I Tried on Over 50 Pairs of Jeans for Autumn—These 7 Are Officially Worth the Hype

Welcome to The Great Try-On. With autumn well and truly in the air, we seized the opportunity to try on the best new-in pieces from some of our favourite brands, documenting the process along the way. We believe that the best way to shop online is to see an item IRL first and read candid reviews about fit, style and quality, so we hope our try-ons will lead you to your most successful purchases of the year.

As a self-confessed denim devotee, I knew it was my moment to shine when I was tasked with trying on the best jeans on the market right now. My love affair with denim began years ago with the iconic Topshop Joni jeans. And while I’ve since retired from the skinny-jean era, my commitment to denim has never wavered—you’ll rarely catch me in anything else, whether I’m in the office, heading out for dinner or just running errands.

So, what keeps me hooked? Ever since jeans graduated from skin-tight to relaxed and roomy, I’ve appreciated them for what they truly are: the most versatile trousers in my wardrobe. Despite their sometimes unfair reputation, the right pair will be undeniably comfortable, endlessly wearable and adaptable to almost any setting (weddings aside—though I’d be tempted). With over 20 pairs already in rotation, the thrill of trying on a new style still hasn’t worn off.

For this denim deep dive, I left no stone unturned. H&M, Zara and COS offered up affordable options that nail the brief with sharp cuts, versatile washes and silhouettes that feel fresh. Then came the premium stops—Reformation, Agolde and Frame—where I found investment-worthy styles designed to see you through years of wear. As for silhouettes, I tried them all: 90s-inspired straight legs, roomy wide-legs, and off-duty model–worthy baggy cuts. Safe to say, no wash was left untested.

So, which pairs made the cut? Scroll on to see my verdict.

The Best Jeans Of Autumn 2025, As Tried And Reviewed By an Editor

1. H&M Wide-Leg Jeans

Okay, I must admit—in my long love affair with denim, H&M was a brand I always overlooked. But when I realised nearly every one of my (very stylish) colleagues owned a pair of H&M jeans, I knew it was time to investigate. I pulled a few styles from the racks, but this wide-leg pair instantly stood out.

From the moment I slipped them on, I was sold. The fit is spot on: relaxed but not sloppy, with a wide-leg silhouette that feels modern and effortless. The denim has just the right amount of structure, and the light wash gives them a premium edge that could easily pass for designer. It’s no wonder the fashion crowd swears by them—these are the kind of jeans I'll wear on repeat, and no one would ever guess they’re high street.

Plus, they come in different colours, so you can mix up your denim wardrobe without breaking the bank. Alongside this mid-blue wash, I spotted versions in black, white, and darker indigo shades. Each gives you a slightly different mood: the blue wash feels relaxed and versatile, the darker tones are great for a sharper look, and the black or white options are perfect when you want to dress up a bit. The value for money here is real — these are the kinds of jeans you’ll want in more than one colour.

2. COS Bay Jeans

While the COS Column jeans had my heart for the longest time, I usually gravitate towards more relaxed cuts. So when I spotted the COS Bay jeans, I knew I’d found the one. Technically a “barrel-leg,” the shape is subtle—reading more like a wide-leg–baggy hybrid—and the result is both flattering and incredibly comfortable. To my surprise, they even hit perfectly at the ankle on my 5'2" frame (a rare win for petites).

Also approved by our Shopping Editor, Florrie, the Bay jeans tick every box. They come in a range of shades—from rich brown to crisp white to a vintage-feel light blue wash—making them a versatile, mid-price denim option worth investing in. If you’ve been searching for a fresh alternative to classic wide-legs, this is it.

3. Agolde '90s Jean

I’ll admit, in my six years of working in fashion, I’d never actually tried on a pair of Agolde jeans. I know—shocking. Determined to do my homework properly, I tested five of the brand’s best-sellers. And while each had its merits, my heart ultimately settled on one: the '90s jeans.

I’ll be honest, I’m not usually a straight-leg fan, but in an effort to channel that iconic Rachel Green aesthetic, I decided it was time to broaden my denim horizons. And I didn’t regret it for a second. The fit is everything you want in a straight leg—slouchy but not shapeless, structured yet comfortable. They sit high on the waist, skim over the hips, and fall into that effortless full-length cut that instantly makes every outfit feel cooler.

What really sold me is their versatility. They look just as good with trainers and a simple tee for daytime as they do with heeled boots and a sharp blazer for evening. The vintage-inspired wash only adds to their appeal, giving them that worn-in, “forever” feel that makes you look like you’ve owned them for years.

Agolde might sit at the higher end of the denim price spectrum, but the '90s jeans feel like a true investment piece—the kind you’ll reach for on repeat and never tire of.

4. Frame Le Slim Palazzo Jeans

And the award for the most comfortable jeans goes to… Frame’s Le Slim Palazzo. No, seriously—these might just be the stretchiest pair I’ve ever tried, and the moment I slipped them on, I instantly understood why they’re such a consistent best-seller.

The fit is the perfect mix of polished and laid-back. The high-rise waist makes me feel great, while the slim fit through the hips and thighs flows out into a wide palazzo leg that feels effortlessly elegant. The stretch denim moves with you—no rigidness, no digging, just all-day comfort that still looks elevated.

What makes them so appealing is how adaptable they are. Pair them with a crisp shirt and heeled sandals for a refined evening look, or with a simple knit and trainers for relaxed weekends. The clean silhouette means they can easily pass for tailored trousers, making them a clever alternative for days when you want to feel put-together without sacrificing comfort. Yes, they’re an investment, but with this kind of wearability, you’ll more than get your cost-per-wear. Trust me—you’ll want to live in them.

5. Citizens of Humanity Baggy Jeans

As a baggy jean obsessive, I knew this would be a no-brainer. We've already waxed lyrical about Citizen of Humanity's Ayla jeans and as a fashion-insider favourite, they come with serious hype. The moment I tried them on, I instantly understood why.

The relaxed, slouchy cut delivers that coveted off-duty model vibe without feeling overwhelming, striking the perfect balance between cool and wearable. The light denim wash is particularly chic, lending them a vintage-inspired edge that looks incredible styled simply with a white tee and black leather bomber jacket.

They’re the kind of jeans that do all the heavy lifting in an outfit—effortless, directional, and endlessly versatile. It’s no wonder they’ve earned their cult status.

6. Zara Wide Leg Jeans

It’s no secret that Zara jeans hold a special place in my wardrobe—my all-time favourite pair is from the brand. So when I spotted the latest drop for the autumn/winter collection, I was elated, to say the least. My eyes immediately landed on this wide-leg style, and it had new favourite written all over it.

The silhouette feels modern yet wearable, with a relaxed cut that drapes beautifully and instantly elevates even the simplest knit or tee. Zara’s denim always manages to strike that sweet spot between affordable and premium-looking, and this pair is no exception. I can already see them becoming the jeans I reach for on repeat.

7. Reformation Slouchy Wide-Leg Jeans

While I love Reformation for its cashmere, I had never tried a pair of Ref jeans before this denim try-on. Suffice to say, I was pleasantly surprised. I immediately felt at home in the Cary jeans—the denim is soft yet structured, with just enough stretch to keep them comfortable all day. The high-rise cut and straight leg create a flattering, elongating shape that feels timeless but still on trend.

What impressed me most is how easily they slot into my wardrobe. They look just as good with a chunky knit and boots as they do with a delicate blouse and heels, making them a true day-to-night piece. If you’ve been curious about Reformation denim, the Cary is the perfect place to start—polished, versatile, and surprisingly comfortable.

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.