If there’s one thing all fashion editors have in common, whether their home base is New York City or L.A., it’s good jeans. We all have them. Who What Wear has headquarters on both coasts, and it just so happens that the residents of these two cities have a well-known love for jeans. So naturally, as editors who try a lot of things to deliver top-notch reviews, most of us own quite a few pairs of jeans and have our thoughts. Personally, the longer I have worked in fashion, the more I have learned about how to find the right pair. Gone are my days of squeezing into styles that don’t fit or hopping on to a hot trend. I’ve figured out what works for me, and so have my coworkers.
I might be aging us just a bit, but you’re getting a combined 94 years of fashion-editor experience, and if you count any of our random internships, the number just grows. We know what we’re talking about. I guarantee that if you read this article from start to finish, your next pair of jeans is going to be your best purchase yet. So below, discover what 11 editors know about buying jeans.
Nicole’s Tips
1. “Never buy jeans that are uncomfortably tight; you simply won’t reach for them as often, and it’s money down the drain.”
2. “Always check the composition. You can’t go wrong with 100% cotton.”
3. “Don’t over-hem. You can always go shorter but never longer.”
Nicole’s Top Pick
Re/Done
The Ollie Mid Rise Straight Leg Jeans
“I’ve been living in this loose black pair from Re/Done lately. It’s just easy to style with everything from loafers and flats to boots to slingbacks.”
Michaela’s Tips
1. “It’s really important to figure out which silhouettes are best for your frame. For example, I’m petite at just under 5’4”, so ultra-baggy or wide-leg styles swallow me up and make me look even shorter. (Sorry, Gen Z!) I also wore super-high-rise pairs for years because they were in style until I realized that mid to low rise are so much more flattering on me (not to mention more comfortable to sit in). Knowing what denim suits me makes shopping both online and IRL so much easier because I can eliminate a lot of options I know won’t work right from the start.”
2. “When trying on jeans, I always consider what shoes I’ll style them with to determine the necessary length. Yes, I have specific denim I wear with heels versus flats, and you should too! It’s a simple hack that really elevates your overall style.”
Michaela’s Top Pick
Still Here
Childhood Jean
“I typically gravitate toward straight-leg jeans because they elongate my legs and look good with almost every type of shoe, so it’s no surprise I’ve been wearing my new Still Here Childhood Jeans on repeat. I also love this saturated medium-wash blue.”
Eliza’s Tips
1. “Know. Your. Measurements. I buy a lot of vintage denim online, and let me tell you blindly trusting the size listed will only bring you pain down the line when your jeans arrive, and the size is completely different from what you expected. Measurements don’t lie, though. The same goes for new jeans. So often these days, brands will recommend sizing up or down depending on the style, which can be extremely confusing if you’re not in a physical store trying them on before you purchase them. I hate having to order multiple sizes and then return the ones that don’t work, which is again why I recommend knowing your measurements and using them to find the correct size the first time.”
2. “Figure out a few styles that you love and keep coming back for more. I know there are a lot of denim trends floating around, especially right now, but I very much recommend trying on tons of different styles until you find the ones that fit your proportions and sense of style, and then buying a few different washes. We don’t need a hundred pairs of jeans when five are just right.”
Eliza’s Top Pick
Citizens of Humanity
Zurie High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
“The Citizens of Humanity Zurie Jeans rewrote ‘new jeans’ for me. I was always such a vintage devotee, but these convinced me that new denim can be great too. I have them in this washed-black color but am dying to get the super-dark indigo pair next. They have a high waist and slim legs but are extremely comfortable. I love the spot where the hems land on my leg, as well, which makes them perfect for styling with boots, flats, or heels.”
Ally’s Tips
1. “I buy my jeans online exclusively, and I’m always sure to check the inseam length and material composition (which can make a big difference in the fit) before placing an order. When they arrive, I wear them around the house for a bit before taking the tags off to see if they stretch out or not. If there’s sagging after 20 minutes, imagine how they’ll look after eight hours, so I know to return them if that’s the case. And since I’m an online denim shopper, I always try to find the jeans on other retailers, TikTok, Reddit, etc., to figure out how they fit and therefore the best size to order.”
Ally’s Top Pick
“I lost count of how many pairs of jeans are in my closet, but more often than not, it’s the Agolde Valen jeans that I reach for. They’re the perfect classic straight-leg jeans with a mid-rise waistband and a 28.5-inch inseam, which I find to be a great length for a variety of heights. They’re even comfortable enough to wear on long flights despite being 100% cotton. I own them in four washes, and I’m not stopping there.”
Sierra’s Tips
1. Buy the pair you have your eye on in two sizes, and return whichever one doesn’t fit. Retailers might be mad I’m telling you this, but finding the best fit is priority, and you can turn your home into the fitting room.
2. Don’t be afraid when it’s time to go up a size. Embrace it! Change is inevitable, and you won’t always be the same size as you were at 18. The better the denim fits you, the more flattering it will look.
Sierra’s Top Pick
Calvin Klein
Low Rise Baggy Jeans
Slimmer fits might be trending, yet I always find my way back to a Low Rise Baggy Jeans moment.
calvin klein
Archive High Rise Slim Jean
This is the style that will be in my suitcase on every summer trip.
Bobby’s Tips
1. “My biggest tip for buying jeans is to avoid trend chatter and truly buy the style and cut that makes you feel the most confident. Many of us wear jeans multiple times per week, so it’s essential to wear a style that feels great. Also, if I am trying on jeans in the store, I make sure I wear the shoes I’m primarily going to wear with the jeans so I can ensure the length hits just right. Yes, you can always tailor, but this helps avoid that.”
Bobby’s Top Pick
“I love so many styles from Agolde, including the men’s Fusion jeans (into the longline and relaxed cut). I also wear the relaxed women’s cuts (like the Low Curve jean).”
Kristen’s Tips
1. “Great denim is less about trends and more about the fit, fabric, and proportions. Whether I’m buying worn-in vintage or a brand-new pair of jeans, I always prioritize denim that works for my frame and inseam.”
2. “I almost always opt for straight-leg jeans in a medium or dark wash—the most timeless denim you can own.”
Kristen’s Top Pick
KHAITE
Danielle High-Rise Slim-Leg Jeans
“These cult leg-elongating jeans from Khaite are worth the investment.”
Tara’s Tips
1. “Don’t follow trends. I think there are so many denim trends at any given time, but jeans are so personal. You know what works best and what makes you feel good, so try to stick to that and not be swayed by the styles everyone is currently obsessing over—you’ll probably just end up disappointed and tossing them years later. I also always think it’s better to have jeans fit a little looser and have more give because nothing is more uncomfortable than a too-tight pair of denim. Plus, if the jeans are a little too big, you can either wear them loose, which always looks good in my opinion, or get them tailored so they’re the perfect fit.”
Tara’s Top Pick
“I love these jeans because they’re funky in the subtlest way. The drawstring waist makes them hang so effortlessly on my hips, but the bolo-tie front means I can easily adjust. I also am obsessed with the wash, which feels very vintage.”
Eckhaus Latta
Blue Double Knee Baggy Jeans
“Eckhaus Latta quietly makes some of the best and weirdest jeans on the market. I own a bunch of pairs with designs that appear as if they were painted on but also love these double-knee baggy jeans that are worn in on the legs with this fun ombré effect. I also always prefer a bigger leg, and these are the right amount of baggy to wear with a great pair of ballet flats.”
Judith’s Tips
1. “There is no one pair of jeans that’s perfect for everyone. There are lots of different styles, silhouettes, and trends out there—my advice is to try the styles you’re drawn to then choose the jeans that you feel your best self in. There are going to be different jeans you feel good in at different times in your life—the jeans I loved in my early 20s are different (but no less chic!) than the jeans I wear after having two kids.”
2. “Size up: As a general rule of thumb if I’m unsure about sizing when buying jeans online, I always like to size up. That way, I can get them tailored as necessary.”
Judith’s Top Pick
Citizens of Humanity
Annina High Waist Wide Leg Jeans
“I wear my Citizens Annina jeans practically every other day. They’re easy to dress up or down, perfect with kitten heels or sneakers, and they’re the one pair of wide-leg, relaxed jeans I own that actually looks polished. I love the fit, drape, and quality.”
Natalie’s Tips
1. “Be open-minded about sizing. Each brand and style varies, so go for the best fit, what feels comfortable and makes you feel confident.”
2. “An investment in a tailor is always worth it. Make them the perfect fit for you.”
Natalie’s Top Pick
Citizens of Humanity
Ayla Baggy
“These are the first relaxed-leg jeans that fit me in the waist and the hips. I struggle to find jeans that don’t gap in the waist, but the Ayla fixed that issue for me. I size down for a more fitted straight-leg look and size up for a baggy vibe.”
(Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)
Nikki’s Tips
1. “Know your inseam: As a petite person, I always struggled to find jeans that didn’t need hemming, but it really came down to not knowing my inseam and being too lazy to measure it. After buying many pairs, always bringing them to the tailor, and sometimes spending more than the jeans cost, I decided to take my measurements. Now that I know them, I can confidently buy jeans that won’t drag on the ground. I also know which sizes work better with flats and which with heels.”
2. “Less is more: While it might seem hypocritical coming from someone with a closet full of jeans, I’ve learned I don’t need or even want so many. I tend to reach for the same few pairs—usually one from each of my favorite styles: straight-leg, cigarette, and baggy. I’ve also realized that investing in good jeans is worthwhile because it reduces the need or desire to shop for new ones constantly, which can save you money in the long run. When I say ‘invest,’ I don’t mean only buying designer pairs that cost $500 or more. There are excellent denim options in the $150-to-$300 range that fit well and last for years.”
Nikki’s Top Pick
DL1961
Kristy Cigarette High Rise Jeans
“With denim trends now favoring slimmer silhouettes, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pair of cigarette or stovepipe jeans. Luckily, my search ended quickly when I discovered DL1961’s Kristy jeans. This style offers a cigarette shape with a high-waisted fit that’s not overly high. It features the brand’s SculptSystem, which sculpts the body, especially the rear. I’ve worn these on many date nights because they are my most flattering jeans. They’re also comfortable, even after sitting in them for two hours. The light-blue, vintage-inspired, lived-in wash is also perfection. For the best fit, I recommend sizing down.”
