7 best jeans for women 2026, tested and approved by editors
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The best jeans for women do not exist. The best jeans exist for every woman, sure, but they're not the same pair for every woman. In my opinion, finding a pair of new jeans is akin to shopping for bras, and when it comes to lingerie, we know no two women are the same size. So why would denim be any different?
While the fashion industry is more diverse than it's ever been in terms of catering to different body types and heights (particularly on the high street), it's still got a long way to go. Shopping for denim remains one of the most tedious, tiresome and tantrum-inducing tasks a woman can endure.
- Best jeans for women, tested by 5 Glamour editors
- How we tested them
- Why you can trust us
- The best brand for women's jeans 2026
- What style of jeans are most flattering?
- A quick guide to the different styles for women
- What are the most popular styles of jeans for 2026?
- What type of jeans should an older woman wear?
- What is the top jeans brand in the UK?
You can pick up your usual size, only to take them into a poorly-lit changing room (seriously, why are they like this?) and barely be able to pull them over your knees, let alone do them up. You can order 6743288 pairs online – one of them will work, surely?! – only to have to lug them all back to the Post Office and return them the next day. Or three to five business days, if you're a returns procrastinator like me.
But, as painful as the experience can be, we continue to make it our mission year on year because when you do find that perfect pair of denim jeans, it makes it all worthwhile. A solid pair of jeans is often the key ingredient to a functional and well-oiled wardrobe, offering the base of many an outfit – from work to play, they’re essential.
Denim trends tend to come and go. Jeggings? Be gone. Skinny jeans? A fashion set divider. Baggy jeans? A favourite of the Glamour team. Overall, the SS26 go-to is unsurprisingly the failsafe straight leg jean. As seen on the Khaite catwalk, it's a style that overtook the skinny jean as an everyday denim necessity. But we are seeing looser fits take over with the likes of Aje proving baggy can still be chic.
Looking for an even more modern update? Flares are back and come Bella Hadid-approved. Elsewhere, Valentino updated jeans with statement pockets and Zimmermann caught our eye with embroidery. Whatever cut is of the moment, they're an item that fashion (and your capsule wardrobe) will never be without.
In short, there's a style for everyone this season. But we know that in this fast-fashion era prioritising sustainable shopping habits and not replacing items we already own just because a new aesthetic or “era” drops is key. Remember that when it comes to denim there's no wrong way to wear it.
Jeans pair with everything from white tees and shirts in spring to knitwear in winter. They're timeless. We also love to see the street style set experimenting with new ways to wear denim, whether layering boot cut jeans with lace-hemmed dresses, peeking out under jackets, or showcasing statement noughties belts, yes they're back along with flares. Basically, your jeans are going to work hard, and for a long time. So it’s a good thing I'm here to talk you through finding your ideal pair from start to finish.
Best jeans for women, tested by 7 Glamour editors:
Featured in this article
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How we tested the best jeans for women
Not to toot our own horn, but we are pros at picking both new season buys and capsule wardrobe essentials, and not just for aesthetic reasons. When it comes to the best jeans for women, we wanted to put all shapes, fabrications, lengths, colourways and even prints to the test to check which pairs are really worth buying into this year.
To do this, Glamour editors and contributors Georgia Trodd, Mayola Fernandes, Sophie Donovan, Lian Brooks, Sophie Cockett, Chrissie Moncrieffe and Felicity Hayward wore several pairs over the course of a few weeks to create an edit of 25 styles we genuinely rate. We wore them to work, out shopping, and to lunch to check how comfortable they were too – cos there's nothing worse than some ill-fitting denim, right?
Why you can trust me
Rather than having one person try on some bestselling jeans, I decided to rope in seven. As I've waxed lyrical already, no woman has the same figure as the last, so I wanted to demonstrate a handful of styles on a handful of bodies, ranging from a size UK 8 to a UK 22, 5ft 2 to 6ft tall. Hopefully, this helps you make a bit more of an informed decision when it comes to making your next purchase.
If you're in the market for a new pair of jeans, or you’re simply fed up with sub-par, ill-fitting denim of seasons past, this ultimate buying guide to the best women's jeans will have you stumbling across something comfy.
'Cos, as a result of wearing, loving and hating our fair share of jeans over the years, myself and the rest of team Glamour have found all manner of high street jeans, black jeans, best tall jeans, stretch denim jeans, cropped jeans and retro-inspired leg styles that'll serve you very well. Consider your every denim need covered.
What is the best brand for women's jeans? See below for our thoughts
Why we love them: Nothing is quite as sleek as the boot cut jean. They're super flattering, fitted through the hip and thigh with a slight flare at the leg and easy to style whether you're adding a baby tee or going double denim.
- Washes: Bruini wash.
- Materials: 99% cotton, 1% elastane.
- Size Range: 24 - 34, short and regular lengths.
We The Free Forager Super Wide-Leg Jeans
Why we love them: Looking for the perfect pair of jeans for SS26? Consider them found. These will serve you through spring and summer but we think you'll want to keep them in your wardrobe year round.
- Washes: Cool water, nomad, ecru.
- Materials: 100% cotton.
- Size Range: 24 - 33.
Why we love them: A classic pair of jeans if we ever saw one, and for under £30. H&M does some really good denim, but it tends to sell out fairly quickly – so act fast.
- Washes: Various.
- Materials: 99% cotton, 1% elastane.
- Size Range: UK 4 - 22.
Why we love them: Say hello to some of the best, true to size jeans of all time: the Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans by Levi's. Trust us when we say that they are the perfect fit (in all the right places) and don't budge an inch – no matter how many times you bend down. They're slightly cropped high-rise straight-leg jeans made from a thick, high-quality denim. They also offer a plus-size range.
- Washes: Various.
- Materials: 99% cotton, 1% elastane.
- Size Range: UK 2 - 18.
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- ROMINA INTROINI | Mayola Fernandes wearing Mango
Why we love them: “These are my go-to jeans, no matter the situation. I prefer a black jean, as they can be dressed up or down more easily than blue, and just make me feel that little bit more put-together.” – Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.
- Washes: Medium blue, dark vintage blue, dark blue, black.
- Materials: 100% cotton.
- Size Range: UK 4 - 26.
Read our review of Mango's petite jeans here.
Save when you shop for the best jeans for women with these Mango discount codes at checkout.
- ROMINA INTROINI | Lian Brooks wearing Topshop
- luca wetherby-matthews/@lucawetherbym
Topshop Runway Mid Rise Straight Jeans
Why we love them: “Nothing will ever make me hate straight leg jeans, they go with EVERYTHING. When I don't know what to wear, these are what I reach for teamed with a plain white T-Shirt, blazer and some fun fashion trainers.” – Lian Brooks, Senior Manager Audience Development.
- Washes: Vintage blue, mid blue, washed black, navy.
- Materials: 100% cotton.
- Size Range: W24 - W36.
- ROMINA INTROINI | Sophie Donovan wearing Lounge
Why we love them: Senior Commerce Writer Sophie's favourite Lounge jeans are out of stock and we aren't surprised. Whilst we wait for that back in stock notification we're coveting a similar cut; Tommy Hilfiger's barrel leg style.
- Washes: Black walnut, gulf sand.
- Materials: 100% cotton.
- Size Range: W 24 - 34, L 28 - 34.
- CHRISSIE MONCRIEFFE | Chrissie Moncrieffe wearing Abercrombie & Fitch
Why we love them: “Barrel-leg jeans, or balloon jeans, are hard to find as a petite gal, but Abercrombie & Fitch has pulled through with this pair. I did have to cut the hems slightly, but they were already distressed, so that doesn't matter too much. Plus, I quite like the floor-skimming look.” – Chrissie Moncrieffe, freelance creative producer.
- Washes: Light, black, white, rinse, medium darted, light wash.
- Materials: 100% cotton.
- Size Range: 24 - 34 in short, regular and long.
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- ROMINA INTROINI | Sophie Cockett wearing Marks & Spencer
Lyocell™ Blend Wide Palazzo Leg Jeans
Why we love them: Jeans don't have to be plain, standard or ‘expected’. This palazzo pair from M&S brings all the drama, plus some '70s inspo.
- Washes: Light indigo, dark indigo.
- Materials: 68% cotton, 32% lyocell.
- Size Range: UK 6 - 24.
Save when you shop for the best jeans women with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
- ROMINA INTROINI | Georgia Trodd wearing Agolde
Agolde Luna High-Rise Tapered Jeans
Why we love them: “I didn't expect these jeans to be ‘tall girl-approved’, but they are. They may not sit as high on my waist as they do on the model, but they're certainly long enough – and that's all a 6ft gal can ask for. I wear them at least once a week, no joke, they're so comfy and can be dressed up or down.” – Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
- Washes: Light blue, dark blue, black, white.
- Materials: 100% cotton.
- Size Range: 23 - 32.
- FELICITY HAYWARD | Felicity Hayward wearing Good American
Always Fits Good Legs Straight Jeans
Why we love them: These jeans are made to act like a one size suits all design, which adapts to your bodyshape and embraces it and all it's curves and edges. A winner in our books.
- Washes: Indigo.
- Materials: 62% cotton, 33% tencel, 4% polyester, 1% elastane.
- Size Range: 00 - 32.
- ROMINA INTROINI | Georgia Trodd wearing Marks & Spencer
- luca wetherby-matthews/@lucawetherbym
Why we love them: “Despite ordering the long length, these jeans were still a few inches shy of where I'd have preferred them to be on my leg. That being said, I loved the way they fit, their hue, and the fabric – they were super sturdy and sculpting.” – Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
- Washes: Black, Indigo Mix.
- Materials: 75% cotton, 23% polyester and 2% elastane.
- Size Range: UK 6 - 24.
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Zara TRF Mid-Waisr Baggy Shiny Jeans
Why we love them: The easiest way to amp up your denim for GNO is with some added sparkle. These Zara jeans with glitter detail are your next go-to pair for the bar and beyond.
- Washes: Light blue.
- Materials: 63% cotton, 37% lyocell.
- Size Range: UK 4 - 18.
Why we love them: There's something so retro about a turned-up jean, and this wider leg style from Nobody's Child is giving '70s. Wear them with Mary Jane-style ballet flats to fully lean into the vibe.
- Washes: Blue.
- Materials: 80% organic cotton, 20% recycled cotton.
- Size Range: UK 4 - 18.
Save when you shop for the best jeans for women with these Nobody's Child discount codes at checkout.
Loewe Anagram Embroidered High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
Why we love them: Aside from the fact that the logo knees elevate this pair against all your other styles, they're also all over our Instagram feeds, making them one of the best jeans for women RN – if you don't mind the investment that is.
- Washes: Mid denim.
- Materials: 100% cotton.
- Size Range: FR 32 - 42.
ASOS DESIGN Curve High Rise Relaxed Mom Jeans
Why we love them: Available in sizes 18 to 28, these jeans feature a high waist, gently tapered legs and slightly stretchy denim. A wardrobe staple.
- Washes: Mid blue and black.
- Materials: 100% cotton.
- Size Range: UK 18 - 28.
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Damson Madder Kenny Twill Trouser
Why we love them: “I fell in love with this leopard print pair the moment I started seeing them on all my favourite fashion bloggers, and I've worn them practically every day since. They're really flattering and make an everyday outfit a bit cooler.” – Sophie Cockett, Senior European Commerce Editor.
- Washes: Leopard print.
- Materials: 100% cotton.
- Size Range: UK 6 - 20.
High Waist Bridge Trouser Jeans
Why we love them: The '70s called, and they want their jeans back. Back patch pockets, Double button detailing and a straight wide-leg fit with a nod to sailor chic , we predict a sell-out with this Sezane pair.
- Washes: Navy blue, black, sienna velvet, ecru, terracotta.
- Materials: 99% organic cotton, 1% elastane.
- Size Range: UK 4 - 20.
FRAME Le Slim Palazzo High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
Why we love them: If you're looking for the perfect pair of jeans for summer, you just found them. While you can of course wear white during the winter (one of our favourite looks, in fact), white jeans scream 21°C+ weather – especially in a palazzo silhouette.
- Washes: White, black.
- Materials: 57% cotton, 38% rayon, 3% Elasterell-P, 2% elastane.
- Size Range: 23 - 32.
Uniqlo EZY Wide Straight Jeans
Why we love them: The variety in washes, including blue, grey and navy, make these on of our fave pairs. Cost-effective and a universally flattering cut, winner winner.
- Washes: Blue, grey, navy.
- Materials: 74% Cotton, 24% Polyester - Recycled Fiber, 2% Elastane/Pocket.
- Size Range: XXS - XXL.
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& Other Stories Press-Crease Flared Jeans
Why we love them: Flared jeans are so back and the likes of Margot Robbie and Bella Hadid have convinced us everyone needs a pair. These blue wash ones from & Other Stories are elevated with press creases and duo buttoned flap pockets at the front.
- Washes: Mid blue, cream, black.
- Materials: Cotton 97%, elastomultiester 2%, elastane 1%.
- Size Range: 32 - 44.
Why we love them: You can’t go wrong with a mid-rise and straight-leg pair of jeans. With just the right amount of structure to offer a skimming, svelte finish, these would pair perfectly with a ballet flat for day or night.
- Washes: Washed black.
- Materials: 94% cotton, 5% polyester, 1% elastane.
- Size Range: UK 4 - 18.
Nobody's Child Leopard Print Mid Rise Tapered Jeans
Why we love them: It might seem a little excessive having two pairs of leopard print jeans in a round-up of the best, but these are too good to miss off. If you're looking for statement denim that's easy to style, this is the pair to snap up.
- Washes: Leopard print.
- Materials: 99% organic cotton, 1% elastane.
- Size Range: UK 4 - 18, lengths short or regular.
Why we love them: These are, hands down, some of the best-fitting jeans for women on the market. So much so, that Everlane struggle to keep them in stock. They're the Everlane 90's cheeky straight leg jeans, which are not only high-waisted but with a butt-boosting rear fit, too. Plus, they're better for the environment than lots of other pairs of jeans in this round-up. Need proof? Everlane's denim factory partner recycles 98% of their water using reverse osmosis filtration and keeps byproducts out of the environment by mixing them with concrete to create building materials.
- Washes: Washed Black, Deep Atlantic, Clear Water, Vintage Mid Blue, Vintage Sunbleached Blue, White.
- Materials: 100% cotton.
- Size Range: UK 0 - 16.
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Why we love them: Topshop is back, and what would a jeans round-up be without at least mentioning the iconic Topshop Jonis. Perfect for a night out.
- Washes: Black.
- Materials: 71% cotton, 26% polyester, 3% elastane.
- Size Range: W24 -W36.
What style of jeans are most flattering?
Finding a woman who is the same jeans size across all of their favourite retailers is a rarity. In fact, we'd bet money it's never happened. Sizes can vary wildly depending on the store you're shopping in which is, for sure, disheartening. Our advice is to dismiss the numbers on the label, go for what you feel the most comfortable in (with or without the best shapewear) and be prepared to try on lots of styles. There's not just one particular style for every body shape. And remember: clothes are supposed to fit your body, not the other way around.
See the best plus size jeans here, the best tall jeans here, and the best petite jeans here.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here's a quick guide to the different styles for women:
- Barrel leg jeans: Fitted at the waist, baggy and exaggerated around the leg and knee, and tapered at the ankle with seams around the knee for extra volume.
- Mom jeans: Think Monica Geller from Friends – mom jeans are exactly what she wears. Fitted at the waist and hips and baggier around the leg.
- Straight jeans: All one shape the whole way down, super versatile.
- Wide-leg jeans: Fitted around the waist getting gradually wider and wider down the leg.
- Baggy jeans: Provide that two-sizes-too-big effect. Loose everywhere for a relaxed fit.
- Flared jeans: Tight-ish until the knee, then ‘flare’ out as their name suggests for a '70s finish.
- Cropped Jeans: Do what they say on the tin – they're tight/skinny fitting all the way down.
- High-waist jeans: Sit high up on the waist.
- Low-rise jeans: Sit below the belly button.
- Boyfriend jeans: Tend to fit exactly how a pair of men's jeans might fit a woman.
- Granny jeans: An update on the now-classic mom jean, this high-waisted style has a straight-legged or slightly loose silhouette.
- Skinny jeans: Exactly what they sound like; skinny/tight to your figure the entire way down. Think Topshop Joni jean.
- Rhinestone jeans: Can be any shape, but must be covered in rhinestones or diamantés.
- Cigarette jeans: A hybrid between mom jeans and skinny jeans – high-rise, almost-straight leg, and not too tight but not too loose either.
- Distressed jeans: Made to look like they've been worn for a long time purposely damaged or ripped.
- Dad jeans: Similar to boyfriend jeans but slightly more vintage looking and tend to be mid-waist as opposed to low.
- Bootcut jeans: Slim fit through the upper legs that tapers at the knee then looses at the ankle. Traditionally, this was so that boots could be worn underneath the jeans, hence the name!
- Column jeans: Very similar to dad jeans but with a higher rise on the waist. They can be a bit baggier, too.
What are the most popular styles of jeans for 2026?
According to the runways, skinny jeans and slightly cropped straight leg jeans are where you should set your sights for 2026. That's not to say that beloved baggy, wide-leg or barrel legs are out though – you do you.
What type of jeans should an older woman wear?
Jeans aren't age-dependent, so whatever you feel comfortable and confident in is exactly what you should wear. The older women we know, though, have said they prefer high-waist jeans that flatter their tummies, and denim with plenty of stretch in it. Styles like mom jeans and straight-leg jeans tend to be the most popular, too.
What is the top jeans brand in the UK?
There are cult denim brands like Levi's and Lee, plus high street online clothing stores that are popular for jeans among women in the UK. Premium high street brands and luxury designers like Agolde, Citizens of Humanity and FRAME are increasing in popularity more recently, too.
For more from Glamour UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
