It’s a matter of fact: we live in denim. Jeans strike the best balance between comfort and style, but they’re not all made equally, so knowing the best denim brands can mean the difference between getting the perfect fit and hauling a pile of returns to the post office. (Guess which outcome we prefer.)
Due to the sheer volume of options—classic straight, trendy wide, resurgent skinny, and specific cuts for everything from tummy control to petite legs—it’s impossible to name one best jeans brand. So in the interest of democracy, we turned to our denim-obsessed editors, who shared the cuts, washes, and unique details they love at their go-to labels. From tried-and-true styles at Levi’s and Madewell to exciting newcomers like Still Here and Damson Madder, these are the 19 high-quality denim brands our staffers wear and love.
The best denim brands for women, at a glance
How could we not start with Levi’s? The brand literally invented blue jeans, and it’s still producing time-worthy pairs to this day—although now in a huge spectrum of cuts, fabrics, and washes. Prices vary wildly among the brand’s sublabels, and we recommend opting for Levi’s Premium for 100% cotton styles made to last. (Cheaper pairs tend to mix in manmade fibers, which help with stretch but can hurt longevity; more expensive picks are intended for denim obsessives.) Start with the 501 and the Wedgie, two iconic, universally flattering straight-leg cuts.
“I’m usually a skeptic of stretch denim, which doesn’t do it for me like 100% cotton that’s been broken in over time—but Madewell is my one exception,” says Glamour shopping editor Jake Henry Smith. “By adding just 1% elastane into most of its popular pairs, the brand is able to offer tighter, more comfortable fits from the first wear. And while I’ve found that other elastane denim trends to stretch out relatively quickly, my pairs are still good as new after multiple washes.” Contributor Emily Tannenbaum echoes this: “There is simply no denim I trust more to maintain its structure after multiple washes—no baggy knees! I’m also consistently impressed with Madewell’s dedication to customers: extended sizing, in-store hemming, and a trade-in program.” We also appreciate that on top of classic shapes, the brand offers trend-minded cuts, including takes on barrel jeans and kick flares, that feel approachable for the average person.
A favorite of Glamour readers, Abercrombie’s denim selection is the best thing the brand has going for it these days. You’ll find options for every outfit, from skinny to wide-legged, often in a huge array of washes that range from dark indigo to faded blue. Our favorite draw, though, is the size-inclusive approach; you’ll find standard and “Curve Love” options for most cuts, and many pairs come in a whopping five inseams (extra-short through extra-long). No matter your size, you’ll probably find the right fit, no tailoring necessary.
H&M stands apart by offering some of the most affordable all-cotton jeans on the market, including the Bleecker pair below—while also indulging those of us who love some stretch with elasticated styles. The pairs on the cheaper end won’t be made from the heaviest or most durable material, but they feature trendy cuts that are perfect for switching up your look without dropping a ton of cash, and you might be surprised by how nicely they hold up after washing. They’re also pretty size-inclusive and often come in a great assortment of washes.
Trendy, bohemian, effortlessly cool—Free People’s denim edit delivers on styles that stand out, and much of it comes in below $100. In-house line We the Free offers patterned styles and straight-leg jeans that don’t feel anonymous, but the crown jewel is the Good Luck, a barrel cut that Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs swears by. “My mid-20s barista was wearing these pants and I was immediately drawn to their baggy shape, tapered ankle, and mid-rise—jeans qualities missing from my millennial wardrobe that favors high-rise, wide-leg cuts,” she says. “These pants are so soft and comfortable, even along my waist, as if I’ve owned them for years instead of weeks.”
Like everything on the shelves of J.Crew, its lineup changes with the trends, but always feels classic; see the sailor-inspired flare jeans and the wide-leg silhouettes that don’t veer into excessively baggy territory. All of it feels chic and work-appropriate—and it doesn’t hurt that everything goes on sale pretty frequently, too. “I’ve had jeans that have lasted for literally years,” says Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz. “While I do opt for their stretch denim, they hold their shape after multiple wears, and are one of few brands that offer mid-rise, which I’m loyal to.”
A favorite of multiple Glamour staffers, including shopping contributor Grace O’Connell-Joshua, Ref’s line of expertly tailored jeans looks good on just about everyone. The cuts feel timeless but fit into of-the-moment outfits, and we love that the core cuts are reimagined each season with on-trend washes and design flourishes like studs. There’s very little stretch to speak of, but we promise that’s a good thing; your pair will slowly mold to your unique shape, giving it all the broken-in charm of vintage denim.
“I discovered Pistola denim two years ago and my life has never been the same—seriously,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle. “You know at the end of the day when you’re excited to take off your jeans? Well, sometimes I keep them on because they’re that comfortable, and they only get more comfy the more I wear them. They’re soft and stretchy, but still keep their shape and fit my petite silhouette just right. I currently own four pairs and basically end up rotating them all week. I end up comparing them to all my other jeans in the closet and everything falls short compared to Pistola.” These two pairs will elevate your current collection.
The stereotype of every millennial buying their jeans at Everlane rings true for a reason: For the price, the brand’s jeans are uniformly impressive. Despite some redesigns in the past few years, each silhouette has its own rabid fan base—once you find your favorite silhouette, you might never be able to wear anything else. On top of slim styles that are coming back into vogue, its take on horseshoe jeans is a favorite new addition: “I finally bit the bullet and bought this pair of barrel-leg jeans after months of back-and-forth over whether the style was something I really wanted or just a trend I was chasing. But these exceeded my expectations,” says Glamour senior news editor Sam Reed. “They’re super-comfy and instantly elevate any look. No regrets!”
Whether you want perfect-fitting baggy jeans or a tapered full-length pair for the office, all of Agolde’s denim has that lived-in feel that only gets better with wear. The brand relaunched in 2014, and it’s kept its finger on the pulse ever since. “My favorite pair of jeans right now is hands-down my barrel jeans from Agolde,” says Glamour senior editor Stephanie McNeal. “I know they are allegedly controversial as a cut, but they’re some of the most flattering I have ever owned. What I particularly like about the brand is how elevated everything feels. Every pair feels like jeans you would have bought before fast fashion—sturdy, flattering, and well-made.” Plus, assistant fashion editor Tascha Berkowitz loves that the brand offers long inseams for tall girls: “I swear by the ’90s pinch-waist style—it’s the perfect everyday straight-leg jean and probably my most worn closet item.”
Glamour digital director Perrie Samotin, a master of high-low shopping, recommends Gap as the perfect intersection between style and value. A denim brand through and through, it offers a style and a wash for every mood. And like Madewell, Gap offers a mix of all-cotton styles and stretchy jeans that actually keep their shape over the months and years. Not bad for a buy-in under $100, right?
With sizes that range from 00 to 32, Good American has become a household name for its inclusive fits, which have expanded in recent years. The brand, helmed by Khloé Kardashian and Emma Grede, debuted in 2016 with a small selection of styles, but has since branched out into more silhouettes, offering an answer to every new denim trend. No matter your size, there’s a fit for you—magic.
Australian brand Rolla’s is best known for its Sailor jeans, which feature a tight fit through the thighs and a dramatic flare at the ankles, plus nautical patch pockets. “They have a chic retro silhouette which I love, but they aren’t as restrictive as true vintage jeans since they have a generous amount of stretch,” says Glamour visuals director Lauren Brown. “They’re great everyday jeans—you can actually eat comfortably in them—and can also be dressed up for a night out. One slight con that I should mention is that the jeans gave out almost half a size after the first wash, so size down.”
Designed with genuinely cute cuts and finishings meant to stand the test of time, Frame’s jeans aren’t exactly cheap, but they’re in it for the long haul. “I consider Frame worth the splurge for its flattering cuts and longevity,” Glamour’s Tannenbaum says. “As a 5’5” woman without much of a butt, the Le Super High has become my go-to date jean for making my legs look incredibly long while giving me some much-needed lift back there.”
“I’m really impressed by Banana Republic’s denim, especially the rigid, 100% cotton used in its looser-fitting pairs,” Glamour’s Smith says. “It feels like it’ll last forever and age beautifully in the process. There isn’t as much selection as some other brands, but there’s no filler; every pair feels like it could anchor a denim collection. Take the plunge.”
London-based label Damson Madder launched in 2020 and has a growing number of fans stateside, including multiple Glamour staffers. “My most-complimented pair of jeans—probably even piece of clothing—are the brand’s Sylvie jeans, which hug my waist and flare into a perfect wide-leg fit with an on-trend cuff at the bottom,” Smith says. “Another bonus is that there’s no color transfer at all, a rarity for dark-wash denim. The rest of the brand’s jeans feature flattering fits, too, and every pair nods at trends without leaning too far into microtrends. And while I often find that small brands at this price point skimp on quality, Damson Madder’s stuff is all genuinely well-made. I’m a fan for life.”
Based in New York and regularly worn by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Still Here has mastered the art of basics with a twist. “So many of its styles feature special little elements like painted details, mixed media patches, or drawstrings to add some flair to your go-to denim,” Glamour’s Berkowitz says. You’re best off with the brand’s popular wide-leg pairs or those aforementioned drawstring jeans, which are aptly named Cool.
One of the first (and best) jeans-focused brands to pop up in the new millennium, Citizens of Humanity has cemented its place in the world of premium denim with cuts that are never boring. On top of mastering the loose-straight style and the flared jeans of your dreams, CoH is worth your time and money simply for its super-comfy fabric. “Get ready for the softest, stretchiest, and chicest pair of jeans you’ve ever worn,” raves Glamour senior West Coast editor Jessica Radloff. “These wide-leg jeans can be dressed up or down and won’t make you feel uncomfortable—ever. They’re an investment, yes, but totally worth it. (Good luck stopping at just one color.)”
Between the subtle frayed hemlines and flawless fits that require practically zero break-in, Mother justifies its prices by delivering on style and quality. Each pair is practically begging to be styled with a white button-down and leather loafers—it’s timeless preppy style done exactly right, and we’re here for it.
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