seen a ton of iterations of the style, but none quite like this. The balloon effect at the sides is just big enough to look dramatic without reading comical or cartoonish. They’re made with a heavyweight, rigid denim, which will naturally weigh them down and push them lower. I actually sized up not one but two sizes because I wanted the mid-rise fit to sit extra low on my hips, and while I should have only gone up one size, I still love how they look like the ultimate street style jeans—and I especially love how they don’t squeeze my waist or thighs in the slightest.” Other reviewers also recommend going up one from your usual size to achieve a sightly oversize fit (while avoiding looking overly baggy), and like all of A&F’s denim styles, this one comes in both Classic and Curve fits.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 24 to 34
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
- Inseam Length: 26, 28 and 30 inches
Best Wide-Leg Jeans
What We Like
- three inseam lengths
- comfortable fabric
- classic cut
What We Don’t Like
- high price point
AYR
A must-have recommendation from VP of Design and Branded Content Angela Pares is this wide-leg style from AYR. Short for “all year round,” AYR is all about crafting the ultimate wardrobe basics you can wear, obviously, all year and for years to come. This wide-leg cut is definitely right on trend for 2025, but also won’t look like a bad ‘70s throwback should skinny jeans or boyfriend styles come to dominate our wardrobes once again. “I couldn’t be happier that wide-leg denim is back in style,” says Pares, “and I adore this pair because it comes in two inseam options, has an ultra-flattering high rise and is so comfortable you could sleep in it—honest.” Indeed, AYR recommends the regular inseam for those 5’7” or taller, and the short for anyone under 5’6”. As for waist sizing, Pares found going one size down from her usual was most comfortable, as they will stretch a bit with continuous wear.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 24 to 34
- Materials: 59 percent cotton, 40 percent Lyocell, 1 percent elastane
- Inseam Length: 29.5, 31.5 or 33.5 inches
Most Comfortable Wide-Leg Jeans
6. Warp + Weft NCE Wide-Leg Jeans
What We Like
- available in plus sizes
- super-soft fabric
- durable
What We Don’t Like
- reportedly fit big
Warp + Weft
Warp + Weft makes some of the comfiest jeans I’ve ever owned, but this wide-leg cut is definitely my favorite from the brand. I always get complimented on them, and folks are super surprised when I tell them they cost under 100 bucks. The high waist helps nip in my torso, and the generously-cut leg has lots of room for my hips and thighs. The denim itself is wonderfully soft, and while I think it runs pretty true to size, those who want a snugger fit might want to size down one. They also come in both straight and plus sizes, from US 24 to 34 and 14W to 24W. And as someone who is both tall and has long legs, I appreciate the 33-inch inseam length.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 24 to 32 and 14W to 24W
- Materials: 99 percent cotton, 1 percent Lycra
- Inseam Length: 31 or 33 inches
Best Cropped Jeans
What We Like
- made of OEKO-TEX certified materials
- 13 wash options
What We Don’t Like
- only one inseam length
- no reviews at time of publish
Sézane
“I love Sézane denim!” raves Associate SEO Editor Marissa Wu. “It takes a minute for them to stretch slightly, but I’ve been living in them since they arrived. I love that the Le Crop has a looser leg, but is still a little snug in the waist so I feel buttoned up.” She notes these jeans hug your curves but are not constricting, and the brand suggests if you are between sizes to opt for the larger of the two. The fly closes with buttons rather than a zipper, allowing for a bit more stretch post meals. And if you find you love these jeans as much as Wu, there are a whopping 13 different wash options to shop, including multiple classic blues, black, white, gray and a number of brighter shades. My only gripe? There’s just one inseam length available at the time of publish.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 0 to 16
- Materials: 99 percent organic cotton, 1 percent elastane
- Inseam Length: 26.8 inches
Best Cropped Jeans for Tall Frames
What We Like
- timeless silhouette
- roomy cut
- great for tall frames
What We Don’t Like
- reportedly run big and long
- high price point
Frame
Meraz also adores these straight-leg jeans by Frame for an elevated look that’s still mighty comfy. “They’re made with the most comfortable cotton-elastane blend that’s oh-so stretchy-yet-fitted and incredibly soft,” she notes. “I’m used to a non-stretch denim that’s borderline suffocating, so the fact that this is anything but is a breath of fresh air. They hug my bum and waist like a glove, and the relaxed, straight-leg silhouette looks even better on (trust).” Her only qualm? They run a little big (though that may not be so bad from a comfort standpoint). “They run big and long, which isn’t so terrible for tall gals, but not great news for petites. I’m 5’7” and had to get the hems taken up to avoid pooling on the floor.”
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 23 to 34
- Materials: 99 percent cotton, 1 percent elastane
- Inseam Length: 27 inches
Best Cropped Jeans for Petites
9. Mother Petite Lil’ Hustler Ankle Jeans
What We Like
- designed specifically for petites
- super-soft fabric
- reportedly fits true to size
What We Don’t Like
- high price point
Mother
More and more brands are offering jeans specifically made for petites, including Meghan Markle-approved Mother. Senior Director of Special Projects and Royals Rachel Bowie was skeptical that denim with such a high price point would really be that different from more affordable brands, but ultimately deemed them worth the splurge, especially if comfort is a top concern. “I'm such a massive fan of Mother Denim,” she tells me. “I find the material to have the perfect amount of stretch, it feels buttery soft and is butt-hugging in all the right places. As a petite person, too, their petite collection (and regular fit cropped styles) hit perfectly at ankle-length. The Hustler Fray is my fave silhouette!” Other reviewers say the fabric strikes a great balance between feeling soft and lovely but also providing enough hold to hug your curves. And as Bowie notes, the denim only gets better with wear.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 23 to 34
- Materials: 94 percent cotton, 5 percent polyester, 1 percent elastane
- Inseam Length: 25.5 inches
Best Flare Jeans
10. Old Navy High-Waist Wow Flare Jeans
What We Like
- under $50
- five inseam options
What We Don’t Like
- tend to stretch out over time
Old Navy
At 5’11”, VP of Editorial Content Candace Davison doesn’t always have the easiest time finding jeans that are long enough to fit her frame, especially for trendier cuts. But Old Navy offers both Tall sizes and Long lengths on its Regular sizes (as well as Petite and Short sizes), so she can get the exact right fit. “The Long lengths have the same waist as the regular cut, so are better proportioned for those with long legs and shorter torsos, while the Tall sizes have a higher waist so those who are tall with long legs and a longer torso can still achieve that same fit as everyone else,” Davison explains. She loves that this allows her to jump in on the wide-leg denim revival without feeling like her jeans aren’t sitting quite right. “Plus there’s enough stretch that I feel super comfy from the moment I put them on all the way through to the end of the day.” They do have a bit of stretch, so she recommends going down one if you’re between sizes.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 00 to 30
- Materials: 63 percent cotton, 30 percent recycled polyester, 6 percent recycled cotton, 1 percent spandex
- Inseam Length: 29, 30, 31, 32 or 34 inches
Best Cropped Flares
11. GAP High-Rise Kick Fit Jeans
What We Like
- great for tall frames
- five inseam lengths
What We Don’t Like
- few wash options
GAP
“After spending too many years buying fancy shmancy, overpriced jeans I assumed were better because they were expensive, I revisited Gap, a staple of my youth, and it has since become my go-to,” admits Sarah Stiefvater, Wellness Director. “This pair in particular has everything you could want in a jean—the high-rise is comfortable and flattering, the slightly flared and cropped hem feels modern and fresh and the pitch black hue means they go with pretty much anything.” She also greatly appreciates the fact that they come in tall lengths, so even though they’re slightly cropped, they don’t look comically short on her 6’ frame. Add to that the fact that they cost well under $100 and you’ve got yourself a no-brainer, must-have pair of jeans. (Because the denim blend has a decent amount of stretch, you may want to consider going down a size, especially if you are between sizes.)
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 23 to 35
- Materials: 87 percent cotton, 7 percent recycled cotton, 5 percent recycled polyester, 1 percent elastane
- Inseam Length: 23.75, 26.25, 28.25 or 30.25 inches
Best Low-Rise Jeans
12. Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Low-Rise Baggy Jeans
What We Like
- under $100
- 24 wash options
- available in Curve and Classic fits
What We Don’t Like
- reportedly run big
Abercrombie & Fitch
I know many millennials immediately blanche upon hearing the words “low rise,” but at 8.5 inches, these A&F jeans have more of a mid-rise fit than a true low rise. As someone with a short torso, I find they hit me in exactly the right spot to feel comfortable and flattering without any risk of flashing a whale tail when I bend over. I also prefer the Curve fit (over the Classic), which is specifically designed for folks with a smaller waist and wider hips, so there’s absolutely no pulling or tension on my hips and also no gapping in the waistband. That said, I did go down one size from my usual and found they fit much better, so if you’re between sizes you’ll likely also want to go with the smaller of the two. As for the fabric, I love that it has some stretch but not a ton, and feels soft to the touch. The baggy silhouette also gives my legs plenty of room to bend and move, and honestly looks more like a wider straight-leg than the super-baggy jeans of the ‘90s. Add to that an impressive 24 different wash options, and you’ve got yourself a new favorite wardrobe staple.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 23 to 37
- Materials: 99 percent cotton, 1 percent elastane
- Inseam Length: 27.25, 29.25, 31.25, 33.25 and 35.25inches
Best Skinny Jeans
13. American Eagle Outfitters Ne(x)t Level High-Waist Jeggings
What We Like
- comfortable fabric
- under $50
- five inseam lengths
What We Don’t Like
- tend to sell out often
American Eagle Outfitters
Rachel Gulmi, former operations director for branded content, and I are both huge fans of AEO’s jeggings because they look and feel like real denim, largely because they are made from real denim that’s been blended with three-percent elastane. So rather than feel like cheesy, denim-printed leggings, they feel like supremely well-fitting skinny jeans. “Yes, I know these are skinny jeans (aka not trendy anymore) and yes, I know they are technically called jeggings, but I promise they are not the leggings-that-look-like-jeans type of jeggings,” says Gulmi. “They’re so comfy and stretchy that they feel like a second skin. I’m basically always in jeans and a T-shirt and these are my go-to like 99-percent of the time.” Despite all that stretch, they don’t bag or sag, even if you wear them multiple times a week. But beyond comfort, both Gulmi and I love the inseam options—AEO offers x-short, short, regular, long and x-long lengths. So despite the nine-inch difference in our heights, we both own pairs that hit the exact right spot, no tailor necessary.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 000 to 20
- Materials: 71 percent cotton, 26 percent recycled polyester, 3 percent elastane
- Inseam Length: 25, 27, 29, 31 or 33 inches
Best Vintage Vibe
14. Agolde ‘90s Pinch Waist Jeans
What We Like
- classic cut
- durable
- lots of wash options
What We Don’t Like
- only one inseam length
- reportedly run big
Agolde
Former Senior Food Editor Katherine Gillen typically likes to shop for vintage jeans, but it can be a very time-consuming effort. But this Agolde style (which is also a PureWow reader favorite) has that old-school vibe she loves without the hours spent scouring through racks of jeans. “They’re made from 100-percent cotton and have a button fly, so they’re sturdy and flattering but still feel soft,” she says. “And they get even softer the more you wear them.” They also come in a ton of different washes and are a staple style for the brand, meaning they’ll always be available (or restocking soon) should she decide to invest in another hue. She does, however, have one small complaint. “The vanity sizing is no joke and you’ll probably need to size down at least one to get the right fit. If you can, I strongly suggest ordering more than one size to try on at home if you can’t find them in a store nearby.” Petite folks may also find the 29.5-inch inseam requires a bit of hemming.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 22 to 34
- Materials: 100 percent organic cotton
- Inseam Length: 29.5 inches
Best Raw Denim
15. Re/Done High-Rise Stove Pipe Jeans
What We Like
- vintage feel
- classic cut
- fits true to size
What We Don’t Like
- high price point
- only one inseam length
Re/Done
A second recommendation from Pares, this cropped cut is well worth the investment for those looking for something with a vintage feel without the stress of vintage shopping. Much like Gillen, Pares loves thrifting for old pairs of Levi’s, but time doesn’t always allow for extended vintage shopping trips. “Re/Done began with the original concept of taking apart vintage denim and reconstructing it into new fits and silhouettes—so it has the quality and feel of vintage denim, but is more likely to fit in with modern trends,” she explains. “My absolute favorite is the Stove Pipe—it’s the perfect straight-leg jean. It runs true to size, comes in so many different washes and although they’re marketed as ‘rigid,’ I’ve found they really soften over time for maximum comfort.” And with a 27-inch inseam, they’re just the right length so petite folks won’t need to hem the bottoms, and taller women won’t find they look comically cropped.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 23 to 32
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
- Inseam Length: 27 inches
Best Masculine Cut
16. Levi’s 501 Original Fit Men’s Jeans
What We Like
- seven inseam options
- classic cut
- under $100
- lots of wash options
What We Don’t Like
- sizing may not work for curvier figures
Levi’s
Sometimes the absolute best way to achieve that casual, loose “boyfriend” fit is by actually shopping the men’s section, and no men’s jean is more iconic than Levi’s 501. “They’re super comfy with a bit of a boxier fit than most women’s cuts,” says Assistant Editor Delia Curtis. “And they lend themselves really well to edgier, masculine looks for those looking for an alternative to skinny jeans.” If you’re stressed about trying to figure out your sizing, Curtis says they actually find it more straightforward to choose a size in men’s jeans, since vanity sizing isn’t as prevalent. “The jeans’ sizes are listed in inches for men’s, so you just need to measure your waist and hips, whereas women’s sizing charts are almost always relative to the company instead of being a universal standard.” There are also seven inseam lengths to choose between, which is twice as many as any other pair of jeans on this list.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: men’s US 28 to 44
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
- Inseam Length: 29, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 or 40 inches
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
