If there's an equivalent in your closet to, say, butter in your refrigerator, it must be your favorite pair of jeans. Is there a food that butter does not improve? No. Is there an outfit that a good pair of jeans does not make better? Absolutely not. Is butter a necessary part of life? Yes. Do you need jeans to get through society? Surely. You see, the parallels are uncanny.
While there exists no shortage of stores from which to purchase your new favorite bottoms, there are a few places that we turn to without fail for a great pair of long-lasting, comfortable, and good-looking jeans. And that's because they satisfy a few key criteria.
Here are the best places you can buy women's jeans in 2021:
Everlane
Somehow, Everlane's wide selection of jeans looks great on just about everyone. Coupled with the brand's radical transparency and affordable prices, Everlane denim is a hit.
Pros: Affordable, stretchy (which makes them universally flattering), comfortable
Cons: Jeans with elastane tend not to last as long as 100 percent denim
Everlane's defining trait is its transparency, and the brand prides itself on informing customers exactly where its products are made and how much it costs to make them. The brand ensures that its LEED-certified factory in Vietnam recycles 98% of its water. The plant also uses alternative energy sources to further reduce its carbon footprint.
The vast majority of Everlane jeans incorporate some amount of elastane in them for that trademark stretch. The Slim Fit has just 2 percent elastane, which is enough to notice the difference in feeling, but not enough to make your jeans lose their shape. You can always opt for other pairs with more or less elastane depending on just how stretchy you'd like your jeans to fit.
What to buy:
Mott & Bow
Mott & Bow makes some of the most comfortable jeans around, and with just a few styles to choose from, you won't be paralyzed by choice.
Pros: Straightforward styles, incredibly comfortable fit, high-quality material, great customer service
Cons: If you're looking for more variety in your jeans, Mott & Bow may be too to-the-point
If you're looking for jeans that you can literally live in, you're looking right at Mott & Bow. The brand's founder, Alejandro Chahin, was born and raised in the denim business, and the Honduran denim factory from which Mott & Bow gets its fabric is the same factory that his family founded. That means that this denim is time tested and truly some of the most comfortable material out there — so much so that I'm sometimes sad to replace my jeans with my PJs at the end of the day.
This is a sentiment shared by other folks at Insider Reviews as well. Our senior director, Breton Fischetti, once wore them on a six-hour flight as an alternative to sweatpants.
I'm also a particular fan of Mott & Bow for its straightforward approach to jean styles. Unlike other brands, which run the risk of overwhelming you with the sheer volume of jean options, Mott & Bow only has three offerings from which to choose: straight, slim, and skinny. And for you jean purists out there, you won't have to worry about distressed looks or odd paint splatters that are meant to make you look handier than you are. Rather, Mott & Bow jeans are simple, sleek, and classic.
Folks are also particularly taken by Mott & Bow's free try and return service, which is exactly what it sounds like: pick a pair of jeans, get them sent to your doorstep to try them on, and if you don't like them, just send them back. It's like turning your own home into your dressing room. And if you need any additional help, you can always turn to Mott & Bow's phenomenal customer service reps.
What to buy:
Warp + Weft
Warp + Weft makes some of the most comfortable jeans I own, and with several beautiful styles, even more beautiful washes, and sizes ranging from 00 to 24, they're a great place to turn when replenishing your jean supply.
Pros: Inclusive sizing (00 to 24), incredibly soft denim, wide selection of styles and washes, affordable price point
Cons: If you prefer a more traditional raw denim feel, the softness of Warp + Weft may be a bit much
You may not have heard of Warp + Weft yet, but believe me, you'll be hearing of them for years to come. The brand comes from the creative director of DL1961, and it's quickly made its way into my heart and closet. Aside from killer looks, Warp + Weft also boasts eco-friendly production methods, soft and comfortable fit, and inclusive sizing.
And when we say eco-friendly production, we mean it. Alas, most jeans are not particularly kind to the earth, as a traditional pair of jeans actually requires 1,500 gallons of water to produce. Warp + Weft, on the other hand, has somehow slimmed down its production to require just 10 gallons of water per pair and recycles 98 percent of that water.
The jeans that come out of this process are some of the softest I've ever worn. It seems to be thanks to a proprietary cotton wrapping technique, which makes all four of the company's core fabrics extremely soft and surprisingly breathable. Despite this level of comfort, they still look structured and sleek, no matter how many times I've run them through the wash.
When it comes to variety in selection, Warp + Weft has more than enough to go around — whether you're looking for a relaxed straight jean or a pastel boot cut, you're in luck. And with sizes ranging from 00 to 24, just about anyone can find a great fit here. I also love the different washes that Warp + Weft offers, particularly the Seine— it's a dark blue that looks effortless and timeless, and would be just as appropriate for work as the weekend.
Somehow, everything still costs under $100, with most jeans priced at $98, and outlet deals cost even less.
What to buy:
Madewell
Madewell has a large selection of stylish and simple jeans that work particularly well for petite people.
Pros: Regular, tall, and petite options; tons of styles and washes
Cons: Some pairs run large, prices vary by wash
Shopping for denim can be difficult if you're petite. Standard inseams may be too long, but tailoring can be inconvenient and expensive. Finding great petite jeans that already fit you just right is a much better solution, and you can do that at Madewell.
Madewell has a large selection of denim and almost all pairs come in regular, tall, and petite options. From skinnies to wide-legs and boyfriend pairs, Madewell has it all. And, because they offer a range of inseams, you can confidently try styles that you normally wouldn't go for.
Many people on the Insider Reviews team swear by the brand's Cali Demi-Boot, a kick-flare option that's fitted through the leg with a little extra volume towards the bottom. Insider Reviews executive editor Ellen Hoffman counts these as some of her favorite jeans. She says, "Madewell's demi-bootcut jeans are another winner for petite ladies like me. The regular version has a 26-inch inseam that perfectly suits my 5-foot-3 frame, but Madewell also offers tall and petite options."
Whether your style is eccentric or subdued, you're sure to find something you love in Madewell's extensive catalog. With dark washes, light ones, and even pairs covered in funky embroidery, Madewell makes it easy to find your perfect pair. — Remi Rosmarin
What to buy:
Rag & Bone
Rag & Bone jeans are pricey, but the denim is high-quality, and the styles are timeless and super flattering.
Pros: Flattering, raw denim feel, wide range of classic and trending styles
Cons: Expensive, can run small
There are so many high-end denim brands to choose from, but Rag & Bone is my go-to when it comes to splurging on jeans. The quality is top-notch, the styles are classic and cool, and the fits are always flattering.
Rag & Bone's breadth of styles has something for everyone. The brand has a large selection with everything from classic skinnies to of-the-moment flares to color-blocked designs. But these stylish, durable jeans don't come cheap — most pairs will cost you around $200 or more.
Many of us on the Insider Reviews team count Rag & Bone jeans as our favorite, including myself. I've loved every pair I've tried from the brand. From the quality craftsmanship to the effortless styles, Rag & Bone jeans feel worth the hefty price tag. What stands out to me most though is the fit. There's an attention to detail that makes these some of the most flattering jeans I've ever put on. Jeans are ripped in the right places, fitted where you want them to be, and looser in the areas where you need some extra give like around the waist. I'm constantly complimented on my Rag & Bone jeans. Insider Reviews senior reporter Mara Leighton shares that sentiment. She says, "They're the only pants I am asked about every time I wear them — and they're the only pair I've liked enough to get tailored when they ripped instead of just trying something new."
If you're looking to splurge on a pair of jeans that'll last a lifetime in your wardrobe, Rag & Bone is a great option. — Remi Rosmarin
What to buy:
Liverpool
Skinny jeans can feel like suffocating jeans, but somehow, Liverpool manages to make even the slimmest of cuts feel comfortable.
Pros: Super comfortable and flattering skinny jeans, plenty of styles, extensive referral program
Cons: Some folks may be put off by the number of rhinestones and patterns available within Liverpool (but there are plenty of other options to choose from too)
Skinny jeans may be closet staples, but then again, they also tend to be cruel reminders that beauty is pain. As it turns out, it doesn't have to be that way, especially not if Liverpool is in the mix. This brand is known for testing its jeans on a variety of body types, which means that they're truly made for everybody. And when it comes to its skinny styles, this cross-fitting practice makes for unbelievably comfortable jeans that don't veer into "jegging" territory.
Liverpool offers dozens of styles within its skinny category alone, many of which come in various shades and fabrics. But what unites them all is their almost unbelievable wearability. I love the Abby Skinny 4-Way Stretch Contour in the dark wash. Thanks to the four-way stretch, they leave you with enough leeway to actually move around.
If you fall in love with Liverpool (which, let's face it, you most likely will), you'll find that serving as a brand evangelist pays for itself. The company offers a pretty sweet referral program, which helps you earn and use points for discounts on future purchases. Moreover, Liverpool often runs pretty steep sales, which makes their sub-$100 jeans even more affordable.
What to buy:
DUER
Jeans are meant to be the workhorse of pants, and DUER's jeans live up to that promise.
Pros: Flexible fabric, durable and long-lasting, made for the outdoors
Cons: DUER jeans can get a little pricey, generally starting around $119
To find the intersection between form and function, head on over to DUER. The brand's slogan is "Denim for the Adventurous," and those are more than just words. Back in 2013, Gary Lennet (who previously spent 25 years making jeans for Levi's, Guess, and Lee) teamed up with Abid Hafeez, an expert in performance fabric with decades of experience to his own name. A little over a year later, the duo launched their first pair of jeans on Kickstarter, raising more than $50,000 and plenty of demand for their L2X Performance Denim. A year later, their second pair of jeans launched on the crowdfunding platform to the tune of $250,000. The rest, as they say, is history.
DUER sets itself apart through its Performance Denim, a supremely stretchable and lightweight fabric that is not only durable but also moisture-wicking and anti-stink. That means that even after a long day of outdoor adventures, your jeans won't smell like they've been working hard.
Indeed, DUER jeans can be found at outdoor retailers like REI, and adventurous women and men alike have made the brand their go-to when it comes to buying jeans that can make an easy transition from the city to the country.
I love the brand's straight cuts, which somehow manage to hit the ankle at just the right length (which is perfect for tucking into hiking boots). The flexibility of the fabric also allows for maximum movement, which means that you're not only comfortable all day, but not restricted from potentially strenuous activity. Also comfortable are the brand's skinny jeans with a side slit — they're just breathable enough to withstand the sun on a summer's day and fashion-forward enough to double as a pair of designer jeans.
What to buy:
Universal Standard
Known for its inclusive sizing and pricing, Universal Standard is a go-to for both trendy and classic denim styles.
Pros: Inclusive sizing, stylish cuts
Cons: None to speak of
With sizes that range from 00 to 40, Universal Standard has cornered the market on inclusive denim styles. The brand also allows customers to customize their denim purchases. Most styles come in regular, tall, and petite inseams and multiple colors, and you can choose how high you want the rise, too.
The brand prides itself on comfortable denim styles that run the gamut from ultra-trendy to classic cuts. Whether you're in the market for wide-legged trendy styles, or the perfect pair of skinny jeans, Universal Standard delivers. And if you want to try before you buy, you're in luck. Universal Standard allows you to try eight items at home for 14 days, with easy returns — and you'll only pay for the products you choose to buy.
What to buy:
Levi's
It's impossible to talk about denim without talking about Levi's, the brand that's known for vintage-inspired styles that always look great.
Pros: Classic styles, regular sales, a resale section for more sustainable shopping
Cons: Sizing can vary between styles, which can be frustrating
From baggy mom jeans to ever-present skinnies, there isn't a denim silhouette that Levi's hasn't perfected. The brand is known for its vintage-inspired silhouettes that age like a fine wine, making them pieces with a seriously high return on investment.
Denim prices run the gamut at Levi's, and the brand has regular sales that allow you to seriously stock up. Levi's also has a resale section on its website, where you can buy previously-owned styles as a major discount. Considering how much waste the denim industry contributes, it's great to see a brand making it easy for customers to reduce their own footprint.
What to buy:
What we look for in a good pair of jeans
Comfort: First and foremost, you'll want your jeans to be incomparably comfortable. After all, I practically live in my favorite pair, and that's only the case because wearing them and wearing leggings are about equal when it comes to mobility and stretchability.
Cut: The boot cut, believe it or not, appears to be making a comeback, though other classics like the straight cut or skinny cut are also great options. Be sure that your favorite jean purveyor offers more than just one jean varietal — after all, you'll need different jeans for different occasions.
Price: While a great pair of jeans will last you for years on end (and as such, can justify a high price tag), it simply is not the case that buying a great pair of pants requires you to pay an arm and two legs.
Quality: Given that the fabric can make or break your pants, this is certainly no place to skimp. Be sure that your favorite jean purveyor sources its denim from top-of-the-line suppliers, and know how to take care of this durable material. After all, the longer you own your jeans, the better they look.
No matter which of our favorite stores you choose for your next shopping spree, we're sure you won't be disappointed.
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