As far as shopping goes, one of the most difficult items to purchase is a pair of jeans. With sizes differing between shops, the hunt for finding your most flattering and comfortable fitis no mean feat.
The lucky ones that have found their true blues will tell you they didn’t come without the hunt, because finding your perfect pair requires trying on a few different styles to work out what works best for your body shape.
Megan Watkins, Head Stylist at online fashion destination SilkFred said, 'When looking for a good high-quality pair of jeans, one of the key things to look out for is the stitching. If the stitching isn't high-quality or cared about, it's likely that your jeans will fall apart quicker or have been made without the desired care and attention.'
She added: 'You can also tell the quality of the jeans by the thickness of the denim. The general rule of thumb is that thick denim means better quality. I would also look out for the small details - are the zippers and buttons of a good quality? Do they look well constructed and sturdy? These are all components to finding and identifying a high-quality pair of jeans.'
With all that hard work, you may think it’s necessary to invest in an expensive pair, but look to jeans juggernaut Levi's, who prove that, when it comes to denim, designer is not the only answer. Levi's denim really does go the distance, whether buying brand new or vintage pairs, which have become increasingly popular in recent years.
Those aren't the only affordable options, though. The high street has become a real game-changer over the past couple of years for great denim that looks as expensive as their designer counterpart. From the classic mom jean to the fashion insider’s favourite (Topshop's Editor jeans), there’s a silhouette to suit everybody.
Best High Street Jeans At A Glance:
Looking for something more trend-led? There’s plenty of great denim ticking every box from flares to turn-up and wide-leg, too. To save you the time, I've gone and tried the best pairs on the high street right now, for reference I am a 8-10 UK and 5'10.
Scroll through my edit of the best high street denim to buy now.
SHOP: Best High Street Jeans
Editor's Choice
www.marksandspencer.com
I was pleasantly surprised by M&S’ denim selection when I visited their Oxford Street store. They had a wide variety of styles, and what stood out to me was that most of their jeans are available in short, regular, and long lengths. I ended up choosing this pair as my favourite in a size 10UK and long. The denim is soft, comfortable, and has a generous amount of stretch. In hindsight, I feel like I could have sized down for a snugger fit.
Pros
- Range of leg lengths
- Good variation of colours
- High-waist
Cons
- Not many sizes available in store
Best Mom Jeans
www2.hm.com
Slim ankle jeans aren't really my forte, but trying these on I had a bit of a change of heart. I find that mom jeans are flattering and offers endless amount of styling options. Everyone needs a pair of these.
Pros
- Flattering
- Thick denim
Cons
- Quite a short leg
Best extra wide-leg
www2.hm.com
The cut of these jeans was the first thing that stood out to me. It's like a denim slash jogging bottom hybrid which make them great for everyday in the office. I'd style this with a crisp white shit and a chunky loafer.
Pros
- Nice silhouette
- True blue colour
Cons
- If you're a bit taller than me then
Best patterned jeans
www.urbanoutfitters.com
I saw these on the rack and picked them up immediately, these will definitely be a statement piece in your wardrobe. I picked up in a size 28 but I will say it did fit a little looser than I expected. My only qualm is that there's only one leg length available.
Pros
- Unique design
- Thick denim
Cons
- No variation of leg lengths
Best turn-up jeans
www.zara.com
I love Zara’s turn-up jeans because they strike the perfect balance between comfort and style. They fit snugly around the waist but have a flattering wide leg, giving them a relaxed yet polished look. I own two pairs in size 10 UK, and they’ve become a staple in my wardrobe.
Pros
- Comfy
- Deep denim
- Unique design
Cons
- No variation of leg lengths
Best baggy jeans
www.bershka.com
Baggy jeans can often feel light and flimsy, However, with this Bershka pair, the fabric feels more substantial, offering a good balance of softness and sturdiness. They drape well without losing their shape, which makes them perfect for casual wear while still looking put together. Plus, the added weight ensures they last longer and don’t wear out as quickly as other lightweight options.
Pros
- Comfy
- Good thickness
Cons
- A bit short
Renee Washington, Grazia's Digital Fashion and Beauty Assistant, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie.