I Tried the Cult High-Street Jeans Every Fashion Person Owns—They're 100% Worth It
The COS Chord jeans are 2026's best-selling style. Now, one denim-obsessed editor puts them to the test.
It’s safe to say that COS has redefined high street shopping. Taking a peek at the Great British high street, the brand has carved out its own space, focusing on refined pieces with a minimalist edge, and has become a one-stop shop for great staples and trending styles alike. Looking for sleek tailoring? COS has you covered. Wondering where to find the best white Tee on the market? It’s the Clean Cut T-shirt I always recommend. And if you’re wondering which COS item is currently at the top of every editor’s wish list, it’s the Chord Straight-Leg Jeans.
Marilyn wearing the COS Chord Jeans.
One of the most defining denim trends of 2026 has been the stovepipe cut. A little more streamlined than a classic straight-leg, with an innately French finish and refined silhouette, stovepipe jeans have been steadily making their way into great wardrobes across the globe, and of them, the best affordable version is COS’s pair. If you're yet to try out COS's stellar denim collection, this is a great place to start.
Senior Shopping Editor Marina wearing the COS Chord Jeans
It’s not just me who thinks this either. As a denim-obsessed editor, I’m often recommended styles to try out, and recently all my stylish friends and colleagues have been raving about the Chord Jeans. Naturally, I decided to put them to the test.
Shopping editor Florrie wears the COS Chord Straight-Leg Jeans
True to form, COS has got these jeans just right. The fit is true to size, the denim is soft and comfortable, and the high-rise waist sits in just the right place. As I like my research to be thorough, I headed to two different stores to test out different shades of the Chord jeans. Whilst both my try-ons featured a neutral top and ballet flats, I've also seen these taken to evening with heels and a leather jacket, or worn casually with a soft knit and trainers for the perfect off-duty look.
As a now-classic cut, the Chord jeans have become part of COS’s capsule collection, available in a series of sleek washes from a vintage-look light blue to a versatile black.
Shop the COS Chord Jeans
The wash of this pair feels almost vintage.
Dark indigo always looks so high end.
Classic black will work hard in your wardrobe both day and night.
Perfect for off-duty moments.
This look has convinced me I need to try a full tonal look asap.
A washed black for a slightly relaxed edge.
Shop More COS Jeans Fashion People Adore
A new style to know about.
The Bay jeans have a subtle barrel-leg silhouette.
This shade will instantly reinvigorate your trusted neutrals.
I tried these on recently, and can't praise them enough! Perfect for petite dressers.
Brown jeans are top of my autumn wish list.
A slouchier straight-leg silhouette than the Chord jeans.
Just in time for boot season.
