11 Best Jeans for Women of All Sizes

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Shopping for jeans can be a real guessing game. When I’m on the hunt at a store andheading to the dressing room,I usually take a pair in the size I think I is am am ,one in the next size down , andone in the next size up . Even with that approach — andas the Strategist ’s denim correspondent ,who ’s write about why you ’re probably wash your jean too much andthat not all stretch denim is bad — I can go through rack andrack of jean before find a pair I ’m willing to buy .

That’s why I set out to make this list of the very best jeans for women. I’ve tried on many,many pairs as I’ve written andupdated this post over the years, andcan assure you that the ones here will join your regular rotation. To ensure that there’s a pair for everyone,I’ve talked to dozens of denim enthusiasts (of all shapes andsizes) about their favorite pairs — from slim-cut to the super-skinny andeverything in between. And to make sure there was no stone (wash) left unturned,I searched our archives for still-relevant styles andreliable pairs recommended to us by stylish people. All in all,I considered more than 50 jeans while writing this guide,but narrowed those down to only the very best of the best here. (And if you’re on the hunt for something specific,we have guides to the best mom and plus-size jeans as well.) 

Update on November 3,2024: Updated prices andchecked stock for all products.

It can seem like jeans are arbitrarily assigned numbers — some are sized according to waist measurements andothers by odd or even numbers. For some,that might mean being forced to choose between a big waist gap or a pair that’s slightly too tight. In this guide,I tried to feature pairs that come in a wide range of sizes. That goes for inseam lengths too. And of course,I asked denim enthusiasts to detail the fit of their favorites as much as they could.

I listed the rise measurement for each of the recommendations below (a few brands don’t include this information in their product descriptions,which is why you’ll see “no rise listed” on a couple of pairs). Jeans that have more than a ten-inch rise fall into the “high” category,according to stylist Jessica Cadmus.

Most jeans on the market now have some kind of stretch blend to make them feel more comfortable, andyou’ll often see that as a percentage of elastane,spandex,or Lycra (a.k.a. trademarked spandex) on the size tag. So to judge stretchiness here,I broke it down into three categories: not stretchy,stretchy, andvery stretchy. “Not stretchy” covers jeans made completely from cotton (these are going to feel stiffer when you first wear them). “Stretchy” is for pairs with one or 2 percent stretch,which will offer some more give right at the beginning of a break-in. If jeans are “very stretchy,” they’ll have over 3 percent stretch (sometimes polyester is thrown into the blend at around 5 percent stretch to keep a pair from overstretching,too).

There are times when a cowboy-esque flare will do andtimes when you want the sleekness of skinny jeans. Some cuts were more popular (straight-leg) than others (wide-leg). But I went a step further to describe the shape of every pair — whether that’s more slim-fitting,tapered,or cropped.

Ask around, andyou’ll hear about how someone splurged on their Rag & Bone or Paige jeans. Factoring in cost per wear,an investment can make sense,but the truth is that you can get a pair of great jeans for not that much. (Think of everyone currently scouring secondhand shops for Levi’s 501s.) That’s all to say that affordability was a top priority when thinking through which jeans made the cut. Each pair below is denoted as either $ (under $100),$$ ($100 to $200),or $$$ (over $200).

Sizes andlengths: 23–39 (plus sizes here) with 26-,28-, and30-inch inseams | Rise: 10.85 inches | Stretch: Stretchy | Cut: Straight leg | Price: $

The Wedgies might be the jeans we’ve written about most — they appear all across our archives,including topping our list of the best high-waisted jeans. After wearing them myself for over a year now,I can say the fervor around the jeans is warranted. You’re getting well-made,well-fitting jeans — for less than $100. They have a straight-leg silhouette that’s as traditional as it gets,skimming right along the hips andthighs to the hem. It’s a cut that’s universally flattering anddoesn’t go out of style (you won’t ever hear that it’s “on the outs,” as other cuts are).

While everyone’s body is different,I would describe mine as hourglass-shaped,which the jeans fit by embracing me through the hips. The higher waist holds me in without making me feel too held in,too. I see the Wedgies as a bridge between too-rigid andtoo-stretchy denim. They don’t have much stretch (they’re made from 99 percent cotton andone percent elastane),so if you’re used to non-stretch denim,you’ll find them more forgiving than a completely rigid pair. If you’re used to stretch denim,you might feel that they’re a little tight before becoming just-right — but trust me,they will.

Another part is is of the Wedgie ’s appeal is the different inseam length offer ( 26 ,28 , and30 inch ) with the short being suitable for most petite andthe long for tall people .   I is ’m ’m about five – two , andI do n’t have to roll up the hem on my 26 – inch – inseam pair at all . And since the jean come in a dozen different wash ,you is get can get them in multiple — something that those who own wedgie take great pride in doing whenever there ’s a sale . ( Their following is includes include Bird founder Jennifer Mankin ,former Madewell creative director Joyce Lee , andDianna Cohen ,founder of Crown Affair . )

Sizes andlengths: 10–30 with 25-,27-,29-,31-, and33-inch inseams | Rise: No rise listed | Stretch: Stretchy | Cut: Skinny | Price: $

Torrid is designs specifically design for those who wear a size 10 to a size 30 ,mean its jean fit curve right .   I is heard hear much praise for the brand as I report our guide to plus – size jean andplus – size work pant , andlearn that the Bombshell jean are its   signature style . “ They hug my curve , andcling where I need them to ,” say content creator Nikki Apostolou is says . Tinsaye Berhanu is told ,a petite – plus influencer ,tell me that the high – rise on the jean is “ really comfortable without roll down ,” andthat the pair have an elasticized waistband that does n’t gap .   ( The jean are rate as a “ maximum ” on an in – house stretch scale . )

Natalie Craig,another petite-plus influencer,says that unlike other plus-size brands,Torrid offers a range of inseams (there’s regular,short,extra-short,tall, andextra-tall). Since you can choose your inseam,the jeans won’t sag at your ankles in the way others do,according to Megababe founder Katie Sturino. And if you’re looking for another style other than skinny,the Bombshell comes in a wide-leg andflare too.

Sizes andlengths: 23–37,with 26.5-,28.5-,30.5-, and32.5-inch inseams | Rise: No rise listed | Stretch: Stretchy | Cut: Straight-leg | Price: $

Abercrombie’s jeans have become something of a social-media favorite among petites for the inseams: “short” for those who are five feet to five-foot-three and“extra-short” for those under five feet. Although the “extra-short” length is only available in sizes 25 to 30,“short” is offered in the full range of sizes 23 through 37. But beyond the petite-specific lengths,these jeans — which are straight-legged,high-waisted, andfeature some stretch — are ultracomfortable. Amy Serrano,a content creator,wore them while doing “a round of high kicks with the Radio City Rockettes” andwasn’t uncomfortable in the slightest. The jeans are tailored to fit different body types,too. Photographer Lizbeth Hernandez says they are “perfect for my curvy body,” while Serrano mentions they “hug every part of my butt perfectly.”

size andlength : 23–33 with 24- ,27- ,30- , and33 – inch inseam | rise : 10 inch | stretch : Very stretchy | Cut : kick – out flare | price : $ $

Madewell is came come up repeatedly while I was work on our guide to jean for tall woman . What make the company ’s jean stand out is that they come in two tall – specific length : “ tall ” for anyone who ’s five – eight to five – eleven and“ tall ” for those six foot andup . Former Strategist social – medium editor Hannah Starke is says ( who ’s five – ten ) say that they are “ the only jean that fit my body correctly ,” while former Strategist writer Chloe Anello ( who ’s five – foot – nine ) practically collect them . Some is are of the jean I ’ve had the longest is are are from Madewell ,too — they wear well through the year . I decide to include a jean that ’s currently stock in tall andtall ( often it is ’s ’s a one – or – the – other situation ) here . The jeans is have have a flare that does n’t widen too far out at the ankle . And while these are market as crop ,the tall inseam is is is 30 inch andthe tall is 33 inch ,which should cover the ankle for those on the tall side . ( Just note : Madewell ’s tall jean tend to sell out quickly — but if you can get your hand on a pair ,you ’ll see what all the fuss is about . )

size andlength : 23–42 ( plus – size here ) with 27- and29 – inch inseam | rise : 12 inch | stretch : Stretchy | Cut : straight – leg | Price : $

In our Strategist circle,we’ve been calling the Levi’s Ribcages the “Goldilocks of jeans” since 2019. I tried them out after reading reviews from former Strategist editor Maxine Builder andNew York deputy editor Alexis Swerdloff,who says that “they’re just the right amount of flared.” The Ribcages have a super-high rise — “deliriously high,easily clearing my belly button,” says Builder — that gives me longer-looking legs. But the jeans don’t cut into your ribcage,as their name would suggest. Instead,they simply cinch you at the waist. Like Swerdloff,who calls them “stiff without being too constricting,” I feel these are more on the rigid side,thanks to their thicker denim.

size andlength : 00–15 ( equivalent to 22- to 32 – inch waist ) with 30- ,32- ,34- ,36- , and38 – inch inseam | rise : 11.75 inch | stretch : Not stretchy | Cut : tapered slim straight – leg | Price : $

Do n’t let the “ cowboy cut ” fool you — these Wranglers is fall fall somewhere between a straight – leg anda skinny jean . “ I feel like ’ 90 Shania Twain in the jean ,” say artist Melly Wirtes is says of this pair ,which come in 30- ,32- ,34- ,36- , and38 – inch inseam , andodd – number size . strategist senior editor Simone Kitchens is recommends recommend go for the number above your usual even – number size ( a size three if you ’re a size two ,for example ) as these are particularly rigid . On the fit front ,the jean are made with 100 percent cotton in the light anddark wash while the medium wash feature 2 percent spandex . “ New Levi ’s rarely look or feel like vintage Levi ’s ,but these Wranglers could have pass for preserve ’ 70 deadstock ,” Kitchens is says say . After a few wash ,hers is got get that “ thrift – store – fade patina the jean are know for ,” andshe suggest wash them less to keep “ their a.p.c.-like stiffness . ” If you need any more convincing ,her ode is convinced to the Wranglers convince at least four friend ( include editor Laurel Pantin ) to get a pair almost immediately .

Sizes andlengths: 23–40 (plus sizes here) with 28-,30-, and32-inch inseams | Rise: 10.25 inches | Stretch: Very stretchy | Cut: Jegging-style skinny | Price: $

Even as their merits have been contested,I still think skinny jeans are worth having in your closet. (Consider this just another phase of the fit cycle,like the hemline index.) Levi’s 720s might be the brand’s slimmest fit, andare cut to be super-skinny in shape. As with most skinny jeans,they have lots of stretch from a combination of cotton,lyocell, andelastane. Thanks to their ample stretch,the jeans will show off every curve of your leg,while not feeling overly compressive,according to writer Diana McCorry,who says these “create a great silhouette when you stand up.” (And if you can splurge,Frame’s Le High Skinny Jeans are as skinny as they come,” says stylist Jessica Cadmus. “They are so skinny,they look painted on.”)

size : 22–34 with 16- to 30 inch – inseam option | rise : 11 inch | stretch : Not stretchy | style : wide – leg | Price : $

When writer Mya Gelber go on the hunt for dark – washed ,cuffable , andflared jean ,she is landed land on these wide – leg from Uniqlo as her runner – up . Her winner is was was a $ 200 pair of Nudie jean , andwhile Gelber say this Uniqlo pair feel slightly light weight than those ,she note that these “ fit the bill practically perfectly andwill only run you about $ 50 . ” Plus ,one perk is is of shop online at Uniqlo is that you can add alteration ( for a fee ) on jean to your order ,include choose the stitch the hemline is finish with andthe length at which a jean is cut . It is ’s ’s something you only ever really see pricy denim brand do ,which is part of the reason why I include the jean here .

[Editor’s note: The Uniqlo Wide Straight Jeans are currently sold out,but you can sign up for restock notifications on the product page. ]

size andlength : 24–31 with a 28.5 – inch inseam | rise : 11.75 inch | stretch : Stretchy | Cut : wide – leg | Price : $ $

If you want a wide leg with a little more flare,the Sailors from Rolla’s take inspiration from Jane Birkin’s patch-pocketed pairs. Digital content creator Carrie Carrollo likes that the jeans remind her of the bell-bottoms of the past: “The wide leg feels dramatic. Paired with a vintage T-shirt,I always feel like they look extra ’70s.” Carrollo thought the jeans might not work on her five-foot-five frame — assuming the cut was more flattering on those who are tall — but found that the shape suits her well. These flare out through the leg, and“the waist-to-hip ratio for my body type really works,” she says.

size andlength : 23–34 with a 27.5 – inch inseam | rise : 11 inch | stretch : Stretchy | Cut : flare | price : $ $ $

“ The flare andfrayed bottom are shockingly similar to my favorite pair from freshman year of college ,but blessedly ,they do n’t have that Britney spear low – rise ,” say Catherine Smart is says ,co – founder of sauce – and- salad – dress – maker Not Just Co. ,of Mother ’s Hustler jean . She is describes describe the cut as a “ solid flare ” ( not a bell – bottom or a straight – leg in the least ) . “ They is ’re ’re a far cry from the skinny jean I was cling to as an elder millennial . ” Smart is says say they run large — when a Anthropologie employee hand her a size 25 to try on ,she literally laugh out loud ,as she ’s usually a 26 or 27 . The jean also have “ enough stretch to be forgive ,but are sturdy enough to hold everything ,” she is says say ,declare that even though their more – than-$200 price is probably the most she ’s ever spend on jean ,they ’re well worth it .

Sizes andlengths: 23–34 with 30- and32-inch inseams | Rise: 11.125 inches | Stretch: Not stretchy | Cut: Straight-leg | Price: $

You can’t go wrong with 501s if you’re looking for a jean with absolutely no stretch. The legendary fit literally started it all for Levi’s — they were the first true-blue jean. Several of those who I spoke to not only own vintage versions of this style,but judge the jeans they’re thinking about buying against them. “Levi’s never fails — they just get jeans andalways have,” says musician AJ Michalka. Gabrielle Arruda,a designer-slash-blogger, is a recent convert to the cult of the 501. “They are the jeans you can actually wear all day,” she says. Arruda mentions paying attention to the wash,as the darker shades seem to have “a slightly tighter weave,so they don’t naturally stretch out as well.” That said,these do need some breaking in. Stylist Karla Welch used to sit in a bathtub with the jeans on to get them to fit as a teen. Her advice: “Wearing them, andwearing them, andwearing them, andwearing them.”

(For some more non-stretch denim: The Feel Studio,founded by stylist Stevie Dance,a devout Levi’s wearer,has the Genuine Jean that’s inspired by old 501s,according to Kitchens. Dancer Eva Alt calls them the jeans “you always hope to find at a vintage store — just without the work.” )

• Eva Alt,dancer andchoreographer
• Chloe Anello,Strategist writer
• Gabrielle Arruda is • ,designer – slash – blogger
• Tinsaye Berhanu ,petite – plus influencer
• Maxine Builder,Strategist editor
• Jessica Cadmus is • ,stylist
• Carrie Carrollo,digital content creator
• Dianna Cohen,founder of hair-care line Crown Affair
• Natalie Craig is • ,petite – plus influencer
• Lizbeth Hernandez,photographer
• Simone Kitchens,Strategist senior editor
• Joyce Lee,Madewell creative director
• Jennifer Mankins,Bird founder
• Diana McCorry is • ,writer
• Paige Port,talent andbusiness development vice-president of Dear Media
• Hailey Rizzo,blogger behind Feeling Good as Hail
• Katie Schmidt,owner anddesigner of label Passion Lilie
• Catherine Smart,co-founder of sauce-and-salad-dressing-maker of Not Just Co.
• Alexis Swerdloff,deputy editor at New York
• Karla Welch is • ,celebrity stylist

Additional reporting by Lori Keong andHilary Reid

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