When shopping for the best Jeans for women, you'll want to keep a few things in mind.
✔️ Size Range: Even though some brands are working to become more inclusive, many Denim brands still aren't. With that in mind, when shopping for jeans, you'll want to make sure that the brand you're browsing carries your size before heading to the store or purchasing pairs online.
Another thing to keep in mind is that not all brands use the same size chart. Where some brands focus on classic numerical sizes, others focus on waist measurements — and some (like Levi's) offer both. With that in mind, it's usually a good idea to try on a pair of jeans (or opt for brands that allow for free and/or easy returns should you want to buy a few to test out) before committing to a pair (or a few).
✔️ Cut: According to fashion designers and JLUXLABEL co-founders Christina and Teresa Jaide, the most popular denim cuts right now are straight leg, cigarette ankle jeans, skinny jeans, and split hem denim.
"Straight-leg jeans are here to stay! I find this classic style to be my favorite as it is more of a relaxed fit and versatile enough to be dressed up or down depending on your mood," Christina says, noting that the silhouette works well on people of all ages and body shapes.
If you like to show off your shoes with your jeans, Teresa says to opt for a cigarette (i.e. cropped) silhouette. "This classic style pairs perfectly with boots or heels," she explains. "Unlike straight legs, cigarette jeans are more fitted at the thigh. The slim shape and ankle hem look good on many body types."
Prefer a fully tapered silhouette? Christina says not to shy away from skinny jeans. "Denim skinnies will always be a wardrobe staple — you can dress them up or down, and the skintight hem that hugs the ankle allows you to show off a super feminine stiletto heel," she explains.
As for split hem denim, the style is particularly popular among Gen Z and Millennial shoppers. "The split hem jean trend has become one to follow in the last couple of years and it's not hard to see why," Teresa says. "[It lets you] add a flare to your bottoms in an unpredictable way."
✔️ Stretch: Why struggle with rigid denim and the idea of standing vs. sitting pants, when you can have jeans that do both? "A staple denim is one that is ultra-stretchy with plenty of spandex [or elastane] to spare," Christina says. "We love denim that holds and molds while also elevating and refining your everyday wardrobe choices." Fortunately, here in 2023, even the more old-school silhouettes (like mom jeans) are made with stretch. "Along with providing flexibility and comfort, I love that stretch denim jeans are great for all kinds of body types," Teresa adds. "Stretch jeans work perfectly for anyone looking to do an activity in style."
✔️ Rise: While rise is really a matter of preference, Jené Luciani Sena, style expert and bestselling author of Get It! A Beauty, Style and Wellness Guide to Getting Your 'It' Together, says that higher rises can ultimately hide and contour more (which is often why millennials and older generations are currently joking about the horrors of low-rise denim reentering the mainstream).
If you find that high-rise jeans are difficult to cater to your hips and bum, as well as your waist, Sena admits that her go-to brand is Good American, thanks to its variety of curve-hugging denim silhouettes.
✔️ Inseam: While inseams are typically directly correlated to height, with shorter folks opting for shorter inseams and taller women opting for longer ones, Sena says that you can use inseams to create optical illusions, too.
"Having a longer length means you can wear heels under your flares and boot-cut jeans," she says. "This will elongate your legs and make them look slimmer."
