All the Coolest People in London Are Wearing This "Dated" Jeans Trend, So We Found the 8 Best Styles

It’s a universally recognised truth that you can never have too many pairs of jeans. Between the endless wash options and hyper-specific shapes, it truly feels like there’s a style for every taste and occasion without ever doubling up. Still, certain cuts and colours feel more current than others, as is certainly the case with indigo jeans.

The darkest of all shades, indigo jeans are a deeply rich blue iteration that’s as intertwined with the history of denim itself. For the uninitiated, this exact hue was the colour used by Levi’s when creating the world’s first pair of jeans all the way back in 1873. Considering indigo jeans are literally the blueprint for all subsequent denim styles, it should come as no surprise that they’ve endured for over 150 years as one of the best-selling silhouettes.

These days, indigo jeans are more than an homage to the craftspersonship and legacy of a pioneering piece of fashion. Indeed, in 2025, they’ve become an indicator of taste and timelessness, spotted on the legs of discerning dressers like Kendall Jenner or on the autumn/winter 2025 runways of trendsetting brands like Khaite.

In fact, after taking a quick poll here at Who What Wear UK, I discovered that the majority of our editorial team is the proud owner of a pair of indigo-dyed denim, and had lots to say about how to wear them. The consensus around the office was that the best indigo jeans conveyed an air of effortless elegance that’s unattainable by other washes. Versatile and vibrant in the best way possible. Blame this on their classic nature or the fact that the most prolific tastemakers have eschewed their lighter styles in favour of something more decadent, but the mood of now is one that prioritises well-made and functional foundation pieces, which is a trait that indigo jeans deliver in spades.

But whilst it’s important to understand the context of why indigo jeans are so culturally significant, it’s equally crucial to know which brands are doing them well and the most popular versions around. With that in mind, I tasked myself to source the best indigo jeans currently available on the market.

After trawling through high-street favourites, luxury brands and heritage department stores—and asking my fellow editors to do the same—I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the eight best indigo jeans.

We’re shopping experts for a reason, and after spending hours in changing rooms to assess fit, finish, fabric and function, these are styles that come highly recommended. From trendier barrel-leg designs to sumptuous straight-leg crops, uncover the eight best indigo jeans ahead.

The 8 Best Indigo Jeans, as Tested by Editors

• The best overall indigo jeans: Levi's Ribcage Full-Length Jeans, £100
• The best designer indigo jeans: Citizens Of Humanity Miro Long Mid-Rise Barrel-Leg Jeans, £340
• The best high-street indigo jeans: H&M Straight High Jeans, £45
• The best straight-leg indigo jeans: COS Column Straight-Leg Jeans, £85
• The best wide-leg indigo jeans: Mango Wide-Leg Jeans With Buttons, £50
• The best indigo jeans for petites: COS Bay Barrel-Leg Jeans, £85

1. H&M Straight High Jeans

Style Notes: When it comes to designer-looking denim at an affordable price point, H&M is always such a gold mine. This indigo-dyed, high-rise style is inspired by Chloé's signature straight-leg style and even comes with a quaint under-the-sea themed charm that dangles from the front-right pocket. (I repurposed this by popping them on my house keys to keep the jeans as clean-cut as possible.)

Made of 100% cotton and fitting true to size, I was pleasantly surprised with how structured the shape looked even after a few wears. Intentionally stiff to start, they've softened ever so slightly to subtly mould to my exact proportions. Still, they look as rigid as the day I got them, which is a testament to the quality of the material.

This style tapers at the waist very delicately, which makes it an ideal companion for sophisticated outerwear styles like funnel-neck jackets and polished footwear options, including ballet pumps. The hemline sits just below my ankle, which is briefly problematic when it rains, but isn't something that can't be alleviated by a heeled boot or a slight tailor.

Interestingly, the style doesn't feature any front pockets, which certainly gives the thigh a smoother appearance, though it sometimes feels unusual because I've been trained to keep things in my pockets (the aforementioned keys). All in all, I certainly think these are worth the price.

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2. COS Bay Barrel-Leg Jeans

Style Notes: Whenever I need fashion advice, I always turn to Who What Wear UK senior shopping editor Marina Avraam. Always the first to spot an expensive-looking steal or identify a deal that will get your heart racing, she's one of the first people I look to for sartorial recommendations. So, when I asked her what she nominates as the best indigo jeans, she put me onto this pair from COS. "I’m calling it: the COS Bay Barrel-Leg Jeans are next to go viral," she told me.

"COS has a formula for this, with silhouettes that quietly drop and then instantly vanish (lest we forget the best-selling Column jeans). The second I pulled on the Bay, I felt the same spark. With a subtle, non-exaggerated barrel shape, they strike that perfect 'slouchy yet considered' balance and the indigo wash is genuinely timeless. And, at 5’2”, I can confirm that they’re not awkwardly short, which, frankly, feels like a massive win."

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3. Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Vintage Straight

Style Notes: It should come as no surprise to anyone, but the high street is riddled with indigo jeans vying for the "best" title. Asking self-proclaimed jean connoisseur and Who What Wear UK shopping editor Florrie Alexander, she tells me that Abercrombie & Fitch is home to her favourite indigo jeans.

"With Curve options and three leg lengths available, Abercrombie & Fitch is focused on creating jeans that fit in all the right places," she explains. "The High Rise Vintage Straight Jeans are a staple in any great wardrobe, with a touch of elastane to add a comfortable finish to the reliable cut. This pair joined my wardrobe a few years ago, and has become one of my most reached-for."

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4. Levi's Ribcage Full-Length Jeans

Style Notes: Given that Levi's is the original inventor of indigo jeans, it's only fitting that they make an appearance on this list. "I have these Levi's Ribcage jeans in basically every colour, but I reserve the indigo shade almost exclusively for evening attire," says Who What Wear UK beauty director Shannon Lawlor. "They’re the ultimate jeans-and-a-nice-top jeans. They sit super high on the waist and just make you feel like your very best self. The straight leg hangs pretty much perfectly with a heel. And the cherry on top? The indigo colour seems to have much more stretch around the waist than the lighter Ribcage options (if you know, you know)."

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5. Mango Wide-Leg Jeans

Style Notes: You heard it here first: bootcut jeans are coming back, especially when rendered in a dark wash like indigo. So, when I came across this Mango style in my travels, my interest was obviously piqued. With a sweet flare from the thigh and a firm but smooth material, I was pleasantly surprised by how long-wearing this Mango style was.

As someone with more of a true hourglass physique, I really enjoyed how complementary this pair looked, both from the front and side profile. The dark wash is especially luxe and pairs well with everything from this Sandy Liang-esque knitted jacket to a polished white shirt.

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6. Dickies Herndon Loose Fit Denim Jeans

Style Notes: If there's a person at Who What Wear UK who's across every It item and trending staple, it's social media editor Megan Storey. Asking for her advice on the best indigo jeans, she tells me that it's a pair from Dickies that's her preferred style. "Indigo jeans always feel a little more put together than lighter washes, and I always make the swap in winter. I was really attracted to the contrast stitching and straight-leg cut of this pair. They’re a heavier denim, so great for the colder months, and I love how they look styled with a matching jacket."

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7. Citizens of Humanity Miro Long Mid-Rise Barrel-Leg Jeans

Style Notes: California-based brand Citizens of Humanity has become one of the leading players in the denim category. Inspired by the nonchalance of the U.S. West Coast, these are celebrity-approved styles adored by prolific dressers like Elle Fanning, Emily Ratajowski and Rihanna. Slipping into the Miro cut, I was instantly besotted and could easily see why the brand is so beloved.

This style is a true barrel leg, perfectly billowing out through the knee to calf and sitting perfectly around the base of my ankle. Pairing it with this With Jéan blouse made me feel like a true Londoner—like the grand denim dame of Dalston—given how ubiquitous this exact outfit formula is (especially in the city's East London, where they'd typically style this with a scrunchy from Good Squish).

Despite the brand calling them a long mid-rise, I found them to be an ideal length. I'm not petite by any means, but I'm not tall either, so I would certainly keep this in mind if you're someone under 5'4" and above 5'6". Still, I was most impressed with a quality you can't see, which is the brand's commitment to sustainability. The indigo jeans are all made from an eco-indigo pigment, which the brand explains is an "innovative bio-indigo dye created by Pili, a French biochemicals company", regenerative cotton and recycled water.

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8. Levi's Baggy Dad Straight-Leg Lightweight Denim Jeans

Style Notes: Another notable Levi's mention, but it's too good to omit, according to Alexander. "Denim experts Levi's bring a relaxed edge to the straight-leg cut with the Baggy Dad jeans," she explains. "The fit is spot-on, with a cotton-and-linen mix that makes this pair incredibly lightweight and comfortable, even in the cooler months. Trust me: this pair will soon be as beloved as the 501s."

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How We Tested

Who What Wear UK's editorial team tried and tested the best indigo jeans by rigorously reviewing the best-selling styles, popular brands and iconic cuts in person. As fashion editors with years of experience in the industry, we also looked to the best indigo jeans in our own wardrobes and revisited them through a scrupulous review process that involved wearing them for hours at a time and assessing them based on comfort, quality, shape and price point. From sitting at a desk to sitting at the counter at a neighbourhood bar, our team stress-tested the styles to ensure our recommendations are ones we wholeheartedly endorse.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.