Whether you love a boyfriend jean, prefer a bootcut or are simply in the market for an affordable pick that won’t break the bank, finding a good pair of jeans is no easy feat, especially at a mega-retailer like Nordstrom, which offers hundreds upon hundreds of denim options. To make your shopping a breeze and spare you the sweat and tears of having to wrestle in and out of copious amounts of denim, I dug through Nordstrom’s denim closet for the cream of the crop. So, after receiving recommendations from PureWow editors and vetting buyers’ top picks, here are 19 of the highest rated jeans at Nordstrom with glowing reviews, including options from cult-favorite brands like Agolde, Mother, Wit & Wisdom and Good American.
The Highest Rated Jeans at Nordstrom, According to Editors & Buyers
Spill the jeans
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Updated Apr 24, 2025
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How I Chose the Highest-Rated Jeans at Nordstrom
First, I sought out recommendations from our trusted PureWow editors, some of whom have worn these jeans tirelessly over the years, loving them through wear after wear and wash after wash. Next, I logged more than 24 hours vetting thousands of Nordstrom’s jeans, carefully selecting pants that received ratings above 4 stars and prioritizing styles with heaps of reviews. I then attentively read through customer feedback, making a point to highlight the good and the bad. Whether you prefer jeans with stretch or jeans for petites, I’m aware that a ‘favorite jean’ is subjective, and people come in all shapes and heights, so I selected options from a mixture of brands with an inclusive range of sizes, inseams and materials.
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“I have an older iteration of these jeans and, honest to goodness, the first time I tried them on in the store, I was like, ‘wow, I look like a million dollars,’” says PureWow’s Associate SEO Editor Marissa Wu. “They were the most I'd ever paid for denim at the time, but you can't put a price on looking like a million dollars, you know? I love that they're a high-waist cut (like, past the belly button), which provides a nice slimming effect. However, there's also a decent amount of stretch so they're pretty comfortable, even on long haul flights (because I don't do sweatpants!).” While Wu, who is petite, finds them to sit high at the waist, these are a mid-rise jean and will likely sit at or below the belly button on most. Shorter women will enjoy showcasing their Chelsea boots and kitten heels in the 28-inch inseam, which should stop just above the ankles. What’s more, buyers say that they have a comfortable stretchiness that, at times, can make them feel too loose in-between washes.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 23 to 33
- Materials: cotton, polyester, elastane
- Inseam: 28-inch
Calling all petites! We may have just found one of the best jeans for shorter women, approved by PureWow’s Senior Director for Special Projects and Royals, Rachel Bowie, who wears the Hustler on repeat. She gushes, “I honestly have converted full stop to Mother Denim, especially their Lil Mother petite offerings—a brand-new fit for them, but one that mirrors their regular silhouettes. The fit is right, the fabric is buttery soft (it is so so soft!) and has the perfect amount of stretch. I also feel like it lifts my butt quite nicely.” It’s hard to beat a snatched bum, but the cropped flare hem comes pretty close, as it won’t swallow shorter frames whole but rather creates the illusion of lean and elongated legs. And that undone ragged hem is just the icing on top of the stylish cake.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 23 to 34
- Materials: cotton, modal, polyester, elastane
- Inseam: 27.5-inch
Slouchy, comfortable jeans are hard to come by. According to Jillian Quint, editor-in-chief of PureWow, the true-to-size Dre slim boyfriend jeans by Rag & Bone are “the perfect next step for a lame millennial trying to break up with her skinny jeans.” I’ll chalk that up to the tailored cut that tapers in at the bottom of the leg. Surprisingly, Quint had a few hesitations on the fit before she fell head over heels for her denim. “Full disclosure, I bought these secondhand, and wasn't sure if I'd get any use out of them, but I wear them ALL THE TIME. They have a tiny bit of stretch but enough structure that that they look modern and conceal bulges.”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 23 to 31
- Materials: cotton, spandex
- Inseam: 26-inch
“I don't know what Paige puts in their denim to make the jeans so soft yet so high-end looking, but if I could buy a ton of these I would,” admits Olivia Dubyak, former commerce editor at PureWow. This wide-leg pair has such a relaxed but put together look, and the material complements my body so well.” The fabric is comprised of cotton, modal, polyester and spandex, so expect these to stretch, give and mold to your natural shape. Speaking of the shape, I can’t get enough of the flattering slim leg and flare hem on these that can be both casual-chic and elevated. With a 32-inch inseam, they’re also the ideal pair of jeans for tall women.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 23 to 34
- Materials: cotton, modal, polyester, spandex
- Inseam: 32-inch
If you’re the type of person that lives in workout leggings, then you’ll adore this pair of pants the next time you decide to wear something other than strictly gym attire. With more than 300 customer reviews on Nordstrom and a 4.4-star rating, Lyseé’s jeggings are one for the books…err, I mean jean collection. People love how slimming and comfy the jeggings (jean + legging = jegging) are so much that some have replaced their 100 percent cotton jeans entirely. But don’t just take my word for it: A Nordstrom customer, writes, “I'm usually not a fan of ‘jeggings,’ but Lysse really uses quality material with a stretch that doesn't squeeze, but keeps its shape. [They’re] my favorite pants to wear when traveling because they stretch and keep their shape, even after hours of sitting...no knee bags!”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Materials: cotton, spandex
- Inseam: 28-inch
Let’s face it, white jeans can be tricky to source—they can’t be see-through, and they must be forgiving. Good news: These soft and stretchy pants sit high on the waist and feature the brand’s exclusive lift-tuck technology, which helps to flatten the tummy and lift your bum. (Oh, and taller gals will appreciate the 31.5-inch inseam.) While one customer mentions the cotton, polyester and elastane blend appeared to be thin, another found the jeans to be just right, particularly with one adjustment: “I did get one size smaller than usual. At first, they were snug, but as the day went on the fit was perfect. Someone I haven't seen for a few months asked if I was on a new fitness program because I looked great. I knew it was the jeans holding me in all the right places!” TLDR? Order one size below your usual for a bespoke pair of scrumptious white jeans.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 00 to 18
- Materials: cotton, polyester, elastane
- Inseam: 31.5 inches
You can’t go wrong with a good ‘ol pair of some tried-and-true Levi’s, and the brand’s Wedgie straight-leg jeans are a cult-favorite. With its trademark vintage feel, modern cheeky freshness and vibrant light wash, these make for a great everyday jean for the retro aficionados. Contrary to popular belief, the 99 percent cotton blend isn’t uncomfortably stiff, as one buyer discovered. “[I’m] able to squat,” she enthuses. “[It] has some stretch but also keeps the shape really well. [It] hits at a kind of awkward place in my feet and ankle but I cuff the pants for a little more laid-back feel, which is my style anyways.” The brand reports that this style runs true-to-size, yet some customers experienced a slight gaping at the waist and had to size down for a snug fit.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 24 to 32
- Materials: cotton, elastane
- Inseam: 28 inches
In a battle between the aforementioned Levi’s Wedgie fit and this Agolde Pinch waist, it’s a close call, but it’s come to my attention that PureWow readers are taken, time and time again, by the nipped waist on these Agolde jeans. “If you are looking for the perfect vintage looking jean, definitely try these,” notes a Nordstrom buyer. Made with sustainably sourced materials and boasting a luxe weight, these denim jeans have no stretch and are designed with a ‘90s cut that will hug your hips then loosen along the length of the legs. “They fit true to size, if not a little closer fitting in the hips, and I just love the color. They are very high-rise—if you like that, which I do, for my cropped shirts and sweaters,” they add.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 23 to 34
- Materials: organic cotton, recycled lyocell, recycled cotton
- Inseam: 29.5 inches
There might be a short window when expecting mamas can squeeze into a few pre-pregnancy jeans, but thanks to 1822 Denim, you don’t have to worry about fitting your growing belly into your jeans. These pull-on jeans look nearly identical to your average baby blues but are equipped with a supportive stretch waist panel that’s designed to sit comfortably on and cradle your bump, so you don’t have to worry about the buttons pressing into your skin, the band etching into your stomach or the waist not zipping up. At 28 weeks pregnant, Nordstrom buyer Emily B. was wearing leggings and dresses on repeat before she found the maternity jean that checked off all her boxes. “I sent back so many pairs of maternity jeans that wouldn’t stay up or have enough stretch before I found these,” she writes. Oh, and the best part? They’re machine washable and fine to tumble dry.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 24 to 30
- Materials: cotton, rayon, polyester, spandex
- Inseam: 28 inches
You've likely had mixed feelings about the low-rise jean comeback, from impatient excitement to utter dread for your Y2K emotional baggage. Regardless of your stance, there’s something to be said about the Cary jeans from Reformation, which I had the pleasure of trying on for myself. They might just be one of the most comfortable low-rise jeans I’ve ever worn, all thanks to the wide-leg cut, which just so happens to make these extra cool, too. And I’m not the only one who thinks so, either. One reviewer says, “I LOVE these jeans so much. I love dressing them up with a pointed heel or cute kitten flats. [They’re] amazing quality. I’m 5’2” and they’re a bit long for me but doesn’t bother me as I just roll them or wear them with heels.”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 23 to 30
- Materials: cotton, Tencel lyocell
- Inseam: 32 inches
The retro-inspired wash coupled with the dramatic wide leg on the Mia jeans from Joe’s oozes chicness and sophistication. They have a super high-waist cut and a 30-inch inseam that’ll cascade off long legs and elegantly pool around knee-high or comfortable boots. One helpful reviewer writes, “The Mia Petite is a top quality, versatile jean which can be worn casually with friends or to holiday parties. Plus, it's easy-care—washes and dries with no shrinkage or other issues.”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 24P to 34P
- Materials: cotton, elastane
- Inseam: 30 inches
“I love AG and have many pairs in different styles,"says one 5’5” Nordstrom reviewer. "Some I like more than others, and this Farrah bootcut is one of the best." Cool and casual, these ankle-cut jeans are intended to hit right above the ankle bone, creating the illusion that your legs are long and lean. The soft fraying along the hems gives them an effortless and undone quality, and “the fabric is soft and not too thick. (It gives, but it doesn't stretch out.) [Plus,] they wash great with no shrinking,” she adds.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Materials: cotton, lyocell, elastane
- Inseam: 26 inches
Mother denim strikes again. Are we surprised? No, and that’s because in addition to receiving high marks from Bowie, more than 150 Nordstrom customers left rave reviews and a combined total of 4.7 stars on the bootcut style. Most people commented on its impeccable fit, comfortable fabric and flattering silhouette. One reviewer fell in love at first sight. She says, “I am short-torsoed and have a hard time with high-rise jeans, [however,] these are perfect, hitting right at my belly button. I love [that] the thick denim has just enough stretch to be comfortable without losing shape.”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 23 to 34
- Materials: cotton, polyester, elastane
- Inseam: 30.5 inches
ICYDK, ‘70s-inspired sailor jeans are a hit amongst French women. They’re high waist, have a wide-leg and feature modish patch pockets. Really, what’s not to love? “Jeans are sooo hit or miss, but these are incredible,” writes one reviewer. “They are comfy and so flattering. I have a very hourglass figure and these have no gap at the waist. I need them in every color!” Oh, and did I mention that you can throw these in the washer and dryer without a care in the world? Reader be warned, you will receive a ton of compliments wearing these jeans.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 23 to 34
- Materials: cotton, recycled polyester, elastane
- Inseam: n/a
If you want to attempt the blasé street style look—you know, that effortlessly cool vibe that looks haphazardly thrown together—then you need these 100 percent cotton PacSun jeans. I’m crazy about how they're intentionally baggy around the legs and thighs, which will make them feel super forgiving and uber-comfortable, but fitted at the bum.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 24 to 31
- Materials: cotton
- Inseam: 32 inches
I own quite a few pairs of Agolde jeans, and as long as the brand keeps making denim jeans with their famous non-stretch cotton and vintage-yet-fresh designs, I’ll continue to spend my money on the pricey pairs. The Harper's mid-rise looks super relaxed, and I’m obsessed with how the straight cut widens down the leg. “I’ve been searching for months for the perfect straight leg,” says a buyer. “This is it—soft denim and a perfect fit at the hip and waist. They are quite long, so I did get them hemmed, but I’m so obsessed.” Agolde jeans typically run true-to-size and, despite having no stretch, its cotton blend will give in-between washes.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 23 to 33
- Materials: organic cotton, polyester, elastane
- Inseam: 32 inches
Celebrate your curves in a juicy pair of jeans intended to accentuate your natural figure and create the look of a snatched hourglass shape from none other than the cult-favorite brand, Good American. It comes in both a light indigo and black wash and has a super high fit at the waist. “[These are] great fitting jeans,” writes Alice D., a Good American reviewer. “They’re very nice quality denim [and] fit in all the right places without constricting or creating a muffin top! They will ‘give’ a bit after the first wear but I’m loving them and highly recommend.” Speaking of wear, some customers aren’t in love with the quality, noting that the material shows wear, and the fit has the tendency to stretch out. One customer’s solution? She opted for one size down from her usual for an overall snug fit that won’t sag in the crotch or butt between washes.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 00 to 15 (regular) 18 to 30 (plus)
- Materials: cotton, recycled polyester, recycled cotton, polyester, elastane
- Inseam: 27 inches
Behold: Commando’s Do It All skinny jeans. Racking up 178 customer reviews on Nordstrom’s website, these certainly are the talk of the denim town. “I absolutely love them,” gushes a customer. “ They are so comfortable, and I don't have to tug them up over my butt all the time. [They’re] very figure flattering.” The diverse blend of materials will feel like a second-skin with its super-soft quality. Plus, it purportedly has ample stretch.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: S to XL
- Materials: cotton, polyester, viscose, elastane
- Inseam: 29.5 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.
