The workhorse of our casual wardrobe, jeans always have and always will play a pivotal role in our outfit rotation.
Once the sole preserve of workwear as the hard-wearing uniform for miners, denim has long been considered the ultimate wardrobe staple and the most versatile item on the market. The fabric is universally appealing fabric and in trouser form offer infinite styling potential - and yet why it is so difficult to find that perfect pair?
When it comes to your search for the jeans that will stand the test of time and transcend trends, black is a surefire win. For the colourphobes among you, we don’t need to wax lyrical about the benefits of the neutral hue. It’s sleek, sophisticated, requires very little effort in pairing with other pieces and is always flattering. So now you have the shade sorted, it’s onto the silhouette.
While jeans have solidified their place in fashion history now and forever and have been a mainstay in our cultural agenda since the 1920s, the cuts and fits have rapidly changed. Trends – as with everything in fashion – follow in a cyclical nature. The boxy, cuffed styles of the 50s evolved into straighter legs in the 70s. In the 80s, it was all about stonewash and rips, while in the 90s, the bigger, the baggier, the better. Flares and bootcuts in the Noughties transformed into the ultra-skinny fits of the 2010s before the current Nineties revival has seen looser fits reimerge, while tight-fitting leg-hugging styles are left to gather dust.
When looking for that flattering style, medium to high-waisted rises should be front and centre. Gen Z may prefer throwing back to the days of exposed pelvises but let’s leave Y2K where it belongs: firmly in the past. Relaxed, wider leg styles, flares and bootcuts are back and better than ever with throw-on-and-go appeal, but there’s a way to jump on board the trend without looking like a boyband reject.
Evolution has always come in more ways that silhouette. More thoughtful practices are being taken in the denim industry. Look out for greater size inclusivity with styles to flatter all body shapes and brands making strides to produce more sustainable options, cutting down on water consumption, toxic dyes and repurposing surplus, deadstock or preloved fabrics.
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Good American Straight Leg Jean
In a market calling out for better size inclusivity, Khloe Kardashian’s trailblazing Good American answered. The brand filled a gap in the market that was long overdue with jeans catered for petite, curvy and all with a range from 00 to 26 plus.
The Straight Leg jeans just get everything right. They’re high rise, straight leg, figure-hugging and yet relaxed so will work for all occasions be it casual day-to-day or dressed up with heels. There’s also just the right amount of stretch to give breathing room without leaving gaps and bagginess.
Buy now £114.00, Good American
Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans
Levi’s may be most famous for its original 501 jeans that were the style that kickstarted the denim fashion revolution but it’s the Ribcage that have got us purchasing the brand over and over again. We’re on our third pair of these jeans, which is not a testament to their durability but to their wearability.
Get ready to cue the compliments with this everyday pair of jeans that comes in all colours across the blue spectrum as well as three shades of black. The style is categorised by a straight leg, stretch and no restrictiveness. These too can be dressed up with heels but are best with trainers or chunky boots.
Buy now £100.00, Levi’s
rag & bone Sofie Splice High-Rise Jean - Clean Highland
The ultra-wide leg is a style that has been spotted across the catwalk from Valentino to Balenciaga and the easy, breezy appeal is not lost. The casual look feels effortless but still sophisticated and chic - just look to rag & bone and the Sofie Splice that is giving a high-fashion contemporary twist on balloon trousers.
Buy now £340.00, rag & bone
Tommy Hilfiger High Rise Mom Tapered Relaxed Black Elasticated Waist Jeans
If the Y2K low-rise revival is enough to send you into a fashion-related meltdown, stick to a style that is less divisive with the Mom jean. The relaxed fit with tapered end is classic and comfortable with retro sentiments.
Tommy Hilfiger has some of the best of the silhouette and they are made from a combination of organic and recycled cotton. They come complete with a high-rise and the signature logo flag branding on the back pocket.
Buy now £120.00, Tommy Hilfiger
Mother Hustler Ankle Fray flared high-rise stretch-denim jeans
This style from Mother has a best of both worlds feel. For those who love the sculpting elements of the retired skinny silhouette, you’ll be content with this clean, leg-hugging style but as you head towards the ankle, you’ll notice a cropped flared cut for a fresh take on the 70’s style that’s an easy sartorial win. These are jeans for every occasion in your social calendar.
Buy now £275.00, Selfridges
Gant Flare Color Jeans
Jeans are not always suitable for office environments but with the jet black colourway and almost suit-like appearance of this style from Gant, you may just get away with it, while still looking polished and refined. These jeans have a slim fit and a very subtle flared cut.
Buy now £120.00, Gant
Nudie Jeans Clean Eileen Washed Out Black
Swedish label Nudie Jeans takes a streamlined approach to the baggy wide fits that have dominated recent trends. With a relaxed silhouette, they offer infinite wearability for a chic dressed-down look and the jeans are made from pre-consumer recycled cotton so there’s an eco-conscious edge too.
Buy now £135.00, Nudie Jeans
H&M True To You Bootcut High Jeans
When the influx of skinny jeans took over our wardrobes, we probably didn’t think this moment would ever come but bootcuts are back. This style from H&M is less polarising than bootcuts of time gone by. These are a more accessible silhoutte that references the 90s nostalgia but in a way that feels modern, all while giving the illusion of longer legs. Yes please.
Buy now £39.99, H&M
Everlane The Way-High Jean
The words comfotable and denim do not always go hand in hand. Many of us would switch trousers in mere instants of stepping through the threshold of our front door in favour of cosy alternatives - but not with these from Everlane. The jeans have a good weight, just the right amount of stretch and if you size up, provide the bagginess that you may or may not be looking for.
Buy now £103.00, Everlane
Arket Regular Cropped Stretch Jeans
High street hero Arket is known for its mastery of the basics and the same runs true for these cropped stretch jeans - the most beautiful set of words when it comes to finding that perfect pair. Made from a mix of organic and recycled cotton, they have a soft feel, a regular fit and have a straight cut.
Buy now £69.00, Arket
