IS there really anything more satisfying than finding a pair of the best high-street jeans?
Whether you're trying to bring back skinnies, want to jump on the baggy jean wave, or simply need a staple pair for brunches and dog walks, the best high-street jeans can be found in so many styles.
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Jeans date all the way back to the 1800s, manufactured in the French town of Nîmes. By the 20th century, they'd become a mainstream staple, made cool by the likes of Hollywood icons (i.e. James Dean).
Fast forward to today, and they're a mainstay in fashion, as cuts change with the trends: this season, the seventies is back with flares, straight-leg denim and baggy styles all the rage.
Skinny jeans can come in handy for running errands though, or if you want to channel your inner punk-rocker – who said you had to follow the current trends?
Whatever style you're going for, we've scoured the shops to find the best high-street jeans around. You'll want to check this out on your quest for finding the perfect fit.
1. We tested: River Island
Left to right:
- Blue High Waisted Straight Jeans, £42 – buy here
- Blue Ripped High Waisted Mom Jeans, £42 – buy here
- Blue High Waisted Skinny Bum Sculpt Jeans, £46 – buy here
- Denim High Rise Flared Jeans, £45 – buy here
Even people who don't shop at River Island usually, head there for jeans. Their offering ticks off short, regular and long styles in sizes 6 to 18 so there's something for everyone.
From flares to distressed mom jeans to super skinny silhouettes, there are so many options to choose from and they're all priced under £50.
When we tested out River Island, as a whole we were impressed with the quality as the Skinny Bum Sculpt Jeans were stretchy, the Straight Jeans were soft and smooth, the Flared Jeans were slinky and oh-so comfy, and the Ripped Mom Jeans felt sturdy enough for the rips to not… rip.
Our favourite pair was definitely the Denim High Rise Flared Jeans as they felt just a little bit softer and comfier than the other pairs, and the High Waisted Straight Jeans were a close second as they look as clean cut in real life as they do online.
The Skinny Bum Sculpt Jeans were our least fave because they come up really small so we would definitely size up on those if you're thinking of getting them.
We recommend sticking to the simpler styles when it comes to River Island jeans as the distressed pair look a little cheaper than the more immaculate options they have. But generally, as you can customise the length to suit your height, you can expect a great fit from RI, at a decent price too.
2. Reformation
Left to right:
- Cindy Bootleg Slit Hem in Black, £130 – buy here
- Cynthia High Relaxed Jean in Colorado, £140 – buy here
- Saddle Jean, £160 – buy here
- Harper High Rise Skinny Jeans, £106 – buy here
Cult sustainable brand Reformation is known for its effortlessly stylish clothing, so naturally, its denim offering is bursting with must-haves.
You can find a whole host of colours, shapes and styles online; whether you favour relaxed straight leg styles or fabulously flared and bootcut silhouettes.
Even better, all body shapes and sizes are catered to, with many styles going up to a size 24. The price tag may not be the cheapest on the high street, but for fit and long-lasting quality, you really can't go wrong.
3. Mango
Left to right:
- Wide Leg High Waist Jeans in Dark Blue, £49.99 – buy here
- High Waist Balloon Jeans in Khaki, £35.99 – buy here
- High Waist Straight Jeans in Open Grey, £49.99 – buy here
- Premium Straight Jeans in Ecru, £49.99 – buy here
Mango serves effortlessly chic, ready-to-wear clothing, and its jeans are no different.
Offering quality at great prices, you'll find a great mix of styles to choose from, whether you're looking for an everyday classic like the straight jeans or something more contemporary and directional like the balloon jean.
Every wardrobe needs a pair of Mango jeans.
4. Urban Outfitters
Left to right:
- Miss Sixty Denim Flared Jeans, £85 – buy here
- BDG High-Waisted Vintage Wash Puddle Jeans, £55 – buy here
- Levi's Grey Utility Ribcage Straight Ankle Grazer Jeans, £95 – buy here
BDG High-Waisted Black Boyfriend Jeans, £55 – buy here
Urban Outfitters finesses edgy streetwear and its jean offering always kills the game.
As well as stocking the likes of Miss Sixty, Levi's, Dickies and Tommy jeans, the brand's own offering, BDG, boasts a must-have selection of denim styles.
You'll find everything from baggy Y2K fits and flares through to straight-leg ankle grazers. We've picked out four of our faves above that should be on the top of your wishlist this winter.
5. Levi's
Left to right:
- 721 High Waisted Skinny Jeans, £85 – buy here
- 712 Slim Jeans, £95 – buy here
- Mile High Super Skinny Jeans, £85 – buy here
- Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans, £95 – buy here
Levi's needs no introduction, historically leading the way for worldwide denim, with a star-studded clientele from Marilyn Monroe to Alexa Chung.
Crafted from its world-famous soft cotton denim, all of Levi's jeans are stamped with that iconic leather patch on the back.
From the skinnies boasting a waist-defining fit to the shaping jeans lifting your butt and lengthening your legs, everyone looks good in Levi's.
6. Gap
Left to right:
- 1969 Premium High Rise Flare Jeans, £89.95 – buy here
Workforce Collection High Rise Distressed Jeans, £64.95 – buy here
- High Rise Vintage Flare Jeans, £64.95 – buy here
- Workforce Collection High Rise Carpenter Jeans, £64.95 – buy here
Its campaign timeline has been iconic, including the likes of Naomi Campbell, Madonna and Missy Elliot.
Crafted from premium stretch denim for comfort, their wide range of jeans includes wide-leg styles, a boyfriend Workforce Collection and other chic silhouettes.
The skinnies are crafted from a premium stretch denim and even the wide-leg styles are still a low-stretch denim – Gap jeans’ flexibility suits the daily grind of modern women.
As part of the water-saving Washwell programme, all its plain denim jeans use 20 per cent less water than traditional washes.
7. & Other Stories
Left to right:
- Flared High Waist Jeans, £65 – buy here
- Favourite Cut Jeans in Black, £65 – buy here
- Straight High Waist Jeans in Creme, £65 – buy here
- Treasure Cut Cropped Jeans in Mid Blue, £65 – buy here
As one of the most directional high-street retailers, of course our fave Scandi brand & Other Stories does denim wonderfully.
From kick flares to cargo jeans and overstitched denim, all of its jeans are bang on-trend.
Finessing that flattering, rigid silhouette, all of its flares and straight cuts are non-stretch.
Whereas the slim jeans have a little stretch – so choose what takes your fancy.
Or get them all – for under £70, they’re a high-quality steal that'll last you through lots of changing trends.
8. Topshop
Left to right:
- Topshop Mom Jeans in Washed Black, £39.99 – buy here
- Topshop oversized Mom Jeans in Mid Wash, £29.99 – buy here
- Topshop Jagged Hem Jamie Jeans in Bleach Wash, £42 – buy here
- Topshop Mom Jean in Blue Mid Wash, £42.99 – buy here
ASOS has come to the rescue to give you Topshop's famous jeans! (Plus everything else too).
Its collection is affordable, durable and has a huge range of sizes as well as tall (leg 36) and petite (leg 28).
From the best-selling Joni and Jamie skinnies to its range of mom designs, Topshop has you covered for flexible, flattering jeans, whatever you’re after.
9. Free People
Left to right:
- Raw High-Rise Jegging, £70 – buy here
- We The Free Dad Jeans, £88 from Free People – buy here
- Bren Boyfriend Jeans, £70 – buy here
- Just Float On Flare Jeans, £70 from FreePeople – buy here
If you're after cooler-than-cool jeans that stand the test of time, you need FreePeople on your watch.
Offering a range of styles that you probably won't find the same anywhere else, FreePeople's jeans range from £70 onwards, but you're paying for good quality cuts.
Feeling funky? Treat yourself to a dramatic flare. Want a staple pair that look stylish? The Raw High-Rise Jeggings might be your match.
10. Boden
Left to right:
- Skinny Jeans – Indigo, £60 – buy here
- Slim Straight Jeans – Mid Vintage, £60 – buy here
- Girlfriend Jeans – Pale Blue Wash, £65 – buy here
- Barrel Leg Jeans – Light Vintage, £70 – buy here
Boden's broad collection of denim jeans is one to be proud of, from the range of colours, to the widths and lengths – they tick every box for no-nonsense jeans you need.
Just like their other womenswear, the jeans are preppy, smart and chic, fit for the office and off-duty days too.
Reviews say they're a fabulous quality, fitting true to size. What's not to love?
What is the highest quality denim?
You always know that jeans are cut from high quality denim when the fabric is heavier, and generally feels strong enough to withstand wears, tears and a whole ton of washes.
Experts say that any denim that weighs lower than 12 ounces is of lower quality – that doesn't mean that good jeans are uncomfortably stiff though, because the best jeans soften and shape to your figure.
Another tip? Look for double stitching on the pockets, or at least, stitching which looks durable.
The main feature that we look out for when it comes to finding good jeans, though, is always the level of stretch. After all, you want a pair that you can wear all day long.
What are the best jeans for curvy figures?
Curvy figures can rock any denim style, from skinny to straight leg to mom and boyfriend denim.
The key is finding jeans with spandex and elastane, that offer a bit of stretch and maximum comfort.
When it comes to brands that curvy girls can't get enough of, Levi's is the fave.
The 311 Shaping Skinny Jeans from the US denim legend are particularly popular with the curvy crew.
Reviewers love their 'great fit' and the fact they are 'very comfortable'.
What brand of jeans are the most comfortable?
One of the great virtues of jeans is how comfortable they are – while still lifting bums and being acceptable date-wear. It's amazing.
Of course, not all jeans are created equal in terms of comfort – some are cool to go out in, but others are so soft and fabulous-feeling, you could sleep in them.
When it comes to brands, fans love Topshop's Mom jeans, which many insist are the comfiest of them all.
The range is also superb: you'll find these in every colour, wash and silhouette (oversized, distressed, high-rise, worker) you can think of.
We're here to help you to find the best bargain, so check out Sun Selects for more stories like this.
Enjoyed our roundup of the best high street jeans? Take a look at our dedicated Sun Selects Fashion section for more fashion inspiration.
In love with denim? Take a look at our round-up of the best denim brands.
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