For many of us, jeans are a staple in our wardrobes, acting as the go-to piece when we want to dress an item down, want an outfit that feels effortless, or simply don't know what to wear at all. As a fashion editor, it's taken me many years of trying different types of jeans to figure out which styles not only work for me but also go with the maximum amount of pieces in my wardrobe.
After all, a great pair of jeans isn't a one-season piece. If cared for well, it can last for many years to come—so finding a style you want to reach for again and again is a must. From current denim trends to finding the perfect inspiration on how to dress up your denim, the best jeans are those that not only pull your outfit together but also ensure you feel confident.
No matter what they're styled with, whether it be a soft cashmere jumper in winter or lace blouse come spring and summer, you really can't go wrong with some sleek denim.
If you're unsure which style of jeans to go for, in my opinion the foundation of any timeless wardrobe includes three pairs of jeans, all of which I own and would highly recommend: a high-waisted wide-leg pair, a straight-leg pair and a slimmer-fitting silhouette. By opting for these three cuts that transcend trends, you'll be able to create a multitude of outfits for endless occasions.
Simply add a t-shirt and an oversized blazer for a stylish day look, a trench coat and a cashmere knit for the office or an embellished top once party season rolls around, and you've got three effortless looks that you can easily rework throughout the year.
Alternatively, for any true denim lover who already has the basics covered, you'll most likely want to invest in more trend-led jean styles. To get the best advice on the coolest jeans to be wearing in 2025, I turned to the experts to find out which jeans they'll be shopping and styling this coming season. Keep scrolling to hear their recommendations...
The Best Jeans to Wear in 2025
According to Richard Johnson, Chief Commercial and Sustainability Officer at Mytheresa, it's all about relaxed styles. [We're] definitely leaning towards a mid-rise straight or relaxed fit, akin to the classic 501 for a timeless appeal," he told us. "The oversized trend is waning, with the barrel leg and subtle curve remaining essential, inspired by the Alaia jean."
And Anna Foster, founder and creative director at E.L.V denim agrees: "In terms of details and finishes, distressed denim, raw hems, and vintage washes have been prevalent, reflecting a preference for a more lived-in and authentic aesthetic."
For Richard, the lived-in aesthetic is also key. "Expect to see a resurgence of authentic, worn mid-blue washes reminiscent of classic vintage denim. Additionally, a touch of indigo is making its presence felt in the trends for this year."
So, now you know which jeans to be wearing in 2025, from classic styles to more unique cuts, it's time to get shopping. To help, we've created an edit of the best jeans to shop right now that come with a fashion editor seal of approval. Keep scrolling to see (and shop) for yourself...
The Best Jeans for Women, as Chosen by a Fashion Editor
The best straight-leg jeans
If you only invest in one pair of jeans this season, make it Reformation's straight-leg style. A true wardrobe classic, they're relaxed enough to be worn everyday but can also be smartened up with a sleek top and a must-have designer bag.
Sat high on the waist with a 90s-inspired straight leg, Agolde's blue-toned jeans offer a nostalgic take on the straight-leg trend. Pair them with loafers, trainers, and even knee-high boots for the utmost versatility.
COS' slouchy straight-leg jeans offer a more relaxed take on straight-leg styles. Available in five washes, I love this vintage tone for a lived-in look.
Featuring a loose-fit silhouette in a medium blue tone, these will see you through any season.
If you're looking for a pair of figure-flattering straight-leg jeans, you can't go far wrong with Mint Velvet's denim range. Thanks to the high-rise waist and straight cut, they're designed to make legs look ultra-long regardless of your height. They're a true crowd-pleaser.
The best high-waist jeans
Look to Zara's wide leg style for a hard-working under £30 pair of classic high-waisted jeans. They give off-duty model vibes when paired with a chunky knit or tank top.
Palazzos may come in and out of style, but I find they're never away for long so they're worth having in your wardrobe. I'm wearing mine with a co-ordinating dark denim shacket this season.
I am obsessed with Toteme's simple wide leg jeans. The pleat leg offers a chic tailored feel while the blue wash is understated and effortless. The perfect balance of high-low styling.
Fitted at the waist with a flared hemline, these jeans offer both style and comfort. Wear with heels or trainers to completely transform your look.
With a vintage inspired 70's feel, these H&M jeans prove great jeans never go out of style.
The best horseshoe jeans
Alaia's supersized balloon jeans lead the way when it comes to this modern denim shape.
Made from 100% cotton, these high-rise horseshoe jeans are the ultimate pair by Citizens of Humanity. Featuring a flattering silhouette, I simply cannot stop wearing mine this season with a soft-knitted cardigan and cowboy boots.
Want to wear jeans to the office? & Other Stories tapered jeans perfectly bridge the gap between easy-wearing denim and smart-tailored trousers. Add a shirt and a slingback kitten heel to finish the look.
Horseshoe or barrel jeans hug at the waist before rounding at the leg to create a unique balloon-style shape. This Gap number has an exaggerated silhouette that looks great paired with a fitted top for a balanced look.
If blue denim isn't for you, Free People's horeshoe jeans also come in black for a darker take.
The best white jeans
Mother's jeans are the cool girl-approved brand to be seen in right now, but if you're looking for a style that taps into the trend yet feels much more timeless, I'd suggest this all-white.
Known for their sleek, smart designs, Tommy Hilfiger's denim range is one of my favourite high-quality options for everyday denim. Pair this flared pair with a chunky knit and trainers.
For a softer look, rather than bright white tones instead opt for a warmer shade like this ecru style from Sézane.
The days of thinking white denim is for sunny day alone are far gone. These Levi's jeans hold a classic silhouette that is as chic as it is effortless to style year-round.
There's something eternally chic about wearing head-to-toe white, yet while white trousers can feel a little done, white denim offers a more understated look.
The best long jeans
With a dedicated range of denim for longer legs, ASOS stocks a great variety of different styles that guarantee a satisfactory fit. These straight-leg jeans from Topshop are a perfect everyday option.
With a slightly slim cut leg and high rise waist, Reformation's Cynthia jeans make the perfect day-to-night jeans.
Combining volume and length, Aligne's Martha jeans make a statement in the best way possible. Wear with a simple white tee to allow them to take centre stage.
While denim has a place on the catwalk every season, for AW24, dark denim tones were spotted everywhere, from Coperni to Miu Miu. Tap into the trend in this floor length style from Agolde.
Frame's longer length jeans are designed with a longer inseam to better fit taller frames.
The best petite jeans
This wide-leg style will work to elongate petite pins to give the illusion of longer legs.
While most petite brands tend to stick to classic designs, Reiss' petite denim offering has plenty of variety, including this chic chocolate brown style.
Mother recently launched a line catering to petite frames, and as someone who always has to hem her trousers after buying them, I am thankful.
Another great go-to, M&S ultra-comfortable jeans come in three different lengths, which make getting the perfect fit from the get-go a much easier task.
"Culotte jeans are a fail-safe option that I've found almost always fit as someone measuring up to 5'4. The cropped hemline is very helpful in making sure they don't look too long as they are made to measure up to the ankle." - Sofia Piza, Fashion Writer
The best embellished jeans
I can just picture these worn with a white knit and co-ordinating silver slingback heels for dinner and drinks with the girls.
The great thing about MSGM's crystal-embellished jeans is that they don't scrimp on the details. Bejewelled in different colourways, they ensure you sparkle from every angle.
For an understated take on embellishment, I can't get enough of Reformations Cary jeans. Wear with a white blouse and western boots to like out your cowboy Carter fantasy.
Area are pros when it comes to cool-girl embellishment and these cut-out jeans prove it.
These light wash and straight leg on these Free People jeans offer a more relaxed look. Pair with a tank top and a leather jacket and you're all set.
The best baggy jeans
The recent Y2K revival has seen the return of many denim trends and one that's slowly taking hold is the low rise jean. To wear it in 2025, opt for a baggy rather than figure hugging fit for a cooler finish.
Founded by Anna Foster, ELV denim is here to shake up the denim industry and their oversized Freya jeans prove it pushing the boundaries on shape and style.
If you take one thing away from this denim breakdown, it's that oversized shapes are most definitely in. Embrace all things baggy in this style from Balenciaga.
Made from organic materials, these baggy Ganni jeans will easily become one of your most hardworking wardrobe staples this season.
Even white jeans get a baggy makeover in the form of Calvin Klein's low-rise style. Pair with a cardigan and trainers for an easy day look.
The best sculpting jeans
Designed with curves in mind, Khloe Kardashian's denim brand will hug you in all the right places.
The brand's latest 318 Shaping jeans are designed to lengthen the legs whilst hugging your curves to celebrate your personal features. Style them with loafers and a sweater vest layered under a white T-shirt.
Did you know Spanx also created jeans? Drawing on their expansive shapewear knowledge, their denim is designed to sculpt and shape for a smooth, snug fit.
Abercrombie's curve love range is created to flatter and fit curvy figures. Alongside catering to waists from 23-37, their jeans also come in 5 leg lengths meaning all shapes are catered for.
Hourglass shapes, these jeans are specifically for you. Featuring a comfortable silhouette, they're also designed with more room at the hips meaning no annoying gape at the back.
The best plus-size jeans
A classic straight fit but with a little added stretch for comfort, Good American's Good Icon jeans are a wardrobe staple for all sizes.
River island is a high street brand that delivers when it comes to plus size denim. Available in sizes 18-28 their selection features multiple on-trend styles in flattering cuts and wearable washes.
M&S are a brand that really do think about all shoppers when designing their pieces. These classic skinny jeans go up to size 22 across 3 leg lengths, so you can tailor the fit to your needs.
Lucy & Yak's wide leg jeans come in UK sizes 6-32.
Abercrombie's signature Curve Love Low Rise Baggy Jeans are a fan favourite for a reason. Coming in 9 different shades and sizing up to size 37, it is an impeccable choice.
The best vintage jeans
Re/done take preloved and vintage denim and redesign it in modern cuts and styles to create pieces that feel unique yet on-trend. This straight leg style and the perfect example featuring a relaxed worn-in wash alongside a chic straight leg design.
Whilst vintage denim can offer some classic looks, there are also some great fun options out there. Take these Rokit original jeans with powder-blue star details for some extra oomph.
Featuring a low rise, loose fit with a straight leg cut, these Lee jeans are a timeless style that you'll reach for time and time again.
A favourite brand of Kylie Jenner and Lori Harvey, A Vintage Fit take preloved jeans and restyle them into fashion forward styles.
This cropped indigo blue style gives Parisian chic in the best way possible. Simply pair with a Breton knit and ballet flats to channel effortless French style.
What are the best jeans for my body shape?
It's time to ditch the sartorial rule book. Gone are the days when certain body types couldn't wear certain styles of jeans.
Betty Madden, VP Global Design at Lee explains: "With innovative fabric technology around stretch and recovery, women have much more opportunity to try a broader range of fits. This allows women of various body shapes to be more adventurous and find fits that help express their personal style. For example, flares used to be harder to wear if you aren’t tall, but we’re seeing women of all sizes and shapes wear and enjoy them. It’s more about personal expression and preference than ever before."
How can I prolong the life of my jeans?
Once you've found the right pair of jeans, you want to make sure they last as long as possible. We've got a whole guide on how to stop your jeans going baggy but, before you read that, make sure to check out Madden's tips:
"Do not over wash your jeans. Only wash them when they are stained or soiled, ideally hand wash in cold water or on a gentle cycle. Then, line or air dry. Take care of them like you would a work of art and they will deliver beauty in every wear. "
