Few items are as universally relied upon as a great pair of jeans. But owning the perfect pair is practically a rite of passage, one that requires patience and a hell of a lot of trying on. The rule of thumb when you’re seeking out the so-called “perfect pair” is as straightforward as wanting to practically live in them. And yet, as with all investment pieces guaranteed to be worn and worn again, there are a few non-negotiables to consider. Especially now, when the denim market is arguably the most saturated it has ever been.
There’s the sheer volume of choice to contend with, silhouettes, cuts and washes that shift seasonally; sizing that can vary wildly from brand to brand; increasing focus on eco-credentials and fabric construction; and, perhaps most importantly, real-life wearability – how a pair of jeans fits into your existing wardrobe.
Vogue’s best jeans at a glance
The options are endless. So, to streamline the search, I spent a full day changing-room hopping to uncover the best jeans you can buy right now, and the ones that will still feel relevant in 2026. After trying on countless pairs of varying shapes, sizes, and cotton compositions, I’ve realised that the pool of exceptional, stand-out styles is much smaller than you’d think.
As it turns out, the age-old technique of trial and error was the most effective way to identify the styles worthy of investment. It led me back to heritage names such as Levi’s, Citizens of Humanity and Agolde, alongside more contemporary high-street heavyweights including Arket, Uniqlo and Cos. Vintage stores are worth visiting too: Unlike off-the-rack styles, vintage denim offers worn-in appeal, as well as unique details like rivets, stitching and patches that give jeans a beautiful lived-in quality that can’t be replicated with a new pair.
Before heading off on my quest to the fitting rooms, I packed a selection of shoes I’d realistically wear with everyday denim: a kitten heel, a trainer, a boot and, of course, a loafer, all squeezed into my largest tote bag. It might sound like a painstaking process, but it paid off tenfold. A simple shoe change can completely transform how a pair of jeans looks – and feels.
One other crucial thing to note: there is no single “correct” style for each body shape. This outdated misconception deserves to be retired for good. The key is finding the brand that works for you. Fits vary wildly, as do fabrics and rises. Every body is different so what reads as wide-leg on one person may look straight-leg on another. I definitely found that some styles were far more form-fitting than their labels suggested, while others were deceptively loose. Comfort, not category, is the ultimate marker of success. Wear what feels good, not what you think should fit – that’s how to find perfectly-fitting jeans.
After a full day of total denim immersion, a few clear winners emerged. Low-rise, baggy styles with ankle-pooling length proved to be the most comfortable – and the most covetable. Classic straight-leg jeans, the kind that would never go amiss in any wardrobe, also stood out, alongside subtle statement-makers such as crisp white denim, turn-up cuffs, embellished finishes and tailored details like front pleats. Then there are the enduring styles: selvedge dark-indigo washes, barrel legs and even the occasional slim cut, reaffirming that true denim classics never fall out of favour.
To discover which styles have truly earned a place in our wardrobes, see British Vogue’s breakdown of the best jeans to try now – and wear well into 2026.
These best jeans for women come Vogue-approved
Low-rise baggy
Opting for these in a size up from my usual, I loved how they sat low and loose on the hips, falling in a wide, straight line down the leg. I tried them on with heels because the 31” length somewhat drowned me, but I later realised that Levi’s offers this style in four different leg lengths, so if I were to purchase them, I could size down to 29”. They came with a denim string to tie around the waist – which would look great when you want to cinch – but for more casual looks, I’d opt for no belt. One thing to remember is that, while vintage Levi’s might run small, the current mainline collections run true to size.
Having only tried Reformation’s dresses, prior to this, I was interested to see if its denim would meet the mark. Even before pulling these on, I was impressed by the quality of the fabric – thick enough to hold its shape but not so rigid that it was going to make me feel claustrophobic. The only issue here was that I couldn’t try my true size (25), so I went with a 24. With this in mind, they came up tight on the waist and the upper-leg, so if you want yours to be low-waisted, as the style name suggests, then I’d advise sizing up from your standard. This style comes in 13 core colours, plus an additional five seasonal colour options that should be available throughout winter.
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Straight jeans
Uniqlo jeans are a Vogue office favourite (the curve jeans have recently been spotted on a number of staffers) and my wide, straight-leg pair gets compliments every time I wear them. While some baggy jeans can be very exaggerated, this pair has a streamlined, tailored cut that doesn’t puddle around the legs. Loose throughout, with a mid-to-high rise waistline, in a size up from my usual, they still offer some shape around the hips while remaining spacious enough to feel ultra-comfortable. They will also look great in your usual size, providing slightly more of a fitted look than the above. Plus, they also come in vintage blue, which is the perfect choice for more casual-leaning looks.
Selvedge jeans
The polished alternative to frayed denim, selvedge jeans are a favourite amongst fashion crowds, with countless brands and designers putting their own spin on the style. The above pair are from Guess, which I’ll admit I’d never thought to try before, but on the Selfridges shop floor I was drawn to their deep wash and slightly more affordable price tag compared to other premium brands (while these are out of stock now, there are plenty of similar styles on the market). They sit at mid-level on the hips and have a flattering straight leg, with the loops on the side giving them a carpenter feel. However, perhaps the most impressive thing about this pair was how flattering they were on the hips. The way they hugged in all the right places meant that I left the fitting rooms a Guess jeans convert!
Barrel-leg jeans
I’m under the impression that barrel-leg jeans are among the more flattering pieces of clothing out there. The playful, ballooning silhouette magically balances out proportions and allows room for your legs to move – all while retaining their structure. This style from Citizens of Humanity is high waisted, and just like its best-selling Ayla and Miro styles, they fit like a glove in my usual size (25). The length on me was perfect, and if you’re taller then they’ll come up ever-so-slightly cropped. Paired with ballet flats, they’d make the perfect foundation for plenty of outfits.
Turn-up jeans
I have owned the same pair of Citizens of Humanity jeans for six years and can attest to their longevity. The fabric ages beautifully, moulding to your body over the first few wears, but retaining its shape for years to come. The Ayla wide-leg silhouette is softer than some other styles from the brand, but is still thick enough to maintain its structure. I love how these are cut with the perfect amount of extra leg room, allowing comfortable movement without entirely drowning your figure. The fit around the hips is on the looser side (which I’m a big fan of) and the turn-up cuffs give it a relaxed, vintage feel. These were the most comfortable and versatile of the lot and I’ll be adding them to my shopping basket imminently. Note: I sized up for a more relaxed look, sitting lower on the hips.
Pleated jeans
Adding pleating to the front of jeans instantly gives them a tailored edge, while providing a little extra wiggle room around the upper leg. I recently discovered EB Denim via its Rizu shorts, which have become somewhat of a staple in my summer wardrobe. After the success of my shorts, I had high hopes for this barrel-leg pair. Online, the fit is described as low-rise – and they were just that. In my regular size, they sat very low on the hips but didn’t risk falling too low, and thanks to the lightweight cotton composition, the wide fit drapes smoothly down the leg. The only hiccup here was the length, but I like how they look rolled-up, so it would be easy to iron in the hem folds or get them taken up.
Slim-fit jeans
A slim-fit jean isn’t something I thought I’d be wearing in 2026, but with the likes of Miu Miu and Balenciaga backing the close-cut silhouette, there is no denying the return of this divisive style. Admittedly, this is the style I struggled the most with, trying on countless iterations in rigid cotton, soft cotton, with a crop and without a crop. But it was this pair from 7 For All Mankind that worked best, even though off the body they looked worryingly like leggings (please, nobody bring back jeggings). With the help of a heeled boot, this soft, jet-black pair made me feel sleek and sculpted. I tried a size up which fit well, but I’d advise going with your usual size as these are likely to stretch with wear.
Embellished jeans
I’m under the impression that sequins and studs should not be reserved solely for festivities but should be celebrated year-round – especially during those times when you’re in need of a day-to-night outfit. Paired with a shirt and loafers for daytime, or with a kitten-heel and tank top for a night on the town, they are the ideal way to add a little bit of fun to an otherwise understated outfit. This soft cotton pair from Reformation has a gentle wide-leg fit and I enjoyed how the silver accents follow the stitching around the side seams and the back pockets. Although my usual size would have fit, I sized up here as I didn’t want to feel restricted.
