We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Style Clothing Reviews The Best Places to Buy Jeans, According to Our Editors We asked the Real Simple team where to buy jeans, and they delivered. By Jamie Fischer Jamie Fischer Jamie Fischer is a commerce writer for Real Simple. She has experience writing content for various digital publications including Parents, and is passionate about home, lifestyle, and beauty products. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 12, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Reviews How to Shop Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Alli Waataja A high-quality pair of jeans is an absolute must. Finding one, however, can be much more challenging. Trying on 20 nearly identical pairs in a dressing room is exhausting, and blindly guessing your size online can turn out to be a complete failure when the mailman arrives with your package. Who better to assist you in navigating the denim market than our seasoned staff of Real Simple shopping experts? While finding the right fit may be difficult, we’re here to prove you don’t have to compromise comfort for style. We surveyed the entire Real Simple editorial team on their favorite jean brands and retailers, considering factors such as fit, comfort, selection, and price point. After combing through the results, we compiled a list of 14 brands worth buying, many of which are available at various retailers. In addition to insights from our editorial team, we spoke with Liz Teich, fashion stylist of The New York Stylist, and Erin Stoll, personal stylist behind Style Thief Fashion, for expert insight on what to look for in a seriously good pair of jeans. Abercrombie & Fitch View on Abercrombie.com What Stands Out The Curve Love Denim collection features 2 extra inches of fabric by the waist, making it ideal for those with wider hips and a thinner waist. What Could Be Improved You only have 30 days to return from when you receive your shipment confirmation email, not the package itself. If you were a diehard Abercrombie & Fitch fan in the early 2000s, we have some good news: The brand made a huge comeback. It reigned as the fan favorite in our survey and is a go-to brand for three of our editors. Much of Abercrombie’s resurgence can be attributed to its extensive selection of fits and styles, including loose, baggy, straight, skinny, and more. It also boasts an inclusive range of sizes, with most jeans available in waistbands from 23 to 37 and five length options ranging from extra short to extra long. Home director Erica Finamore has developed a special appreciation for Abercrombie’s length variety: “Do I sometimes feel like I'm back in 2004 when I buy jeans from Abercrombie? Yes. But its stuff is so much better now—there are tons of styles and they sell short versions, which is super important for people who are, say, 5-foot-2.” Those with wider hips and a smaller waist know the struggle of finding jeans that flatter both areas. Luckily, the brand’s best-selling Curve Love Denim collection is designed for those with curvy figures. Constantly struggling with jeans being too loose on the waist, editorial apprentice Megan Lenzi calls the Curve Love Denim collection a game changer. “The waist is narrower, so it creates an hourglass shape,” she says. “As a bonus, the denim has a stretchy fit, making it comfortable and wearable for every day.” Senior shopping editor Lily Gray similarly commends the line’s fit and durability, suggesting that those with wider hips and a thinner waist size down. “Abercrombie's Curve Love fit is a godsend because it’s designed with 2 inches of extra fabric at the hip,” she says. “After weeks of wear, they do not stretch out in the waist, unlike many popular brands.” The website is easy to navigate, offering pretty much any type of jeans you could think of. Almost all of the jeans sell for $90, which is a steal considering their high quality. The 30-day return policy (from when you receive your shipping confirmation, not when you receive your package) also provides peace of mind. Abercrombie Picks: All Day Comfort Denim Curve Love Ultra High Rise Ankle Straight Jean Vintage Denim Curve Love High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean Price Range: $90 | Waist Size Range: 23-37 | Length: Extra short, short, regular, long, extra long | Return Policy: 30 days from shipment confirmation AYR View on Ayr.com View on Ayr.com What Stands Out Crafted in California, the jeans are well made and high quality. What Could Be Improved They are fairly expensive, and the style selection is more limited. The best denim is long lasting and worth the investment. Crafted in California, AYR jeans exude a special, high-quality appeal. The brand offers a variety of jeans, available in blue, black, and white washes, the majority of which are straight or flare bottoms. However, the website’s denim section only features 33 pairs of jeans and five pairs of jean shorts, making it one of the more limited selections on our list. Waistband sizing ranges from 24 to 34, and inseam lengths vary between pairs—some offer inseams 25 to 29, some offer regular and long, and others are categorized based on height. After trying out the brand a couple of years ago, food director Jenna Helwig has since bought three more pairs. Her favorite styles are The Beat and The Pop, both offering ample shape and stretch. “They're super high quality, made in California, and fit my body just right,” she says. “I basically live in these, so they’re worth the money!” With a relatively steep price point, these jeans are among the most expensive on our list. Luckily, the 30-day return policy provides some leeway for confidence in your purchase. Additionally, shipping is free for orders over $75, which shouldn’t be difficult to meet. AYR Picks: The Beat The Pop Price Range: $145-$245 | Waist Size Range: 24-34 | Length: Short, regular, long | Return Policy: 30 days Citizens of Humanity PHOTO: Citizens of Humanity View on Nordstrom View on Citizensofhumanity.com View on Revolve What Stands Out The sustainable brand allows you to filter by category. What Could Be Improved Jeans aren’t available in varying inseam lengths. If you’re on the hunt for a specific type of denim, you may not have the time (or energy) to wade through countless options. The Citizen of Humanity’s denim section is great for those on a mission, allowing you to filter jeans by closure, color, fabric, fit, length, rise, stretch, and wash. But if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for, don’t worry—simply keep scrolling to peruse the full selection. Most of the brand's jeans are made from 100% organic cotton, ensuring comfort and durability, and the waistband sizing ranges from 23 to 34. We also appreciate that each style comes in various washes, from lighter colors to darker hues. Beneath each product description, the website includes a “looks like” and “feels like” section, providing insight before you buy. Just keep in mind that the brand doesn’t offer varying inseam lengths. Having struggled to find the right fit, features editor Melissa Matthews turned to Rent the Runway as a way to experiment with different denim styles without the commitment. Once she discovered Citizen of Humanity’s Beverly Slouch Boot jeans, she knew she had to keep them for months. “They fit perfectly in the waist, hips, and thighs, which never happens for me,” she says. “I got a ton of compliments from friends, some of whom have never complimented my jeans before!” The company is devoted to sustainability, utilizing regenerative farming practices and recycled cotton. These best practices likely explain the high price point, with most jeans priced over $250. While they do cost a pretty penny, we think the high quality and eco-friendly production process make up for it. Bonus points for the 30-day return policy and free shipping. Citizens of Humanity Picks: Beverly Slouch Boot Price Range: $198-$298 | Waist Size Range: 22-34 | Return Policy: 30 days Everlane View on Everlane.com What Stands Out Each product is labeled with its correlating sustainability practices, giving you transparency about what you’re buying. What Could Be Improved Mail-in returns cost $7. Everlane offers essential styles at an affordable price point. With just under 100 products in its denim selection, the brand features straight-leg, flared, relaxed, curvy, high-rise, and cheeky options. While the abundance of options may feel overwhelming, you can filter by size (23 to 35), style, and color. Unlike other brands that only have basic blues and blacks, Everlane offers more vibrant hues, including brown, green, gray, pink, red, and tan. “It's no secret that Everlane has great jeans—I just love the way they fit and how many washes/cuts they come in,” says senior home editor Hannah Baker. Along with its various denim styles, the brand also features a curvy section, with an adjusted hip-to-waist fabric ratio suitable for people with wider hips. Some of the jeans also come in various inseam lengths. For those who prioritize sustainability, each pair of jeans is clearly labeled with its corresponding attributes, making it easy to know exactly what you’re purchasing. Everlane offers free shipping on orders over $100, which shouldn’t be too hard to reach. It also has a 30-day return policy, though mail-in returns do cost an additional $7. Everlane Picks: The Super Baggy Jean Price Range: $98-$139 | Waist Size Range: 23-35 | Return Policy: 30 days Express PHOTO: Express View on Express.com What Stands Out You can buy two pairs for $99 in most styles. What Could Be Improved Some of the styles are only available online. With its jean selection priced below $100, Express proves that high-quality denim doesn’t have to break the bank. The brand features over 250 jean styles, allowing you to shop by leg shape, rise, and wash. Additionally, the brand offers an amazing “buy two for $99” deal on most styles, so you can double up on your favorite trends for the same price as one pair. Despite their inexpensive price point, Express jeans exude a simple, luxurious look. They are elegant and no nonsense, perfect for the day to day. Our editors have also found them impressively durable, enduring years of use with little wear. “I have some long and lean high-waisted jeans I bought seven or eight years ago that everyone tells me look like Agolde,” says editor-in-chief Lauren Iannotti. “The prices are excellent, and the styles are cute—and no dumb stuff on the bum.” While you can visit an Express store to try on the jeans in person, many of the styles are exclusively available online. Nonetheless, the 30-day return policy makes it easy to try out different styles. Express Picks: High Waisted Medium Wash Ripped Raw Hem Straight Ankle Jeans High Waisted Light Wash Raw Hem Straight Ankle Jeans Price Range: $80-$98 | Waist Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Short, regular, long | Return Policy: 30 days J.Crew View on Amazon View on Jcrew.com What Stands Out The classy jeans are available in classic, petite, and tall sizes. What Could Be Improved The brand doesn’t have overly distressed, slouchy, ripped jeans. Known for their put-together apparel, it’s no surprise that J.Crew boasts a selection of polished jeans. Some of its best-selling styles include the trouser jeans, which feature a pintuck seam down both legs and the slim wide, which offers a relaxed fit without being too loose. Similarly popular is the signature patch pocket adorned with the brand’s classic crest button. With sizing ranging from 23 to 37 and three lengths—petite, classic, and tall— J.Crew features an inclusive size range. Executive editor Lisa Freedman has found the brand’s jeans, specifically the Skinny Flare Jean and 9-Inch Toothpick Jean, to fit particularly well: “I legit have the hardest time finding jeans. I guess I have wide hips and no butt and skinny legs? By the time I get a pair that fits my waist, my butt and thighs are totally lost in denim! Cool. J.Crew has me figured out!” If you’re seeking the J.Crew style at a lower price point, J.Crew Factory provides a more affordable (and equally chic) shopping experience. A fan of the brand’s preppy style, senior shopping writer Carly Totten actually prefers shopping through the J.Crew Factory. “The styles are more everyday focused, and the jeans are the BEST,” she says, noting that the Slim Boyfriend Jean in All-Day Stretch Jeans offer the most comfortable fit of any brand she’s tried. “They wash well, and they get more comfortable throughout the day without becoming sloppy. The length works well on my 5-foot-2 frame, and they stay put on my waist even as I move and sit throughout the day. I won't wear anything else!” While J.Crew (and J.Crew Factory) offers a variety of classy styles, they may not have the slouchy, oversized vibe you’re looking for. Still, if you’re seeking a flattering, work-friendly fit, you can’t go wrong with this household name. J.Crew Picks: Skinny Flare Jean 9-Inch Toothpick Jean Slim Boyfriend Jean in All-Day Stretch (from J.Crew Factory) Price Range: $128-$158 | Waist Size Range: 23-37 | Lengths: Petite, classic, tall | Return Policy: 30 days Joe’s Jeans PHOTO: Joe's Jeans View on Amazon View on Nordstrom View on Joesjeans.com What Stands Out The jeans are soft and durable. What Could Be Improved Some jeans are sized XS-XL while others are sized numerically, making it difficult to compare. While many retailers on our list feature denim as a subsection, Joe’s Jeans specializes in it. Focused on jeans, the brand includes a more nuanced categorization than its counterparts. It offers 12 styles, 13 colors, three inseam lengths, three rises—high, low, and mid—and five stretch variations, from comfort stretch to super stretch. Some of the jeans span sizes XS to 2X, while others encompass a 23 to 34 range, so it may be challenging to find your perfect fit. After discovering the brand at Anthropologie and renting it from Nuuly years later, shopping editorial director Nicole Lund can attest that Joe’s Jeans are worth the splurge. “These jeans are such high quality and so soft—much softer than any other denim I've worn before,” she says. “They look exactly the same as they did when I first got them, which is a testament to their longevity. They're also so flattering!” And yes—she ended up keeping them from Nuuly. Many retailers carry Joe’s Jeans, including Nordstrom and Amazon, making it extra accessible. It offers free shipping for orders over $150 and a 30-day return policy, deducting $7 from your refund. Joe’s Jeans Picks: The Honor High Rise Straight Ankle Price Range: $128-$158 | Waist Size Range: XS-2X, 23-34 | Length: Petite, full size, long | Return Policy: 30 days Levi’s PHOTO: Amazon View on Amazon View on Walmart View on Levi.com What Stands Out It has the most inclusive size range on our list and is sold at many department stores, so you can try on the jeans before you commit. What Could Be Improved Most of the jean names are numbers—like 312, 501, 711—so it can be difficult to know what’s what. When we think jeans, we think Levi’s. Founded in the mid-1800s, the brand set out to create denim “built to endure anything.” After trying the jeans ourselves, we can attest it achieved just that. Levi’s offers practically every style of denim, from slouchy boyfriend jeans to bootcut flares. “You just can't beat a classic. Even better: A classic that's constantly getting updated but still feels timeless,” says editor-in-chief Lauren Iannotti. In addition to its diverse style selection, Levi’s particularly stands out for its impressive size range. It offers waistband sizes ranging from 23 to 38, along with plus-size options ranging from 14S to 26L. The brand also provides inseam options from 26 to 34 inches, catering to both petite and taller individuals. Additionally, you can sort the jeans by “feature,” including factors like material and stretchiness—even prioritizing plant-based options. We appreciate the specificity, which allows shoppers to prioritize certain needs. While some brands seemingly have one “specialty” style, Levi’s is no one-hit wonder. Iannoti has fallen in love with many of Levi’s jeans, proving that they really do hit all the bases: “I have high-waist skinnies I'll never let go of—sorry not sorry. I have dark wash Ribcages that Marilyn Monroe might've worn (call them my "grandma jeans"), and most recently I've been going in for the minimal-stretch, mostly cotton Wedgies. They feel like 501s but a bit more tailored. They look good and current but also make the 80s rocker chick in me so happy.” One of the biggest perks of Levi’s jeans? Their accessibility. Since the brand is sold at several department stores including Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Nordstrom, you can try them on before you commit. And even if you do regret your purchase, you’ll have 30 days to make free returns. Levi’s Picks: Levi’s Premium Wedgie Straight Fit Women’s Jeans Levi’s Premium Ribcage Straight Ankle Women’s Jeans Price Range: $59-$248 | Waist Size Range: 23-38; plus size: 14S-26L | Return Policy: 30 days Madewell PHOTO: Madewell View on Nordstrom View on Madewell.com View on Shopbop.com What Stands Out The website features a variety of sizes and styles, with a helpful Denim Fit Guide to help you navigate the process. What Could Be Improved If you need to make a return, $7.50 will be deducted from your refund. With a variety of styles and sizes to choose from, Madewell is a denim powerhouse. It offers curvy, tall, petite, and plus sizes, accommodating shoppers of every body type. If you’re new to jean shopping, Madewell’s Denim Fit Guide breaks down the process, explaining the difference between the various fits, washes, stretch levels, and styles. Madewell certainly features the broadest price range of any retailers on our list, with $98 and $585 options. We appreciate the versatility, though, catering to every budget. Having worn Madewell jeans for years, shopping editorial director Nicole Lund swears by the brand. “They fit so well, last for years, and are a good middle ground between very expensive and budget friendly,” she says. Her go to is the Perfect Vintage Jean, a comfortable classic. “For a millennial like me, I like that it's not skinny but not baggy, and it goes with everything.” Shopping writer Stephanie Osmanski similarly praises the brand, noting that its high quality is worth the splurge. “They're excellent quality, and I'd rather pay a little more for my denim if that means it's going to fit better and last longer,” she says. “Madewell also has a great variety of styles, so I can always find the right pair depending on what silhouette I'm into at the moment.” The brand allows returns for up to 30 days—just keep in mind that exchanges aren’t permitted. Madewell Picks: The Perfect Vintage Jean Kick Out Crop Jeans Price Range: $98-$585 | Waist Size Range: 23-37 | Inseam: Petite, standard, tall, taller | Return Policy: 30 days Mother Denim PHOTO: MOTHER Denim View on Amazon View on Nordstrom View on Motherdenim.com What Stands Out The website shows you a 360-degree view of the jeans on a model and allows you to “shop the look,” providing direct access to other pieces worn by the model. What Could Be Improved You can either sort by pants or denim, not general denim pants. Mother jeans extend beyond the basics, offering unique details that set them apart. With seven different fit types, two fabrics (stretch and rigid), two rises (high and mid), four inseams (cropped, ankle, regular, and long), and two hems (frayed and step fray), the brand caters to a diverse range of preferences and styles. Plus, jeans are available in sizes 23 to 34. On the website, in addition to photos of the model wearing each pair of jeans, there’s a 360-degree video feature that shows the model spinning in the jeans, allowing you to see them in action. We appreciate this feature, which gives a more realistic view of the denim’s fit. There’s also a “frequently bought together” section beneath each product, offering easy access to pieces typically worn with the jeans for style inspiration. The jeans are flattering and exude an elevated look to them. Beauty director Heather Muir is a big fan of the brand, particularly praising the flattering fit and comfort of the Hustler Roller Sneak High-Rise Wide-Leg. “I could write a love letter to these jeans,” she says. “They are insanely comfy; they are slimming; they make my 5-foot-4 frame look tall! The dark wash looks dressy, so I'm living in them at the office.” While the price point is pretty high compared to other retailers on our list, the brand does offer returns within 30 days. However, since Mother doesn’t permit exchanges, you’ll have to refund and repurchase if you want another size. Mother Picks: Mother + NET Sustain The Hustler Roller Sneak High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans Price Range: $198-$320 | Waist Size Range: 23-34 | Length: Cropped, ankle, regular, long | Return Policy: 30 days Old Navy PHOTO: Old Navy View on Gap.com What Stands Out It is the most affordable option on our list and has an impressive maternity selection. What Could Be Improved The styles are more timeless than trendy. Considering their affordability, shopping editorial director Nicole Lund was shocked by how nice Old Navy jeans are. “They're surprisingly good quality and look great, plus they're super comfortable,” she says. “I discovered them when I was in between sizes and didn't want to splurge on my typical Madewell jeans, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved them.” They even have a “Wow” section, featuring styles $37 and under. The brand boasts a selection of over 350 classic styles—including skinny, straight, boyfriend, boot cut, and more—so the site is almost guaranteed to have what you’re looking for. Just keep in mind that its styles tend to be more timeless than trendy, so if you’re seeking the newest fashion, you may want to look elsewhere. They even have an impressive maternity section, offering stretchy paneling with coverage either below, in the middle of, or over the belly bump. The jeans are available in sizes 00 through 30, with petite, regular, and tall options, too. Having worked at Old Navy as her first job ever, senior commerce editor Taylor Rock has seen the brand transform its jean selection: “The once cheap, jegging-like material has blossomed into comfortable, form-fitting, and highly flattering silhouettes that rival names like Abercrombie & Fitch, Levi's, and more. People always ask me where I get my jeans, and when I respond with, ‘Old Navy,’ they're taken aback. Do not sleep on Old Navy, people!” Old Navy Picks: HIgh-Waisted OG Straight Ankle Jeans Extra High-Waisted Wide Leg Jeans Price Range: $35-$55 | Waist Size Range: 00-30 | Length: Petie, regular, tall | Return Policy: 30 days Zara PHOTO: Zara View on Zara.com View on Zara.com What Stands Out Zara offers fashion-forward jeans at an affordable price. What Could Be Improved The website display is overwhelming and the dressing rooms are very chaotic. Zara is currently among the trendiest and surprisingly more affordable retailers. It’s up to date with the latest fits, washes, and rises, so you can rest assured that whatever you choose will be in style. Associate editor Hannah Dorough notes that the brand even manages to revive past trends: “I'm one of the few people who's excited that low rise is coming back in fashion, but I couldn't find the perfect baggy, early 2000s, low-rise jean I was looking for until I went to Zara. They had such a great selection, and I'm obsessed with the jeans I ended up buying (I only ever buy online, though, because the stores are too chaotic for me).” If you’ve experienced the in-person Zara experience, you’re likely familiar with what Dorough is talking about. Due to its popularity, the stores are often packed, making the dressing room lines pretty long. However, in addition to its infamously busy dressing rooms, we found the website display to be similarly overwhelming. While there are various filters to choose from, the interface is tricky to navigate, and the photos of the jeans are without models, so you have to click on them to see the fit. Despite the difficult navigation, we think the high-quality denim makes up for it. Zara is a go to for associate commerce editor Quinn Gawronski, who has struggled to find jeans long enough for her height. “I'm almost 6 feet tall, and it can be a challenge to find jeans long enough—plus I love the range of styles, washes, and cuts they have,” she says. While Gawronski commends the brand for its style variety, it’s worth noting that Zara only carries sizes 25 to 32. Old Navy Picks: High-Waisted Full Length Z1975 Straight Leg Jeans TRF Low Rise Straight Cut Jeans Price Range: $40-$110 | Waist Size Range: 25-32 | Return Policy: 30 days Spanx PHOTO: Spanx View on Amazon View on Spanx What Stands Out The jeans are stretchy with compression technology. What Could Be Improved Without a classic zipper and button closure, it may take some shimmying to get the jeans on. While you may know Spanx for its comfortable shapewear, the brand also offers a surprisingly extensive denim selection, including jeans, including flare, straight, wide-leg, and skinny styles. Each pair is available in petite, regular, or tall inseams, with waist sizes ranging from XS to 3X. The jeans are made with the brand's hidden core-shaping technology, designed to enhance and flatter your curves. Unlike other jeans on our list, Spanx jeans don't have the standard button and zipper. Thanks to their stretchy material, you simply pull them up like you would a pair of leggings or trousers. While the shimmying might become frustrating at times, you won't ever have to fumble with a button or zipper. After trying out the Spanx Flare Jeans in our testing, we were amazed by their comfort. In fact, they even earned the title of the most comfortable jeans we've ever tested. We found them to offer the perfect amount of stretch, providing the compression of shapewear leggings without restricting our movement. Plus, they retained their shape and color post wash. Although these aren't the most traditional jeans out there, we recommend them for those seeking an "undercover" piece of shapewear that's both stylish and comfortable. Spanx Picks: Spanx Flare Jeans Price Range: $128-$188 | Waist Size Range: XS-3X | Length: Petie, regular, tall | Return Policy: 30 days American Eagle PHOTO: American Eagle View on Ae.com What Stands Out The retailer offers high-quality jeans at a reasonable price point, with several filters to help you navigate the selection. What Could Be Improved The filters may be overwhelming for those who are just browsing. If you're struggling to find your perfect style, American Eagle has you covered. You can browse through 181 pairs, filtering by style, size, rise, stretch, color, and more. There's even an option to filter by "destruction level," allowing you to choose between distressed, patched, ripped, and non-ripped options. While the filters are ideal for those on a mission, they may be a bit overwhelming for casual browsers. Still, we appreciate the option. The jeans span a wide price range, with budget-friendly options and more premium choices. We appreciate this versatility, which caters to shoppers across the spectrum. But don't let the $50 price tag fool you—these jeans are high quality. After trying the AE Stretch Super High-Waisted Ankle Straight Jean, we couldn't believe how well made they were. Even those of us who wear denim each day admitted they were of higher quality than Zara and Target jeans at a similar price. In addition to their extensive style and attractive price range, the jeans offer an impressive selection of sizes, including inseams ranging from extra short to extra long, and a 52-jean curvy collection. For those eager to experiment with new styles and cuts, American Eagle is a great choice. American Eagle Picks: AE Stretch Super High-Waisted Ankle Straight Jean Price Range: $50-$138 | Waist Size Range: 00-14, 25-32 | Length: X-short, short, regular, long, x-long | Return Policy: 30 days How to Shop for Jeans Like a Pro Fit “There are three main factors that affect the fit,” Stoll says. “I call them the ‘big three’: Fabric, inseam, and rise.”Regarding fabric, Stoll advises considering whether the denim is made of 100% cotton or a blend. If the jean is made with spandex or elastane, she says it may have some added stretch. Natural fabrics and fibers, like cotton, fit nicely and last the longest if they’re properly cared for. Teich agrees: “When looking for jeans, it's important to look for denim that's 80% to 100% cotton. The more cotton, the more flattering it often will be and the longer it will last. Many people have the opposite mindset and think that stretchy equals fitting better, but it can sag, pucker, and even show more imperfections than one wants.” She typically opts for rigid denim for work and going out because it has a more polished look and saves stretchier, comfier pairs for weekend outings and working from home. The inseam is the seam that runs from your crotch to your ankle. Many jeans vary in inseam, with some brands offering petite and tall options, while others have numerical ranges. You can figure out your ideal jean length by using a measuring tape to measure your inseam. Rise refers to the measurement from the top of the waistband to the crotch. Jeans with a higher rise typically sit around the belly button, offering a bit more stomach coverage. Low-rise jeans, on the other hand, rest on the hips. Size It can be easy to get hung up on the size label of your jeans, but Stoll says not to be discouraged by the number. “Especially when it comes to jeans, the most important thing is to focus on the fit, not the size on the tag,“ she says. “Instead of starting with the jean silhouette you think you are ‘supposed’ to wear, focus on the silhouette you feel best in.” While people often assume certain styles are best for certain body types, Stoll throws those norms out the window: “I believe that any body shape, size, and stature can wear whatever silhouette they want. The key is to make sure the fit and length work for you.” Once you know your big three— fabric, inseam, and rise—Stoll says it’s much easier to find the right jeans for you. She adds that jeans should feel snug rather than tight, allowing you to button, zip, and sit comfortably in them. As a rule of thumb, Stoll says, “If you can pull out a significant amount of fabric from your waist (especially in a jean with some stretch), this is a red flag." The more you wear them, the more they will relax and sag by the butt and crotch, making it easy to pull off at the end of the day without even having to unbutton them. Style With so many styles to choose from, staying up to date with current trends can be overwhelming. Like other clothing, denim styles tend to come and go, and many from the past are experiencing a revival. “We are seeing a lot of wide and flare-leg jeans coming back, which makes my 90's heart very happy!” Stoll says. For those who have been wearing skinny jeans for years, Stoll admits it may be hard to transition immediately to wide-leg pants. If that’s the case for you, she recommends taking baby steps, starting with a wider straight-leg jean, bootcut, or kick flare jean. “If you want to make your legs look long and lean, nothing beats a flare leg jean worn with a little bit of a heel,” she says. According to Stoll, barrel-leg jeans, which are fitted by the waist and ankle and flare in the mid-leg area, are also gaining popularity. When sporting this style, Stoll recommends wearing a cropped or tucked top to counteract the bagginess. In addition to fun fits, she notes that playful pastel-colored denim is also making a comeback. When experimenting with new styles, Stoll suggests trying them out with more affordable brands to make sure you like it before splurging. And, as always, distressed jeans are also in style. If you’re looking to achieve a more worn-in look, Teich proposes buying a vintage, pre-owned pair. While there is always the option to DIY distress with sandpaper, Teich says this may be more of a process and look less authentic. Plus, recycling denim is more sustainable. Sustainability When searching for the right pair of jeans, Teich emphasizes the importance of sustainability. “Denim is the top pollutant in the fashion industry between the amount of water it takes to make one pair of jeans, the toxic dyes that end up in waterways, and all of the pesticides in cotton, not to mention the waste that may go into it,” she says. You can typically find the brand’s sustainability initiative on its website. Citizens of Humanity, for example, uses regenerative farming techniques and recycled cotton. Some of Teich’s favorite sustainable brands for the best denim include Sezane, ME+EM, Faherty, Frame, DL1961, Citizens of Humanity, Reformation, Madewell, Mavi, Agolde and Toteme. And, once you have an understanding of your big three, Stoll says you can source vintage denim on sites like Poshmark or in thrift stores. Budget How much you’re willing to spend on a pair of jeans depends on your budget and what you’re looking for. “A lot of it comes down to answering this question first: What role do jeans play in your wardrobe?” Stoll says. “Do you wear them daily or are they just a weekend piece for you or a once-in-awhile piece? If they are a core piece in your style and wardrobe, and you wear jeans often, you should invest more in your jeans.” Many sites allow you to filter prices from low to high, showing you the most affordable selection first. If you’re seeking a higher-quality pair of jeans, Stoll recommends starting with Madewell and J.Crew, which average at about $120 per pair. Retailers like Abercrombie and Old Navy are great for more affordable denim—Old Navy even has a section entirely below $37. While you can find affordable jeans for under $100, Teich warns that anything under price may not be ethically and sustainably made. “On the flip side, just because jeans are $500, that doesn’t make them better—you’re often paying for the name brand at that point.” Take Our Word for It This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To compile the best places to buy jeans, we turned to our beloved Real Simple editors, who told us all their favorite stores based on fit, comfort, style, price point, and return policy. For expert insight, she tapped Liz Teich, fashion stylist of The New York Stylist, and Erin Stoll, personal stylist behind Style Thief Fashion.