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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Best Overall
Levi’s Baggy Dad Jeans
As a fashion writer, I’ve put my fair share of jeans to the test. And, when I want to throw on a cozy pair that doesn’t feel like denim, I always opt for this baggy pair from Levis. They’re incredibly comfortable, and the ankle-length cut keeps them from dragging on the floor—a problem we had with a lot of other baggy styles. However, they still stack at the hem for that slouchier look that I love. And get this: the fit around the waist is just snug enough to be flattering and they have a slightly slimmer fit, so they don’t feel too oversized.
On the Levis website, the jeans come in three different length options: 28, 30, and 32 inches. For a budget-friendly pick, we’re surprised at the amount of length options. Another pro? They come in a wide range of sizes ranging from 23 up to 34, which is the largest sizing range on this list. We do find that they run quite big given their baggier style, so we recommend going down a size. The Levi’s website also has tons of color options if you can’t find what you like on Amazon.
Like most jeans we tried, they do tend to stretch a bit, but we found that washing them on cold and tossing them in the drier makes them feel nice and snug again.
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| Materials | 79% cotton, 21% tencel lyocell |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 24-32 |
| Rise | Mid |
| Washes | 14 |
| Length Options | 28-32 in. |
| Style | Baggy |
Sofest
Ayr The Secret Sauce
Pros
- Two inseam options
- Makes the legs look long and lean
Cons
- Specific shades are made from different materials
These are some of the softest, most lightweight jeans on this list, but just because they’re slouchy doesn’t mean they’re unflattering. Ayr’s bestselling jeans have a straight leg fit that we find makes legs look long and lean.
These jeans feel different depending on what wash you go for. Some are softer with more flexibility, like the Good Mood, Hero Baby, and Heirloom shades, which have lyocell—a soft and breathable fabric—in them which makes them feel silkier. The other shades have a higher cotton percentage, which feel a bit heavier without the addition of lyocell, perfect for those who like to feel a bit more supported in their jeans.
The brand offers two inseam options for these jeans. If you’re below 5’6”, they recommend opting for a short inseam, and if you’re above 5’7”, go for the regular inseam.
| Materials | Good Mood, Heirloom & Hero Baby: 59% cotton, 40% lyocell, 1% elastane; Date Night: 99% cotton, 1% elastane; Crowd Surf: 98% cotton, 2% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 24-34 |
| Rise | Mid |
| Washes | 5 |
| Length Options | Short, regular |
| Style | Straight leg |
Best High-Rise Jeans
Abercrombie Curve Love High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean
Pros
- Made from stretchy cotton
- Come in so many different washes
- Many length options
Cons
- Lighter washes look artificial
Like low-slung jeans, Abercrombie is so back. And Lauture says the brand’s jeans are definitely worth the hype. “I pretty much went to grab these jeans most days during testing, and now can’t imagine a world where they do not exist in my closet—I’m not being dramatic,” she says.
Lauture touts how flattering these jeans are, and that’s because they are made from a stretchy cotton and elastane blend that hugs the waist snugly, but eases up at the thighs and down the leg for a roomier fit. “They feel super lightweight, too, which adds to their comfort,” says Lauture. Another pro she appreciates? They come in so many different washes, so the styling options are endless.
I tested these jeans too and love the distressed details at the hems. The snug fit at the waist felt a bit too dressed-up for my style, but the rips at the bottom balanced it out perfectly. They’re also designed to be slightly longer, so the frayed edges look super chic with a pointed-toe boot or a cute kitten heel. But, if you’re looking for different length options, there are plenty to choose from.
I did feel like I needed to size up in these jeans to get the baggier fit I prefer with denim, but if you prefer a more snug look, def opt for your normal size. Another note: I prefer my denim to look worn-in and rugged, and I found the lighter washes look a bit too artificial.
| Materials | 99% cotton, 1% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 23-37 |
| Rise | High |
| Washes | 26 |
| Length Options | Extra short, short, regular, long, extra long |
| Style | Relaxed |
Best Barrel Leg
Agolde Low Curve Jean
Pros
- Has a looser, comfortable fit
- Offers a flattering shape
Cons
- Run large
If you haven’t hopped on the barrel leg denim trend—a type of wide-leg denim with a fitted waist, flared mid-leg, and tapered ankle—the time is now. And, I tested a pair I think everyone should have in their closet. Introducing the Agolde Low Curve Jean, which was originally introduced to me via Instagram. After using them for a month, I now own them in three different washes.
These jeans are definitely on the thicker side, but I like their heavier feel because it keeps their barrel-like structure. And, the fit is everything to me—it’s on the high waisted side, but it doesn’t have a super snug fit, so it tends to hang below the belly button, which I like. And, due to the looser fit, it’s not super tight on the butt or around the hips, but it still offers a flattering shape that makes me feel held-in without constricting me.
Agolde jeans run a bit large, so even if you size down, you’ll still get that relaxed fit. I went a full size smaller than usual and found they still looked oversized without overwhelming me. Barrel leg denim looks so cute dressed up, but I also wear these jeans with casual sneakers and a tee when I’m on the run.
| Materials | 100% cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 23-34 |
| Rise | Mid |
| Washes | 4 |
| Length Options | Regular |
| Style | Barrel |
Best Low-Rise
Madewell Low-Slung Baggy Jeans
Pros
- Hug the waist perfectly
- Stay up without constant adjusting
- Come in many different fits
Cons
- Not much stretch to them
Low-rise jeans are back from the 70’s, and I think everyone can rock a pair. The perfect starter option to enter the trend? This option from Madewell. They’re not the lowest low-rise jean I’ve ever seen—they’re actually pretty close to a mid-rise, but I find that going a size up gives them extra room in the hips for a baggier, lower-sitting look.
Lauture was initially hesitant to try these jeans since it had been years since she’d worn anything low-waisted. But these pants are low-slung, meaning you can size up for a lower, baggier fit or size down for a higher, snugger fit—so they’re totally customizable to your style. “The fit makes them super easy to add to my wardrobe,” she says. “They hug my waist perfectly, and I can pull them down a bit when I want to show some midriff.” Another big plus: The comfortable waistband doesn’t dig into my stomach, but they still hold up well. I’ve worn them without a belt and found no need to constantly pull them up throughout the day.
My favorite part about these jeans is how many different fits they come in: Petite, plus, standard, and tall. This makes them suitable for wearers of all heights. I opted for the standard size, which has the perfect baggy fit, but could have gone with the tall option if I wanted a longer pair to wear with high boots or heels.
The 100 percent cotton fabric has a nice weight to it, but doesn’t feel too heavy. However, these may not be the best for warmer weather since they are on the thicker side. Although there’s not much stretch to them, they don’t feel rough and rigid like many of the other cotton pairs we tested.
| Materials | 100% cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 23-33 |
| Rise | Low |
| Washes | 5 |
| Length Options | Petite, plus, standard, tall |
| Style | Baggy |
Best Wide Leg
Dynamite Heidi Wide Leg Jeans
Pros
- Hit at the perfect height
- Come in regular and short inseams
- They never get rough or crinkly at the waist after a wash
Cons
- Wish they came in more than just one color
These jeans are made from 75 percent cotton and 25 percent organic cotton, so they’re extremely soft and comfortable, but they still look like sturdy, high-quality jeans to the eye. You would never know that they’re actually buttery-soft. In other words, these are perfect to throw on if you want to feel comfortable but still look put together when you’re on the move all day.
These are also some of my fave high-waisted jeans that I own—they hit at the perfect height, but they’re not super tight around the stomach like many of my other high-waisted pairs. They’re the same loose fit from the button all the way down the leg, so they look and feel nice and slouchy. However, they still hug in all the right places to offer a flattering shape that’s not as boxy as they feel.
Another pro? They come in both a regular and short inseam—the regular inseam is 33.5 inches where the short inseam sits at 31.5 inches. I opted for the regular, as I’m 5’7”, and they hit right past the ankle so I can still wear the jeans with heels or chunky loafers without them looking too cropped.
After multiple washes, they don’t get rough or crinkly in the waist. Rather, they feel just as soft as they did when I first wore them. Our one con? We wish the jeans came in different colors other than the single Indigo shade. I would totes buy these in a dark wash too!
| Materials | 75% cotton, 25% organic cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 23-32 |
| Rise | High |
| Washes | Regular, short |
| Length Options | Wide Leg |
Best Mid-Rise
Citizens of Humanity Vidia Mid Rise Boot in Denim-Medium
Pros
- Silhouette elongates the legs
- Pair well with many different shoes
Cons
- Felt snug at first
When WH freelance stylist Alexandra Juric tried these bootcut jeans on, she wasn’t fully convinced that they were comfortable enough to make it onto this list as they felt a bit snug at first. However, after wearing them for the whole day and breaking them in, she fell in love. “The denim actually has the perfect amount of stretch and the silhouette elongates your legs,” she says. “I felt super confident strutting through the office in these jeans.”
According to her, they are the perfect go-to jean. They pair well with fall boots, and also look adorable with ballet flats and sneakers.
After testing, we found that the rise on these jeans is especially flattering—something we can’t say for all mid-rise jeans we’ve tried. They sit high enough to tuck in the belly but low enough to keep that relaxed look you don’t always get with high-rise styles.
| Materials | 98% Cotton, 2% polyurethane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 23-34 |
| Rise | Mid |
| Washes | 6 |
| Length Options | Regular |
| Style | Boot cut |
Best Ankle-Length
Mother The Mid Rise Rider Flood Fray
Pros
- Soft and non-constricting
- We love that the cropped length offers a more casual look
Cons
- Wish there were more inseam options
Another super soft option is this ankle-length pair from Mother, which we can easily wear all day long without feeling like we want to rip our pants off and change into sweats (relatable, right?). The high cotton level makes them feel super soft and non-constricting.
These jeans have a straight leg fit that ends right at the top of the ankle and also have a frayed hem, which makes them look more casual. I like to pair them with high boots in the fall so my ankles aren’t exposed to the elements. But, if you’re looking for something on the longer side, we like The Runaway Fray style from the brand, as it hits at the heel instead of the ankle for extra coverage. This offers a slightly dressier look.
We do wish there were more inseam options for these jeans to suit different heights as well as more than just one color option. However, we do appreciate that the brand offers a very wide range of size options for different body types.
| Materials | 78% cotton, 16% modal, 4% polyester, 2% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 23-32 |
| Rise | Mid |
| Washes | 1 |
| Length Options | Regular |
| Style | Boot cut |
Most Size-Inclusive
Good American The Weekender Jeans
Pros
- Super soft material
- Comes in a wide range of sizes
- Customizable fit
Cons
- They run big
Good American as a brand is all about size inclusivity, and these jeans are no different—they come in sizes ranging from 00 through 32 plus.
“Before I put these jeans on, the first thing I noticed was how soft the material was,” says Juric. And that’s because the jeans are made mostly out of tencel, a viscose fiber made from wood pulp that’s super breathable and soft on the skin. Juric says they’re awesome for year-round wear, especially in the warmer months because they’re so lightweight.
When it comes to style and fit, we love the drop-crotch design of these jeans, making them feel just as cozy as sweatpants. The rolled hem and loose legs add to the laid-back vibe. Best of all, they’re made with a stretchy, tummy-smoothing fabric—an added perk we really appreciate.
| Materials | 48% tencel, 47% ecovero, 1% lycra |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 00-32 plus |
| Rise | High, but can be worn low if you size up |
| Washes | 1 |
| Length Options | Regular |
| Style | Loose leg, drop crotch |
Lily Wohlner is the Associate E-Commerce Editor of Women’s Health. An expert in recommending the best products to add-to-cart, she knows what it takes for a product to receive a solid five stars (especially when it comes to beauty!). Starting her career as a freelance makeup artist, Lily has since moved to the editorial world, where she has generated content for brands including Oribe, NewBeauty, Dermstore, SkinStore, and LOOKFANTASTIC. When she’s not zenning out with a pore-clearing mask, the Lower East Side dweller is cheffing up a new recipe with her roommate or thrifting for the perfect pair of blue jeans. Follow her on Instagram.
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