9 Most Comfortable Jeans For Women, Tested By Editors And Experts


9 Most Comfortable Jeans For Women, Tested By Editors And Experts

What to consider

Body Shape

Different jeans work better for different body shapes, so Lees broke down the best denim styles to look for based on your body type.

  • Pear shaped: “Jean styles like flares and bootlegs are very flattering, as they widen towards the bottom of the leg,” Lees says. This balances out any width at the hips.
  • Apple shaped: Apple shapes tend to be softer around the middle with less of a defined waist. Lees says to avoid high-waisted styles, paper-bag waists, belt loops and extra pockets as these all add extra bulk around the stomach. Rather, opt for a mid-rise, wide-leg jean to give support and structure to the abdomen area.
  • Strawberry shaped: This shape, where the shoulders are wider than the hips, should avoid skinny jeans as they emphasize the narrower bottom half, says Lees. “Kick-flares and bootcut jeans look great as they bring width to the bottom half to balance the wider shoulders.”
  • Hourglass shaped: According to Lees, hourglasses have a bunch of flattering jean style to choose from. However, if you need some direction, she says slim or skinny jeans in a high or mid rise cut are ultimately the best styles for following your natural curves.
  • Rectangle shaped: “Wide-leg jeans and flares that hug the waist and narrow hips are perfect for leaner, rectangle body shapes,” says Lees. That’s because they highlight the narrowest part of the body while adding soft lines throughout. Distressed detailing such as rips add interesting shapes to break up a straight silhouette.

Materials

Co-founder and stylist at Amour781 Ashley Full suggests investing in high-quality materials that will last, so you can truly get the most out of your denim. Most of the jeans on this list are made with cotton, a durable, comfortable fabric that molds to your body over time, making it both soft and long-lasting. Some pairs also include fabrics like spandex for extra stretch or Tencel—a breathable, cooling material made from wood that holds its shape and feels silky to the touch.

Size

Finding the right size in your denim may seem obvious, but a lot more goes into it than you may think. Getting the right size in jeans can make or break a pair’s comfort and look, says merchandising and styling manager at Blue Bungalow Saffron King. She recommends starting with jeans that feel snug but not tight at the waist, hips, and thigh, as denim will often relax slightly with wear. “Look for a size that fits closely without creating tension or gaping when sitting down,” she says.

Rise

There are three different rises—the length from the waistband to the crotch seam—that are on this list: high-rise, mid-rise, and low-rise. Both King and Nguyen Tran, founder and CEO of Le Réussi, break down which one to opt for.

  • High-rise: This rise is perfect for shaping and creating a flattering silhouette, especially for those looking to slim down the waist area, says Tran. “High-rise jeans also work beautifully for tucking in shirts and adding a polished finish to your outfit.”
  • Low-rise: “This option is ideal for creating a laid-back, casual look, especially for those with petite frames or anyone embracing the Y2K revival,” says Tran. These jeans offer a more relaxed feel while still being on trend.
  • Mid-rise: Mid-rise jeans rest at the natural waistline, which keeps them dressy while still being able to move in. King says this is great for more active days.This style also offers the most versatile styling options, as it pairs with any length of top

Length

“Choosing the right length can also feel like a subtle detail, but it has a big impact on your style,” says King.

  • Full-length jeans reach the tops of the feet, and offer a classic silhouette that elongates the legs. They’re perfect for pairing with heels or flats, so they look great with all heel heights.
  • Cropped or ankle-length jeans, on the other hand, create a fun, casual look and work well with sneakers or ankle boots, adding a trendy twist that King says is especially popular in warmer months. “For a versatile length, I recommend hems that fall just above the ankle—long enough for colder weather but also easy to roll up for a lighter, casual feel,” says King.

How we chose

I’m a style writer who’s worn more than 30 jeans in the past two years. For this story, I combed through my extensive testing, and visited showrooms of top denim brands like Dynamite, Abercrombie, and Agolde to find the best jeans that combine comfort and style. I also consulted with three style experts on what to consider when shopping for comfortable jeans. They emphasized that the style, materials, rise, and length are things to look out for when shopping. WH assistant fashion editor Rose Lauture and freelance stylist Alexandra Juric also weighed in on their favorite options.

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