Exactly a week ago, I received an exasperated text from my cousin. As a fellow long-legged woman, she was desperate to know: where on earth could she find jeans that fit? It's a problem we can all relate to—no matter your body shape, it seems that finding the perfect pair of jeans is eternally elusive. I speak from experience—as an absolute jeans lover, I've gone through so many heartbreaks trying to find the Goldilocks pair (the ones that fit just right.) I may have long legs, but I also have big hips and thighs. Where oh where are my dream jeans?
Luckily for me, you, and my cousin, my suffering has led me to doing extensive research and I think I've narrowed down a list of the best jeans, with options to suit every budget. Personally, I think jeans are a piece that are worth investing in—once you find the pair that fits you like a glove, you'll wear them time and time again (and you'll want to avoid going through the shopping process again.) But that being said, myself and the WhoWhatWear editors all agree that some of the very best jeans today are coming out of high street favourites like COS and Arket.
A few notes on fit—I strongly believe the style categories I've picked below can suit every body type, you just have to find the details that best suit you. For example, due to my torso-to-leg proportions, I'll be a high-waisted girl until the end of time. The fashion world can try as hard as they like to usher back the low-rise denim, but there is no chance I will ever partake. Don't want your denim to hug your thighs? Wide-leg styles are your go-to, but the rise is completely dependent on your personal proportions.
And the most important rule? You absolutely must go through the process of trying numerous pairs on. When it comes to sizing, the world of jeans is the Wild West— a 32 may be your normal go-to waist size in Levi's, but you may find you're a 29 in Arket and a 34 in FRAME. As far as I can tell, there's no rhyme or reason, so don't ever take it personally—remember, the only thing that matters is how they fit your body and how they make you feel.
With that being said, let's bring on the denim. Happy hunting!
1. Straight Leg
Style Notes: Unlike skinny jeans which hug every part of your leg, straight cut jeans still give you the narrow, streamlined silhouette without the spray-on look—which in my opinion, makes them universally more flattering. The most important part is to find a style that comfortable skims over the hips and still gives you the fitted waist, and I think all of these pairs do the job.
Shop the Look:
There's a reason these jeans keep selling out—grab this white pair while you can.
The twisted seam on these will make them really flattering on every leg shape as they draw the eye inward, creating a leaner silhouette.
I love that these Reformation jeans have a bit of stretch to create a sleek fit.
I almost wanted to gatekeep these, but I decided to be fair. These are my personal go-tos, and I'd recommend them to anyone, but particularly to my fellow long-legged gals who are endlessly annoyed to find the hem of their denim hitting way above the ankle.
These are one of Everlane's most popular styles, and are particularly flattering for curvier figures.
2. Wide-Leg
Style Notes: Wide-leg pairs have dominated the denim must-have charts for the past year, and for good reason. Not only do they look achingly cool, but the wide leg skims over any areas you might lack in confidence in. If you're bigger busted, you'll probably find that a wide-leg silhouette creates a better balance in your outfits, too.
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A great entry wide-leg pair that just gives a slightly broader leg than a traditional straight style.
So many editors swear by this exact pair.
It's not just the cut that makes these jeans so flattering—the fade on the leg and the placement of the hems creates a beautiful shape on every body type. Pro tip—I found these a bit too long for me, so you may need to find your friendly neighbourhood tailor to take them up a bit.
Don't sleep on Zara's denim collection, especially if you're slim-hipped.
These have such a great loose fit that has made them a secret fashion insider's favourite.
3. High-Waisted
Style Notes: High-waisted jeans are arguably the most versatile style you can go for. The cinched fit makes the perfect for layering under billowing shirts or oversized blazers, but work equally well with fitted t-shirts or bodysuits. In other words, it gives you plenty to play with in terms of proportions. And they work for every body type— for pear and hourglass shapes, they bring the focus back to your waist, while petite and athletic figures will see curves created before their very eyes.
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These jeans will give you such a great hourglass figure—although I would warn that they're not the most forgiving if, like me, you're working with bigger thighs.
Levi's are somewhat infamous—they are an absolute classic go-to for denim, but they're sizing is known to be....how to put it, whacky? Put in the effort to try on numerous pairs of these, because the Ribcage fit is truly gorgeous.
As close to a skinny jean as you'll find trend-acceptable these days. I'd style them exactly like this.
So many of my friends swear by these Weekday jeans.
I love the fact that the contrasting darker sides manages to create the illusion of a lean leg even with the baggy fit.
4. Mid-Rise
Style Notes: A mid-rise fit may be the perfect style for those who just can't get on board with a high-rise silhouette, and they tend to be a particularly good option for those with longer torsos. Like the high-waisted, they come in a variety of styles, so there's plenty of options to choose from.
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Pure 90s vibes, in the best way.
Truly timeless—they already look vintage, which I love.
If you like your jeans to hit right at the ankle, these are the pair for you.
Another Tomorrow is a brand to watch—the exaggerated silhouette of these jeans gives them instant cool factor.
Another killer Arket pair for under £100.
5. Puddle
Style Notes: The wide-leg style has proven to be so popular, that a new silhouette has arrived: the puddle jeans. Super oversized and baggy, these jeans are designed to pool around the foot, so that your trainer or loafer just peeks out. If you want to embrace the trend, explore different rises to find the right pair that puddle around your ankles rather than completely flood you.
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This is the pair that has converted so many people to the puddle jeans style.
If you have a longer torso, this low slung pair are a great option
An unbelievable pair for this price point—and I've been told they suit basically every body type.
I love that these can just make your legs look super long if styled with heels, or can go full puddle with trainers.
I'd be remiss to not include a mention of & Other Stories' denim—this pair is my personal favourite.
6. Cropped
Style Notes: The cropped look is flattering on all leg lengths, as the flash of ankle somehow manages to make your pins appear longer even if you're lacking in inches, and breaks up longer limbs to create a proportional look. If you're sporting some amazing curves, consider going for a kick-flare hem—it mimics the shape of curves to create a beautifully balanced shape.
Shop the Look:
Another COS style that quickly sells out. The tapered leg ensures you still get that sleek look.
I love the culotte look. So perfect for spring and summer dressing.
Cuffed jeans are such a great version of the cropped silhouette.
So many influencers are singing the praises of Mother's denim.
The subtle flare is so good.
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