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We asked the Real Simple team where to buy jeans, and they delivered.
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Real Simple
A high-quality pair of jeans is an absolute must.
Finding one, however, can be much more challenging.
Who better to assist you in navigating the denim market than our seasoned staff ofReal Simpleshopping experts?
PHOTO: Citizens of Humanity
It reigned as the fan favorite in our survey and is a go-to brand for three of our editors.
Those with wider hips and a smaller waist know the struggle of finding jeans that flatter both areas.
Luckily, the brands best-selling Curve Love Denim collection is designed for those with curvy figures.
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.
After weeks of wear, they do not stretch out in the waist, unlike many popular brands.
PHOTO: Citizens of Humanity
The website is easy to navigate, offering pretty much any punch in of jeans you could think of.
Almost all of the jeans sell for $90, which is a steal considering their high quality.
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.
After trying out the brand a couple of years ago, food directorJenna Helwighas since bought three more pairs.
PHOTO: Express
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 theyre 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 shouldnt be difficult to meet.
PHOTO: Joe’s Jeans
Jeans arent available in varying inseam lengths.
We also appreciate that each style comes in various washes, from lighter colors to darker hues.
Just keep in mind that the brand doesnt offer varying inseam lengths.
PHOTO: Amazon
Once she discovered Citizen of HumanitysBeverly Slouch Bootjeans, she knew she had to keep them for months.
I got a ton of compliments from friends, some of whom have never complimented my jeans before!
Bonus points for the 30-day return policy and free shipping.
PHOTO: Madewell
Mail-in returns cost $7.
Everlane offers essential styles at an affordable price point.
Some of the jeans also come in various inseam lengths.
PHOTO: MOTHER Denim
Everlane offers free shipping on orders over $100, which shouldnt be too hard to reach.
It also has a 30-day return policy, though mail-in returns do cost an additional $7.
Some of the styles are only available online.
PHOTO: Old Navy
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.
PHOTO: Zara
The prices are excellent, and the styles are cuteand no dumb stuff on the bum.
Nonetheless, the 30-day return policy makes it easy to try out different styles.
The brand doesnt have overly distressed, slouchy, ripped jeans.
PHOTO: Spanx
Known for their put-together apparel, its no surprise that J.Crew boasts a selection of polished jeans.
Similarly popular is the signature patch pocket adorned with the brands classic crest button.
I guess I have wide hips and no butt and skinny legs?
PHOTO: American Eagle
J.Crew has me figured out!
A fan of the brands preppy style, senior shopping writerCarly Tottenactually prefers shopping through the J.Crew Factory.
They wash well, and they get more comfortable throughout the day without becoming sloppy.
I won’t wear anything else!
Still, if youre seeking a flattering, work-friendly fit, you cant go wrong with this household name.
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, Joes Jeans specializes in it.
Focused on jeans, the brand includes a more nuanced categorization than its counterparts.
They’re also so flattering!
And yesshe ended up keeping them from Nuuly.
Many retailers carry Joes Jeans, including Nordstrom and Amazon, making it extra accessible.
When we think jeans, we think Levis.
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.
Levis 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-chiefLauren Iannotti.
In addition to its diverse style selection, Levis 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.
We appreciate the specificity, which allows shoppers to prioritize certain needs.
While some brands seemingly have one specialty style, Levis is no one-hit wonder.
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 Levis jeans?
And even if you do regret your purchase, youll have 30 days to make free returns.
If you better 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 jot down.
We appreciate the versatility, though, catering to every budget.
Having worn Madewell jeans for years, shopping editorial directorNicole Lundswears by the brand.
Her go to is thePerfect Vintage Jean, a comfortable classic.
Shopping writerStephanie Osmanskisimilarly praises the brand, noting that its high quality is worth the splurge.
The brand allows returns for up to 30 daysjust keep in mind that exchanges arent permitted.
you’re free to either sort by pants or denim, not general denim pants.
Mother jeans extend beyond the basics, offering unique details that set them apart.
Plus, jeans are available in sizes 23 to 34.
We appreciate this feature, which gives a more realistic view of the denims fit.
The jeans are flattering and exude an elevated look to them.
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.
However, since Mother doesnt permit exchanges, youll have to refund and repurchase if you want another size.
The styles are more timeless than trendy.
Considering their affordability, shopping editorial directorNicole Lundwas shocked by how nice Old Navy jeans are.
They’re surprisingly good quality and look great, plus they’re super comfortable, she says.
They even have a Wow section, featuring styles $37 and under.
Do not sleep on Old Navy, people!
The website display is overwhelming and the dressing rooms are very chaotic.
Zara is currently among the trendiest and surprisingly more affordable retailers.
If youve experienced the in-person Zara experience, youre likely familiar with what Dorough is talking about.
Due to its popularity, the stores are often packed, making the dressing room lines pretty long.
Despite the difficult navigation, we think the high-quality denim makes up for it.
Without a classic zipper and button closure, it may take some shimmying to get the jeans on.
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.
After trying out theSpanx Flare Jeansin our testing, we were amazed by their comfort.
In fact, they even earned the title of themost comfortable jeans we’ve ever tested.
Plus, they retained their shape and color post wash.
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.
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 youthese jeans are high quality.
After trying theAE Stretch Super High-Waisted Ankle Straight Jean, we couldn’t believe how well made they were.
For those eager to experiment with new styles and cuts, American Eagle is a great choice.
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 theyreproperly cared for.
The more cotton, the more flattering it often will be and the longer it will last.
Theinseamis the seam that runs from your crotch to your ankle.
Riserefers 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.
The key is to confirm the fit and length work for you.
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.
And, as always, distressed jeans are also in style.
If youre looking to achieve a more worn-in look, Teich proposes buying a vintage, pre-owned pair.
Plus, recycling denim is more sustainable.
Sustainability
When searching for the right pair of jeans, Teich emphasizes the importance of sustainability.
Do you wear them daily or are they just a weekend piece for you or a once-in-awhile piece?
Many sites allow you to filter prices from low to high, showing you the most affordable selection first.
Retailers likeAbercrombieandOld Navyare great for more affordable denimOld Navy even has a section entirely below $37.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written byJamie Fischer, a writer forReal Simple.
