I Tried On Every Single Pair Of Best-Selling M&S Jeans—Here Are My Honest Thoughts

M&S is here to solve your denim problems.

Best M&S Jeans Hero

by Gemma Lavers |
Updated on

In terms of activities I least look forward to, shopping for jeans comes in just behind visiting the dentist. Finding the right pair can be tricky, to say the least. First off, there's style - do you go for a straight, a Mom jean, wide leg? Ankle grazing or floor skimming? Nowadays, there are also countless shades and washes to choose from, and don't get me started on the minefield that is sizing. With all these obstacles, it's no wonder that Marks & Spencer's jeans keep selling out. Not only do prices start from £25, but the brand also has a range of excellent fits. From the of-the-moment horseshoe jeans to the effortlessly cool boyfriend ankle grazer (complete with turn-up), M&S have truly mastered the art of high street jeans. So, in the name of research, I tried on some of the best M&S jeans.

The verdict? M&S' jeans are incredibly good. This isn't the first time I've encountered such effusive praise of M&S jeans from those in the know. Given that M&S has long been a go-to for impeccable wardrobe staples, including endless cashmere jumpers and tailored trousers that garnered an insane waitlist, as well as its cult linen trousers, it's not surprising that its jeans are on-par.

Best M&S Jeans
©Grazia/Gemma Lavers

It's clear that M&S has firmly established itself as a leader in high street denim. M&S' commitment to fit, quality, on-trend designs (leopard, I'm looking at you) and most importantly, accessibility, proves that great denim doesn't have to come at three figures. Expert tips only reinforce the versatility of denim, this time not just M&S', and prove how the right footwear can elevate even the most basic jean-centred outfits. In a world where finding the perfect pair of jeans can feel like there's no light at the end of a very, very dark tunnel, M&S has made the choice strikingly simple.

When it comes to styling, I called in the M&S experts. Womenswear stylist Kristy Koutsogiannis and footwear tech Tiffany Ruff share their astute eye for proportion, and their pairings are nothing short of sartorial genius. 'Barrel jeans have a relaxed, sculptural shape that works beautifully with a fitted stiletto ankle boot,' notes Tiff. If you're go-to style is something more classic, let's say a wide-leg for example, Tiff says to pair the jean with platform mules or loafers: 'Wide-leg jeans are designed for both comfort and style, with an elasticated waist and fluid shape that pairs beautifully with a platform shoe.'

There's also the divisive yet undeniably enduring skinny jean - an option many prematurely write off, only to later be reminded of its streamlined and put-together appeal. 'Skinny jeans and knee-high boots are a classic combination that creates a sleek and put-together look. While some may fear their return, M&S skinny jeans are super-soft and move with you so you can stay comfortable and stylish all day long,' says Kristy. 'The kitten heel gives a subtle lift without sacrificing comfort, making this look ideal for both day and night.'

The Best M&S Jeans 2025, At A Glance

Best overall M&S jeans: High Waisted Smart Wide Leg Jeans, £45

Best wide-leg M&S jeans: The Wide-Leg Jeans, £35

Best boyfriend M&S jeans: Boyfriend Ankle Grazer Jeans, £39.50

Best flared M&S jeans: Mid Rise Flared Jeans, £45

How we tested the best M&S jeans

To make sure that we recommend only the best M&S jeans, I, Grazia's fashion commerce writer, headed into store and grabbed a curated selection of the brand's best-selling styles. The goal was to identify the pairs that, although best-selling, also deliver on points like fit, fabric and wearability. When trying on the jeans I considered comfort (nobody wants a waistband that digs in by lunchtime), shape, versatility, and quality, versus price. While M&S offer a myriad of denims styles, only the standout pairs made the cut. To give you all the details, I'm 5'4" and usually a size 10 and in all of the M&S jeans I tried on I wore a size 10 to stay true-to-size.

Shop: The Best M&S Jeans 2025

Best M&S Jeans
©Grazia/Gemma Lavers

Best overall M&S jeans

These jeans are almost 70s-inspired, with a classic wide-leg fit and flattering high-waist. Plus, the jeans are smarter thanks to its permanent front crease which gives a more tailored appearance. It can be harder to style this indigo denim as opposed to light washes, so stick to neutrals like white, grey and beige.

Gemma says: 'What I like most about these jeans is that they feel slightly more formal than a classic pair of light-wash jeans. They're also so much softer than your average pair of jeans, and I feel like I could comfortably wear these for an entire day without rushing to change out of them once I get home.'

Pros

  • Flattering wide-leg fit
  • Made from a soft, stretchy material
  • Versatile styling

Cons

  • Sizing can be slightly inconsistent 
Fit Wide-leg
RiseHigh-waist
InseamShort, Regular, Long lengths
Best M&S jeans
©Grazia/Gemma Lavers

Best wide-leg M&S jeans

A classic M&S style, you can't go wrong with a pair of wide-leg jeans. Available in six different colours (including a chic ecru) and stocked in four different lengths; extra short, short, regular, long, the jeans are stylish and don't compromise on comfort - thanks to their extremely stretchy material. To elongate your legs, style with platform heels or pointed-toe boots.

Gemma says: 'For the £35 price tag, the M&S Wide-Leg jeans feel surprisingly great quality. The important thing for me was that the jeans aren't clingy, but stretchy, something M&S have nailed the brief on time and time again.'

Pros

  • Comfortable thanks to its stretchy denim
  • Made using a soft cotton-rich material
  • Fits loose at the legs

Cons

  • Due to its stretchy denim it can start to sag after a few washes
FitWide-leg
RiseHigh-rise
Inseam lengthExtra short, Short, Regular, Long lengths
Best M&S Jeans
©Grazia/Gemma Lavers

Best boyfriend M&S jeans

The boyfriend Ankle Grazer Jeans have a roomy relaxed fit, high-waist and added stretch. A great style to roll-up at the bottom to make for a slightly cropped fit, the jeans would look great with almost any shoe, whether that be a loafer, ballet flat or kitten heel.

Gemma says: 'M&S Boyfriend jeans are a great style if you're looking for a more casual pair of jeans with a little more stretch than your average pair. They're marketed as high-rise, but I'd say they lean more towards being mid-rise when on.'

Pros

  • Roomy relaxed fit
  • Flattering high-waist
  • Features added stretch for flexibility

Cons

  • Lots of reviewers found the sizing inconsistent 
FitBoyfriend
RiseHigh-rise
Inseam lengthShort, Regular, Long lengths
Best M&S Jeans
©Grazia/Gemma Lavers

Best flared M&S jeans

If you, much like myself, tuned into Kendrick Lamar's iconic Superbowl performance and thought wow - maybe I really do need to invest in a pair of flared jeans - then this M&S pair are the one you're going to want to bag. The fabric has a rigid structure to hold its flared style, yet is still flexible and feels incredibly comfortable. Other great details include its five-pockets, mid-rise waist and zip fastening.

Gemma says: 'I'm not usually a big fan of flared jeans, but I feel like this pair of M&S jeans could tempt me to the dark side. I like the fact these jeans aren't so tight at the thighs that they cling, instead they feel slightly baggy, which I love. I'm 5'4" and sometimes flares can drown me, but this pair is well-proportioned, especially in the short length.'

Pros

  • On-trend indigo wash
  • Crease down the middle for a more tailored look
  • Versatile styling 

Cons

  • Some reviewers have mentioned the fact the colour can transfer from the jeans 
FitFlared
RiseMid-rise
InseamShort, Regular, Long lengths
Best M&S Jeans
©Grazia/Gemma Lavers

Best horseshoe M&S jeans

M&S has created its own iteration of the 'horseshoe' or 'barrel' jeans (Sienna Miller loves them too), and feature that signature curved shape. The jeans feature a flattering mid-rise waist and a touch of stretch for ultimate comfort, complete with five pockets and zip fastening.

Gemma says: 'I know a horseshoe/barrel jean can be quite controversial, and it goes without saying that not everyone will love the style - it does take some getting used to. M&S' Relaxed Horseshoe Jeans are a good starting point, they're not too voluminous and sit snug at the waist, and the soft denim makes them an endlessly comfy choice.'

Pros

  • On-trend horseshoe silhouette
  • Mid-rise flattering fit
  • Touch of stretch for comfort

Cons

  • The unique 'horseshoe' shape of these jeans has sparked mixed reactions among shoppers
FitHorseshoe
RiseMid-rise
InseamShort, Regular, Long lengths

More M&S Jeans To Shop

Best carrot M&S jeans

Similar to a Mom jean style, M&S' carrot jeans are both true to size and comfortable to wear. Made viral thanks to an army on TikTok's, the carrot jeans are ankle grazers to bear this in mind when opting for length - as a petite girl who often struggles to find jeans that actually fit this makes me so happy. If you're size isn't in stock at the moment, M&S is constantly restocking so make sure to keep an eye on it.

Pros

  • Feature a flattering high waist
  • Ankle-grazer length
  • On-trend carrot cut

Cons

  • Ankle-grazer length can be difficult to style with particular shoes, e.g. trainers
FitCarrot
RiseHigh-waist
InseamShort, Regular, Long lengths

Best bootcut M&S jeans

Bootcut jeans don't receive the same collective sigh as skinny jeans, but they're perhaps as close to a skinny jean (without being classified as it) as you can get. The Eva jeans from M&S have classic features, like a high-waist, ankle grazer length and super stretchy fabric, and they're also available in five different denim washes. A particular favourite? The light indigo or black mix.

Pros

  • Bootcut fit that's not overly skinny
  • Added stretch for comfort
  • Flattering high-waisted style

Cons

  • Material is slightly thin
FitBootcut
RiseHigh-waist
InseamExtra short, Short, Regular, Long lengths

Best super wide M&S jeans

M&S describe its Palazzo Leg Jeans as an 'on-trend all year round staple.' Wide-leg jeans are a style you can always rely on, even when trends like barrel and carrot jeans come and go. These jeans are designed to have a super wide-leg fit, which is perfect for pairing with Sienna Miller's favourite trainers and ballet flats, as they won't shorten your legs in a way that ankle grazers might.

Pros

  • Cool palazzo style
  • Easily dressed up or down
  • Made from a comfortable lyocell-blend

Cons

  • Super wide-leg style isn't for everyone
FitSuper wide
RiseHigh-waist
InseamShort, Regular, Long lengths

Best skinny M&S jeans

Skinny jeans are back, take it from Kate Moss herself. Although she probably isn't sporting this pair from M&S, the Sienna style is very similar to a pair of Moss' favourite skinny jeans (which are borderline leggings). These jeans are a best-seller for a reason, coming in seven different washes that vary from dark indigo to white to black. Jeans that are slightly slimmer on the legs are harder to style than a wide-leg, so stick to elongating your legs with boots or heels.

Pros

  • Faded style
  • Soft feel for all-day comfort
  • Flexible 

Cons

  • Some reviewers found the ankle rather tight
FitSkinny
RiseMid-rise
InseamExtra short, Short, Regular, Long lengths

Best mom M&S jeans

A style you can always rely on, the Mom jean has been a popular choice for years, and it's likely it will be for many more years to come. This style from M&S sit high at the waist, slim at the hips and gradually taper through the length before cutting at an ankle grazer length. Style with a crisp white shirt and ballet flats, or with a sweatshirt and colourful Adidas trainers.

Pros

  • Sits high on the waist
  • Slight taper through the leg
  • Made from cotton

Cons

  • Some reviewers noted that the sizing was slightly inconsistent between washes
FitMom
RiseHigh-waist
InseamExtra short, Short, Regular, Long lengths

Best Marks and Spencer Jeans FAQs

How do I find the right size in M&S jeans?

Finding the right size in M&S jeans is actually quite straightforward. A simple glance and its size guide, which can be found on the website will show you what pair of jeans will fit you best based on your measurements. M&S also offer a range of lengths, including extra short, short, regular and long to ensure the perfect fit.

Do M&S jeans cater to different body shapes?

Yes - M&S is a high street brand that's excellent at catering to different body shapes. Its most popular jean styles all come in different length options, including extra short, short, regular and long. In terms of waist sizing, the brand's jeans usually come in UK sizes 6-24.

Are M&S jeans sustainable?

M&S has certainly made strides when it comes to sustainability. The brand has committed to using responsibly sourced denim through its Better Cotton initiative or with organic certifications, and many of its designs now feature blends of recycled fabrics. However, if you're looking for a truly eco-conscious pair, it's worth checking the label or website description of each particular style.

Do M&S jeans shrink in the wash?

M&S jeans are generally designed to withstand the rigours of a normal wash (without putting them on any ridiculously high heats) without any major shrinking dramas. To keep your jeans looking their best, opt for a cold wash and air dry where possible.

Are M&S jeans good for curvy figures?

M&S' denim range is known for offering sizes between a UK 6-24, which makes it a good option for many curvy women, whether you're after jeans that cinch or more relaxed shapes.

How do I return M&S jeans if they don't fit?

If you need to return a pair of M&S jeans, don't stress, they make the process pretty easy (and free). The brand's standard returns policy is a rather generous 35 days, and this applies to both in-store and online purchases. If you buy an M&S item in the sale, you can still return it, but you only have 14 days to make a decision. The easiest way to return an item is to take it into store, alongside its proof of purchase, but alternatively you can do it online too.

Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look - yes, she can tell you exactly where a specific coat is from. When not writing, shopping or scrolling Instagram (find hers here), Gemma will likely be dreaming up her next holiday (and what she's going to wear).

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