Hunting for jeans is oft cited as one of the most-dreaded shopping activity. Finding a well-fitting, comfortable and flattering pair can truly feel like an impossibility: The sizing is inconsistent from brand to brand, sometimes even between styles and washes within the same brand. How is it possible that the waist gaps and pinches simultaneously? And of course, you want your tush to look great — it's a tall order.
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That said, every single body is so, so different. Even though we've tested dozens of jeans in a range of brands, cuts and styles, every person's body type and preferences are highly specific. That's why we enlisted our fellow Yahoo Shopping editors, a crew that's collectively tried on a lot of denim in the name of research — we're talking hundreds of pairs over a combined century, at least. Suffice it to say, we have a lot of opinions.
Our team has a diverse range of body types and ages that span generations. We have different style preferences and goals. Some are curvy women who love buttery-soft stretchy denim while others prefer loose-fitting baggy jeans that feel like sweatpants. We combined all of this unique experience to find the best jeans out there for various fits and figures, from the best jeans for tall women to the perfect denim for petites in trendy wide-leg styles and washes, from white jeans to black rinses and everything in between, from sizes 00 to 36.
The best jeans for 2026
Everlane/Yahoo Shopping
Material: 98% Organic cotton, 2% elastane | Sizes: 23-33 | Washes: 7 options | Inseams: 29.5", 31.5" | Leg: Wide | Rise: High | Stretch: Low
Why we love them: With a medium-high waist, a perfectly-balanced wide leg and a classic dark denim wash, the Way-High Sailor Jean is great for any and every occasion. This pair is made of mostly organic cotton with a tiny bit of stretch, so you can expect them to last season after season (and they won't go out of style over time either).
What our pros say: If I could only wear one pair of jeans for the rest of my life, I'd choose this Goldilocks pair. In fact, I love them so much that I own them in three different colors. The waist has the perfect amount of hold while still being comfortable enough to wear all day (and I'm talking sitting too, not just standing).
Keep in mind: The waist on these jeans runs a little big so I sized down and they fit perfectly. The 'sailor' wide leg doesn't look exaggerated at all; in fact it's a really balancing silhouette. Everlane no longer offers its 27.5" inseam that was perfect for petites, so these may run long on shorter frames. - Hannah Oh
- High cotton content with a tiny bit of stretch
- Great structure but still easy to sit in
- Medium high waist with a "held in" feeling
- Waist runs big
Old Navy/Yahoo Shopping
Material: 87% cotton, 12% polyester, 1% spandex | Sizes: 00-30 | Washes: 12 | Inseams: Petite, regular, tall | Leg: Loose/straight | Rise: Mid | Stretch: Medium
Why we love them: There are no other pants in my overstuffed closet that net me more compliments than this budget-friendly Old Navy pair. They're billed as high-rise but I find them to be a true mid-rise, hitting right below the belly button without cutting off at the tummy. They're super affordable and also go on sale fairly frequently, so you can grab them at an even more wallet-friendly price.
What our pros say: I'm 5'7" and the regular inseam is absolutely perfect; they barely skim the floor when I'm in flats. I have them in two colors and if I had more closet space, would buy more — they're fitted through the hips and tush (and make both look good) and they go straight down without flaring or bunching.
Keep in mind: Don't you dare think about putting these jeans in the dryer; you'll lose at least an inch off the hem. Instead, lay them flat to air dry. - Jessica Teich
- Flattering mid-rise fit
- Affordable price point and often on sale
- Won't bunch up or flare out
- Will shrink if tumble dried
Anthropologie/Yahoo Shopping
Material: 81% cotton, 11% lyocell, 6% polyester, 2% elastane | Sizes: 23-34 | Washes: 4 options | Inseams: Petite, standard, tall, plus | Leg: Wide | Rise: High | Stretch: High
Why we love them: If you'd pick leggings over denim any day, these are the jeans for you. They're extremely comfortable with great stretch thanks to the low 81% cotton content. They hug the backside and mid-thighs with a wide leg, plus you get maximum mobility since the fabric moves with you and the cool patch pockets don't add any extra bulk since they lay completely flat against the hips.
What our pros say: "The Maeve Colette jeans are one of the very few pairs out there that actually fit almost every body correctly," says personal stylist Sahra Brandt, founder of Shop the City. "I'd definitely suggest a stretch jean for anyone who's going to be moving around a lot. Just be mindful to potentially size down because they'll stretch a little over time."
Keep in mind: Because of the high stretch content, these jeans don't have the same type of longevity as a 100% cotton pant would. Customers report experiencing stretching in the knees in particular. Make sure to avoid putting these in the dryer to extend their life as much as possible. - Hannah Oh
- Extremely soft, stretchy, comfortable material
- Cool patch pockets that don't add bulk
- Flattering on the tush
- May eventually stretch out
Universal Standard/Yahoo Shopping
Material: 64% cotton, 24% polyester, 10.5% rayon, 1.5% elastane | Sizes: 00-36 | Washes: 5 | Inseams: 27", 32" | Leg: Straight | Rise: High | Stretch: High
Why we love them: These Universal Standard jeans are designed to fit curves like a stretchy, comfortable glove. The brand uses a size 18 as its sample size, so you know that its plus sizes aren't just a haphazardly scaled-up version of a straight size and notes that these jeans are specifically for anyone who has a 10"+ waist-to-hip difference to eliminate gaping.
What our pros say: "I've had these jeans for about a year now and they've become my go-to when I want to feel comfortable but still look more polished than I do in joggers or leggings," says Lauren Matthews-Ide, Director. "They've got just the right amount of stretch to move with you, yet they hold their shape pretty well after multiple wears. They do run large, so I recommend sizing down one from your usual fit. For reference, I'm 5'7" and wear the 'long' length, which hits perfectly at the ankle with sneakers."
Keep in mind: "My only gripe is that the hems tend to curl a bit after drying, so you have to iron them if you want them to lie flat," says Matthews-Ide. "The care tag says to air-dry, but I always toss mine in the dryer — so, maybe that's why!"
- Stretchy and comfortable but holds shape
- Designed to eliminate waist gaping
- Great size inclusivity
- Hems may curl if you put them in the dryer
Levi's/Yahoo Shopping
Material: 99% cotton, 1% lycra | Sizes: 24-34 | Washes: 6 | Inseams: Short, regular, long | Leg: Straight | Rise: High | Stretch: Low
Why we love them: Everyone loves the Levi's 501 jeans — they're a total classic that's been around for over 150 years. But anyone who's always on the hunt for a good curvy jean that fits at the hips without gaping at the waist should give the alternative 501 Curve style a try. They're roomier in the hips with an altered hip-to-waist ratio while still giving you the signature Levi's straight leg fit.
What our pros say: "I've been on an obsessive denim journey the past few months, trying and returning more pairs of jeans than I'd like to admit," says Editorial Manager Zainab Akande. "At this point, you could say I've earned a PhD in jeans. So I mean it when I say — if waist gaps are your mortal enemy or if you want a pair of jeans that are more forgiving around the hips and thighs, pick up a pair of Levi's 501 Curve Women's Jeans. I find them comfortable, ridiculously flattering for my curves, already own three pairs and plan on going back for more!"
Keep in mind: Some customers found these jeans to be too tight at the waist. The material is 99% cotton which means it does need to be "broken in" a little — but reviewers said that the jeans do loosen up around the waist over time.
- Curve-friendly version of the classic 501 style
- Forgiving around hips and thighs
- Loosens a little over time
- Needs to be broken in
Material: 57% cotton, 37% modal, 4% elastomultiester, 2% elastane | Sizes: 23-34 | Washes: 11 | Inseams: 32" | Leg: Boot | Rise: High | Stretch: High
Why we love them: While bootcut jeans were technically created to fit over tall boots (hence the name), they're also a totally slept-on style — just ask Initiatives Editor Julia Webb who named this Hudson pair as her go-to. The jeans are figure-hugging through the waist and hips with a looser, straight cut around the legs that creates a flattering, balanced look.
What our pros say: "I am not embarrassed to admit that I have about 25 pairs of jeans in my closet, because I wear a pair of denim almost every single day," says Webb. "They are, without a doubt, my favorite piece of clothing, but it actually wasn't too hard to pick a favorite pair. Hudson's Barbara Bootcut Jeans are the pair I always get complimented on. They hug my waist and thighs before flaring out below the knee, making my legs look miles long."
Keep in mind: "They are pricey at $195," Webb acknowledges. "But I swear they're worth every penny."
- Flatters the hips and creates a balanced silhouette
- Elongates the legs
- Can be worn over tall boots
- More expensive
Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane | Sizes: 23-37 | Washes: 8 | Inseams: Extra short, short, regular, long, extra long | Leg: Straight | Rise: Low | Stretch: Low
Why we love them: If you're a low-rise fan — or someone mentally prepared to venture into low-rise territory — Abercrombie & Fitch's iconic Baggy Jeans are a great place to start. A&F offers five different inseams and a curvy option for anyone who is looking for a tighter waist and roomier hips, so you can really find your perfect fit.
What our pros say: "If I could only wear these pants every day, I would," says Editor Elizabeth Berry, whose love for these jeans eclipsed her loyalty to another name-brand denim company she worked at for four years. She says they're still in great shape after a year of wear: "They haven't stretched out a considerable amount and feel more comfortable with each wear. My only gripe is that I got the Long version and there often isn't inventory in my size."
Keep in mind: While these jeans have been around for a while, it seems like Abercrombie may be phasing them out. They're on steep clearance, though that's great news for anyone whose size is in stock since they're only $60 now.
- Don't stretch out over time
- Gets more comfortable over time
- Multiple inseam and sizing options
- Sizing is limited
Material: 100% cotton | Sizes: 24-36 and petite/regular/tall fit | Washes: 3 | Inseams: Short, regular, long | Leg: Straight | Rise: Mid | Stretch: None
Why we love them: Solid, 100% cotton, mid-rise, straight-leg jeans — it doesn't get more timeless than this GAP pair. They come in pretty much every wash, fit and length you could want or need, and although the fabric may feel stiff at first, you can expect the high-quality material to last for a very long time.
What our pros say: "These are my 'old faithful' jeans — I've had them for years but they look and feel like the day I got them," says Editor Saundra Latham. "I might also call them my Goldilocks jeans because they're not too tight and not too loose, which means they've pretty much always been in style and always will be."
Keep in mind: "They're 100% cotton (i.e. no stretch) so you do have to nail your size," Latham notes. "But that also means they don't get stretched out and baggy as the day goes on (a personal pet peeve)."
- Holds its shape throughout the day
- Durable and classic style
- Not too tight, not too loose
- Zero stretch
Material: 99% cotton, 1% Lycra | Sizes: 23-34 | Washes: 10 | Inseams: 27", 29", 31" | Leg: Straight | Rise: High | Stretch: Low
Why we love them: It doesn't get much more universal than these high-rise, straight-leg jeans. Senior Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder has sworn by these for more than two years. They're not just any high-waisted pair either, no, they're the extra-high "ribcage" fit that's designed to make your legs look a mile long.
What our pros say: "They're the perfect wide-but-not-too wide shape, and the high rise is very flattering," says Dodell-Feder. "They have very minimal, if any, stretch and hit at the perfect spot on my ankle bone (a feat, considering I'm 5'3"). She says they are surprisingly comfortable despite having a structured fit, "probably because of the wide-legged fit."
Keep in mind: The low stretch content means that these jeans have a very "hold you in" type of feel to them. If you're between sizes, it's worth ordering both and seeing which feel more comfortable to you.
- Very high-waisted
- Elongates the legs
- True ankle length jean
- Low stretch, may feel tight
Material: 100% cotton | Sizes: 23-34 | Washes: 9 | Inseams: 30", 32" | Leg: Straight | Rise: High | Stretch: None
Why we love them: Senior Writer Rebecca Carhart says these jeans were her aha denim moment. After living in her medium-wash blue pair for months, she ordered them in white and black too. They're comfortably loose around the hips, thighs and legs without looking wildly oversized.
What our pros say: "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," Carhart says. "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."
Keep in mind: These tend to run a little long. The shortest inseam offered is 30", which isn't ideal if you're petite.
- Comfortably loose but not oversized
- Great for taller folks
- 100% cotton
- Shortest option is a fairly long inseam
How we chose the best jeans for women
There are tens of thousands of different pairs of jeans out there, and yet, they're among the most difficult clothing to shop for. There are so many little things that need to align to get the perfect fit — the right length, enough room for the hips, flattering stretch around the booty, a waistband that doesn't dig or gape — the list goes on.
Aside from trying each pair on IRL, the best way to determine which jeans will fit is based on feedback from real people who love them. We gathered intel for this article from a diverse testing pool of editors made up of women between 5'3" to 6'0", ages 25-44, many of whom have tried dozens of pairs of jeans in the past year alone.
We solicited tester feedback via a multi-question survey, resulting in 35 recommendations and 210 data points on fit, style, durability and comfort of the most popular denim brands. Using that data, we also considered the most common pain points when making our selections. The result is a list of jeans beloved by women of a range of heights and body types that'll act as a great resource to take with you on your denim shopping journey.
What to consider when shopping for jeans for women
Materials:
Cotton: Denim isn't denim without cotton. The earliest iterations of jeans were 100% cotton, which is the fabric content you should keep an eye out for if you love a rugged, vintage feel that breaks in over time. The downside is that they can feel rigid and stiff at first, and there's absolutely no stretch to the fiber, though it does have a tendency to bag with repeated wear.
Elastane/spandex/Lycra: This one is easy — all three of these words refer the same fiber that gives your jeans their stretch. Elastane and spandex are interchangeable words for the fiber, and Lycra is a brand name (think: tissues to Kleenex, or hand sanitizier to Purell). If you see a percentage of any of these materials on your fabric tag, know that your jeans will have a little bit of stretch and give to them. While some prefer a jean with stretch, they can be prone to wearing out faster than all-cotton jeans.
Polyester is an inexpensive synthetic fiber that tends to be more durable and more sweat-wicking than natural fibers like cotton. While it adds durability and affordability, it's also soft for that broken-in feeling right off the bat and helps maintain structure and shape over time. The downside is that the resulting fabric may not feel as substantial or weighty as all-cotton jeans, and that's increasingly true as the percentage grows. Keep this in mind if you prefer a heavy-weight jean.
Rayon is a soft, semi-synthetic material originally derived from plant cellulose, though heavily processed. It was created as a silk alternative and is often found in stretch denim. Modal and lyocell are two variations of rayon that are processed slightly differently. Modal tends to be softer and more lightweight, whereas lyocell is typically more durable and more costly to make. "These materials all add softness and durability to denim.
Inseam: Your inseam measurement is the length of your leg from the lowest point of your crotch to the spot on your ankle that you'd like your jeans to hit. You can measure this yourself or refer to these common inseams as a rule of thumb:
Short/petite: 23–25"
Regular: 26–28"
Tall: 29–32"
Rise "is an important factor to consider when shopping for denim because it controls the visual leg length," says stylist and StyledBuy founder Molly West Coe. Here are the three common rise options for jeans:
High-rise jeans hit at the natural waist. "High-rise styles raise the perceived waistline, create definition at the waist and make your legs look longer," says West Coe. "I recommend high-rise jeans for people will long torsos, short legs or a curvier/hourglass-shaped figure."
Mid-rise jeans hit right at the belly button. "Mid-rise jeans tend to be the most universally flattering, but they're particularly great for people who are petite or have a straight shape or athletic build. This rise gives natural-looking proportions and doesn't shorten the torso," West Coe explains.
Low-rise jeans sit on the hips. "Getting the fit right with low-rise can be tricky. It's best for anyone who's tall, has a short torso or has straight hips," West Coe notes. "This rise tends to visually lengthen your torso and create relaxed proportions."
Leg shapes: "This is where denim gets personal because it changes your proportions instantly," says stylist and Unfoldid founder Aricia Symes.
Skinny: "Tapering below the knee, skinny jeans work best when you want a sleek, streamlined leg which keeps outfits from feeling bottom-heavy," Symes explains.
Straight: Straight leg jeans are the exact same width all the way down from the thighs to the ankles. This creates a column look that's classic and timeless.
Wide: A trending style, Symes describes wide-leg jeans as a category, not one shape. "Some are subtly wide, some are voluminous, some widen gradually while others are wide all the way down," she explains.
Bootcut: "This is one of the most wearable, balanced shapes for most people. It's slimmer through the thigh and then gently widens over the knee to balance out the leg and work over boots," Symes says.
Flare: Often mixed up with bootcut, flare jeans are a stronger statement. The leg opening "kicks out more noticeably from the knee, which can be very elongating with a heel but may also feel overwhelming," notes Symes.
Barrel: One of the most trendy, cool-girl silhouettes of the past year, barrel jeans are "intentionally curved with a roomy thigh and tapered ankle that creates a bowed silhouette," according to Symes. "They give a rounded, sculptural leg shape so the fit at the waist and hip really matters."
Stretch
Stretch: If comfort is a priority, look for jeans that have elastane, Lycra or spandex blended into the cotton. Jeans that have a little bit of stretch are great for that form-fitting look that hugs the tush, but they do have the tendency to wear out more quickly. "High-stretch jeans are forgiving but can bag out at the knees over time, so I usually recommend a middle ground: mostly cotton with a small amount of stretch for comfort without losing shape," says Symes.
Non-stretch: This is your classic denim. "It holds its shape, has that structured "vintage" feel, and will break in and soften with wear, but it won't feel as instantly comfortable as denim with stretch," says Symes. "Sizing has to be closer to right from the start."
Best jeans FAQs
What's the best way to measure myself for jeans?
The two primary measurements you'll want to have on hand when sizing yourself for jeans are your waist and inseam.
Waist: Jeans are often sold in waist size rather than standard numeric sizing so simply grab a soft tape measure and wrap it around your torso at your natural waist. "It's the place where your waist kinks when you bend to the side," Symes adds. The measurement you get corresponds with the size you should shop for.
Inseam: "The easiest way to find your inseam is to measure a pair of jeans you already love," explains Symes. "Lay them flat, then measure from the crotch seam straight down the inside leg to the hem — that measurement is your inseam. Use it to compare against the inseam lengths listed online."
Can I shrink jeans that are too big?
"Small fit adjustments are possible with jeans, but the fabric content makes all the difference," says Symes. "If they're 100% cotton, heat can shrink them (hot wash and/or a dryer cycle), but it's not an exact science — cotton will often relax again once you wear it, especially at the waist and seat."
As for shrinking stretchy denim, Symes says "it's trickier. Heat might make it feel tighter temporarily, but too much heat can actually wear out the elastic fibers over time, which is how you end up with jeans that get saggy faster."
Can I stretch jeans that are too tight?
If you're trying to loosen jeans, Symes explains that the most realistic way to slightly loosen them is to wear them around for a few hours to help the fabric relax or to lightly mist a tight area with water and wear them until they dry.
"If the fit is more than a minor adjustment — especially waist gaping or a seat issue — tailoring is usually the cleanest solution," says Symes, so if you're already hemming your jeans, ask for the extra adjustment too. "Taking in the waist, adding a dart or adjusting the seat gives you a real fix instead of trying to force the denim to change permanently."
What's the best way to wash jeans to make them last longer?
"Less washing is the secret," says Symes. "Turn them inside out, wash cold and air dry whenever you can — heat breaks down fibers and fades dye faster." As for stains and spots, Symes says, "spot-clean small marks, air out between wears, and wash only when they truly need it." And at the end of the day, "Different dyes, washes, finishes, and stretch blends all behave differently, the care tag is your safest bet for keeping the fit and color intact."
What denim styles are currently trending?
"People are definitely getting more bold and having more fun with their jeans," says West Coe. "Think styles that are embroidered, embellished, patterned or colorful. I think wide leg and straight leg styles will always be here to stay. Low-rise jeans are still popular with younger people. And there were a lot of whispers about skinny jeans coming back, but I haven't seen them have a complete resurgence the way I thought they would."
Meet the experts
Sahra Brandt, personal stylist and founder of Shop the City.
Molly West Coe, fashion stylist, Four Seasons New York stylist and founder of personal styling membership service StyledBuy
Aricia Symes, stylist and founder of personal styling company Unfoldid
Update, May 12, 2026: We refreshed our picks based on updated testing and editor input, including styles from Everlane and Anthropologie.