We’re always in search of the perfect jeans. They need to lift the butt, elongate the legs, pull in the belly, be stretchy but not too stretchy … and obviously they have to fit our individual bodies just right. With so many brands out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and frustrated. So, we did the searching for you, trying on nearly every jean by every brand to find ones we think you’ll love.
Vintage/Skinny
Try these: Madewell The Perfect Vintage Jean
Details: There’s a reason why these are a cult classic. The leg is slightly tapered, giving these jeans a bit of a skinny effect without actually being skinny jeans. The top is mid-rise, which is flattering to everyone regardless of shape or size. They end right at the ankle, giving it the vintage look, and they’re very flattering around the butt. Ahem. They’re the perfect jean for everyone, and are available in standard sizes 23-33, plus, petite and tall. $138, Madewell.com
Try these: DG2 by Diane Gilman
Details: For boomer Diane Gilman, it was personal. All she wanted back in the mid-1990s was a pair of jeans that made her feel good about her aging body: something flattering, comfortable, maybe even a little sexy. What she ended up with were jeans that became instant best sellers on HSN and ultimately earned her the title of “Jeans Queen” on the digital shopping platform. Today Gilman continues to harness fabric, stretch and structural innovations to create jeans that fans rave about for their fit and comfort. Skinny jeans are the go-to silhouette for DG2, but bootcuts and flares also are available. Some styles have a zipper fly while others are pull-on; all come in multiple washes. Staying true to Gilman’s inspiration, DG2 delivers six sizes, from petite to plus tall. $45–$76 at HSN.
Mom/High-rise
Try these: American Eagle Stretch Mom Straight Jean
Details: Sure, American Eagle (AE) may be geared toward teens (stay away from the dresses if you want to keep your self-esteem in check at all costs), but their jeans come in sizes 00 to 24, and they’re incredibly flattering in every size. High-waisted for comfort and coverage, AE mom jeans have some stretch in them — but not so much that you’ll need to wash them every time to get them back into shape (we wash ours after wearing them three times). Alternatively, AE sells fantastic jeggings, which are a combo of jeans and leggings that are ridiculously comfy. What we love best about AE jeans is that they are nearly always available in a petite version for each size and style. Plus, you can usually find a pair on sale (if they’re not on sale, wait a week or two). $50, Ae.com
Try these: Good American Good Legs
Details: Yes, this is the jean company owned by Khloe Kardashian. But she knows what she’s doing. The jeans are known for their four-part figure-flattering gap-proof waistband, which is great for curvy women, as it goes around your waist perfectly without any gaps — and looks fabulous especially if you want to pair it with a crop top or a more fitted shirt. The jeans are available in sizes 00-24, but in any size they manage to give you that round waist that Khloe’s got. $99, Goodamerican.com
Try these: PAIGE Ultra High Rise Cindy — Stargaze
Details: When hundreds of reviewers rave about $200 jeans, you know the collection is something special. That’s the case with PAIGE, a Los Angeles brand featuring denim that is 90+ percent cotton and silhouettes that run the gamut from high-rise flares to low-rise bootcut to straight-leg designs. High-rise and ultra-skinny offerings are woven with Transcend performance fiber, which promises a flawless fit that doesn’t stretch out. The website features sizes 23 through 34 and lengths from petite to extra-long. $219, Paige.com
Boyfriend/Girlfriend
Try these: rag & bone Low-Rise Boyfriend
Details: Want low-rise? Mid-rise? Slim fit? Relaxed fit? The rag & bone label is a master in boyfriend jeans, and the brand really does it right. The jeans are less stretchy than other brands, but that means they don’t lose the stretch — at all. So if you don’t get them dirty, you don’t have to wash them … ever (we won’t tell if you don’t tell). These are a little on the pricier side, starting at $225 — but they often go on sale for around $175. They also last forever, so this is actually a decent investment. $225, rag-bone.com
Try these: L.L.Bean Signature Denim Boyfriend
Details: These undyed 98 percent cotton jeans are not too baggy … not too tight … but just right! This classic five-pocket style is washed, hand-sanded and slightly distressed for lived-in appeal. They call the jeans “stylishly slouchy.” $99, llbean.com
Elena Lacey (Courtesy NYDJ; Paige; DG2)
