An absolute wardrobe essential.
Ask any fashion editor: the best jeans are the one item you’ll always need in your life. No matter the cut, good quality denim will see you through the seasons, and complement your existing items perfectly.
If you’re unsure which style to go for, the foundation of any timeless wardrobe amounts to three pairs of jeans: a high-waisted wide leg, straight leg mum jeans and a great skinny pair.
From there, it’s easy to build any outfit. You can add a t-shirt and an oversized blazer, a cashmere knit or a sparkly top and you’ve got three effortless day-to-night looks, whether you want to accessorise with trainers, chunky boots or heels.
Shopping for jeans can be a tricky affair and takes a lot of trying on to find out the correct style for you. To make it easier for you, I’ve scoured my favoured designer and high street denim brands to find what I feel are winning trousers for everyone.
In terms of trends, I spoke to the Styling Team Lead at Stitch Fix UK, Farrah-May Archer, who said: “Unsurprisingly, this season we’re seeing denim trends toying with Y2K and 90’s references, on runways such as Blumarine, as well as across the high street. Now is the time to embrace nostalgia and make a statement with your denim choices, by opting for extreme baggy styles, cool cargos or maximalist looks.”
“Meanwhile, we’re also seeing the understated straight leg making a resurgence, and in my opinion, this is the most versatile of jeans.”
How to choose the best jeans
“I would prioritise nailing down your budget, fit and preferred style in advance,” advises Farrah-May. “When my Stitch Fix customers request a pair of trusty denim jeans, I pay particular attention to their sizing, so I can then find the perfect match. If you’re going to invest in a good quality pair of jeans, you want to ensure the fit is perfect.”
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 Farrah-May’s tips.
“My main trick is to avoid over-washing your denim so it will maintain its shape and colour. I also recommend air drying your jeans, as opposed to putting them in the dryer, as high temperatures can cause long-term damage to denim fibres.”
What are the best jeans for my body shape?
As for which style will best suit your body type, think about proportions. If you’re curvy, a high waist is more flattering.
Worried about height? Whether you’re tall or short, many brands like Levi’s and M&S offer most styles in different lengths. For those 5ft or under, cropped styles that show off the ankle really elongate the frame.
So now that you’re an expert on all things denim, scroll down to shop the best jeans of the season. For more inspiration, don’t forget to check out our guide to the best sustainable jeans, too.
The best jeans to buy now:

501® 90’s Jeans, £100 | Levi’s
When it comes to jeans, you can't go wrong with Levi's. A classic straight leg jean with a lot of 90's attitude.

Mom High Ankle Jeans, £24.99 | H&M
Mom jeans are a classic, and at 5ft4, I find that jeans that show off a bit of ankle are more flattering on my shorter legs.

Paige Sarah Straight Jeans, was £260 now £179.01 | Harrods
Paige jeans are a huge hit with celebrities, and it's not hard to see why. Their strong yet soft mid-wash fabric will hold its shape while also maintaining that all-important vintage quality.

Hattie Flares, £55 | White Stuff
White Stuff's new denim collection includes six different styles of jeans in different washes, including these gorgeous flares with a 70's twist. They are made in recycled cotton, using sustainable thread and metalware, as well as featuring a recycled poly and organic cotton-blend fabric in the pocket bags.

Newsprint High Rise Straight Long Jeans, £190 | Reformation
How cool are these jeans from Reformation? The high rise jean features a graphic print, belt loops and a finished hem.

The Organic Boyfriend Jean, £99 | Baukjen
These jeans offer a flattering and feminine fit that hug the hips and feature a cropped, subtly tapered leg shape, plus they're made from eco-conscious organic cotton.

Ecru High Waisted Bum Sculpt Flared Jeans, £46 | River Island
Perfect for the warmer weather, these jeans feature a slim leg with a subtle flared hem. They are made from a super stretch denim fabric, with a high waist and shaping seams to fit and contour.

Agolde Baggy Tapered High-Rise Organic-Cotton Jeans, £240 | Selfridges
Baggy jeans are super on trend this season. This retro style is fitted through the waist before ballooning outwards along the leg, creating a loose-fitting silhouette that won’t distort your shape.

Totême Cropped Kick Flared Jeans, £260 | Browns
Don't knock bell bottom jeans, they can be surprisingly modern. These blue Totême Cropped Kick Flared Jeans are made from rigid cotton denim with a faded and whiskered finish. Cut with a high waist, they feature belt loops, button and concealed fly fastening, five pockets and a logo patch on the back.

High Rise Dad Jean, £72 | Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch's jeans have become somewhat of an internet sensation thanks to their flattering fit. Their dad jeans feature a relaxed fit, with a full-length leg, a light wash, knee blowout detailing and a frayed hem.

The Mom Jeans, £39.50 | Marks and Spencer
M&S also do great mom jeans. Sitting high on the waist, slim at the hips and softly tapering through the leg, these jeans are effortlessly flattering. They’re made from organic cotton and blended with just the right amount of stretch for comfort.

Khaite Abigail Printed High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans, £350 | Net-A-Porter
Meghan Markle is a big fan of Khaite, and their jeans are incredibly popular. Cut from light-blue denim, this 'Abigail' style has a high-rise waist topped with straight legs that fall to paint-splattered, slightly cropped cuffs. Off-duty style done right.

ZW The Sailor Cropped Flare Jeans, £32.99 | Zara
Make a statement in the colour of the season with these Zara jeans. I was so surprised by how well these fitted, and will definitely be getting them in the other colourways.

Twig Mid Slim Straight Jeans, £40 | Weekday
These go-to jeans have a classic five pocket detailing and a zip fly. They are made from recycled cotton with a touch of elastane to keep their shape, and the dipped waist is super flattering.

Slim Hyperflex Re-Used X.L.I.T.E. Broken Repair Fabby Jeans, £200 | Replay
Although baggy jeans are on trend, slim styles will always stand the test of time. This pair is suitable for all seasons with a medium wash tone, regular waist and straight leg and is made from recycled materials. I especially love the distressed look.

Barrel-Leg Mid-Rise Jeans, was £69 now £41.40 | COS
Sustainably crafted from organic cotton and made without metal rivets for easy recycling, these easy-to-wear jeans are great work with a simple white t-shirt.

RE/DONE 70’s Ultra High-Rise Stovepipe Straight-Leg Jeans, was £265 now £185 | MatchesFashion
I've spent years searching for the perfect straight-leg jeans, and these are definitely one of them. They're a bit pricier, but the quality means they haven't budged, even after a few washes.

Cropped Flare Jeans, £80 | Boden
Want something fun for Summer? Say hello to this Boden pair. Their flared jeans blend a vintage-inspired look with a contemporary cropped hem. They're crafted from fabric that's got a hint of stretch for comfort, and have a semi-fitted shape that's mega flattering.

Good American Curve Fray Hem Straight Jeans, was £150 now £75 | John Lewis
These jeans give an always-flattering fit that elevates the vintage-inspired silhouette. They're styled with a high rise and classic straight leg finishing in a frayed hem. Plus, all Good American jeans are created with a gap-proof contoured waistband, reinforced belt loops and designed in the brand's exclusive stretch denim with recovery ensuring that your jeans will preserve their original shape wear after wear.

7 For All Mankind Aubrey Faded High-Rise Skinny Stretch-Denim Jeans, £190 | Selfridges
It wouldn't be a jeans roundup without 7 For All Mankind. Crafted from the label’s Slim Illusion Luxe denim, the 'Aubrey' jeans offer a skinny fit that moulds to your body and moves with it – providing a slimming effect without sacrificing comfort.

Figni Jeans, was £215 now £129 | GANNI
These green GANNI colour block straight leg jeans are cut for a slim fit. They feature a high waist, front button fastenings, silver tone hardware, belt loops, five pocket styling, contrasting panels and slits at the cuffs. Another perfect statement pair.

The Way-High Jean, £104 | Everlane
Featuring Everlane's highest rise yet, these jeans accentuate your true waist, gives you legs for days, and holds you in - in the best way possible. Plus, they are made of premium organic cotton with a touch of stretch, so sitting down isn’t a deal-breaker. The deep blue colour will work all year round.

Ultimate Wide-Leg Jean, was £175 now £122.50 | ME+EM
In a bold coral hue, this iteration of the label's signature wide-leg jean chimes with the season's changing colour palette. They are made with Tencel and recycled denim.

Barrel Leg Non-Stretch Jeans, £79 | Arket
Arket's high-waist jeans are styled with loose, slightly curved barrel legs for that off-duty look. A five-pocket style crafted from a rigid denim fabric made from recycled cotton.

Emilie Straight Ultra High-Rise Vintage Jeans, £265 | DL1961
Emilie is an ultra high-rise, vintage straight fit with a 31" inseam that is relaxed from the hip through the leg. The Dark Oasis colour is a mid-to-light indigo with vintage character throughout. It features khaki stitching, matte silver hardware and an inseam slit at the clean hem. Trendy and classic at the same time.

FRAME Le Palazzo Jeans, was £265 now £132 | John Lewis
This classic wide leg style is best worn with an oversized blouse and clog sandals.

High-Waist Bootcut Jeans, £29.99 | Mango
I always head to Mango for good quality, affordable jeans. This is another stylish bootcut shape, made from a recycled cotton-blend fabric with a frayed hem.

Favourite Cut Cropped Jeans, £65 | & Other Stories
Kate Middleton was spotted wearing these jeans in a light blue colour, so I already know they are a winner. For an edgier look, opt for the washed grey style.