One of our favorite ways to beat the winter blues is to indulge in a little retail therapy — don't judge; we are shopping editors, after all! And one of our favorite things to snap up is a great pair of jeans. While new trendy denim styles come out every season, there really is nothing quite like discovering that perfect pair you can reach for time and time again and never worry about them being out of style.
With so many styles, washes and cuts available, it's easy to get overwhelmed when searching for your ideal pair — especially since jeans are one of those items you really need to try on to see their true potential. But don’t worry, that’s where we come in! I chatted with some of my fellow Yahoo shopping experts about which jeans have become their trusted go-tos. After testing out tons of denim styles over the years (the perks of the job!), we’ve gathered some great opinions and a fantastic range of denim recommendations just for you!
It doesn’t get much more classic than these high-rise, straight-leg jeans by Levi's. Our senior home and garden editor Jessica Dodell-Feder has had them for over a year and is a big fan. "In my opinion, these are the perfect wide (but not too wide) jeans," she says. "They feel timeless and also trendy, which is pretty impressive!" With 15 different washes to choose from, you’ll definitely find a pair that suits your style. Though, Dodell-Feder adds, "the fit of Levi's jeans varies wildly by wash, in my experience." So while she would love to get them in another colorway, she would have to try them on before buying to ensure they fit the same.
Dodell-Feder also tells us they are surprisingly comfortable despite having a structured silhouette. "They have a very high waist and button fly so they are not sweatpants-comfy. But for no-stretch denim, I find them very comfortable, probably because of the wide-legged fit." Even better, they hit just above the ankle so your shoe collection can take center stage.
If you've been on the hunt for a pair of jeans with "just the right amount of stretch to hug your curves and not lose their shape throughout the day," Shopping Director Jeanine Edwards recommends this cute and classic pair from J.Crew. They’re ultra-stretchy, so they move with you comfortably. Edwards actually mentions that she often sits with her legs folded up while working at her desk, and these jeans make it super comfy for her. Pretty impressive, right? It probably helps that the jeans have a mid-rise silhouette, so they still give you ample coverage without digging in like some high-rise options do.
Now, a little heads up: They can stretch out a bit if you wear them several times without a wash. But no worries — Jeanine says they bounce right back after a spin in the washer. She’s such a fan of the kick flare jeans that she owns them in four different washes and is already planning to grab another pair when they go on sale. And it’s easy to see why: Jeanine loves pairing them with just about everything: "Tees, cashmere sweaters, sweatshirts, button-up shirts. And all kinds of shoes too. I'm a pretty casual person, so I live in jeans, and these are one of my go-to pairs."
We've all had that aha moment when we finally find a pair of denim that fits us so well that we want to buy it in multiple colors. Well, this popular pair of Levi's comes in 13 washes, so you can have a wide variety of styles in your rotation. I've been living in my medium-wash blue pair for the past few months and love them so much that I just ordered the white and black styles, and can't wait for them to arrive!
I've tried all kinds of denim over the years, from super skinny to fun flares, but I can honestly say these slouchy Levi's are the most comfortable I've ever worn. They have the right amount of bagginess through the thighs and calves so I feel cozy yet still look polished. Plus, they come in two inseam lengths, which is such a win for me since many jeans are often too short. The 32 length fits me just right.
Editor Karisa Langlo has found a gem in these clever Spanx jeans. With built-in shapewear technology, they hug your curves just right, making them fit "like a glove — everywhere." They’re made from a super soft and stretchy fabric that feels great to wear. Plus, they come with a smoothing panel across the hips, a faux fly, belt loops, and real pockets — so no one will ever guess that these stylish jeans are actually pull-ons.
Now, Langlo does mention one tiny downside: They can feel a bit snug when you're sitting down. While they don’t dig in, she describes them as "very tight and holding you firmly." But overall, she gives them a thumbs-up, especially for fellow elder millennials who want to explore a variety of jean styles without letting go of their beloved skinny jeans. A solid pick for anyone who's looking to enjoy the benefits of shapewear while still being stylish.
The struggle to find jeans is real. You know how it goes — when you finally find a pair that fits your waist, they don’t quite match up in length, and vice versa. Thankfully, Abercrombie is making the search a whole lot easier. With sizes ranging from 23 to 37, plus a variety of lengths such as extra short, short, regular, long and extra long, you’re bound to find something that works for you. Senior Deals Writer Britt Ross, who is five feet tall, knows this struggle all too well. She loves how Abercrombie’s short length hugs her curvy shape without being too long.
Ross really appreciates that the leg area is slightly wider, as it adds comfort and makes styling a breeze! She likes to pair them with fitted tops for a cute contrast, whether it’s a tank or tee in the summer or a snug turtleneck when it gets colder. And if her top isn’t a crop top, she often tucks it in for a stylish look. Even better? The high-rise denim is a hit with younger shoppers. Britt shared a fun moment where her Gen Z hairstylist complimented her jeans, giving her a little boost of confidence and reminding her that style knows no age. "It made me feel slightly less old, LOL."
Who doesn’t treasure a great pair of jeans that can be dressed up or down? If you’re on the hunt, our senior commerce writer Kristin Granero highly recommends checking out this Banana Republic style. She says, “They look chic with just about every top in my wardrobe.” Whether you pair them with a button-up or a cozy sweater and flats, heels or boots, they’ve got you covered.
Granero owns the medium blue wash but there seven other options as well including pale blue, dark indigo, white and tan. She’s been rocking her pair for over two years, and they still look fantastic. She mentions, “Their integrity has remained. They do get a little tighter after washing, then loosen up throughout the day like most jeans.” Plus, she loves the beautiful wash, saying, “It’s perfect no matter the season, and they’re incredibly comfortable!” Sounds like a win to us.
Our beauty director Jennifer Romolini has been on a quest for her dream jeans for over two years — jeans that are not only stylish but also super comfy. Well, she finally found them, and she’s raving about her new favorite, the Nap Jeans. She describes them as "magic pants" and says they are ideal for anyone who loves the look of jeans but hates actually wearing them. "These are the most comfortable, non-digging, stylish, sexy jeans I've ever owned. They feel like soft elastic waist pants but have the structure of regular denim!"
Designed for those of us who have a little extra junk in the trunk, these jeans have a touch of spandex for that perfect stretch, so you can feel comfortable without worrying about losing their shape. Available in two classic washes, dark blue and faded black, these jeans are super easy to mix and match with everything in your closet. Romolini also loves the straight-leg silhouette, which she says looks great with all kinds of shoes, including sporty sneakers, dressy boots or casual slip-on Vans.
When Deputy Editor Izabella Zaydenberg recommended these adorable kick flare jeans from Everlane, we were already intrigued. But when she mentioned, "I wore my pair to Thanksgiving dinner last year and I didn't have to sneakily unbutton my pants after my second serving of pie," we were absolutely sold. She gave them a glowing 5 out of 5 on the comfort scale, raving about how they don’t dig in, are super stretchy and feel so freeing.
These eco-friendly jeans are crafted from a mix of OCS-certified organic cotton and a special Lenzing Ecovero fiber sourced from FSC-certified wood pulp. The best part? This fiber boasts up to 50% lower carbon emissions and a 50% reduced water impact compared to regular viscose, so you can feel good about your purchase. There are three gorgeous washes available (Zaydenberg already owns two), and they're currently on final sale. So if you wanted to give them a try for yourself, do so now before your size sells out.
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