M&S teased us on Instagram earlier this week with a post that said "HUGE news: an iconic denim brand is coming to M&S... A red tab. Three numbers. Makers of the first blue jeans ever. Any guesses?"
It is, of course, Levi's, and from today you can stock up on your favourite 501s while you shop the new M&S autumn collection. My personal favourite, the Levi's Ribcage jeans are there, alongside other denim bestsellers like this amazing jumpsuit and the classic Western shirt
M&S shoppers went wild on social media, commenting on the post "best jeans ever" and "made my day". But can they be tempted away from the best M&S jeans? If I look at my own denim collection, Levi's are an investment purchase I make every few years, whereas M&S jeans are great for ticking the latest denim trends off my list. With M&S bestsellers starting at just £26, I say stock up...
A post shared by M&S (@marksandspencer)
A photo posted by on
Shop Levi's jeans at M&S

These are my personal favourite Levi's. The way they pull you in at the waist is worth every penny. I love the button down detailing instead of a zip, and this mid blue wash is perfect for autumn.

If you're going to start your Levi's collection anywhere, it has to be the iconic 501s. These truly were the blueprint for all the denim that came after, and they fit to your shape perfectly.

We are hurtling towards autumn, and as the name suggests, these are designed for wearing with boots. There's a handy size guide on the M&S website to help you find the perfect fit, plus these have got a good amount of stretch to them.
Shop M&S bestsellers

These are great for wearing with ballet flats or loafers, but they'll also work well tucked into knee-high boots. They've got over 13,000 customer reviews so you can see for yourself how much people love these super stretchy and affordable jeans.

Barrel leg jeans are still going strong and this white version will make the transition from summer to autumn look effortless. The brilliant thing about M&S jeans is the size options - these are available in four lengths, in UK sizes 6 to 24.

This customer review sums up these jeans nicely: "the denim is strong and quite thick. The loose leg style and high waist means they are very casual and comfortable to wear. I belong to the older generation but I feel really happy and trendy in these, they are fun!"

My all-time favourite jeans (yes, even above my Levi's ribcage!) I've got these in so many different colours now. They've got just a subtle amount of curve to tap into the barrel leg trend but without feeling ridiculous. And they work well with every autumn shoe, too.

These are available in six different colours and have added stretch for extra comfort. For £28, these are a great starting point for anyone wanting to try wide-leg denim for the first time.

Barrel leg AND leopard print? These are my dream jeans. They're the statement piece that will work with simple knitwear and your best white trainers as the weather cools down. Who says denim has to be blue?

With a slim ankle, these are a great style to show off a pair of shoes, whether that's your most comfortable trainers or maybe it's the M&S Mary Jane flats we're all talking about here at woman&home HQ.

The patch pockets on this style add to the retro feel, and one customer called them the "best jeans I’ve bought in a long time".

The relaxed straight fit of these is ideal for petites who don't want to overwhelm their frame with wide-leg jeans or flares.
In my extensive experience (I've honestly lost count of how many pairs of M&S jeans I own), they wash well, wear well and hold their shape perfectly. Levi's might have just arrived at M&S, but it's already got some competition!