The 8 Best Straight Leg Jeans of 2024

Four of the best Straight Leg Jeans, each on a different color background. — Photo:
People / David Hattan

Finding the right pair of jeans is such a nuanced journey, isn't it? Slip on a pair in a fitting room and you're guaranteed to have a slew of questions run through your mind that'll influence your purchasing decision, from the length, wash, and of course, the fit.

One such style of jeans that has withstood the test of time is the straight leg jean. According to Cassandra Sethi, personal stylist and founder of Next Level Wardrobe, straight leg jeans are one of those styles that'll always have a place in a wardrobe, no matter what's cycling in and out of fashion at the time. "They're functional in the winter since they keep your legs warm, yet remain versatile and flattering on everyone no matter the season," she says. We know how accomplishing it feels to finally land on the right pair of straight leg jeans, so we put our research hats on to find the best options on the market.

With so many styles to choose from, here are the best straight leg jeans to add to your cart.

Our Top Picks

Best Budget:

Gap Low Rise Stride Jeans with Washwell at Gap.com

Jump to Review

Best Pull-On:

Good American Power Stretch Pull-On Straight Jeans at Nordstrom $54

Jump to Review

Best '90s Style:

Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean at Abercrombie.com

Jump to Review

Best Slim:

Abrand 94 High Slim Jeans at Amazon $60

Jump to Review

Best Maternity:

H&M Mama Slim Ankle Jeans at Hm.com $15

Jump to Review

Best Tall:

Mother Denim The Maven Heel Jean at Motherdenim.com

Jump to Review

Best Dark Wash:

Current/Elliott The Soulmate Slim Straight Jean in Lighthouse at Currentelliott.com

Jump to Review

Best Light Wash:

Diesel 1999 Straight Light Blue Jeans at Diesel.com

Jump to Review

Best Budget

Gap Low Rise Stride Jeans with Washwell

PHOTO: Gap

View on Gap.com

The sheer number of size and length options available for the Gap's Low Rise Stride Jeans with Washwell is impressive. Whether you're regular, tall, or petite, you'll definitely find your match. Even though these jeans are 100% cotton and don't offer much stretch, they boast a relaxed, loose fit that doesn't sacrifice comfort. Plus, if you're not into the whole high-waisted jean trend, you'll appreciate this pair's nod to the '90s with the classic low rise. Style these jeans with a graphic tee and some sneakers for a lived-in look, or go for a skin-tight bodysuit to add some balance.

Material: 100% cotton | Size Range: 24-35 Regular, 27-33 Tall, 24-30 Petite | Colors: 1 | Inseam: Short, Regular, Long

Best Pull-On

Good American Power Stretch Pull-On Straight Jeans

PHOTO: Good American

$54 at Nordstrom View on Goodamerican.com

It'll be love at first try-on with the Good American Power Stretch Pull-On Straight Jeans. With two washes and nine sizes to choose from, these are the perfect pair of jeans to own if you're constantly in between sizes thanks to how forgiving the material is.

During testing, we found these jeans to be incredibly comfortable and stretchy, to the point where it felt like we were wearing leggings the minute we put them on. We appreciate how smoothing and sculpting they are — we didn't experience any bunching with this pair, and we found the slim fit from the top to the knees to be very flattering.

Material: 81.5% cotton, 5% recycled cotton, 4.5% elasterell-P, 5% recycled polyester, 4% elastane | Size Range: XS-5XL | Colors: 2 | Inseam: 27.5 inches

Best '90s Style

Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean

PHOTO: Abercrombie & Fitch

View on Abercrombie.com View on Abercrombie.com

With a fit this good, you'll want one of Abercrombie & Fitch's Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jeans in every color (and you're in luck, because there's 16 of them to choose from). But don't worry, the under-$100 is relatively affordable for most, unlike its higher-end counterparts that steer way north of $100.

Finding your fit is foolproof because there are several sizes and lengths to sift between, making them great for those who fall in the petite, tall, or plus sizes. Beyond this, we love the juxtaposition of the straight leg silhouette with the vintage ‘90s fit — the hem is also so subtly frayed that it won't overpower your look.

One note: the fabric is a bit on the stiff side, so they're not ideal for sitting or doing any constrictive movement for long periods of time.

Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane | Size Range: 23W-37W | Colors: 16 | Inseam: Extra short, short, regular, long, extra long

Best Slim

Abrand 94 High Slim Jeans

PHOTO: Abrand

$60 at Amazon View on Abrandjeans.com $44 at Urban Outfitters

Though these high-waisted jeans may not look familiar to you right off the bat, according to a press release, they were the very pair that Margot Robbie’s character in Barbie sported during her final scene in the film.

Complete with an ultra-high waist, a slim silhouette, and a slightly cropped hem, these are the perfect casual jeans for someone who wants to dress down their look without looking too relaxed. Go for real-world Barbie’s look with a pair of pale-pink Birkenstocks, or throw on your favorite pair of heels for an elevated night-out look.

Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane | Size Range: 23-34 | Colors: 7 | Inseam: 27.5 inch

Best Maternity

H&M Mama Slim Ankle Jeans

PHOTO: H&M

$15 at Hm.com

We get it — you want to look cute during your pregnancy but can't justify spending a fortune on a pair of maternity jeans you'll only wear for a few months if that. Cue H&M's Mama Slim Ankle Jeans — not only will these not put a dent in your wallet, but they'll make you wish they made these in a non-maternity style.

These fit like a glove but don't feel constricting, which is a combination that's hard to achieve when we're talking maternity jeans. That's all due to the wide jersey panel that's both breathable and adaptable to your growing belly. The ankle-grazing length is also noteworthy; they play nicely with any type of shoe from high-top sneakers to slip-on shoes (which we're willing to bet you're living in during pregnancy).

Material: 99% cotton, 1% spandex | Size Range: XS-XXL | Colors: 1

Best Tall

Mother Denim The Maven Heel Jean

PHOTO: Net-A-Porter

View on Motherdenim.com $140 at Net-a-Porter

If you're tall, it may feel like you've tried every jean out there to no avail — but the search ends with The Maven Heel Jean from Mother Denim. These jeans have a 34-inch inseam to accommodate longer lengths, plus a high waist to flatter a longer figure. Speaking of the waist, it's slightly cinched, which provides a nice balance to the wide silhouette and is great for those wanting a relaxed fit without going full-on flare. And, because this pair already has light fading and whiskering, they'll be naturally resistant to fading in the future, making the triple-digit price tag worth the investment for a solid pair of tall jeans.

Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane | Size Range: 23-34 | Colors: 1 | Inseam: 34 inches

Best Dark Wash

Current/Elliott The Soulmate Slim Straight Jean in Lighthouse

PHOTO: Current/Elliott

View on Currentelliott.com

The Current/Elliott The Soulmate Slim Straight Jean in Lighthouse will quickly become your soulmate if a dark wash is what you're after. The color is timeless and complements any outfit (daytime or nighttime) while the slim style is an all-season staple.

There's no distressing or raw hem on these, making them a great option for those who prefer a sleeker look to their denim. Plus, the high waistline gives the illusion of longer legs — what more could you ask for?

Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane | Size Range: 23-32 | Colors: 5 | Inseam: 30 inches

Best Light Wash

Diesel 1999 Straight Light Blue Jeans

PHOTO: Diesel

View on Diesel.com

If there's one thing we can promise, it's that you won't miss the stretch in these 100% cotton jeans: the baggy, relaxed fit and low rise make them so easy to slip into (and wear for hours on end). If you're into lighter washes, you'll find the bleached light blue color easy to style. Pair these jeans with some ankle boots and a lightweight sweater for brisk days, or throw on a white tee and sneakers for an easy breezy vibe.

Another quality that gives these jeans major brownie points: They run true-to-size, which helps take the guesswork out of something as tedious as denim shopping.

Material: 100% cotton | Size Range: 23-32 | Colors: 1 | Inseam: Not listed

How to Pick the Right Straight-Leg Jeans

Length

Traditionally, straight-leg jeans hit just above the ankle, says Duer founder Gary Lenett. "That said, we are seeing some straight-leg fits with longer inseams that hit the shoe for a slightly stacked look." Think the Mother Denim The Maven Heel Jeans and Khaite Straight Leg Jeans, which have carefully-placed waistlines and hem lengths to stretch your stems for miles. But ultimately, the length of your jeans will depend on a few things — your personal style and functionality being the main factors.

You should also consider the best length for your choice of footwear for ease of styling. "If you’re looking for everyday jeans, choose a length that will best suit an everyday sneaker," says Lenett. Aside from footwear, he recommends taking the season into consideration. "If you’re living in a wet climate, for instance, opt for a shorter length to ensure your jeans last for multiple seasons," he says.

Material

Jeans are made out of cotton fibers, and many of today's styles are made with materials like lycra or spandex for some added stretch, notes Lenett. "A lot of people still associate stretch with loss of shape retention or lack of structure, but there’s been a lot of innovation in denim over the last decade — it’s now possible to have the look of ‘90s rigid denim while also having just enough stretch integrated for comfort," says Lenett. "For that person who seeks to avoid stretch altogether, rigid raw denims are the best alternative."

There's also sustainability to consider. Lenett notes that there’s a big focus on integrating recycled fibers in place of virgin synthetics. To take things a step further, some brands are integrating "performance fibers like COOLMAX® with antimicrobial and cooling properties so jeans can be worn day after day without washing," says Lenett.

Rise

Choosing the right rise for your denim is all about your personal style and body type. Lenett explains that low-rise jeans, like the Gap Low Rise Stride, hit on the hips and sit below your natural waist while mid-rise jeans, like the Pistola Bobbies, sit midway between your hips and belly button. "Mid-rise jeans offer more coverage than a low-rise but can feel less constricting than a high-rise, which typically sits at or above the belly button, accentuating the waist and providing more of an hourglass silhouette," he says.

There's also ultra-high-rise denim to consider, which sits even higher than high-rise and closer to the lower ribs. Take the Paige Ultra High Rise jeans and their leg-lengthening silhouette, which sits a bit above the waistline for the ultimate elongated look. While each style works differently for various body types, Lenett says that high-rise jeans offer added support around the hips and stomach, making it a solid option if you’re looking for pants with a snug fit across the midsection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What women's jeans are in style for 2023?

Straight-leg jeans are a huge hit for 2023, as it's a shift away from skinny jeans and a throwback to ’90s trends, says Lenett. "It's the perfect blend between a classic, relaxed style that offers a vintage look but at the same time, a modern, flattering cut."

Besides straight-leg jeans, there are several women's jeans that are in style this year. For one, carpenter jeans are making their waves among fashion lovers, as they're a nod to the comfort of cargo pants we all know and love. "Many people [are] looking for a twist on their essential styles that are still functional, making this the perfect entryway for the cargo pant," says Sethi. "Look for a pair in a darker denim or olive color for maximum versatility."

A good pair of relaxed-fit jeans with a looser silhouette is also sought after this year. As Sethi notes, since the relaxed style can read casual, try pairing this type of denim with a more structured top to dress it up a bit (think: cool blazers, crisp blouses, and cozy sweaters).
What shoes should I wear with straight-leg jeans?

Straight leg jeans are so versatile and can be worn for both casual outings and dressier occasions alike. "We’re seeing a lot of people pair a longer straight leg with a dressy boot for a more sophisticated look," says Lenett. "In terms of what to avoid, calf or knee-high boots that you’re hoping to show off won’t complement the straight-leg fit." If you prefer to go more casual, you can never go wrong pairing your straight leg jeans with a pair of everyday sneakers.
What are the most comfortable straight-leg jeans?

The most comfortable straight leg jeans are the ones that fit you the best. They should "be fitting throughout the leg, bottom, and waist," notes Sethi, and they should also pass the "sit test," which involves sitting down in your jeans and seeing if they dig into your stomach. If they do, you should go one size up. Also, pay attention to the type of closure the jeans have — while most will have a button and fly, some will have a button placket (a row of four or more buttons) or even a drawcord and elastic band, which Sethi says can be comfortable for those in the midst of a body transition. Some even come with a lace-up waistband (in back, no less), like the River Island Petite ‘90s Straight Jean.

Also, consider the material of the denim and if it'll have a break-in period. "Raw or non-stretch denim, typically made from 100 percent cotton, rely on starches that result in a stiff and rigid feel," says Lenett. "The 'break-in period' is critical for wearability and comfort." In any case, you’ll know you have the right fit if your straight-leg jean is snug (not tight) throughout the thigh and loose from the knee down, says Lenett.

Take Our Word For It

Michelle Rostamian has been covering beauty and fashion for the last 12 years, writing commerce roundups and service pieces on an array of topics. When researching our list of the best straight leg jeans, she consulted with Cassandra Sethi, personal stylist and founder of Next Level Wardrobe, and denim industry expert and Duer brand founder, Gary Lenett, who has spent over 30 years making jeans for brands such as Levis, Gap, Lee, Nordstrom, Wrangler and more. Staff writer Alyssa Brascia later updated this piece in August 2023 with new, customer-loved styles that stand out among the crowd of straight leg jeans in 2023.