Womens jeans: Women share their favourite jeans, from $42 to $389
The perfect pair of jeans has a spot in every woman’s wardrobe so we asked four women to share their go-to favourites, including the $42.50 wonder buy.
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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 team to share their tried and tested denim favourites.
From a pair of jeans loved by Kylie Jenner and designer skinny jeans worth the investment, here are the styles they have on high rotation.
MARKS & SPENCERS, SIENNA BUTTON FRONT STRAIGHT FIT JEANS
Marks & Spencers, Sienna Button Front Jeans in Light Denim and Blue Denim, $42.50
Full disclosure: These jeans came to me via a PR recommendation when I was researching this season’s highest-selling jeans. With more than 900 five-star reviews on Marks & Spencers, they’re one of the UK department store’s best-selling jeans, which might have something to do with their very attractive $42.50 price tag. They also happen to be the most comfortable pair of pants I’ve ever tried.
Unlike some cheaper jeans, the cotton still feels thick and high quality while the elastane gives them a great stretch. The mid to high rise is perfect for tucking in tops when you need to dress things up for work and their slightly tapered leg gives you just enough shape for a flattering fit. I also love the fact that the jeans come in an inclusive AU6 to AU24 size range and you can pick between a short, regular or long leg length.
My colleague, Edwina Barraclough Carr is also a fan. Road-testing a pair in the Blue Denim wash she raved about their flattering cut and fantastic pricepoint.
“Undoubtedly the best thing about them is their impeccable cut. It’s extremely flattering and hugs the thighs before tapering out towards the ankle, giving the jeans that sort of off-duty-but-still-chic look that can be worn in basically any situation,” she said.
“The stretchy fabric and mid-rise waist means that they’re outrageously comfortable regardless of whether I’ve just consumed a large meal or not, and as someone who’s in possession of a derrière, I don’t feel as though I’m walking around with a perpetual jeans wedgie, which is rather nice.
“The blue denim colour I chose is beautifully timeless and there are several other options I’ve now got my eye on. Since my first wear I’ve started feverishly recommending these excellent jeans to anyone who’ll listen to me. Yes, it turns out, in this case, budget equals brilliant.
ASSEMBLY LABEL, HIGH WAIST RIGID JEANS
Mariela Summerhays, Commercial Content Writer, on the only denim she’ll substitute dresses for:
Assembly Label, High Waist Rigid Jean in Vintage Blue, $100
A serial dress wearer, it has taken tries of many a jean - skinny, stretch, rigid, low-rider - to get me on board with denim. The silhouette and type of denim to convert me? High-waisted, rigid, slim-fit jeans.
A far cry from the stretchy, skinny jeans of my adolescence, I am now completely devoted to my High Waist Rigid Jeans from Assembly Label. I always opt for a wash with a light fade for its casual feel - in this case, the Vintage Blue - then balance it with the formality of a rigid fabrication and tailored cut. Whether paired with heels and a button-down for work, or a cotton tee and sneakers on the weekend, I always feel comfortable and look chic (if I do say so myself!).
ROLLA’S, EASTCOAST FLARES
Jess Wang, Commercial Writer, on the flared jeans you’ve most likely seen on Instagram (and live up to the hype)
Rolla’s, Eastcoast Flares in Faded Vintage, $159.95
If you’ve ever scrolled through listicles like ‘the 10 wardrobe essentials every French girl owns,’ you’ve no doubt lusted over a pair of flared jeans. However, unlike the je ne sais quoi charm of French fashion icons like Jane Birkin, Caroline de Maigret and Brigitte Bardot, the perfect pair of flares are a little more attainable. These flares by Aussie denim brand Rolla’s combine a 1970s flare with a flattering high-waisted and form fitting cut up top so you don’t feel like you’re being dwarfed in denim. Of course if you’re below 5’10 you (raises hand) will most likely need to get the jeans taken up, or pair them with a heel of some sort, but don’t be afraid to let the ends get a little scuffed. It’s probably what Jane Birkin would do.
TOPSHOP, MOM JEANS
Bella Fowler, Entertainment Reporter, on her $80 go-to pair that’s stood the test of time:
Topshop, Mom Jeans in Bleach Wash, $79.95
Much like the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, these jeans were passed down to me by a friend a few years ago and I have loved them ever since. Bought from Topshop in the early days of the ‘mum jean’ craze, they’re tight in all the right places, with a flattering high-waist and vintage-look light denim finish. As a former strict black-jeans only girl, the lighter shade of denim has become a wardrobe staple of mine. Like most jeans, they loosen a bit with each wear after washing but they don’t get that telltale sag in the knees. The denim is soft, has worn well and they go with everything from heeled boots and a jazzy top to socks and sandals while working from home. A word of warning: Emphasis on ‘tight’ – they’re true to size but I probably wouldn’t wear them to yum cha.
The jeans are also available in a range of other washes like blue-grey ‘smoke,’ cream and indigo.
EVERLANE, THE ‘90s CHEEKY STRAIGHT JEAN
Jess Wang, Denim Enthusiast, on the next pair of jeans on her online shopping hit list.
Everlane, The ’90s Cheeky Straight Jean in Washed Black, $111
SHOP HERE
Full disclosure, I’ve yet to try these but have friends who have raved about the comfortable fit and have long-admired the jeans on minimalist and eco-friendly Instagram influencers. For those unfamiliar with Everlane, the certified B-corp prides itself on being sustainable and completely ethical and transparent in how they manufacture and source their clothes, shoes and accessories. The site is a trove of wearable and high-quality basics at affordable prices that are often lower than traditional retail prices.
While traditional denim manufacturing is incredibly water-intensive and can use up to 1500 litres per pair of jeans, these are made using a closed system which recycles 98 per cent of the water used. Everlane also responsibly handles the toxic ‘sludge’ by-product that comes from making denim by using it in brick production to keep the toxins from leeching into the environment.
The jeans themselves are also one of the site’s best-selling products too. They have a combined 4.55 stars out of 1343 reviews with many loving the fit and high-quality fabric.
“I LOVE these jeans so much this is my second pair. The retro 90s look is spot on, the regular length fits my long legs perfectly and the backside … phew. I catch myself checking myself out in the mirror every time they’re on. THESE ARE THE BEST JEANS. PERIOD,” wrote one enthusiastic review.
“I love these jeans. I can only wear high-waist jeans and these are soooo comfy. They run a little big, heads up. I originally got a 27, but sent back for a 26,” wrote another.
If you’re looking to invest in some new denim (same), just keep in mind that due to their 100 per cent cotton fabrication, they are a non-stretch rigid denim, however the cotton fibres will stretch and mold to your body through repeated wear.
LEE, HI MOMS
Edwina Carr Barraclough, Best Of Editor, on the mum jeans that inspired her to ditch her skinny jeans
Lee, High Moms in Real Blue, $149.95
When it comes to clothing – or anything for that matter – I usually bristle a little at the “mum” prefix, given its sometimes pejorative use to describe something decidedly daggy. Now, however, it’s had a chic upgrade. Case in point? These Lee Hi Moms jeans. I bought this pair a few months ago and they marked my graduation from skinny jeans to a looser more casual fit and now I’m not sure I’ll ever go back. They’re outrageously comfortable (no more popping my top button open after breakfast) and are fitted and contoured beautifully. Mums clearly know what’s up.
LEVI’S, WEDGIE JEANS
Jess Wang (yes, again) on the uber flattering boyfriend jeans also loved by Kylie Jenner:
Levi’s Wedgie Straight Jeans in Montgomery Baked, $139.95
These jeans are quite frankly so good that I own them in three different washes. They’re famed for their butt-boosting ability and Levi’s states the back seam is cut slightly higher to give you the appearance of a lifted derrière. However, I can confirm they don’t feel like you actually have a wedgie, because no boost in aesthetics is worth that discomfort. Instead, what you get is a pair of perfectly straight-cut and cropped jeans that cuts a flattering figure front and back.
In terms of fabrication, the 99 per cent cotton feels like a thick and weighty denim (which is my personal preference), while the 1 per cent elastane gives you a tiny bit of stretch. Although my Size 28 pair are tight and possibly even tighter in a post lockdown world, I like that they somehow give me the appearance of a flat tummy, a total lack of abs be damned.
If you find that the shade you’re after are sold out (because they’re just that good), you can also shop the style at Myer and Levi’s as well.
J BRAND, MARIA HIGH-RISE SKINNY JEANS
Lexie Cartwright, Entertainment Reporter, on the investment jeans worth the price tag:
J Brand, Maria High-Rise Skinny Jeans in Heart, $379
One of life’s greatest joys is sliding into a pair of jeans that fit just right (Chicken Fried fans will get the reference). Having tried a lot of brands in my time, I can comfortably report I’ve found a pair that do indeed fit just right. They’re from American clothing company J Brand, which is stocked locally on The Iconic, ASOS, The Outnet and Net-A-Porter and while they’ll set you back $300+ apiece, they’re worth it.
Having bought a classic style in all the necessary washes (black, light denim and dark denim) nearly a decade ago, I haven’t had to buy a new pair since. They have not stretched, stiffened or faded over the years, which I’ve noticed is a common problem with cheaper makes.
The biggest plus is they’re made to fit your body shape – not the other way around. So you don’t get that dreaded gaping around the waist if you need a bigger size to fit your curves and hips (meaning they’ll still be comfy after Christmas dinner – no unzipping under the dinner table necessary).
Another reliable brand is Nobody Denim, which in my opinion are of a similar fit and style to J Brand and at a slightly cheaper price point.
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 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 wading and also avoid washing them after every wear if you’re able to, as this will keep them in good condition.
Love a wardrobe staple? Check out our roundup of the best white T-shirts and white sneakers to add-to-cart. Consider it your weekend outfit sorted.
For more shopping stories, head to our Best Of fashion page for our trend wrap ups, must-have buys and curated picks.
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