An updated guide to our favourite women’s denim styles
We tested boot cuts, wide legs, crops and flares to find the perfect fit
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Arguably the best part of fall is getting to revisit and restock your favourite denim and cozy sweaters, then wear them on repeat. The combination of fireplaces, hot drinks and holiday-themed romantic comedies may be cliche but are a close second on our list.
After testing dozens of the very best in jeans, we’ve determined that not all denim is created equally. Through extensive internet sleuthing, interviews and real-life testing on a diverse group of body types, we’ve narrowed down our list of the best denim out there, just in time for cozy season.
Quick summary of the best women’s jeans
The best overall straight leg:Levi’s 501s
Runner up: Madewell The Perfect Vintage Jean
The best for plus sizes: Good American Always Fits Good Waist Jeans
Runner up: Levi’s 311 Shaping Skinny Women’s Jeans
The best overall flare: Gap High Rise ’70s Flare Jeans
Runner up: Veronica Beard Beverly Skinny-Flare Jean
The best overall wide leg: Reformation Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Runner up: DUER Midweight Denim Wide Leg
The best overall high rise: Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans
Runner up: Denim Forum The ’90s Marlo Hi-rise Baggy Jean
The best overall barrel jeans: Free People We The Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
Barrel jeans runner up:Everlane The Utility Barrel Pant
The best for petite sizes: Abercrombie Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean
Runner up: Madewell Petite 10″ High-Rise Skinny Jeans
The most comfortable: DUER Performance Denim Mid Rise Slim Straight
Runner up: AE Stretch Mom Jean
The best budget-friendly: Old Navy Mid-Rise Wow Boyfriend Straight Jeans
Runner up: Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Womens Modern-Skinny Jean
The best splurge: AGOLDE 90s Mid-Rise Loose
Runner up: GRLFRND Bella Low Rise Boyfriend
The best booty enhancer: Everlane The 90’s Cheeky Jean
Runner up: Levi’s Premium Wedgie Straight Fit Jeans
The best non-denim: Gap Sky High Rise Faux-Leather Cheeky Straight Pants
Runner up: Amazon Essentials Women’s Pull-On Jegging
Guide to the best women’s jeans in Canada
The best overall straight leg: Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans – $118
Considered the “original blue jean” for a reason. Levi Strauss invented the 501s way back in 1873, and we’re still wearing (and loving them) today. A timeless classic that will never go out of style and looks great on most body types — pay attention to Levi’s size guides, as we find they run a little small. For reference, I typically wear a size 29, but tend to go up to 30 in Levi’s. These are true denim, so they start a little stiff but will loosen up after a few wears and washes.
Straight leg runner up: Madewell The Perfect Vintage Jean – $220
These jeans will make your butt look great. I don’t really need to say more, but I will. The Perfect Vintage ticks a lot of boxes — high-waisted, high-quality denim, relaxed leg, and did I mention the butt? They run true to size and have just a hint of stretch for all-day comfort.
The best for plus sizes: Good American Always Fits Good Waist Jeans – $225
Good America has created a one-size-fits-four design that changes with your body. These super stretchy jeans were created to disrupt the denim industry and provide a unique stretch and recover technology that adapts to body fluctuations. Available in sizes 00 to 32 plus.
Plus size runner up: Levi’s 311 Shaping Skinny Women’s Jeans – $100
These super-soft jeans were made with Levi’s Sculpt for enhanced comfort and supportive stretch. They’re built to contour delicious curves and lengthen legs and feature a built-in tummy panel. Available in sizes 14 to 26. These run true to size.
The best overall flare: Gap High Rise ’70s Flare Jeans – $118
Go big or go home. There seem to be two camps – one loves and one despises the return of the 70s. I’m sitting squarely in the former category, and couldn’t be happier with these jeans. Flared legs are flattering on most body types and we love the Gap for offering a variety of inseam sizes from petite (30”), regular (32”) and tall (34.5”). At 5’4” I went regular but would choose the petite next time. They’re also available in classic denim and patchwork denim.
Flare runner up: Veronica Beard Beverly Skinny-Flare Jean – $415
These flares hold and mold in all the right places. With a high waist and with a medium amount of stretch, these jeans keep everything in place while providing a super-flared silhouette. If you’re willing to splurge on a pair of jeans, these are worth the investment as they hold their shape and their wash well over time. Just note that these jeans have a long 34″ inseam, and may require some tailoring for shorter frames.
Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans.
The best overall wide leg: Reformation Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans – $258
These jeans aren’t marketed as flares, but they offer a subtle introduction to the classic 70’s style if you’re not quite ready to go full-on bell bottom. They’re slim-fitting through the hips, wide at the bottom and accentuate your backside in the best way possible.
Wide leg runner up: DUER Midweight Denim Wide Leg – $139
We love that these are Canadian-made using a midweight denim that has that classic rigid denim look, but with so much added comfort. DUER creates “performance denim” using a combination of moveable fabrics like cotton, spandex and cooling polyster — essentially tricking people into thinking you’re wearing denim, but you’re actually wearing lounge pants.
The best overall high-rise: Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans – $118
Levi’s highest of high rises offers everything we’ve come to love about the brand, packaged with a 12” rise that succeeds in slimming, leg-lengthening and waist-defining, as promised. Check the size guide and move up in size based on your measurements — we find Levi’s size guide tends to differ from other guides.
High-rise runner up: Denim Forum The ’90s Marlo Hi-rise Baggy Jean – $128
Aritzia’s in-house denim label, Denim Forum, is not to be slept on. They offer reasonably-priced options in a wide variety of cuts and washes, like this high rise, relaxed pair. According to the brand, the Marlo is “inspired by the multi-talented social activist, The Marlo is Denim Forum’s signature dad jean.”
The best overall barrel jeans: Free People We The Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans – $135 ($98 USD)
These mid-rise jeans are flattering, comfortable and stylish. The wide barrel-leg silhouette is made from low-stretch denim, meaning you don’t have to worry about these pants losing their shape. Made from a blend of cotton and lyocell, they have a lightweight feel that’s ideal for warmer months. They come in two inseam sizes, but are designed to have a slightly cropped look that hits right at the ankle..
Barrel jeans runner up: Everlane The Denim Utility Barrel Pant – $188
These pants can be worn with anything — a tight sweater or top, baggy sweatshirt, loose tank — you’re looking effortless regardless. They’re extremely comfortable, so much so that a friend of mine bought four in different colours. Something about the barrel cut is cool, chic and trendy yet shapely and comfortable.
The best for petite sizes: Abercrombie Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean – $98
This pair of ultra high-rise jeans does not disappoint. Designed to be fitted throughout with a straight leg, they’re available in five lengths (extra short, short, regular, long and extra long) both a standard and curvy fit. They feature a hint of stretch and a leg-lengthening, classic straight-leg cut.
Petite runner up: Madewell Petite 10″ High-Rise Skinny Jeans – $220
These jeans are stretchy and relaxed, with the “holds-you-in sorcery of our Magic Pockets,” according to the Madewell team. They are great for those with a short torso and great for those with short legs — opt for the petite option if you’re 5’3” or less. Madewell’s jeans are made well, with premium eco-friendly recycled cotton that manages to hug the curves and bounce back, avoiding the depressing denim sag after hours of wear.
The most comfortable: DUER Performance Denim Mid Rise Slim Straight – $139
DUER wins hands down for the most comfortable denim. The founder created the brand out of a need to easily move from outdoor activities like biking and hiking to a work meeting to a bar or restaurant. He wanted to maintain performance and aesthetics, without comprising comfort. The DUER line of stretch performance denim is created for “doers” and manages to stay comfortable while holding its shape.
Comfy runner up: American Eagle AE Stretch Mom Jean – $70
American Eagle denim is some of the comfiest around thanks to high levels of stretch. This Mom Jean style has a relaxed, slightly tapered silhouette that comes in sizes 000 to 20, plus a range of lengths. They hug every curve but tend to stretch out over time, so opt for a size down if you’re in-between two sizes.
The best budget-friendly: Old Navy Mid-Rise Wow Boyfriend Straight Jeans
We love that these budget-friendly straight jeans offer plenty of stretch and a huge range of sizes. Shop them in three lengths (Short, Regular and Tall) and in sizes 0 to 30. Old Navy is also known for often hosting massive sales, so the regular price of $45 is more like a suggestion – sign up for emails to get notified of the next sale event.
Budget runner up: Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Womens Modern-Skinny Jean – $61
With an almost five-star rating on Amazon out of almost fifty thousand reviews and backed by the Levi Strauss name, this $43 pair of jeans is a no-brainer. Available in a variety of colours, sizes and lengths, plus super-stretchy comfort.
The best splurge: AGOLDE 90s Mid Rise Loose – $369
These jeans have been trending on social media and for good reason. Made of 100 per cent organic cotton sourced from Turkey and intentionally faded and distressed, these jeans are high quality meets comfort. Born-in-L.A. brand AGOLDE knows cool. The seek to highlight youth culture through the ages by recreating the best looks from the past with a modern spin.
Splurge runner up: GRLFRND Bella Low Rise Boyfriend – $396
So I’m not a huge fan of the low rise, but the youth of today say these are the “epitome of chill” and who am I to argue? Pair these slouchy jeans with a crop top or oversized band-tee and you will be invited to all the cool parties (or get-togethers if you’re 30+).
The best booty enhancer: Everlane The 90’s Cheeky Jean – $173
The 90’s Cheeky is made from non-stretch Japanese denim that has a “butt-boosting rear fit.” I don’t understand the science behind that statement but I do know how my butt looks in the mirror, and it looks good. Everlane has a ton of great colours and washes, including a perfect mid wash blue for warmer weather. There are three different inseam options for a variety of lengths.
Booty runner up: Levi’s Premium Wedgie Icon Fit Jeans – $118
Just like the Cheeky Everlanes, these jeans were designed with a special construction to lift and accentuate your backside and boy, does it work. Pair that with Levi’s high sustainability standards and I’m smitten.
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