Denim 101: It Shouldn’t Be So Hard to Find Good Jeans

These are high-rise with a skinny leg, a silhouette that’s sure to flatter your curves. The dark wash is on trend for this season, and they come in sizes 00–40. Did we mention if you use code FREEJEANS-THESKIMM you can grab them for free? FYI, the promo code works for new customers only. ($85, Universal Standard)

This year, it’s the baggier the better. But if you’re not ready to completely buy into the trend, these are a good starter pair that won’t break the bank. They’re mid-rise and just slouchy enough to be comfortable. They look good dressed up or down and come in several washes. ($36, Target)

These are the jeans that convinced us that Abercrombie was having a comeback. They’re high-rise with the relaxed, straight-leg fit all our favorite ’90s style icons wore. The Curve Love style offers more room through the hips and thighs, but they also come in a classic version. ($90, Abercrombie & Fitch)

One editor wasn’t sure if the low-rise trend was sticking around, but after seeing them everywhere for fall, she set out to find the perfect pair. These hit just below your belly button, so you don’t have to worry about showing too much. Plus, they’re less baggy than other pairs, so you won’t feel like you’re being swallowed. Levi’s never misses. You can read her full review here. ($108, Levi's)

We love our jeans as much as the next person, but it pays to have an alternative option when you’ve been wearing the same jeans-and-a-tee outfit daily. These have cargo pockets in the front and back and a D-ring belt to cinch your waist. We’d pair with this denim shacket for a fashion-y Canadian tuxedo. ($148, Madewell)

We’ve been wearing AGOLDE jeans for as long as we can remember — we’re still wearing a few pairs from high school, don’t @ us — since they really last. The denim is thick but comfortable and will get softer with each wear. You can’t go wrong with any of the three classic washes. ($228+, Free People)

Barrel-leg jeans are having a moment, and we can confirm, they’re one of the most comfortable styles we’ve ever tried. This Everlane pair stands out from the rest with its workwear stitching and cropped length. The barrel leg is just enough to make a statement without giving Aladdin. ($118, Everlane)

Need we say more? Every time we invest in a pair of Rag & Bone jeans, we thank ourselves preemptively because we know how comfortable we’ll be when we wear them. We’ve never felt softer denim, but these won’t be stretched out at the end of the day. The wide leg looks great with sneakers and boots. ($278, Nordstrom)

This fall, it’s all about dark-wash denim. We love the contrast stitching, wide-leg silhouette, and high-rise fit of this affordable pair. Dark jeans look so sleek dressed up with heels, especially if you’re wearing the matching vest. ($98, Revolve)

Finding a good cropped pair of jeans is essential to your wardrobe, especially when you’ve been shoe shopping. These are high-rise with a straight leg and just the right amount of stretch. The faded black wash gives them a vintage-inspired feel. ($99.95, Eloquii)

We noticed fashion people were losing it over the Levi's Ribcage Full Length, so we had to see what the hype was about. By some sorcery, they accentuate your waist and your curves at the same time. They look sophisticated when you throw them on with heels and a going-out top. We recommend sizing up; these are stiff, but they’ll mold to your shape over time. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Raise your hand if you saw the remake of Twisters. Now, raise your hand if it made you want to dig around in the back of your closet for your overalls. This is an updated version of the Madewell pair we bought five years ago and are still wearing. The waist on these is higher than most, so it actually gives you an hourglass silhouette. We love that it’s a one-and-done outfit when you pair them with a white tank. ($168, Madewell)

We fondly remember shopping at Gap for jeans as a teenager, and we’re glad to see the denim quality hasn’t changed. The high-rise fit cinches your waist, while the wide, relaxed legs give an off-duty model vibe. They come in regular, tall, and petite sizes and short, regular, and long inseams, so you’re sure to find a pair that fits just right. ($79.95, Gap)

If you’ve been vintage shopping for years but haven’t managed to score the perfect pair of secondhand Levi’s, buying this pair is the next best thing. This brand customizes Levi’s to the exact size you want and each pair is unique. Buy this mid-rise, slightly baggy pair and wear them forever. ($358, Revolve)

Yes, you can still wear your skinny jeans, but this pair is a nice transition away from them.  The super high-rise waist will keep you covered, and the slim leg borders on skinny without all the clinginess. They’re made with sustainable fibers and have an unfinished hem that's begging to be paired with heels. Time for a night out. ($108, Guess)

When we heard one of our favorite brands started making jeans, we were excited, but when we saw the price, we were ecstatic. They’re made of organic cotton that’s soft and stretchy but won’t sag by the end of the day. The kick flare leg is perfect for dressing them up with heels. ($50, Quince)

Other boyfriend jeans, step aside. We love that these have a slim leg, so they won’t look sloppy or overwhelm smaller frames. They sit low on your waist, but they’re not fully low-rise if you’re not into that. We also love the three inseam lengths and would wear any of the three washes. ($129, Mott & Bow)

Abercrombie really outdid themselves with this pair. They have the low-rise fit of their classic low-rise jeans but with a wider, extra-loose leg. We feel so cool when we wear these with sneakers and a cute top, and the lightweight denim means you won’t get hot, even if you’re seated in 32F. ($90, Abercrombie)