Here at Shop TODAY, our writers and editors have tried, reviewed and read up on hundreds (if not thousands) of jeans. With so many fits and styles going around, we like to stay up to speed on what denim-wearers are loving. Needless to say, we're a great source of information when it comes to jeans — whether you're looking up the next big trend or need a good deal on a quality pair.
So, we did you a favor and collected all — and we mean all — of our jeans-related content and put it in one place just for you! Keep reading to explore a wealth of expert tips and tricks, in-depth reviews and editor-favorite products all centered on everyone's favorite year-round fashion staple: Jeans! Scroll on for more, or click below to learn more about the type of jeans you’re looking for.
Editor-favorite jeans
Best flare jean
"I am truly obsessed with these jeans," raves senior social media editor Kate McCarthy. "I bought them in the fall and now own them in four different colors. They’re the first pair of jeans I’ve ever had that I can wear all day and not feel like I need to rip them off by the end of the day. They fit true-to-size without being stifling."
Best bootleg jeans
“I never believed jeans could be as comfortable as leggings, but this pair gets extremely close,” raves associate partnerships editor Lauren Witonsky. “They have the perfect amount of stretch to feel flexible (enough to squat down) but look form-fitting. For someone with long legs, I love that these come in two different inseams and find the 33” fit me perfectly at 5’8”. Plus, the double-button detail makes them stand out from your usual black pair!”
Best straight-leg jean
Associate editor Kamari Stewart says she will rave about these jeans to anyone who will listen. “I was skeptical of Good American at first, but after trying them out, I totally understand the hype,” she says. She also adds that they are comfortable to wear, have some stretch to them and are super flattering.
“You never really know what you’re going to get with black denim, but these do not disappoint. At this point, they’re a part of my weekly rotation. They’re also still in great condition after multiple rounds in both the washer and dryer. I think they’re worth the investment.”
The best looks-like-jeans-but-isn’t-jeans jeans
“Are these jeans? Are these sweats? According to editor Rebecca Brown, they’re the perfect combination of both. “The pitch I got was ‘if sweatpants and chinos had a baby,’ and honestly that’s a great way to describe these,” she adds. “Unlike many pants that tout themselves as soft, these are a heavy knit. I wouldn’t be scared to wear these in cold temperatures.”
Most unique
If there's one pair of jeans production associate Audrey Ekman wants you to know about, its this curve pair from Everlane. "These are easily my most-worn jeans of 2024 so far," she says. They've proven to be a year-round staple for her, pairing well with tank tops in the summer and turtleneck sweaters in winter. "I instantly feel so chic and put together when I pull them on. The high waist is super flattering, they’re designed to hit at the ankle and they’re offered in a couple inseam lengths, which means they actually fit my 5’1” frame right off the rack!"
Best wide-leg jean
Associate editor Sierra Hoeger admits that she normally "loses the battle for shopping for jeans before even stepping into the fitting room," mainly because most denim are either too long, too large around the waist or too tight on the thighs. But then she found a pair of Madewell jeans that fit perfectly in all three areas.
"They’re snug in all the right places, while being breathable and roomy in all the right ones," she says. "Plus, they’re just the right length that I can wear kitten heels, Doc Marten boots or sneakers without fear of excess fabric dragging on the ground. They’re my most go-to pair of jeans, thanks to how well they fit and how good they look with just about anything in my closet, from going out tops to oversized, chunky sweaters."
For tummy-control features
For deputy managing editor Jess Bender, jean sizing is very hit or miss, which is why she depends on fashion subscriptions to try out buzzy brands before making big purchases. Having wanted to try Good American for the longest time, but not sure if it would look good on her midsize frame, she turned to Nuuly to borrow a pair and give them a shot.
"Off the bat, I’m obsessed with how flattering this [pair] is — the length elongates my legs, it has just enough hug around my waist and butt without being constrictive and it features 'tummy smoothing technology' if you’re sensitive about your mid-region like I am," she says. "The relaxed style and wide leg adds a trendy edge to whatever piece I’m wearing, whether it’s a laidback sweatshirt or oversized polo sweater."
How to find your perfect fit
There's a reason why so many people, especially women, dread shopping for jeans. There's no universal sizing chart, no guarantee that your correct size will be available, no way to know if "high rise" means the same thing from one shopper to the other — we could go on.
Luckily, we tapped a few pros to get the skinny on how to find the perfect pair for your beautiful shape. Simply click on the link below to learn more!
Best mom jeans
The "mom" jean found it's way at the top of the denim hierarchy pyramid back in 2022 when it made an unexpected comeback in the fashion world. And its popularity has done nothing but grow... exponentially.
So, what makes this rather laid-back style so great? It's simple, really: It has a high waist that's comfortable and flattering at the same time. And the same can be said for its straight-leg fit.
“It’s not really hugging you in any places other than the waist, so it accentuates your waist and gives you more of an hourglass figure — even if you don’t have one,” New York City-based Stylist Sheyna Imm previously told Shop TODAY.
Several other denim-related trends have resurfaced since, but it just seems like mom's tried-and-true will continue to stand the test of time.
According to the brand, these relaxed jeans have a stretch that offers a "fits just right" feel. The vintage-inspired look comes in dark and medium washes, both of which are said to be "super soft" and made with fabric that is certified by OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (aka, no hazardous substances here!).
Best skinny jeans
Still on team skinny jeans? Trust us, you're not alone. While the tight-leg style has been deemed "uncool" by younger generations, die-hard fans of the trend refuse to let it go for its snug fit and perfect-to-pair-with-a-boot leg.
Sure, the fit might get some friendly hate, but if you can't help but keep your skinny pair as your everyday go-to, we found a few more you can shop and add to your "controversial" collection.
You want skinny jeans? Target is here to deliver, with this high-rise pair that offers stretch, a wide range of sizes and a price you won’t be able to ignore.
Diehard skinny jean fan associate producer Alexa Arent says her favorite pair has to be this high-waisted option from Old Navy. According to the brand, it has a snug fit from hop to thigh and ends with a "super-skinny" pant leg that hits at the ankle.
If you’ve forgotten how fashionable skinny jeans can be, allow us to remind you with this pair from Gap. Pair the high-stretch denim with a satin button down, a statement belt and heels, and you’ll have yourself a head-turning ‘fit.
If you want to ensure your skinny jeans offer the best fit possible, we recommend this Good American pair, which the brand calls un upgrade on “America's favorite jeans.” They’re also described as the most inclusive jeans, "period," due to a design that adapts to your body's changes. We’ll take 10.
Best wide-leg jeans
Arguably one of the most versatile styles in the denim works, the wide-leg jean is the obvious choice when you're craving a flattering silhouette. But with this one, our experts say it all comes down to the fit.
“I recommend getting measured as that will ensure your best fit, shared Life Coach and Image Consultant, Christina Stein. "You don’t want your jeans to be tight by your thighs. You want them to be flowy throughout. If you’re in between sizes, opt for the bigger size as you can always tailor them to your preference.
Pair these wide-leg jeans with your favorite loose-fitted blouse and booties, and you'll have yourself the perfect fall look!
If the name of these pants tells us anything about them, we can expect all-around perfection. By looks alone, we’re loving the wide pant leg, thick hem and waist-snatching high-rise fit.
If you’re not comfortable with getting compliments and having all eyes on you, we don’t recommend this pair. They’re too unique and stunning to get away with staying under the radar.
Best slimming jeans
If you search for the words "tummy control," "slimming," or "shaping" in the name of your jeans, we hear you. There's nothing worse than wearing denim that you don't feel comfortable and confident in. So we rounded up a few of our favorite picks that we're sure will give you the flattering fit you're looking for.
When we find a perfect pair of Levi’s, we’re tempted to shout it from the rooftops. Because who wouldn’t want to stock up on a fresh pair of the brand’s iconic denim
When it comes to getting a slimming fit, you can always count on Spanx to deliver. These jeans feature the brand's LLYCRA FitSense denim tech, which targets sculpting zones and works to enhance the butt area.
Best flare jeans
Want an even bigger blast to the denim trend past? It's a good thing this '70s style is making a comeback! When you want to add an extra bit of "flair" to your look, a flared jean is the way to go. The retro fit has been on the rise for a few years now, bringing a ton of different options — from a more subtle bootcut to bell bottoms — to the market from more and more retailers. Check out all of our faves!
This under-$40 jean offers the classic flared style we know and love. With a snug fit from waist to thigh and wide hem below the knee, you're not only getting the iconic look, but you're also going to be thrilled with the stretchy, comfortable fit.
I tried these NYDJ jeans for the first time last year, and they still live up to the hype. The brand’s mission statement is dedicated to meeting women’s head-to-toe style needs, and they delivered with this pair. I grabbed the all-white style, but they also have four more traditional washes to choose from.
Best jeans for curvy women
We all know that women come in all beautiful shapes and sizes, but even with so many body types, personal styles and aesthetics, finding the right pair of jeans and the best brand that works for you isn't easy. Well, if you've got curves, don't fret; we asked some of the pros how to get the perfect fit.
What it really boils down to is this: Try on as many pairs as possible; when in doubt, size up and see a tailor and, most importantly, trust your gut.
Los Angeles-based Stylist Kat Eves says, "I don’t style people based on flattering; I style people based on what makes them feel the most like themselves. Rather than chasing a trend or choosing something that somebody else told them is flattering, the question is: how does it make you feel? How does your body feel in this pair of jeans?"
What's trending at Eloquii? According to the brand, shoppers are flocking to these cargo styles, which feature a flattering wide-leg fit, pockets on the legs and a high-rise waistband.
Best jeans for petite women
Are you 5', 3'' tall or under? We have two words for you: petite inseams. If you've been visiting a tailor more times than you care to admit, it's likely because you're not looking for your height's proper inseam! According to the pros, measuring your inseam (the length from your crotch to the bottom of your leg) will help leaps and bounds while looking for your perfect fit. Stylists also recommend focusing on mostly mid- and high-rise jeans, because they elongate your frame and make you look taller.
Whether you want to make your legs look longer, feel more comfortable or save some money with an appropriately fitted hem, click the link above for expert advice on how and where to find denim that actually flatters your height.
This jean is offered in three inseam lengths, so any body length can find their perfect fit. For shorter ladies, the petite size should hit right at the ankle, making for a great pant to pair with sneakers or flats.
Just because you're short doesn't mean you can't rock a wide-leg fit! Grab this pair in a petite size for a flattering jean you won't look like you're swimming in.
Shop TODAY denim reviews
- Editorial operations manager Jillian Ortiz tried: Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Totally Shaping Pull-on Skinny Jeans, $28.76
- Sullivan also tried: Grapent High-Waisted Flare Jeans, $31.98
- Contributing writer PJ Gach tried: Democracy Ab Solution High Rise Ankle Jeans, $78
Other jean types to shop
Super high-waisted jeans
Cargo jeans
Barrel-leg jeans
Sweatpant jeans
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the jeans to shop based on certain preferences. We comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
We asked stylists for their best denim recommendations and advice on finding your perfect fit. Shop TODAY editors also tried different pairs while considering availability and size inclusivity.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
Meet the experts
- Sheyna Imm is a New York City-based Stylist.
- Kat Eves is a Los Angeles-based Stylist.
- Christina Stein is a Life Coach and Image Consultant.
