7 Pairs of Jeans that Make Our Editors Very Happy

“When it comes to denim, I prefer something with a straight leg that I can easily wear with boots, sneakers, or sandals. These ones from J.Crew have a hint of stretch for comfort, but they don’t lose their shape with repeated wear. Plus, they come in petite sizing, which means no trip to the tailor!” — Katie Couric, founder of Katie Couric Media

“Between the older generation’s obsession with high-rise pants, and Gen Z rediscovering ultra-low waists, there’s little to no appreciation for the true Goldilocks of denim style: mid-rise bootcut jeans. IMO, they’re the most flattering shape, won’t make you feel ‘too old’ nor ‘too young,’ and they work with most body types and aesthetics. This pair by Citizens checks all my boxes for fit and quality. Most importantly, they pass the ultimate denim test: ‘Do these make my butt look good?’ And they do.” — Justine Carreon, Affiliate Content Manager

“I have a few pairs of Silver Jeans, and every time I wear them, I get so many compliments. This brand just knows how to make a trendy and super-comfortable pair of denim. And I’m sure this is wishful thinking, but I swear they make me look taller. (I hope?) Plus, the cut gives a vintage feel with an updated twist.” — Sara Levine, Managing Editor of Newsletters

“Back in the heady days of the 2020s, I bought a pair of Everlane jeans — the Cheeky Straight in Japanese denim, if you must know — that fit me exactly right. The material was stiff and washed-black in a laid-back vintage-looking way, and it hugged my butt and waist just like it should. So when those dream jeans started to give up the ghost, I tried to buy another pair, only to realize they’d been discontinued. I panicked, emailing the company to ask them for the closest dupe (and begging them to make more of the original). They came back with an excellent alternative that’s become my go-to: The Original Cheeky in Washed Charcoal. They’ve got a high rise, show off all my (ahem) assets correctly, and the color has a downtown NYC, ‘I’m headed to CBGBs in the mid 80s’ vibe that I find irresistible. Great for any fellow shorties with hourglass shapes who want to cosplay as Patti Smith for a bit.” — Molly Simms, Editorial Director

“When I want jeans I can wear to work and still feel put-together for dinner after, I grab the Everlane Way-High Hourglass Jean in black. They’ve got enough stretch so you can move around comfortably, and there’s a hidden smoothing panel in the front that holds everything in without feeling tight or constricting. The hourglass fit is a game-changer — no gapping at the waist, but still plenty of room through the hips. I go for the long inseam so they kiss the tops of my shoes, making my legs look extra long, but they also come in regular length if you want a pair that skims your ankles.” — Katie Pittman, Commerce Editor

“This might be a little annoying to say, because they’re not technically buyable, but I’ve been living in two different pairs of vintage Levi’s for the past couple of years. The fit just works for me: High-waisted, straight-leg, and full-length, they’ve got it all. But since I want to be helpful, the current women’s 501s are pretty close in shape and cut — and you won’t have to scour vintage racks to find a pair. I’ve got them in a classic blue and washed-black, and they go with everything.” — Katie Pittman, Commerce Editor

“I own about 25 pairs of jeans, and I wear exactly two of them: Joe’s The Mia High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans in exhale (aka dark blue) and in black. I know this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (I’m lookin’ at you, Gen Z), but they’re super stretchy, so they don’t change in size drastically throughout the day or bunch weirdly anywhere. They’re called wide-leg, but at least on me, they have much more of a ’70s bell-bottom look. Something about the high rise and tight fit with flared legs makes me look much curvier and taller than I actually am, which is why I’ll probably be buying a third pair soon.” — Emily Pinto, Senior Producer

“The second I tried these on, they became my favorite pair of jeans. I’ve loved 501s forever—they’re timeless—but this particular 90s ankle cut takes the classic up a notch. They’ve got a mid-rise waist with a somewhat baggy leg, and end right at the perfect spot on my ankle. Plus, the 100% cotton denim has that sturdy, no-stretch feel, which makes them possibly the most authentic-feeling pair I’ve worn. Every time I pull them on, I feel like I’ve found a thrift-store gem — without the hunt.” — Steph Beran Sanderson, Integrated Marketing

“No item of my clothing gets me stopped at the farmer’s market more than these jeans — I can’t get to the good tomatoes in time, because at least three women of all ages will stop me to chitchat about them. Not only do they come in a ton of unique washes, including a cheetah print and a tie-dye-ish option, but they fit like a dream on a range of body shapes: They fit both my 5’9” best friend and my 5’2” frame. As many petite people may know, cropping denim can do weird things to its fit and proportions. But these hemmed beautifully, without sacrificing the intended look.”  — Justine Carreon, affiliate content manager

“I know these might be a little ‘out-of-the-box,’ to say the least, but who said denim has to be plain? This pair certainly makes a statement via some early 2000s-inspired bling, and they may not look it, but they’re actually so soft that I might have to make them my everyday jeans. (And if the rhinestones are a bridge too far for you, I totally understand — these un-embellished wide-leg jeans are as comfy as those viral “denim” sweatpants, but without the $200 price tag.)” — Sara Levine, Managing Editor of Newsletters