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The Best Jeans for Women in Every Style and Shape

Let’s talk about finding the perfect pair of jeans.

I promise you, they exist, but finding your best pair can be frustrating and a little discouraging. I’ve been there, literally breathless in a dressing room, or my closet, trying to get a pair of jeans over various parts of my body. 

Happily, over the years, I’ve discovered truly great pairs for myself, clients and my readers. 

So, today, I’m hoping to make your search a little easier by rounding up my picks for the very best jeans for women in every style, shape, and size. 

I’m including regular or missy, petite and plus sizes for skinny, straight and bootcut styles. 

The Best Jeans for Women in Every Style and Shape

Jeans: Joe’s Curvy Skinny (on sale) | Tee: $9.50 | Boots: $100

The Three Most Popular Style of Jeans

For today’s post, I’m focusing on a classic five pocket design, in a dark or medium wash in skinny, straight and bootcut styles

I picked two or three of my favorites at different price points, so within each category you’ll have a high, medium and low price (or what I call splurge, spend and save). 

Currently, my favorite pair of jeans are these Joe’s Curvy Skinny jeans I scored on sale at Off 5th (above). When I was a stylist, Joes Jeans were a client favorite. Their Curvy Bootcut make your legs look a mile long and their Petite Provocateur Bootcut jeans have a cult like following. 

We feature a lot of skinny jeans in our posts. Mostly because they are the abundantly available. They are also more flattering than you may think, if you find the right pair.

Universally speaking, a straight leg works well on most body types. Straight-leg jeans have become increasingly popular in recent years. You still want them to be narrow, but this cut will give you the current silhouette of a slim cut bottom without having to deal with fabric clinging to your legs. 

The bootcut style has come and gone over the years. Recently, bootcuts have gone back to their original glory, as a better version of their late 90s predecessors. The flare on most current styles is just enough to cover your shoe. Plus, bootcut jeans feature a slim cut that helps bring some much-needed balance if you have wider hips and broad shoulders.

The Fit of Jeans

Jeans are the kind of garment you just have to try on and see what happens. There are no blanketed rules telling us what style works for what body type. It all comes down to how the jean fits you as an individual and how you feel in them.

I’ve had a plus sized client fall in love with a skin-tight pair of skinnies and look phenomenal in them; and a petite client, who swore up and down that a bootcut would overwhelm her, walk out with two pairs that helped show off her curves. There is no science to it.

Generally speaking, the more stretch in a jean, the more they will stretch out, so consider sizing down when ordering. You want a new pair of jeans to almost feel too small, because after wearing them for just a few hours, they’ll start to conform to your body. 

Also, if you run into the very common issue of your the waistband either feeling too loose or gapping, have them fitted by a tailor at the waist. It’s an easy fix so you can get them over your hips and sit comfortably at your waist. I did it all the time for clients. 

Scroll down to find your size and preferred cut. 

The Best Straight Leg Jeans for Women

The Best Straight Leg Jeans

One, $178 | Two, $89 | Three, $27

One – DL 1961 Jeans are my favorite.  They are expensive, but the quality and fit are out of this world. There is just enough stretch, great for travel, perfect for the office, and easy to wear on the weekend. Available in sizes up to a 34 which is about a 16.

Two – KUT from Kloth is a well priced, quality brand with nice fit and style. Available in sizes 0 – 16.

Three – Old Navy won’t last you more than a season or two, but are a fantastic price and fit well. Available in regular, petite and tall, in up to a size 20 with short, regular and long lengths.

The Best Skinny Jeans for Women

The Best Skinny Jeans for Women

One, $179 | Two, $37 | Three, $32

One – Paige Denim are like the gold standard of skinny jeans.  They have classic style, awesome fit and last for a good long time. These have a mid-rise available in up to a 34 or a size 16.

Two – Article of Society are a great deal at their regular price, but on sale they’re a no brainer.  I’m a big fan of their fit and styling.  They will stretch out faster then premium denim so you may consider sizing down. Limited sizes include 22 – 34. 

Three – Old Navy’s Mid-Rise Rockstar one of my all time favorites. They look like designer denim for a fraction of the price.  Again, these will stretch out quickly so you’ll get one season at the most out of them. Available in regular, petite and tall, in up to a size 20 with short, regular and long lengths.

The Best Bootcut Jeans for Women The Best Bootcut Jeans for Women 

One, $110 | Two, $90 | Three, $68

One – Joe’s bootcut jeans are my favorite. They have impeccable fit and a classic dark wash. Also, note the length in the picture above, this where you want them to hit, just slightly puddling on top of your shoe. These have a high rise and go up to size 34, which, for Joe’s is a 14/16.

Two – KUT from Koth has nice stretch in a dark, go with everything wash. These run large so size down, available up to a size 14.

Three– Wit & Wisdom is another well priced option at under $70. They are more casual, ideal for the weekend and run big so size down when ordering. Available in regular and petite sizes, up to a 18 or 14W.

The Best Petite Straight Leg Jeans for Women

The Best Petite Straight Leg Jeans for Women

One, $109 | Two, $84 | Three, $68

One– NYDJ makes fantastic jeans in all sizes.  Their petite straight leg was a go-to for clients. Available in three colors up to a size 18P.

Two– We don’t see a lot of Jag Jeans anymore but they also make a sold jean for under $100. There pull on style (above) give you the slim look of a skinny jean with more comfort and room. Available in regular and petite up to a size 12. 

Three–  Wit & Wisdom have what they call an “Ab-solution” which is basically mesh panels that hold you in (yes, please). These run big so size down. Available in regular and petite sizes, up to a 18 or 14W.

The Best Petite Skinny Leg Jeans for WomenThe Best Petite Skinny Jeans for Women

One, $238 | Two, $139 | Three, $59

One – Citizen of Humanity are not specifically a petite jean, but I’ve had luck with them for petite clients.  Worth trying if you want a premium denim. Available in sizes up to a 12, runs small. 

Two – Another NDJ in a super dark wash.  Nice for those of you that like a high waistband that sits above your belly button. Available in regular, plus and petite up to a size 24.

Three – Liverpool has comfortable, under $60 jean in a dark designer wash. These are pull on so they will feel like a legging and feel comfortable at your natural waist. Available in up to a size 12P.

The Best Petite Bootcut Jeans for Women 

The Best Petite Bootcut Jeans for Women 

One, $185 | Two, $68 | Three, $35

One – Joes makes by far the BEST pair of petite boot cut jeans, especially if you are a little curvy. Available in up to a size 32, runs small, high waisted. 

Two – Wit & Wisdom has enough stretch and a waistband that sits right at your natural waist.  Also available in regular up to a size 18. 

Three – These Old Navy jeans are just a solid option, in a classic dark wash for under $0. Also available in regular, and tall up to a size 20. 

 

The Best Plus Straight Leg Jeans for Women

The Best Plus Straight Leg Jeans for Women

One, $144 | Two, $44

One – NYDJ makes the best plus size jeans in all styles.  They consistently have great fit and proper pocket placement. Available in sizes 14 – 28W, with a high rise. Order one size down. 

Two –  These Old Navy have an incredibly reasonable price tag and classic fit. Available in sizes 16 – 30, in regular, short or long lengths.

The Best Plus Skinny Leg Jeans for Women

The Best Plus Straight Leg Jeans for Women

One, $144 | Two, $28

One – I say show off your curves.  Wear these James Jeans skinny’s with a killer heel and your favorite going out top. Available in sizes 12 – 28.

Two– If you don’t want to spend, Target has you covered with their brand Ava & Viv.  Just remember they are a one, maybe two season wear, but are under $30. Available in sizes 14 – 30. 

The Best Plus Bootcut Jeans for Women

The Best Plus Bootcut Jeans for Women

One, $109 | Two, $98 | Three

One – From NYDJ these are like a trouser jean, a little wider in the leg than a lot of boocut jeans, but not as dramatic as wide-leg jeans. They’re great for the office on a casual day paired with a one or two button blazer. Available in sizes 14 – 28.

Two – These jeans from KUT are the most casual, they could be your go to weekend jean, but are still polished. Available in sizes 14 – 24. 

Three – A slim boot cut is ideal to bring balance to your shape without creating more volume and these Seven7 jeans are just that at a fantastic sale price. 

Tall Sizes 

Let’s talk about tall sizes. Many of the options above include tall sizing and are noted. Old Navy in particular offers all kind of sizes from traditional tall cuts to just longer inseam lengths (depending on what you need). 

Banana Republic and J.Crew also offer a solid tall selection and Talbots has long as an option within their sizes. 

I am 5’10, but don’t wear specifically tall cuts. Instead I’ve had luck with premium denim offering longer inseams – something to consider as well. 


Our Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers. 

Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist View Postand wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail. 

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

If you enjoy our content and would like to help us grow, please consider following on Instagram and join our Private Facebook Group to access more advice and exclusive in-depth conversations with other like-minded women.

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The Best Jeans for Women in Every Style and Shape
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MEET THE AUTHOR

Megan Kristel

Megan Kristel is an entrepreneur, working mom, and former personal stylist. Tired of the one-dimensional portrayal of women online, she founded The Well Dressed Life as a resource for other professional women.

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Cindyb

Monday 13th of May 2024

Clicked on 4 or 5 pair of jeans , all were sold out?

ECG

Saturday 20th of March 2021

Love you were so, so close! I'm here representing the long legged goddesses: I'm 6'2. It is AWESOME that your post included a Tall section, however there are no pics or comparisons like the other sections.

Kirsten

Thursday 24th of September 2020

the petite Joe provacateur jeans at Zappos are super limited size and $158. I found all sizes available at Bloomingdale’s and on sale for $99. I don’t know if you can update your links But letting you know so you can get credit if possible.

Kathryn

Tuesday 22nd of September 2020

Thank you for the body positivity! I'm average to tall in height (5' 8") with most of my length in my legs. I am also more hippy. I love that you don't exclude who can wear skinny jeans. I feel good in mine, and feel like I look good in them, too. Looking forward to trying a pair of Joe's. I have always worn Old Navy, never tried a premium brand before.

Carol Szafalowicz

Tuesday 22nd of September 2020

What a wonderful informative post. I'm 5ft, size 27 and need "Midrise" can you recommend a brand? I do have a stomach issue that always concerns me and would love to find a pair of straight or boot cut that I can tuck in shirts to get that great tuck look. Any suggestions? Seems all jeans are high waisted now and causes my stomach to protrude out more. Would greatly appreciate help. Warmly, Carol from Chicago

Kate

Monday 21st of September 2020

I have tried dozens of jeans, from very inexpensive to premium denim over $250 a pair. I couldn’t find one that didn’t sag in the butt after a couple of hours. Then I found BetaBrand. Their boot cut dress ponte knit yoga pants and denim are amazing. The knit denim looks and feels just like regular jean fabric. I had to go up a size in the dress pant, but the denim fits in my usual size. They also have straight and skinny styles.

Marcelle McGhee

Wednesday 23rd of September 2020

Yes, me too! Betabrand is one of the only brands I found where the waist is not out of proption with the rest of the pants. I am 5'2 and wear a curvy Petite 4 and they fit me perfectly by accomodating my butt and small waist.

Tracy

Monday 21st of September 2020

Thank you for this information. I have the worst time finding jeans that fit. And I can’t wait to check out the recommendations you suggested for petites.

Debra Morehead

Monday 21st of September 2020

I think you were very misleading about your comment of the Target and Old Navy jeans. If you take care of them properly they will last a lot longer than 1 or 2 seasons. You can't always go by the price of a item , to estimate the quality .

Megan Kristel

Monday 21st of September 2020

I very happily wear both Old Navy and Target, however, it would be incredibly misleading if I said they were long term "investment" pieces. Let's use the Old Navy recommendations as an example, because there are many in this post. With frequent wear both the waistband and the knees will stretch out so much that they will loose their shape and fit. Also, even with proper care, which I'm assuming everyone is doing, the dark wash will fade. Both will take between 1 - 2 seasons to start to see them loose their original fit and wash. The jeans are $25, that's still an incredible value for the money spent.

Quietgirl

Tuesday 17th of March 2020

I have resisted replacing my skinny jeans because wide|flair|bootcut jeans are on the runways and stores Do you see skinnies being replaced by these new styles or will they remain as a classic style in women’s wardrobes?

Marianne Rohde

Tuesday 17th of March 2020

Hi Megan, Great comprehensive post ! Do you endorse the DL jean in white too or just the blue jean ? Focusing on a good white pair now, since I outgrew my Paige Peg skinny’s 😬 Might grow even more after this lockdown !

Megan Kristel

Tuesday 17th of March 2020

Thank you! I have an older pair of white DLs and they are great, you can't see through them and they feel substantial. Worth a try!

Zenda

Thursday 16th of May 2019

My biggest problem with jeans is that I'm constantly 'puling it up' throughout the day because it sags down from the butt. I'm 5'0, 120 lbs. I mostly shop from J.crew and Banana due to their petite selection. Their jeans fit me well except for the pulling up problem --- i just chalk it up to me having a flat butt but is there a solution for my problem? Thanks in advance!

Megan Kristel

Saturday 18th of May 2019

Hey Zenda! Thanks for the comment. Simple and easy fix, buy your favorite pair and have them taken in at the waistband. I almost always had to have jeans altered for clients like this and it works like a charm - no more pulling up your pants all day.

Meredith Quinn

Wednesday 15th of May 2019

Megan, Hit it out of the park with this post. Nice work. Was it last year that you did a "White Jeans that aren't see-through" post? I'm wearing my NYDJ Marilyn Straight white jeans today. One of the best investments ever. It was the first time I ever paid over $100 for jeans but I knew I only wanted one pair so I was going to do it right. So comfortable. Great color. Not see-through. Cannot thank you enough.

- Sincerely, Your Midwest fan who buys online due to limited options within 300 miles.

Megan Kristel

Wednesday 15th of May 2019

You'r the best Meredith, thank you so much. Those are great white jeans, I'll have to refresh that post for this year - thanks for the reminder!

Carrie

Wednesday 15th of May 2019

Thank you sooo much! I’m excited to check them out. Have a wonderful day and keep up the good work!

Megan Kristel

Saturday 18th of May 2019

Thanks Carrie!!!

Carrie

Tuesday 14th of May 2019

Hey! What about the tall gals out there? I’m 5’10”, so none of those jeans would go near me. Is there any hope for me or am I doomed to wear men’s jeans (shhh) forever?

Megan Kristel

Wednesday 15th of May 2019

Hi Carrie - please no mens jeans :) I am also 5'10 and easily wear the DL 1961, Paige and Joe's Jeans (they have an almost 35" inseam), often with heels. If you need some extra, extra length, the Old Navy options all come in tall. You could also try J Crew jeans, they make specifically tall options too. There are lots of options to try :)

Bobbye Carraway

Tuesday 14th of May 2019

ThNk you for keeping me optimistic that I can be 70+, petite, curvy to plus, and have style!!

Linda

Tuesday 14th of May 2019

Don't forget about us tall women! Finding jeans that fit are often very difficult. One supplier that has lots of options is Long Tall Sally based in the UK . Love your great blog!

Sally

Tuesday 26th of September 2017

Do you have a favorite pair for tall & curvy? I'm size 14 with a 36" inseam. Thanks.

Megan Kristel

Tuesday 26th of September 2017

Hey Sally! I know I'm not telling you anything new, but there is limited options for a 36" inseam. But GOOD NEWs, I love NYDJ for tall and curvy. They make a few in their tall line that would work. These curvy bootcuts have your inseam and go up to a size 16 and I love the color of these for a basic.

You can check out all of their tall options here.

Charla

Tuesday 26th of September 2017

What is the best length for jeans? I am 5’0” and wear a size 10. Thanks for this post. It is packed with great information.

Megan Kristel

Tuesday 26th of September 2017

Thanks Charla! Length depends on the style, so generally a skinny should hit either right at your ankle or bunch a very little bit, and a straight and boot cut should puddle on the top of your shoe. Always have your jeans hemmed to the heel height to plan on wearing. This mean you'll probably need a pair for flats and one for heels :)