These are the best jeans to shop right now, chosen by a fashion editor

Staple denim styles to see you through 2024

Woman in fluffy leather jacket and blue jeans GettyImages-1980312582
(Image credit: Getty Images)

For many of us, jeans are a staple in our wardrobes acting as the go-to piece when we don't know what to wear, want to dress down an item or just want an outfit that feels effortless. No matter what they're styled with, whether it be an oversized shirt, a tank top or a silk blouse, the best jeans will not only pull your outfit together but also ensure you feel confident too. 

As a fashion editor, it's taken me many years of trying different types of jeans (remember the spray on skinny 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 aren't a single season piece and, if cared for well, can last for many years to come, so, finding a style you want to reach for again and again is a must.

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 so endless occasions. Simply add a t-shirt and an oversized blazer for a stylish day look, a camel 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 has the already basics covered, you'll most likely want to invest in more trend led jean styles. To get the best advice on the best jeans to be wearing in 2024 I thought why not turn 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 2024

"Wide leg and looser fits as well as pieces with carpenter or workwear details are popular", says Betty Madden, VP Global Design at Lee.

"We are also seeing a return to straighter through the waist, low slung and slouchy styling with a classic to slim straight leg. An example of this fit is Lee’s Rider jean. Just launched this season, the Lee Rider jean is an ode to Lee’s first jean made specifically for women in 1947."

So, now you know which jeans to be wearing in 2024, from classic styles to more unique cuts, it's time to get shopping. To help, we've created an edit of all the best jeans to shop right now stamped with a fashion editor seal of approval. Keep scrolling to see for yourself... 

The best jeans to shop now, as chosen by a fashion editor:

The best straight leg jeans

The best high waist jeans

The best horseshoe jeans

The best white jeans

The best long jeans

The best petite jeans

The best embellished jeans

The best baggy jeans

The best sculpting jeans

The best plus size jeans

What are the best jeans for my body shape?

Time to ditch the sartorial rule book. Gone are the days when certain body types couldn't wear certain styles of jeans.

Madden 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, 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. "

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, covering everything from catwalk trends to royal fashion and the latest high street and Instagram must-haves.

Penny grew up in France and studied languages and law at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris before moving to the UK for her MA in multimedia journalism at Bournemouth University. She moved to the UK permanently and has never looked back (though she does go back regularly to stock up on cheese and wine).

Although she's always loved fashion - she used to create scrapbooks of her favourite trends and looks, including Sienna Miller and Kate Moss' boho phase - her first job was at MoneySavingExpert.com, sourcing the best deals for everything from restaurants to designer sales.

However she quit after two years to follow her true passion, fashion journalism, and after many years of internships and freelance stints at magazines including Red, Cosmopolitan, Stylist and Good Housekeeping, landed her dream job as the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK.

Her favourite part of the job is discovering new brands and meeting designers, and travelling the world to attend events and fashion shows. Seeing her first Chanel runway IRL at Paris Fashion Week was a true pinch-me moment.

With contributions from