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Denim is an absolute, no-questions-asked wardrobe essential, so having a few (or more) pairs of the best jeans on rotation in your closet should be a given. After all, there are no limits to the ways you can wear jeans—and they come in every shape, color and style imaginable. If you really wanted to, you could probably wear jeans every single day and never once run out of outfit ideas. They’re just that versatile. And, lucky for all of us, they’re as easy to shop as they are to wear.
Even if you typically prefer dresses, skirts or even trousers over denim, there’s likely a pair of jeans out there with which you’d fall in love. And considering all the different styles of jeans available these days, it makes sense! You can go with a cropped skinny, flare or straight leg if you like to show off your booties—or in the summer, when you want to stay cool. Alternatively, there are long skinny, flare and straight leg styles, too, perfect for pairing with cozy knits or your favorite blouses. And within these categories are even more options. (Do they ever end? Nope!)
Recently, we’ve seen a lot of vintage styles come into play: flare jeans reminiscent of the ’60s and ’70s, throwback high-waisted jeans, the ’80s dad jean, paper bag waist styles and even the ’90s mom jean. There are a ridiculously high number of denim styles available, so there’s truly no reason not to try out a pair.
If you’re picky with your denim, though, we get it. Not just any pair will do, and you’d rather spend your coin on only the best pairs of jeans out there. After all, jeans are something many of us wear multiple times—unlike, say, a formal occasion dress that likely hangs in your closet for most of the year. Jeans are articles of clothing that get worn constantly. So, choosing the pairs that will get you the most use for your money—and look great, too—is serious business.
The only difficult part of uncovering the best jeans is simply the fact that there are so many out there. But rather than wade through pages and pages and brands and brands of denim picks, allow us to do the work for you. We’ve created a comprehensive list of go-to denim for every budget. You’ll find everything from affordable options for under $50 to more expensive options for over $200. And you’ll discover a variety of brands and styles, whether it’s vintage-inspired jeans from Levi’s or ’90s-inspired jeans from Good American.
All there’s left to do is shop! So go forth and find your next pair of favorite jeans. Keep reading to see our picks, then get ready to slip into the best jeans of your life. We won’t blame you if you end up snagging more than one pair.
RELATED: Sorry, These 2022 Denim Trends Say Skinnies Won’t Be Making A Comeback
Under $50
Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans at Amazon
Celebs like Hailey Bieber love Levi’s Ribcage jeans and that’s probably because they are sooo flattering. The extra high 12-inch rise hugs your waist and hips in all the right places and makes it look like you have legs for days.
Zara Wide-Leg Jeans
You can’t go wrong with wide-leg jeans, since they give your legs plenty of room to move and breathe. This pair from Zara is frayed at the bottom, giving it an extra edgy flair.
Universal Thread Super-High Rise Paperbag Tapered Jeans at Target
These paper bag jeans look anything but $30. Style them with a flowy blouse and your fave clogs for an effortless look that you can wear to the office or your next G.N.O.
Old Navy Higher High-Waisted Cropped Flare Jeans
These super high-waisted jeans are one inch higher than the brand’s extra high-waisted styles. So if you prefer your denim to really cinch in at the waist, this pair is all yours.
Under $100
Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High Rise 90s Relaxed Jeans
High-rise relaxed jeans are coming back from the ’90s and we’re loving it. These ones from Abercrombie & Fitch take it up a notch with the knee blowout details.
BDG Ruched V-Front Flare Jean at Urban Oufitters
Julia Fox, is that you?? Low-rise jeans are back, y’all. The dipped-v waistband and front ruching on these jeans is everything you could want in Y2K denim.
Eloquii Classic Fit Stretch Denim Mom Jean
Everyone needs a trusty pair of “Mom jeans” that they can wear to the grocery store, dinner with friends, a concert or really anywhere.
Everlane The Way-High Jean
Everlane’s The Way-High Jean is another pair of hip-hugging, leg-lengthening jeans that flatter your figure to perfection.
Under $150
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jean
We love the vintage look of these Madewell jeans. They’re made of a special type of denim that has a broken-in feel that’ll match well with anything in your closet. Madewell is one of my personal favorites for buying jeans because the brand’s denim is so sturdy and high-quality.
Reformation Cynthia Belted High Rise Straight Jeans
Reformation carries tons of jeans that have cool prints and designs. This pair has the chicest paper bag waist and belt with tortoiseshell detailing.
Good American Good ’90s Loose Jeans
From 00 to 32, Good American carries trendy styles in an extensive size range. The brand has nailed all of its ’90s-inspired jeans, including this pair that comes in a black wash and baggier fit.
We The Free CRVY Super High-Rise Lace-Up Jeans at Free People
Free People is the epitome of boho fashion and its selection of flared jeans is always so good. We’re eyeing this pair because of the edgy lace-up design in the back.
J.Crew Cuffed Slouchy Boyfriend Jean
Boyfriend jeans are some of the most comfortable jeans to wear because of their laidback, loose-fitting design. J.Crew’s cuffed version looks like the ideal pair for summer.
Over $200
AGOLDE Broken Waistband at Revolve
Drop the mic because these jeans are everything. Cut-outs in dresses and tops are big right now, but why not try them in a pair of jeans? AGOLDE certainly pulls it off.
Amiri Cargo Wide-Leg Jeans at Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue serves up stylish numbers from top-tier designers. Take, for example, these cargo jeans by Amiri.