'Miracle': Best Jeans for Women 2025 According to a Fashion Writer
The perfect pair of jeans has a spot in every woman’s wardrobe, so we asked our team to share their go-to favourites, including the new controversial denim trend.
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A good pair of jeans is hard to find.
They need to be equal parts flattering, comfortable and versatile, preferably something that doesn’t cost a week’s rent and - once you tick all (or most) of these boxes - gives you years of wear.
And like coveted cafe spots, must-watch Netflix series and hardworking beauty products, the best way to find a great pair is through a trusted recommendation. That’s why we asked the news.com.au checkout team to share their tried-and-tested denim favourites.
Right now, our favourite pair is the classic Levi's Women's 501 '90s Jeans recently donned by Beyonce in a commercial for the cult brand. In the comments section of the YouTube video, fans are also obsessed with the sexy ad.
"This right here is so fire, I can’t stop watching it," said one fan.
"This is the best advertisement I've seen in my life."
"Next time I'm in Macy's gonna have to pick up these jeans. Fire."
We also love the Neuw Nico Straight Jeans that have been spotted on Aussie celebrity Margot Robbie.
Interested in more? Scroll on for our full round-up of the best jeans this season.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR'S PICKS
Neuw Nico Straight Jeans, $139.96 (down from $199.95) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: The perfect fit for those with a smaller waist
What to consider: A little bit on the pricier side
Material: 99 per cent cotton, 1 per cent elastane | Sizes: 24 to 32 (6 to 14) | Care: N/A
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
Like the majority of the population, my biggest issue when it comes to jeans is finding a pair that actually fits my body. I have a smaller waist and bigger hips and thighs, which make jeans shopping my personal hell. But I saw this video by TikToker @nikitaanastasiagp praising the fit and knew I had to try them out.
I'm obsessed. I don't think I've ever found a pair of jeans that fit so well before. Not only is there no waist gap, but I don't have any awkward tightness around my thighs either. I will say they do stretch a little bit, but just enough to make them more comfortable and not in the sense that you need to size down. My friend also told me that my butt looked amazing in these jeans. And they come in 10 different colourways so you can find whatever is currently missing from your wardrobe.
Plus, they're also Margot Robbie approved and I don't think you can get much better than that.
The recently released Neuw Coco Relaxed Jeans are also a great option. Since launching in July 2023, the fit has generated $100k in web sales alone, selling around 1.2 units per day.
Cotton On Relaxed Wide Leg Jeans, $69.99 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: They're a great budget-friendly pick with loads of colours to choose from
What to consider: They do stretch the more you wear them - but washing does bring them back to normal
Material: 100 per cent cotton | Sizes: 6 to 24 | Care: Cold gentle machine wash
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, Senior Shopping Writer
For those days when you want to wear jeans but don’t want it to feel like you’re wearing jeans, the Relaxed Wide Leg is my top pick. I’m obsessed with the shade Breeze Blue Worn – exactly as it’s described, it’s a gorgeous worn-in blue that I find matches with most items in my wardrobe. I really love the mid-rise as it’s super comfortable and flattering, and I did size up to a 12 as I found the 10 was a little tight around my waist. These are great, easy jeans!
High Rise Straight Leg Jean, $59.99 at Glassons
Why we love it: Slightly wider straight leg style
What to consider: Waist gap for those with a smaller waist and larger hips; only goes up to size 14
Material: 100 per cent cotton | Sizes: 6 to 14 | Care: Cold machine wash
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
I've been looking for a light wash jean for months now and am very happy to say I've finally found them. Cut in a sleek high waist, with a slightly wider than usual straight leg, these jeans seemed like they were genuinely made for me. I often struggle with straight or skinny jeans being too tight around my thighs, but not this time.
My only gripe would be the dreaded waist gap. IYKYK. It was fairly big, but when worn with a belt, it didn't matter too much to me.
BEST WIDE-LEG JEANS
Flared Jean in Mid Blue, $230 at Bohemian Traders
Why we love it: Super flattering high rise waist
What to consider: One of the more expensive picks in the list
Material: 100 per cent cotton | Sizes: 24 to 40 (6 to 22) | Care: Cold machine wash with like colours
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, Acting Editor
I bought these jeans a couple of years ago after I could no longer deny the death of skinny jeans. As a millenial, it was my first foray into non-skinny jeans in several years and considering the wide-leg flare, I was concerned, to say the least. But since I first tried them on two years ago, they have become my favourite pair of jeans. The high waist is flattering, and the wide leg adds interest to any outfit. They absolutely go with everything, and the quality is so good! I can confirm they still look and feel as good as they did years ago. Bohemian Traders is a great Aussie label that's committed to size inclusivity, with these jeans available in sizes 6 to 22. I'm a size 12, and they are true to size. Highly recommend!
Cotton On Super Baggy Jeans, $48 (down from $69.99) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Super affordable; available in a wide range of sizes
What to consider: The quality is a little bit thin, so they probably won’t last as long as more expensive brands
Material: 100 per cent cotton | Sizes: 6 to 22 | Care: N/A
Tried and Tested by Claudia Coy, Social Media Producer
Admittedly, it took me a second to give the low-rise, baggy-jean trend a go, but since picking up a pair of these Cotton On Jeans, my day-to-day uniform has completely changed.
I love that you can style them with a baggy t-shirt and sneakers for a casual look or throw on a cute top and a heel, and you’ve got an edgy outfit for a night out. If you don’t already have a pair of baggy, low-rise jeans, let these be the perfect addition to your wardrobe.
Sailor Jean - Dark Stone, $169.96 at Rolla's
Why we love it: Available in a huge 17 colourways
What to consider: Some reviewers say it doesn't do much for their butts
Material: 69 per cent cotton, 29 per cent recycled viscose and two per cent elastane | Sizes: 5 to 16 | Care: N/A
Tried and Tested by Susannah Hardy, Partnerships Writer
My latest favourite pair of jeans has to be the Rolla’s Sailor Jean. At first, I didn't hold high hopes for them as they’re high-waisted with flared legs, which is not my sort of thing at the moment. But I have to say, I was totally in love from the moment I pulled them on. They're like magic jeans - so comfortable and flattering.
While the denim is quite thick, it has enormous give, so the jeans actually shape around your body almost immediately. The high waist is super flattering (a total surprise!), and they’re easy to style with different singlets or tees. I even wear them with oversized shirts, and they still look great. The flare isn’t too over the top, and it works well with the high-waisted style - they actually make my legs look longer. The cropped length is cute and goes perfectly with either trainers, slides or boots - totally versatile. I honestly can’t say enough good things about these jeans, which have now become that pair I throw on when I don’t know what to wear and they always look fabulous.
Country Road High Rise Wide Leg Jean, $159 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Fits incredibly well
What to consider: On the more expensive side
Material: 98 per cent cotton, 2 per cent elastane | Sizes: 4 to 16 | Care: N/A
Tried and Tested by Cindy Du, Producer
As someone with shorter legs and a larger thigh proportion, finding jeans that fit well in all the right places is a challenge. But these Country Road High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans were a total game-changer!
I find the high-rise waist design super flattering, hugging the waist comfortably, while the wide-leg cut is great for balancing proportions. There’s no awkward tightness around the thighs or calves. Like most women, my body changes from day to day, so I opted for two sizes. I purchased the light wash in a size 10 for a baggier, more relaxed look, and for a slightly more fitted appearance, I went for the darker wash in a size 8. I’ve had these jeans for about a year now, and while Country Road sits on the pricier side, I can confidently say they’re worth it. The denim has held its shape and colour really well, even with frequent wear.
If you’re after a comfy, stylish and flattering pair of jeans that actually work for larger thighs and shorter legs, these are 100 per cent worth it. So glad I found them.
BEST STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS
Levi's Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans, $159.95 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Perfect middle ground between baggy and slim fit
What to consider: Button fly instead of zip
Material: 99 per cent cotton, 1 per cent elastane | Sizes: 24 to 34 (Roughly 6 to 16) | Care: Cold machine wash
Tried and Tested by Jessica Smith, Health and Wellness Writer
The Levi's Straight Ribcage Jeans are my ride or die. I purchased a dark blue pair over four years ago (which I'm currently wearing as I write this) and nabbed a second pair in white in the last end-of-financial-year sales because they're just THAT good, you need to have two. My next purchase is likely going to be another pair in the lighter washed blue. So I'm basically in a long-term relationship with these jeans, and that is for multiple reasons.
Firstly, they're insanely comfortable. Like, it should be criminal for jeans to be this comfortable. The high, ribcage-reaching waist is cinched in with buttons instead of a zip fly (so you can say goodbye to bumpy zips that wear after a year). It skims your belly, leaving you plenty of room to breathe, while accentuating around the bum area before falling straight down past your thighs and legs. Hence, you never have that suffocating skinny-jean feel that nearly finished us in the early 2000s.
Secondly, as you might have already guessed, the Levi's Ribcage jeans are unbelievably flattering. They're basically the perfect middle ground between baggy and slim-fit, hugging your middle and sculpting the bum while hanging loosely at the ends, so you get that relaxed fit that still gives off an hourglass shape. Lastly, these jeans are versatile as heck. (Guess why I bought two pairs?!) I've worn them under tees with sneakers, paired with knit jumpers and boots, over kitten heels with a little strappy top or cinched in with a belt and a flowy button-up shirt. If you want comfy, flattering jeans that you can wear in just about any circumstance - from a ritzy cocktail bar to your Farmer Wants A Wife debut - the Levi's Straight Ribcage Jeans are it.
Cotton On Low Rise Straight Jean, $59.99 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Super flattering cut and on-trend
What to consider: Low rise may not suit everybody
Material: 100 per cent cotton | Sizes: 4 to 24 | Care: N/A
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
I have also fallen victim to the low-rise trend, and I honestly haven't looked back since. This pair from Cotton On has got to be my all-time favourite - they're incredibly flattering on and I love that the leg is relaxed and baggy. I also sized up one size for this one so that they sit on the hips perfectly and aren't super fitted!
BEST BARREL-LEG JEANS
Cotton On Barrel Jeans, $69.95 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Unique shape and comfortable
What to consider: Style might not be for everyone and legs might be long on shorter people
Material: 100 per cent cotton| Sizes: 4 to 24 | Care: N/A
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
I, like everyone else, was intrigued by the barrel jean trend and I will admit the style can look a bit weird and funny, especially when they're super structured; however, I am a total fan of these ones from Cotton On.
The denim isn't rigid, so they're really comfortable. They're the perfect pair for those who simply want to try the trend out because the barrel silhouette isn't as prominent as other pairs - which makes it so much easier and less daunting to wear. I snapped up a black pair and a white pair and bought a size up from my usual so that I can wear them low and baggy or with a belt for that perfect fit - high waisted with the legs ending right at my ankles.
Arch Jeans - Tapered, $159 at COS
Why we love it: Perfect cropped length
What to consider: I found the sizing a little off
Material: 100 per cent recycled cotton | Sizes: 23 to 32 (2 to 16) | Care: Cold machine wash
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
I first heard about these jeans from a TikTok by Shameless Media Co-Founder Zara McDonald. What sold me was not only the fact that she looked amazing in them but also that she didn't need to get them hemmed, which she said was a "miracle". I'd been looking for a slightly cropped pair for a while and I knew instantly I needed to get a pair. I'm obsessed.
They also are the perfect jumping-off point if you've been wanting to tip you toe (and legs) into the trending barrel-leg. They have a very slight arch (hence the name) and are not quite as bold and exaggerated as Harriet's jeans above.
They also come in 14 different colourways.
BEST SKINNY JEANS
Levi's High-Rise 720 Super Skinny Jeans in I've Got This, $89 (down from $99.95) at Myer
Why we love it: Classic skinny style
What to consider: Limited size range
Material: 85 per cent cotton, 13 per cent polyester, 2 per cent lyrca | Sizes: 24 to 32 (6 to 14) | Care: Cold machine wash jeans once every 10 wears at most
What You Need To Know
Ok, yes, it's true that skinny jeans haven't been the number one style for the past few years, but if the rumours are true, they're on their way back. Of course, you can always wear whatever you like best but if you want to jump on the bandwagon or if you never left, these Levi's are the way to go.
Envisoned to be modern leggings, the description says they are designed to flatter all day, every day. Who doesn't want that?
"These are now one of my favorite jeans! They have a good flex and fit like a glove," wrote one five-star reviewer on the Levi's website.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING JEANS
When choosing jeans to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Fabric: While all of the jeans on the list are made from a majority of cotton, some have elastane or other fabrics as well to help with stretch.
Style: From wide-leg to skinny, we made sure to include a wide range of options to suit all tastes.
Price: Multiple price points were included in the list to suit every budget.
Size range: We tried our best to make sure there were products included with extended sizing.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of jeans available, it’s impossible to test every pair out there. To help you find the best jeans, we tested a number of well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best jeans, from premium to budget, to help you find the right one for your wardrobe.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE MUM (OR MOM) JEANS?
You saw them on Princess Diana and Madonna in the '80s, and now they’re back in a big way. In recent years, skinny jeans have been usurped by mum jeans. Mum jeans are a little bit slouchy with just the right amount of shape for a flattering fit. Generally high-waisted in cut, they often sit a little looser and have a relaxed tapered leg.
HOW CAN I STYLE JEANS?
A staple item in most women’s wardrobes - and for good reason - jeans can be easily dressed up and down, making them incredibly versatile. For the office, pair jeans with a white shirt, black blazer and heels. If you’re wearing your jeans in casual settings, tuck a plain white T-shirt into them and pair with white sneakers for an effortless look.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY DENIM JEANS?
Keen to ensure your jeans remain a staple in your wardrobe for years to come? There are some easy actions you can take to ensure their longevity. First, be sure to wash your jeans on a cold setting to prevent them from fading. It’s also a good idea to avoid putting them in the dryer, where they could shrink. Hang them to dry inside out to prevent fading and also avoid washing them after every wear if you’re able to, as this will keep them in good condition.
Interested in more fashion content? Find out how to build a capsule wardrobe, and discover why wearing these jeans all week was a cost of living and style revelation.
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