Finding the best jeans for women is no mean feat – and part of that challenge is understanding why there are quite so many types of jeans to choose from. Jeans make up around 90% of my wardrobe – they're the item of clothing I reach for the most – but there are only a few pairs I actually love.
Some are too tight on my thighs, ankles or waist; others gape around the back. Some fall too short in the leg. Some loose their shape in the wash. Annoying – but when you own the perfect style that hugs you in all the right places? You will feel like you've hit the jackpot. The first step to finding the perfect pair is understanding, of all the different types of jeans out there, which are best for you. And I've found a perfect formula.
There's a variety of types of jeans on the market; from on-trend barrel-leg jeans – which have been spotted, countless times, on the streets at Copenhagen and New York Fashion Weeks – to cigarette jeans, straight-leg jeans, flared jeans, wide-leg jeans and ankle-grazer designs. We should also note the divisive skinny jean – and that's before we get onto the waistline, wash and fabric.
Thankfully, we've noticed denim trends are cyclical, rearing their head every few years, which means we can invest in flattering designs to wear now and be confident that they'll suit in decades to come. Take high-waisted skinny jeans, for example, which were relegated to the 2010s after dominating our OOTD posts for over a decade. Fast-forward to 2025, and Topshop's return to the high street sent the iconic Joni drainpipe jeans into a resurgence. We've also witnessed the baggy jeans revival, which is providing a dose of 90s nostalgia RN, as well as the return of the boho-chic flared jeans of the 70s. While Mom jeans and high rise straight tapered jeans, which are reminiscent of classic Levi's adorned in the 80s and 90s, have also made a comeback.
Ahead, a comprehensive guide of all the best styles of jeans from the best denim brands, to help you find the flattering fit for your body shape, style and occasion. What's the difference between a straight and skinny jean? Are bell bottom jeans in style? Read on for all the best styles of jeans in fashion now that will never go out of style, and how to style every cut.
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Jeans jargon: terms to know when shopping new styles
- Taper: When a pair of jeans taper in it means the leg is wider at the thighs and gradually narrows down the leg.
- Waist: The waist refers to the area at the top of the jeans (around the waist). While some jeans are available in dress sizes, for example UK dress size 14, others may measure the waistline in inches, hence why you see waist 32.
- Rise: The rise of a jean is how far from the crotch to the top of the waist the jeans sit. In other words, how high up the body the jeans fit. This can range from high rise, which is above the belly button, mid-rise jeans sit between the hips and belly button, and low rise sit on the hips or lower.
- Length: This refers to how long the leg of the jeans are. This can range from regular, tall or short lengths, but it can also be in reference to the cut, such as ankle grazer jeans that fall to the ankle.
- Leg: This refers to the cut of the jeans. For example barrel-leg jeans, in which case the leg is a curved barrel shape, or straight leg.
- Leg opening: The leg opening refers to the width of the hem at the base of the jeans. This measurement distinguishes if the jeans are barrel-leg style, flared, bell bottom, or skinny jeans. It is also useful to know to help style your jeans with the appropriate footwear.
- Wash: This refers to the colour of the denim, and if the fabric has been dyed. For example, a stone wash denim means the design has been treated to achieve a faded finish.
- Fabric blend: Some jeans may be crafted from one single fabric, such as 100% cotton, but others may be a blend of different materials that can alter the structure, fit, and elasticity of the creation.
- Bell bottoms: Bell bottoms are another word for bootcut or flared jeans. It refers to the wide leg opening at the base of the jean.
- Ankle grazer: A style of jean that sits on the ankle and shorter in length than the regular cut.
Ahead, the best styles of jeans to rely on forever more.
1. Barrel Leg Jeans
Barrel leg jeans go under a variety of other monikers, including horseshoe, U-shaped, carrot-leg, and balloon-style jeans. Regardless of the title, barrel-leg jeans are the ‘It’ jean trend of the moment, and the hype won't be going away any time soon.
The popular jean style first crept on our radar when Alaïa showcased them in the Autumn/Winter 2023 collection, but it wasn't until the summer of 2024 the style started to gain traction. Now, the jean style is everywhere we look – and has been cosigned by Dakota Johnson and Gigi Hadid.
Barrel-leg jeans are considered a hybrid between Mom jeans and ankle-grazer jeans, because of the curved leg and the exaggerated silhouette it creates, which is super flattering for all body shapes and sizes.
Style tip: There are various ways to style barrel leg jeans to weave into your wardrobe seamlessly. Team with a white T-shirt, button-up cardigan, a timeless trench coat and ballet pumps or loafers like Dakota Johnson and Gigi Hadid for everyday wear.
Alternatively pair with kitten heel sling-backs, a crisp shirt and an oversize clutch bag for cocktails with the girls.
2. Wide Leg Jeans
Wide leg jeans boast a straight cut from the hips, down the leg, running all the way to the very hem. However, the width of these can vary. Some wide legs skim the body, as styled on Lori Harvey, while others have a turn up at the ankle like Kendall Jenner's jeans. Some are oversized and reminiscent of the 90s baggy jean – a cut which J.Lo has opted for.
This type of jean is (arguably) the best for those who want to experiment with the rise. Some may prefer a high-waisted jean to elongate their legs and contrast the exaggerated width, but Gen-Z are leaning into the low rise wide-leg jeans. There is a place for them all, it just depends on the aesthetic you are going for.
Style tip: Wondering how to style wide-leg jeans? They compliment trainers beautifully for that cool off-duty look, as well as ballet pumps and loafers for a contemporary twist. Wide-leg jeans can also be styled with heeled boots or a slingback heels of an evening.
3. Straight Leg Jeans
Straight leg jeans, also known as a slim taper jean, do exactly what they say on the tin. These jeans boast a straight cut from the hips to the hem of the jeans, whether they are an ankle grazer or longer in length.
Straight leg jeans are a hugely popular style because they are a happy medium between skinny jeans and wide leg jeans – and they're available in high rise, mid rise and low rise waist, as well as full leg and shorter lengths, too. (Shop more tall jeans here, and petite jeans this way).
While high rise ankle grazer straight leg jeans dominated street style circa 2018, the longer length styles adorned by Alexa Chung now reign supreme. In our humble opinion, these jeans are the most versatile, timeless and flattering jeans out of all the styles. Opt for dark denim, black jeans, as well as a pair of white jeans to see you through every season, and for many years to come.
Style tip: The ‘It’ crowd are teaming their straight tapered jeans with loafers, even an ankle socks, T-shirt, checked shirt tied around the waist and an oversized bomber jacket. While we still love an ankle grazer straight leg with pointed toe boots and a blazer. Come the summer months, these jeans pair perfectly with sandals (heeled and flat), as well as trainers, ballet pumps and mule loafers.
4. Skinny Jeans
Many thought skinny jeans had their last hoorah circa 2020, but they'd be mistaken. While skinnies flew under the radar for the last few years, the style that had the globe obsessed for decades is now making a comeback - thanks to Topshop's return. We have also seen Miu Miu bring back the low rise skinny jeans, which are expectedly divisive.
Style tip: Ultra high rise skinny jeans with a skimpy crop top and Jeffrey Campbell heels were the uniform of the 2010s. Now, skinny jeans are being paired with dramatic tops, such as textured capes, oversize bomber jackets, blazers with exaggerated shoulder pads to contrast the cinched in waist, or with a simple boxy white tee. When it comes to footwear Kate Moss pairs with knee high heeled boots.
We mentioned previously that Miu Miu's Autumn/Winter 2024 runway saw the return of the controversial low-rise denim trend, but other designers, such as Chanel and Stella McCartney, also support the Y2K style comeback.
Low rise jeans span across all styles, including skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans, flares, and straight leg designs, which allows wearers to get creative – and feel comfortable when dabbling with this jean trend.
Style tip: Look to Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid for casual styling inspiration as they team the low rise jeans with a simple tank top, T-shirt, or ruffle blouse with loafers. Alternatively, Lila Moss jazzed up her low rise jeans with a short boxy red jacket, bralette and heels to take the look from day to night.
6. Flared Jeans
Flared jeans can take a variety of guises, but with roots in the 70s era it's safe to say this is one timeless style of jean worth investing in. The best part about flared jeans is there are numerous iterations to suit your body shape and style. While some like a flared jean that hugs the derrière and flares out at the ankle like J.Lo's jeans, others may prefer a subtle graduation from the waist down the leg, an exaggerated bell bottom leg opening, or the ultra flared jean that Margot Robbie nails effortlessly.
Style tip: So, how to wear flares? Go full Western with a checked shirt, suede jacket with fringing and cowboy boots. Alternatively, style for Autumn/Winter with a slim fitted roll neck jumper like the I'm Real hitmaker, or a figure hugging halterneck and heels like Margot. Alternatively, slip into a ruffle blouse with fluted sleeves, even layer a tunic or dress over the top for a true bohemian aesthetic.
After more jeans guides? Discover what to wear with black jeans, the best grey jeans, plus size jeans and rhinestone jeans for party season.
