The right pair of jeans can make you feel like a million bucks. The wrong pair? Not so much. Here at Forbes Vetted, we set out to find the most comfortable jeans for womenâthe ones that make you look and feel great. After polling staffers and rating and reviewing all the options, we selected Everlaneâs The Original Cheeky Jean as our top pick overall. The most comfortable wide-leg option is Leviâs Ribcage Wide-Leg Jean and Madewell Kick Out Crop Jean is the best cropped pair.
sacrifice style for all-day wearability.ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
How we picked the winners: We focused on jeans that work for a range of body types, budgets and style preferences, prioritizing those that our staffers rated highest on comfort and all-day wearability and, in many cases, have worn for years. Ahead, youâll find all the most comfortable jeans for women that we highly recommend.
Sizes: 24 to 35 | Fit: High rise, straight fit | Inseam: 26.5, 28.5 inches | Washes: 7
Whatâs notable:
The invisible scaffolding. Everlane designed these jeans with a raised back-hook seam that lifts and tightens, and their signature âHappy Pocketsâ are set higher and closer together for a bouncy, lifted look.
What could be better:
If youâre looking to buy multiple washes, be warned that the sizing can be inconsistent.
Everlaneâs Original Cheeky Jean ticks all the denim boxes. It has a flattering high-rise waist, itâs slim-fitting through the hips and thighs, and has a simple straight leg. Classic details, such as the zipper closure and five-pocket style, mean these jeans are versatile enough to go with everything you already own. Plus itâs made with GOTS-certified organic cotton (better for the soil and water, and safer for workers).
What our tester says: âThese are my absolute favorite jeans. Theyâre slightly stiffâwhich holds you inâbut they get more comfortable the more you wear them.â âFrancesca Sales, Forbes Vetted updates writer
Sizes: 23 to 34 | Fit: High rise, wide leg | Inseam: 30, 32, 34 inches | Washes: 5
Whatâs notable:
The cut. Levi knows a thing or two about denim design. The high waist elongates your legs, while the denim hugs the hips and thighs, before subtly widening below the knee.
What could be better:
If youâre making a shift from Leviâs Ribcage Straight jeans, beware that the sizing might not be consistent. Especially when it comes to waist size.
Sometimes a wide-leg jean can be overwhelming. Too much fabric and it looks like the denim is wearing you. Thankfully, this Leviâs pair doesnât fall into this trap. Just tailored enough to create a flattering silhouette, the super-high-rise waistband ensures these jeans hug your hips and waist in all the right places. If youâre a fan of Leviâs bestselling original Ribcage jeans, you will love these. While thereâs no stretch in the fabric, the recycled cotton is soft, which means extra comfort.
What our tester says: âIâve tried so many designer denim brands over the years, but nothing compares to Leviâs! The Ribcage Wide Leg is so comfortable. And the best part is they come in a ton of washes and cost less than $100.â âCory Baldwin, Forbes Vetted executive director of commerce content and strategy
Sizes: 23 to 35 | Fit: High rise, cropped | Inseam: Petite (23.75 inches), Short (24.75 inches), Regular (26.25 inches), Long (28.25 inches), Tall (30.25 inches) | Washes: 3
Whatâs notable:
Whether youâre pairing them with pointy boots or sneakers, these jeans come in different lengths to deliver the look you want.
What could be better:
For all the sizing options, this pair only comes in three basic washes.
When it comes to body inclusivity, Gap really delivers. Not only does this cult-favorite style come in 13 sizes, there are five inseam lengths to choose from. Which means you can customize the fit to your body shape. Slim through the hip and thigh, this pair flares ever so slightly above the ankle, creating a chic silhouette, no matter your height. Are they comfortable? You bet. These jeans contain 1% elastane, which means a slight stretch.
What our tester says: âTheyâre the perfect balance between stretchy comfort and structured. I love that thereâs a short inseam option so I donât have to hem them to fit my five-foot frame.â âKara Cuzzone, Forbes Vetted senior deals editor
Sizes: 00 to 30 | Fit: High rise, skinny | Inseam: Short, Tall, Long | Washes: 5
Whatâs notable:
The fabric is perfection: medium-weight stretch, which skims the curves and fits like a glove. Most importantly, this pair keeps its shape and doesnât sag.
What could be better:
Some of the washes donât look as high-end as your more expensive pairs, but for the price, the value here is great.
Old Navy denim is an under-the-radar fashion find: The brand thoroughly tests and re-tests all of their fits on different body types to create the most comfortable fits out there. The skinny style wears like a dream, with a high-rise waist and the right amount of stretch, and it comes in classic washes, like black and dark blue, that go with everything in your closet. The quality of the denim far exceeds the price.
What our editor says: âIâve worn Old Navy skinny jeans for years and Iâm picky about my denim. The hand-feel is top-notch and the silhouette is flattering and extremely comfortable. I could spend a lot more on jeans, but honestly, I havenât seen the need to when this pair is so excellent.â âKari Molvar, deputy editor
Sizes: 22 to 34 | Fit: Mid rise, straight leg | Inseam: 29 inches | Washes: 6
Whatâs notable:
The slouchy, cool and lived-in feel. This high-quality pair is worth the price tag.
What could be better:
Sizing can be tricky. The fit is intended to be relaxed and loose. Size down if you want a higher, closer fit. Note, thereâs only one length.
Cue the nostalgia. Agoldeâs mid-rise jeans are inspired by the â90s, which means a relaxed fit and a loose, straight leg. The vintage indigo wash works just as easily with a classic tee and sneakers, or a heeled boot and blazer. Plus, these jeans are crafted from non-stretch, organic cotton that gets softer with each wash.
What our editor says: âI love the Agolde 90s mid-rise straight jeans. Theyâre 100% cotton, so itâs a rigid denim, but they stretch a little with wear. Super comfy and great quality. Totally worth the price.â âRachel Kalson, Forbes Vetted content operations manager
The flare is subtle. Itâs somewhere between a bootcut and and a full-on flare, which makes this pair super versatile. Expect to wear these with everything.
What could be better:
Some reviewers have mentioned a sizing inconsistency between the different washes. For what itâs worth, the black rinse seems to run smaller than the others.
Madewell is synonymous with great jeans, and the Kick Out Crop is a cult-favorite for a reason. The pair has stretch (not too much, not too little) and an ultra-flattering fit, which makes it a good contender for your everyday jeans. Madewell also gets a nod for their pioneering Do Well program, which sets the bar high for sustainable denim.
What our tester says: âThese are my winter go-to jeans. Just enough stretch without feeling too baggy or loose in the seat, and the cropped length makes it easy to pair them with long socks and boots.â âClaire Epting, Forbes Vetted updates writer
Sizes: 00 to 32 plus | Fit: Mid rise, straight leg | Inseam: 27.5 inches | Washes: 1
Whatâs notable:
Itâs hard not to be impressed by the straight leg and body-shaping combo, which is stylish and supportive.
What could be better:
The unfinished hem puts these on the less formal end of the spectrum. Plus, they only come in one wash.
Khloe Kardashianâs super-inclusive brand, Good American, knows exactly how to design for the female form. Perhaps thatâs why its Soft-Tech Good Legs Straight Jean has legions of fans. Known as the ultimate sculpting jeans, with just enough compression to hold you in, theyâre also crafted from soft cotton, which means comfort level is sky-high.
What our tester says: âIâm obsessed with my pair. They are the perfect hybrid between skinny and straight. They hug my curves, but loosen at the calf. They have the ideal amount of stretch (without gapping at the waist), and are made from a soft, thick denim that feels high quality.â âMcKenzie Dillon, Forbes Vetted sleep and mattress editor
Sizes: 1 to 14 | Fit: High rise, wide leg | Inseam: 23.24 inches | Washes: 5
Whatâs notable:
The array of colors: From classic indigo to blush pink and crisp white, thereâs a color for every season (and every look).
What could be better:
With only one inseam length on offerâand itâs longâthese jeans arenât great for the more petite among us.
Spanish powerhouse Mango delivers amazing bang for the buck. Their high-waisted culotte jeans are a dupe for some of the most exclusive denim designers on the block. Designed to skim the legs and hang A-line style, these jeans are just as flattering with heeled boots or pointy flats. Classic details such as welt pockets at the front, a zip fly and frayed hem add to the high-fashion vibe.
What our tester says: âI low-key love Mango jeans. For the price point, thereâs nothing better.â âMadeline Kaufman, Forbes Vetted director of commerce partnerships
Excellent design details make these jeans stand out from the crowd. Note the pleated detailing at the front, double-button closure and flattering front and back pockets.
What could be better:
Color can transfer when you first buy them, so wash once separately in cold water before wearing.
American Eagle believes no two women are the same, and theyâve created a jeans-buying experience with a lot of built-in options. Available in sizes 000 to 20, and lengths X-Short through X-Long, the jeans are versatile and highly comfortable. The low-rise bootcut jeanâin dark inkâis no exception. The leg-lengthening shape is super-flattering, and the dark wash makes it easy to dress them up or down.
What our tester says: âAs someone with long legs in this cropped jean world, American Eagle has the best length options. Mine have held up so well with so much wear.â âCaite Jaffe, Forbes Vetted senior content strategy analyst
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, our team of writers and editors have collectively logged thousands of hours testing and reviewing consumer products. Weâve covered wide ranging fashion topics such as the best high-waisted jeans, the best blazer dresses and the best trench coats. Forbes contributor Corrie Jackson, the writer for this story, is the former deputy editor of Glamour in the U.K., and has covered fashion and beauty for two decades. She has an unhealthy number of wide-leg jeans in her closet. Forbes Vetted deputy fashion editor Kari Molvar has written about lifestyle topics for some of the biggest publications in the world, and oversaw the editing of this piece.
How We Chose The Most Comfortable Jeans For Women
When it comes to jeans, thereâs no greater praise than word of mouth. With that in mind, we asked the pickiest people we knowâthe Forbes staffersâfor their most comfortable jeans recommendations. In addition, we scoured the market, pored through reviews and widened the net to include old faithfuls, as well as the much-talked-about newer brands to curate our list. We considered a variety of styles, fits, fabrics and washes. We also factored in body shapes and budgets. Our goal? To cover all bases, and find the most comfortable denim out there for all buyers.
What To Consider When Buying Comfortable Jeans
Lifeâs too short to wear jeans that are anything but flattering and comfortable. But there are many factors to consider when shopping for jeans online, from the fit to the style to the fabric. Before you embark on your denim journey, read this.
The Fit
The rise of your jeans is super-important. Some of us remember low-rise jeans from the early 2000s and itâs not a look for the faint-hearted. While mid and high-rise styles tend to be more flattering (and comfortable), thereâs no single option thatâs best for everyone. Some helpful pointers: If you want to elongate your legs, go for high-rise. If youâre buying online, learn how to measure accurately. Take a tape measure and go from your crotch to above the naval to measure high-rise lengths, on the naval for mid-rise lengths, and below the naval for low-rise lengths. When it comes to inseam (i.e. leg) length, choose the shoes youâre most likely to wear with your jeans before measuring. That way, youâll get the length right. And, remember, no two retailers are alike. Always check size charts to see if a brand runs large or small.
The Style
Gone are the days when it was skinny jeans or bust. There are so many different styles on the market, from classics like straight-leg and bootcut, to modern cuts like barrel and boyfriend. Itâs worth educating yourself and trying on a variety of styles because you just never know. Before taking the plunge, assess the rest of your closet. What will you wear your jeans with? When and where do you tend to wear denim? Ensuring the style works seamlessly with what you already own is the way to guarantee longevity. And donât be too swayed by your social feeds. What looks great on someone else might not work on you because body shape plays a huge part. Remember the most important rule: You wear the jeans, not the other way around.
The Fabric
Thicker fabricsâlike 100% cottonâwill hug your curves and stand the test of time. But they can feel a bit more rigid. Stretchier fabrics might feel more comfortable, but make sure theyâre not too thin. If they are, theyâll lose their shape faster and will start sagging in the knees and rear. A thicker fabric with a small amount elastane is the sweet spot. When you try on jeans, be sure to move around in them. Bend your knees, sit down, bend over. Donât compromise on comfort. Could you do a long car journey in these jeans? No? Then theyâre not the pair for you.
The Price Point
It goes without saying (but weâll say it anyway): Quality denim lasts longer. In general, higher-quality denim is crafted from a heavier fabric, which costs more because of the denser structure and greater durability. For cheaper jeans, lower-quality cotton tends to be cut with synthetic fabrics, which means the jeansâ dye might fade faster, and the shape can stretch out quickly. That said, there are plenty of great budget-friendly options on our list. Pick your price point and donât be swayed. Go for the best quality you can afford. And, remember, thereâs always vintage. Not only can you pick up a pair of quality jeans second-hand, itâs the more sustainable option, too.
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Corrie Jackson has been a journalist for more than 20 years. As deputy editor of Glamour in the U.K., Jackson was responsible for writing and editing fashion features. These included everything from trend reports at fashion week to interviews with industry icons like Kate Moss and the Kardashians. Jackson was also on staff at Harper’s Bazaar, Grazia and the Daily Mail, and her work has appeared in publications such as Marie Claire, the Sunday Times Style and Domino. In addition, she is co-founder of the luxury home organizing company, Maison Haven.
