I Tried the Most Popular Jeans Trend of 2023—These 10 Are the Best-Fitting Pairs

best-flare-jeans-285807-1612999250781-main

(Image credit: @leasy_inparis)

As someone who basically lives in jeans, I'm not one to pass up a great denim trend. We've already touched on some of the biggest jeans trends this season, from vintage washes to distressed denim, but by far, one of my favorites has been the comeback of '70s silhouettesflared, boot-cut, and wide-leg styles—thanks to designers such as Celine, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, and Gucci championing the trend on the runways.

best-flare-jeans-285807-1582761463214-main

On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)

best-flare-jeans-285807-1583209322735-main

(Image credit: Courtesy of Michael Kors)

The non–skinny jean trend has already been spotted all over the 'gram on some of our favorite influencers and celebrities. This season, the trending silhouette calls for full-length jeans with a trouser-like wide leg and a waist-cinching high rise. There are plenty of cool and modern iterations of the '70s trend on the market right now, like wider-leg styles and bootcut silhouettes. There's something to suit every taste and body type.

Eager to find the best flare jeans to add to my arsenal this season, I tried on a plethora of different brands and styles and found these 10 below to be the best-fitting ones. Read on to check out my absolute favorites to invest in right now. (For reference, I am 5'6" and usually wear a size 27.)

1. Agolde Vintage Hi-Rise Flare Jeans

best-flare-jeans-285807-1582828359643-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

Agolde has long been an editor favorite (we all own this pair), so I was excited to try its new high-rise flares. They're made of 100% organic cotton, which is super soft to the touch. The medium-indigo color is absolute perfection and has a natural vintage look. They're an easy everyday pair of jeans that I'll be wearing on repeat this season.

Shop:

2. Slvrlake Charlotte High-Rise Bootcut Jeans

best-flare-jeans-285807-1582828430425-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

Slvrlake has fast become one of my favorite new denim brands for its modern and cool silhouettes. This pair has a subtler, less exaggerated flare and a high waistline, creating a super-flattering and ultra-wearable silhouette. They're perfect if you're looking for rigid denim that doesn't feel too stiff.

3. Levi's Ribcage High Waist Wide Leg Jeans 

best-flare-jeans-285807-1582839160542-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

If you're looking for a wider-leg silhouette, these best-selling Levi's Ribcage Jeans are a must. Loved by the fashion crowd, they feature an ultra-high waist and non-stretch denim. They come in all different colors, but I particularly love this icy ecru color, which looks chic paired with similar hues.

Shop:

4. Paige Genevieve Flare Jeans

best-flare-jeans-285807-1582829061313-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

These Paige jeans are luxuriously soft and seriously comfortable. They have a more defined flare leg, which looks great with pointed-toe boots and sneakers alike. The faded dark denim has a vintage feel that can easily be worn at work or for a night out.

5. Citizens of Humanity Libby Relaxed Bootcut Jeans

best-flare-jeans-285807-1582784003248-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

I've been living in (and loving) these jeans on the weekends. They have a more relaxed fit through the leg and a subtle bootcut silhouette, making them so effortless and easy to throw on with my tees and sneakers. I love the vintage blue hue, and the light distressing adds a cool-girl touch. 

Shop:

6. Frame Le Francoise Flare Jeans

best-flare-jeans-285807-1582822091905-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

Frame's retro Francoise jeans make my legs look super long (major win!) and come in super-stretchy denim, which is incredibly easy to move around in. The pocket details add a unique touch that feels refreshingly different from my other jeans. I recommend wearing these with heels (if you don't get the hem taken up). 

Shop similar:

7. H&M Flare High-Waist Jeans

best-flare-jeans-285807-1582827161363-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

I'm always pleasantly impressed with H&M's denim selection, and you can't beat its budget-friendly prices. These stretch-flare jeans fit beautifully through the leg. They have a mid-rise fit and aren't too long, so they look great with sneakers and low heels. Not bad for $40.

8. Mother The Hollywood Pixie Cruiser Jeans

best-flare-jeans-285807-1582827446549-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

Okay, move over, black skinny jeans. These ultra-flattering flares from Mother are taking precedence in my wardrobe this season. These are crazy comfortable (great for dancing in, FYI) and feature a high-rise silhouette and exposed buttons. Perfect to wear with heels and a statement blouse for an evening out.

9. Citizens of Humanity Emannuelle Slim Bootcut Jeans

best-flare-jeans-285807-1582827961324-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

Citizens of Humanity is one of my favorite denim brands because of its excellent quality and fit. I wear its jeans practically every other day, so I was excited to try a new silhouette from the brand. If you're searching for a less exaggerated flare, this bootcut silhouette is a great way to ease into the '70s trend. I adore the easy-to-wear faded wash, and they're supremely comfortable. And if you tend to prefer a mid-rise fit, they're the perfect option. 

10. Citizens of Humanity Annina Trouser Jeans

best-flare-jeans-285807-1582828163050-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

And on the opposite end of the spectrum, if a more exaggerated wide leg is your thing, Citizens of Humanity's Annina Trouser Jeans are an excellent option. Great for all body types, the high-rise, cinched waist, and long-trouser silhouette exude an effortlessly polished look.

Shop similar:

Shop More Denim Styles

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Next: We Collectively Own Hundreds of Jeans and Have Sworn Off These 8 Outdated Pairs

Judith Jones
Senior Fashion Market Editor

Judith is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for nearly a decade. Judith started on the Shop Who What Wear team, creating content and managing a team of merchandisers for the Who What Wear shopping app. She later crossed over to the editorial team, where she shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands in her shopping-focused stories and social takeovers. She has become one of the top affiliate earners during her six plus years at Who What Wear. Before working in fashion, Judith was a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) and shared her passion for travel and food. She studied at the prestigious London Academy of Dramatic Arts as well as Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York. She later studied fashion merchandising and design, which laid the foundation for her career in fashion.


Read full bio