I've Been Wearing Straight-Leg Jeans for Forever—These Are the Pairs I Fully Recommend

Straight-leg jeans are one of those classic denim styles that can never truly date. Trust me, I know. Even as a seasoned editor whom spends their days deep in the world of fashion, trying to pinpoint the best denim on the market can often feel like a monumental task. This stems from the fact that there is just so much choice. Be it different brands, price points and, not to mention, the hundreds of shapes, styles and washes at every turn.

But you see, whilst denim is undoubtedly the thing I get asked about the most, it's also the topic I thrive in. My advice is usually to perfect the classics first, and what's the most classic jeans style of our time? That's right: The straight-leg. Think Bruce Springsteen on the Born in the USA album cover, or Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis in Thelma & Louise. Straight-leg jeans just have that timeless appeal.

Universally regarded as "classic" and extremely versatile, I would argue that everyone needs at least one perfect pair of straight-leg jeans in their wardrobe. What makes them "perfect" will, of course, differ for depending on your needs; perfection is objective, after all. Maybe you dream of the classic vintage blue, or need the ultimate black pair to dress up and down. You may prefer a slimmer, stovepipe style, a cropped ankle-length style, or a floor-skimming pair to wear with killer heels. All are valid, and all are worth considering. After all, straight-leg jeans are my M.O. I wear them basically every day. And whilst it's true that I've dabbled in a wide-leg, a barrel, and even a flare in my time, I always come back to straight-leg pairs. Having tried on hundreds of different styles, from super luxury brands to high street heroes, only a handful have made it into my regular rotation.

So, what makes these pairs the very best straight-leg jeans? Well, I judge my jeans on a few categories. Firstly, quality: I don't want any sagging, I don't want any fading, and I want them to feel brand new every time I put them on. Secondly: Fit, which is a difficult one, since everybody is different. For reference, I'm a size 8-12 (depending on the brand, time of the month, jeans style, etc.), which I'll admit makes it easy for me to find jeans that fit across most brands, but I'm tall, 5'10 in height, so length is often the sticking point. Brands (like M&S or Levi's) that offer different leg lengths and extended sizing are always more likely to get a better recommendation from me based on their inclusivity.

So, whatever is on your wish list, I'm here to help you find "the one". The pair so worth it you'll take them off in the evening and wash and dry them overnight just to ensure they're ready for you to wear again the next morning. Gatekeeping be gone; I've shared my edit of the best straight-leg jeans with you below.

The Best Straight-Leg Jeans, No Questions Asked

1. COS Chord Jeans

Style Notes: If you're after a designer-looking and designer-feeling pair of jeans with a high street price tag, let me direct you to COS's Chord jeans. With a very streamlined cut in an array of classic hues, there's something about these jeans that looks as if you picked them up from a chic Parisian boutique. They're that good. Almost stovepipe in silhouette, these were more fitted than I expected when I saw them on the hanger. but I didn't mind how they held my legs—not one bit, actually. They're designed to sit on the ankle, and as someone with a 5' 10" frame, they were always going to be a little shorter than ideal. But with a pair of boots or even a French-coded ballet flat? The crop feels instantly more deliberate and a polished antidote to the puddle jeans we've seen so much of lately.

Shop COS Chord Jeans:

2. Reformation Cynthia Jeans

Style Notes: Any straight-leg jeans review would be remiss if it didn't at least mention Reformation's Cynthia Jeans. Adored by fashion people and editors alike, the style has become one of the brand's bestselling products and, if you ask me, for very good reason. With a mid-high waistline and the classic straight-leg cut, these jeans have an innately polished appeal. I was particularly impressed by the density of the cotton; it's clear this is not a style that will fade with washes, which, when you look at the £178, makes the investment all the better.

Trying on a size 27 waist in the regular leg (as with most jeans I own), I can confirm that ankles were indeed on show. But herein lies the beauty of this style—unlike others in the market, it comes in various leg lengths, too. My colleague is 5' 3" tall and swears by the petite length, and while I like the regular I tried, I'd be tempted to order the long next time too to have a direct comparison.

Shop Reformation Cynthia Jeans:

3. Levi's '90s Straight Jeans

Style Notes: After appearing on the feeds of just about every stylish person I follow and having been a firm favourite on the fashion circuit since the '90s (just ask Jennifer Aniston), I had to see what all the fuss was about when it came to the Levi's '90s Straight Jeans. Spoiler: I get it.

For me, these are my perfect jeans, and that's not a word I throw around lightly. Fluttering the ground, the style fell well past my ankles (which at 5' 10" is a win), while the button closure felt secure and not restrictive. Honestly, I was surprised at the instant confidence I felt pulling them on—the silhouette is spot-on and they fit neatly in all the right places. The only downside is ever having to take them off.

Shop the Levi's '90s Straight Jeans:

4. M&S's Sienna Straight Leg

Style Notes: When I asked my fellow editors for recommendations for the best ever straight-leg jeans, I've never heard such an outpouring of love for one specific style of jean. Which is lucky, because they're my all-time favourite pair too. That's right, we're talking about M&S's Sienna Straight Leg. The most affordable pair in this roundup at £24; they are moments away from becoming your newest favourite pair. Constructed from buttery soft denim, they're almost skinny-straight, fitted to the knee and flaring at the calf. Now, if you like a more rigid fit, these probably won't be for you. Trying a 27, their almost jogger feel took me back, but I'm impressed with how sharp they look with loafers.

Shop M&S's Sienna Straight Leg Jeans:

5. H&M Straight High-Waist Ankle Jeans

Style Notes: I bought a pair of H&M Straight High-Waist Ankle Jeans many moons ago and honestly have invested in almost every colour since then. The perfect fit (I opted for a size 27"), the perfect vintage wash and the perfect length to give that cool puddle effect. They're relaxed, cool and actually quite long.

Shop H&M's Straight High-Waist Ankle Jeans:

Shop More Highly-Reccomended Straight-Leg Jeans:

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