It's Official: These 9 High-Street Stores Do the Best Jeans
As far as shopping experiences go, finding a great pair of jeans on the high street used to be tough (IRL or online). But over the past few years, there's been an influx of styles, lengths and shapes to suit every body shape. It's no longer good enough that "cheap" jeans should feel cheap, so (thankfully) gone are the days of ill-fitting, saggy pairs made of fabric that quickly wears away.
In fact, there's so many impressive, good-quality affordable styles out there right now. But for this round up of the best high street jeans I wanted to really do the research and dig down into the brands not just loved by me, but by my fellow editors and industry insiders, too. As well as the denim styles you all love (I only have one body after all, and different figures suit different jeans).
I put the question of where to buy the best high street jeans out to the Who What Wear team, and then to our audience through the powers of social media. There were a handful of brands that were mentioned several times, and a number of pairs in particular that came out clear winners— some were already my go-tos for everyday denim outfits, and others I instantly added to my list to try next.
All of the brands and pairs mentioned had a few things in common, though. First, they were all classic—no embellishments or gimmicks here. Mostly, they tended to be high-rise and straight-leg. Although, there were a few wide-leg and skinnies creeping in there too. Below, I've made a concise list of the brands that came out on top, along with the most-recommended pairs. Keep scrolling to see and, more importantly, shop...
THE BEST HIGH STREET JEANS, HANDS DOWN
1. ARKET
Style Notes: With some of the best-quality jeans on the high street, Arket is always reliable in terms of denim. Its could-be-vintage washes look classic for everyday. I personally love the Jade cropped jeans (their cropped styles are perfect for petites) and the stretch styles are some of the comfiest jeans you can find, period.
Shop Arket:
The brand also has more unique styles that could easily pass for designer, like these wide-leg jeans.
According to my research, so many editors swear by this specific pair of jeans (including me).
2. & OTHER STORIES
Style Notes: & Other Stories has just added so many new cuts to its jeans collection. The straight, cropped and flared iterations look extra premium.
Shop & Other Stories:
The ultimate straight-leg jeans loved by celebrities (Kate Middleton is a fan), influencers and editors alike.
3. MARKS AND SPENCER
Style Notes: Marks and Spencer has some great jeans. Expect classic styles with denim that has a bit of stretch. There are also options for petite and long lengths which is game-changing.
Shop M&S:
M&S' Magic Shaping jeans will give your bum a natural-looking lift.
4. H&M
Style Notes: One reader described H&M jeans as "surprisingly good quality and fit" and I would have to agree. There is a range of great silhouettes, one of which you can see on Jessica Skye here.
Shop H&M:
5. COS
Style Notes: COS is one of our go-to destinations for affordable basics that are well fitting and good quality, and the brand's jean selection is just that.
Shop COS:
Acting affiliates editor, Florrie, recently tried on these jeans and is still raving about them.
The drawstring on these jeans allow you to tailor the silhouette to suit your style.
6. LEVI'S
Style Notes: While Levi's Ribcage jeans were by far the most popular among our readers, there are plenty of options to choose from, including the iconic 501s.
Shop Levi's:
7. MANGO
Style Notes: With a focus on classic colours and timeless cuts, Mango's denim selection seldom rotates, which is great when you find the pair you want to wear over and over.
Shop Mango:
8. UNIQLO
Styles Notes: Who What Wear's Hannah Almassi swears by Uniqlo trousers, and especially jeans. They're perfect for petites as they come up quite short.
Shop Uniqlo:
9. ZARA
Style Notes: Did you know that Zara has a great selection of high-street jeans? Find a variety of colours and fits to suit your style.
Shop Zara:
The Marine jeans really took off last year.
A fun way to incorporate the red-colour trend into your wardrobe.
Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.
Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.
Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.
When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.
Emily is currently on maternity leave.
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