Though jeans are undoubtedly one of the hardest-working staples in every wardrobe, it can be tricky to find the perfect pair. Do you prefer tough denim or one with stretch? Which wash suits you best? And how should the leg fit?
With a seemingly endless array of styles to choose from, it’s hard to know which is best. During the 2010s the skinny leg reigned supreme, mainly thanks to Hedi Slimane’s tenure at Dior Homme, while the baggy Y2K fit is in favour now. And, with the natural cyclical nature of fashion, who’s to say we’re not going to revert back to the spray-on look in the next couple of years? There’s also seventies-coded flares, a timeless slim leg or a crowd-pleasing taper to think about, too.
For a happy medium that’s always in, go for a classic straight-leg style – Levi’s 501s are a great example. Though Levi Strauss invented the silhouette back in 1873 as a workwear staple, the straight-leg cut is still a hot favourite 150 years later. Then, generally speaking, it’s best to go for a rigid denim. Too stretchy and they’ll look a little worse for wear after just a few wears. Overwhelming rips and distressed features are a hard no, so keep it classic with a pair that is equal parts smart and laid back.
It’s always good to cover all of the black, mid-blue, indigo, and cream bases. Once you find a fit that works for you, feel free to stock up in every colour - and live in the hope that the brand continues making them. If you’re between sizes, generally it’s best to size down because they’ll start to loosen up as you break them in.
They can be styled to fit basically any occasion. Paired with a T-shirt and baseball cap for a low-key weekend. Dressed up with a blazer and loafers for an #OldMoneyAesthetic fit. You could even wear them with a shirt to the office. Since they’re so versatile, it makes sense to invest in a quality pair.
Whether you stick to the classics Levi’s and Gap, go luxury with Celine or Bottega Veneta, or opt for a sustainable pair from the responsible brands Re/Done and Asket, the options on the market are endless - and we’ve done the legwork (sorry...) so you don’t have to.
Keep scrolling to find your favourite.
Drake's Stone Wash 13oz Denim Five-Pocket Jeans
If you want to jump on the #OldMoneyAesthetic train, Drake’s is the brand you need to know. From denim to tailoring, its collections are full of JFK Jr-coded pieces – and the brand’s jeans are some of the best on the market.
Buy now £225.00, Drake's
Topman skater jeans in mid wash
Topman’s always had a strong denim offering – and since being taken over by ASOS, it’s only gotten better. From a baggy Y2K take to a simple taper, the label has got every silhouette going. Our favourite? The skater jeans.
Buy now £46.00, ASOS
Arket Ocean Loose Straight Jeans
For some of the best jeans on the high street, look no further than Arket. Based in Sweden, it’s a Scandi brand whose speciality is in creating quality basics that you’ll wear season after season - and they’ll last. Cut to the perfect relaxed leg from a classic rigid light blue denim, these will quickly become your favourite pair.
Buy now £87.00, Arket
Lee Jeans Brooklyn Straight In Rinse
Another bellwether in the industry, Lee Jeans has been designing denim since the late 1800s. With over a century's worth of experience, it's no wonder its range remains one of the leaders. This vintage-inspired silhouette features a high rise and relaxed straight leg.
Buy now £75.00, Lee Jeans
Levi’s 501 My Candy White
Everyone needs a white pair of jeans in their wardrobe - and where better to shop for them than the denim experts at Levi’s? These are the original 501s, the design that’s been around since 1873. Whether you style them up in an all-white outfit, or pair them with a bright tee and retro trainers, they’re an endlessly versatile item.
Buy now £100.00, Levi’s
Uniqlo U Selvedge Slim Fit Jeans
In the brand’s signature minimalistic style, these jeans by Uniqlo are crafted using raw selvedge denim and indigo dye. A part of the brand’s more luxury Uniqlo U collection designed by Christophe Lemaire, they’re a classic silhouette with contemporary design details including a high waist, slightly tapered straight leg, and contrast stitching. In a super stiff selvedge, they’ll last you for life.
Buy now £39.90, Uniqlo
Weekday Astro Loose Baggy Jeans
From a Scandi brand influenced by youth culture and street style, Weekday offers a great selection of wide and relaxed-leg jeans. If you want to nod to the baggy trend without committing to a look à la Justin Bieber, this fit is the perfect compromise.
Buy now £50.00, Weekday
Gant Regular Fit Desert Jeans
With 2 per cent elastane, Gant’s jeans are great for those who like a little stretch. Commit to the brand’s aesthetic by pairing them with a collegiate T-shirt or rugby shirt and a blazer.
Buy now £120.00, Gant
Celine Kurt Straight-Leg Jeans
With Hedi Slimane as the creative director, naturally, jeans by Celine are of the utmost quality. Even better, the button’s subtly engraved with the name of the house – the understated detail that will make luxury logo lovers feel chic with every wear.
Buy now £790.00, Mr. Porter
Calvin Klein 90's Straight Carpenter Jeans
Whether you think of Mark Wahlberg, Justin Bieber or Jeremy Allen White, Calvin Klein’s no stranger to an iconic denim moment. And it’s no surprise, seeing as they make some of the best jeans on the market – the 90s Straight Carpenter Jeans, included.
Buy now £110.00, Calvin Klein
Gap Straight Twill Jeans
Founded in 1969 as a denim brand, jeans are in Gap’s DNA. In a smooth twill weave, this pair are not only top quality, but they’re a great price, too. In jet black, they’re a smart style that could be worn in the evening as an alt for trousers.
Buy now £26.00, Gap
A.P.C. New Standard Jeans
If you’re into the low-key Parisian look, A.P.C.’s a French label that should be on your radar – and no wardrobe in the City of Light would be complete without a great pair of jeans. These are cut to a straight leg from a premium fabric for a timeless design you’ll have in your collection for years.
Buy now £179.00, A.P.C.
Agolde 90's Straight-Leg Distressed Jeans
A fashion crowd favourite, Agolde has been making waves in the denim world ever since its relaunch in 2014 by jeans guru Jerome Dahan. Though they’re at a higher price point, they feel and look luxurious – from the premium heavyweight fabric to the modern cut.
Buy now £300.00, Mr. Porter
Mother Denim The Bronco
If you prefer a slimmer leg, Mother Denim’s the brand for you. The LA-based label’s free-spirited collections are inspired by its home state, California – boho embroidery and colourful prints, included. These jeans in particular have a touch of stretch for a super smooth, comfortable finish.
Buy now £270.00, Mother Denim
