I Tried the 2024 Jeans Trend French Women Love—These 10 Pairs Are the Best-Fitting

Agolde straight jeans

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

While wide-leg jeans have been the cool new kid on the block for the past few seasons (unquestionably racking up a ton of miles on my denim odometer), when I saw relaxed '90s straight-leg silhouettes pop up on the spring 2024 runways, it felt like a stamp of approval to lean into the style again. Don't get me wrong; I'm not giving up on my wide-leg jeans any time soon. They are the defining denim trend of the past year, after all, but straight-leg jeans have always been the silhouette I've gravitated to the most. The classic style loved by chic French women is versatile, polished, and easy to wear with sneakers and heels alike.

Straight leg '90s jeans on the runway

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Proenza Schouler)

On a mission to add a handful of new pairs to my denim collection, I tried and tested a whole host of brands and styles to find the best-fitting (and coolest!) straight-leg jeans out there.

Here's what I know: Not all straight-leg jeans are created equal. They have to fit properly, feel good, withstand frequent wear, and of course, make you look and feel your best. Whether you're looking for a relaxed-fitting '90s silhouette (like the runway image above) or desire a more formfitting pair, or perhaps in you're in search for the perfect mid-rise silhouette or seeking a pair that will make your booty look great, below I'm sharing a variety of styles that are great-fitting and get my (very picky!) fashion-editor stamp of approval.

Keep scrolling to see my favorite straight-leg jeans for all budgets. (For reference, I am 5'6" and usually wear a size 26 or 27.)

Levi's: 501 Original

Levi's 501 outfit

Levi's: 501 Original

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

If you haven't stumbled upon the perfect pair of '90s vintage straight-leg jeans à la '90s Cindy Crawford or Rachel from Friends, then you'll want to head straight to Levi's site and get yourself a pair of 501 Originals. This is one of my top picks in terms of comfort, style, and value for money. They come in a whole host of washes. I'm wearing Shout Out Stone, which I was drawn to because they feel smart enough to wear to work or a night out. They're classic (not overly trendy) and flattering on different body types. They're non-stretch but surprisingly comfortable and easy to move in. I'm wearing the 30-inch length, but you can choose a longer or shorter inseam for your height. This is one of my go-to pairs I reach for day and night. I am also strongly considering buying the 501 '90s jeans, which have a slightly looser fit throughout the leg and a classic mid-rise. They're next on my wish list.

levis jeans outfit

Levi's: 501 Original

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

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Slvrlake: London Jeans

white slkvrlake jeans outfit

Slvrlake: London

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

There is a small number of denim brands I'd happily pay over $250 for, and Slvrlake is one of them. The quality of its jeans is truly superior. Since I love an off-white tonal look these days, I went for the highly touted signature London jeans in natural white. I feel like my legs look three inches longer in these jeans! They have a high-rise silhouette that elongates the legs and are made of rigid cotton, which gives them a vintage feel. I love the craftsmanship and attention to detail.

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Agolde: '90s Pinch Waist High Rise Straight Long

Agolde jeans outfit

Agolde: '90s Pinch Waist High Rise Straight Long

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

I, and practically every one of my fellow Who What Wear editors, own Agolde's '90s Pinch Waist jeans, which are quite literally one of the best straight-leg jeans out there. Inspired by this best-selling style, the brand came out with a slightly longer-length version, which I just had to try. While they're slightly too long for my frame, I absolutely love the look of them cuffed up. Worn with pointed-toe kitten heels and a belt, they look trendy and of-the-moment. I also love that they feel like a vintage pair. They're rigid with a hint of stretch and ooze model-off-duty vibes.

Agolde jeans outfit

Agolde: '90s Pinch Waist High Rise Straight Long

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

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Gap: '90s Straight Jeans

Gap straight jeans

Gap: '90s Straight Jeans

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

I have two words: surprisingly great. I am pleasantly impressed with everything about these jeans. They're classic-looking and feature a long, lean '90s cut that comes in three inseams. These have some nice stretch (they're made from a flexible denim blend) and are fitted through the hip and thigh, staying snug around the butt and then going into an elongating, full-length straight leg. These are one of the least expensive on this list yet easily outperform other budget jeans and pricier pairs. They're so good for the price (and they often go on sale too!).

Gap jeans

Gap: '90s Straight Jeans

(Image credit: @joidejude)

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Madewell: The '90s Straight Jeans

Madewell Straight Leg Jeans

Madewell: The '90s Straight Jean

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

Madewell's jeans have long been a favorite among our editors for quality, of-the-moment silhouettes and value for money. The '90s Straight Jeans are my new favorites from the brand. They fit snugly through the hips and thighs and make your butt look great. It's made of vintage-y structured denim with a touch of stretch for a broken-in feel. They come in a variety of washes, and they're perfect for everyday casual wear—comfortable, chic, and versatile.

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Reformation: Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans

Val jeans reformation

Reformation: Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

Reformation always does such a great job with creating just the right silhouettes that feel of-the-moment and fashion-forward. For a '90s runway look, similar to the image at the top of the story, I recommend Reformation's Val jeans. Simply put, these feel cool. They're a mid-rise silhouette designed to be slouchy below the natural waist, thighs, and legs. They're made from a rigid non-stretch fabric and come in a variety of washes. I recommend sizing down, as they have a looser fit. They are on the longer side, so these pair better with heels if you're not going to get them altered.

Frame: Le Jane

If you're looking for a straight-leg pair with a slightly wider leg opening, then Frame's iconic Le Jane is the perfect option. I love the slightly slouchier silhouette of these rigid jeans, which makes them feel trendy and cool. I usually wear them with heels (they have a 34-inch inseam), a white tee, or chic vest for a French-inspired look.

Frame Le Jane jeans

Frame: Le Jane

(Image credit: @joidejude)

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Citizens of Humanity: Charlotte High-Rise Straight Jeans

straight-leg-jeans-277393-1550085214672-main

Citizens of Humanity: Charlotte High-Rise Straight Jeans

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

Okay, so these are not new jeans. In fact, I've owned them for at least three years now, and I wear them all the time, which is why I needed to include them on this list! These cool non-stretch jeans are one of my absolute favorites of all time. They look vintage, the high waist sits perfectly on my torso, and they have major French-girl vibes.

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Citizens of Humanity: Zurie Straight

Zurie jeans

Citizens of Humanity: Zurie Jeans

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

As you can tell, I'm a big fan of Citizens of Humanity jeans (the quality is so good), and its new Zurie jeans do not disappoint. They elongate the legs and are super flattering thanks to the 11 3/4–inch high rise, and I'm obsessed with the vintage-inspired lighter wash. They have a longer inseam, so I generally wear these with heels.

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Pistola: Mid-Rise Classic Straight

Pistola straight jeans

Pistola: Mid-Rise Classic Straight

(Image credit: @joidejude)

L.A.-based brand Pistola makes some seriously flattering jeans—its mid-rise classic silhouette is one of them. These are the type of jeans you want to throw on when you have a busy day running around and want to feel comfortable and confident. The denim wash is so versatile, and they fit like a glove.

Pistola straight leg jeans

Pistola: Mid-Rise Classic Straight

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

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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.


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