22 Best Straight-Leg Jeans for an Effortlessly Cool Vibe
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Great denim is the foundation of any capsule wardrobe, and the best straight-leg jeans stand as one of the most versatile cuts. It’s a silhouette that has been reiterated and refreshed time and again. Of course, one of the most iconic jeans of all time is the Levi’s 501 design, which has epitomized the casual-cool factor of the straight-leg style since its debut in 1873 (yes, really). Fast-forward to the modern age, when denim is a mainstay, straight-leg jeans still maintain their appeal.
Currently, the ’90s straight jean with its slightly looser leg and more relaxed vibe is reigning. Like other classics such as the skinny jean, wide-leg denim, or flares, straight-leg denim comes in all rises, from the polarizing low-rise jean to retro-inspired extra-high-waist styles. If you prefer a good pair of mid-rise jeans, those are plentiful as well. Within the straight-leg world, there’s also a width range. Whether you prefer a close and cropped stovepipe, slim and sleek lines, or something with a wider leg that almost strays into the baggy territory, the perfect pair comes in all shapes. They also provide styling versatility and endless outfit ideas: Team them with a chic blazer and loafers for a French-girl look, or pair them with your favorite T-shirt and ankle boots when you want to keep it casual.
Since we consider ourselves denim aficionados, we’re happy to help you find the best straight-leg jeans for all body types, including petite jeans, curvy plus-size pairs, and various washes. Find your new favorite pair below—as recommended by Glamour editors and testers.
The best straight-leg jeans, at a glance
- Best Overall: Madewell The ’90s Straight Jean, $128
- Best Mid-Rise: Levi’s ’90s 501 Jeans, $98
- Best High-Rise: Agolde ’90s Pinch Waist Straight-Leg Jeans, $228
- Most Affordable: Old Navy High-Waisted OG Straight Jeans, $45
- Most Comfortable: Good American Good Curve High-Waist Straight Jeans, $139
- Best on Amazon: Levi’s Classic Straight Jeans, $60
- Best Plus-Size: Abercrombie Curve Love Ultra High-Rise ’90s Straight Jean, $90
- Best Splurge: Mother The Hustler Ankle Fray, $228
- 1/22
Madewell The ’90s Straight Jeans
One of our favorite pairs, this stretchy Madewell jean calls on the ’90s for its effortless ease. It fits snug through the top of your hips and thighs before it releases into a crisp straight leg that isn’t too wide. The high rise tucks everything in the front (it conceals “magic” smoothing pockets), while the back is slightly higher to create a shapely butt. The pants won over Glamour commerce editors Malia Griggs and Jake Smith (who is a self-described “emphatic hater of stretch denim”).
“Madewell’s ’90s jeans contain 2% elastane, which seems to be the magic number—the material moves with my body, but it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing too-loose sweatpants,” says Smith, who owns the men’s version. “The mid-blue wash is impressively accurate; it looks exactly like a genuine vintage pair of orange-tab Levi’s I picked up recently. This is the pair I wear when I need something chic but not too fussy, and they look great with a white tee, a blazer, and black loafers. If you’re also not a fan of stretch, I might actually recommend sizing down to counteract the inevitable stretching that occurs over time.” This pair also comes in curvy fit for those with an hourglass shape. As always, the vintage-inspired washes are super appealing, making it hard to choose just one.
- Size range: 23–34; available in standard, petite, plus, tall, and taller lengths, as well as curvy fit
- Rise: 11½" high-rise
- Colors: Seven options
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- 2/22
Good American Good Curve High Waist Straight Leg Jeans
Good American jeans are often a favorite for their super-flattering fit on just about every figure. The secret? They’re constructed with extra-soft and stretchy fabric that hug and emphasize in all the right places. No need to worry about pesky gapping in the back, either—the styles have a gap-proof waistband that will stay put. Try one of their crop jeans as we transition into longer days. This medium-rinse number has a high waist, straight legs, and contoured seams to accentuate curves, while distressed details make them feel loved and lived-in.
- Size range: 00–30 numerical sizing
- Rise: 12" high-rise
- Colors: Two options
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- 3/22
Old Navy High-Waisted Straight Jeans
Some may call these mom jeans, which are defined by a high waist and slim straight leg that tapers to the ankle, but we just call them comfy and flattering (also a good alternative to skinny jeans). Old Navy happens to make a great version of the ’80s staple, which takes the silhouette further with the front smoothing pockets. This pair has a snug fit through the hips and thighs, which is made more comfortable with the soft stretch. Get them in this light wash for upcoming warm months.
- Size range: 00–30 waist size; available in three lengths
- Rise: 9" mid-rise
- Colors: Two options
Save when you shop for the best straight-leg jeans deals with these Old Navy promo codes.
- 4/22
Levi's 90's 501 Jeans
Levi’s 501s are beloved and collected for a reason. They’re always in style, and they’ll instantly make any outfit look cooler, likely owing to the relaxed straight legs with just the right amount of slouch. Nonstretch rigid denim and an old-school button fly contribute to the authentic appeal—these definitely have an heirloom quality. Snag a pair now and one day you can actually say, “Oh, these? They’re vintage.”
- Size range: 24–32
- Rise: 10½" mid-rise
- Colors: Nine options
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- 5/22
Everlane The Way-High Jean
If you’re into high-rise straight-leg jeans, chances are you like how they show off the waist and give the illusion of long legs. This flattering, lightly washed Everlane pair does exactly that, and they also come in three inseam options, depending on your height and where you’d like them to hit. The extra-high waist covers the belly button and embraces the hips before releasing into a classic straight leg. Plus, the organic cotton material has a hint of stretch, so you can sit and move without restriction.
- Size range: 23–35; available in three lengths
- Rise: 12⅛" high-rise
- Colors: Eight options
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- 6/22
Mother The Hustler Ankle Fray
Mother’s Hustler jeans flare ever so slightly at the ankles, with a raw hem that’s edgy but still neat enough to wear to work. Glamour tester Rachel Inman says they’re her favorite pants to wear with Chelsea boots. “The little bit of stretch in them makes them feel like comfy leggings, and I love how they cinch in my tummy,” she says. “The overall cut is flattering for my long legs and—added bonus—they make my butt look great. I’ve worn them to work and on the dance floor, and they never disappoint.”
- Size range: 24–34; available in two lengths
- Rise: 11" high-rise
- Colors: Six options
Photo courtesy of Rachel Inman
- 7/22
Frame Le High Ankle Straight Leg Jeans
Crisp white jeans are a summer staple, and we’re fans of this fitted high-waisted pair from Frame. It’s slightly cropped (to show off your strappy sandals and heels), with a snug fit along the butt, and a rise that falls between mid and high. The material has a slight stretch for comfort, but retain their shape over the course of your day. Shoppers say that they like how high-quality the denim is—not too thin or see-through. You can dress them up with a blazer or down with a jean jacket and tee.
- Size range: 23–34
- Rise: 8½" mid-rise
- Colors: Seven options
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- 8/22
Agolde Riley High-Rise Straight Crop
One of the first articles of clothing that Glamour deputy editor Anna Moeslein pulled on after giving birth was Agolde’s Riley jeans. “They are so comfortable, soft, and by some witchcraft look good with every shoe in my closet,” she says. Unlike with skinny jeans, the high-waisted, straight-leg cut gives her room to move and breathe. “There’s enough structure that I don’t worry about tripping on the hems (like I do in wide-length pants). I’ve worn them to work, out with friends, to run errands, and even on long plane rides and road trips,” she says. For a professional look, she styles them with loafers and oversized oxford button-downs. On her days off, she swaps in a T-shirt, Reebok sneakers, and a baseball cap—and she even wears them out at night, with a bodysuit and sandals. “My cost per wear on these is insane,” she says.
- Size range: 23–34
- Rise: 11" high-rise
- Colors: One option
Photography by Meghan Marin / Anna Moeslein
- 9/22
Zara High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
Glamour special projects commerce writer Andrea Navarro likes these straight-leg jeans so much that she owns them in several colors. “I do not like tight pants. For some reason, Zara denim always fits me the best, which makes me happy since the styles tend to be more affordable,” she says of the $50 denim, which has faint whiskers along the thighs that give it a worn-in look. “I appreciate that they sit right above my belly button but don’t squeeze the life out of me when I sit down. I wear them with everything from loafers to heels, and they’re the perfect jeans to pair with a crop top.”
- Size range: 25–31
- Rise: 11" high-rise
- Colors: Six options
Photo courtesy of Andrea Navarro
- 10/22
Abercrombie Curve Love Ultra High-Rise ‘90s Straight Jean
“I got this pair from Abercrombie in a light wash over a year and a half ago, and they quickly became my go-to pair that I bring everywhere and style with everything,” says Glamour senior editor Stephanie McNeal. “They are ultra-flattering while still being comfortable, and look good with everything from a sweatshirt for a low-key happy hour, to boots and a blazer for going out on the town. I wear them probably at least twice a week, and they’ve never lost their shape or failed to make me feel confident.” Abercrombie makes some of the best jeans for tall women and plus-size jeans; not only do they have a wide range in sizes and washes (24!), but also long and extra-long lengths.
- Size range: 23–37; available in various lengths
- Rise: 11½" high-rise
- Colors: 24 options
*Photo courtesy of *Glamour senior editor Stephanie McNeal
- 11/22
Levi’s Wedgie
Let the name say it all: Intentionally designed to give a little lift and oomph to the booty, the Levi’s Wedgie style is all about presenting your best backside. A high rise assists with the cheeky fit, while the classic straight leg hits at the ankle for a versatile length that you can wear with ankle booties, heels, and sandals. The button fly completes the vintage feel, and we love that this silhouette is offered in tons of rinses, as well as both stretch and rigid denim options.
- Size range: 24–32
- Rise: 10⅞" mid-rise
- Colors: 14 options
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- 12/22
J.Crew 9" Vintage Slim-Straight Jean
“As a skinny-jean loyalist, these were the perfect straight-leg gateway jeans,” Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz says. “They’re still slim enough that the silhouette isn’t overwhelming (I tried on about 10 other pairs, and my husband remarked that they looked like I was wearing his jeans, which I get is a vibe, but I wasn’t ready for that). These still look polished and are a great way to be on trend without being too Trendy. Plus, I can tell you that it’s very difficult to find straight-leg jeans in a medium rise, which is all the more reason I love this oh-so-comfortable stretchy pair. Oh, and they wash well and regain their shape after each trip to the laundry.” The jeans come in a generous amount of sizes, as well as petite and tall sizing—and many rises and colors (sold separately).
- Size range: 23–37; available in three lengths
- Rise: 9¼" mid-rise
- Colors: One option
- 13/22
Agolde Pinch Waist 90s Jean
This editor and fashion-girl favorite from Agolde creates long and lean lines, thanks to the relaxed full-length legs. The style features a high tapered waist, close fit through the hips, and easy straight legs (the brand suggests sizing up if you want an even looser fit). Constructed with heavyweight yet soft organic cotton and recycled fibers, this pair has no stretch, so you get that authentic, lived-in vintage look right out of the bag. (Note: There are washes that have low stretch.)
- Size range: 23–34
- Rise: 12" high-rise
- Colors: 11 options
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- 14/22
Alex Mill The Carla High-Rise Straight Jean
Alex Mill released its first official lineup of jeans earlier this year—and it was very much worth the wait, says Glamour’s Smith. “Inspired by vintage pants and milled from strong, nonstretch cotton, this is the kind of trend-proof denim that you’ll want to live with for years to come,” he says. “My men’s pair is slightly different than this version for women, but the effect is the same: You’ll end up with a timeless pair of jeans meant to be worn forever. I suggest you treat yours like real denimheads do and go a while between washes—the fit and fading will thank you with time.”
- Size range: 24–33
- Rise: 11¼" high-rise
- Colors: Two options
- 15/22
Agolde Harper Ankle Wide Leg
“As someone who is short with more muscular legs, it’s been hard for me to wear the trendy straight-leg jean style. Generally, jeans either look too tight around my thighs or are way too long. While technically dubbed a wide-leg jean by the brand, these wear on me like a straight leg,” says Dana Leigh Smith, Condé Nast Health vice president. She credits the cropped length as hitting perfectly on her 5'1" frame. “I love how these are high-rise without being so high that they double as a bra. They are the perfect old-school wash of light denim that is exactly what you want to put on in spring and summer.” They’d pair beautifully with a kitten heel or a red ballet flat.
- Size range: 23–33
- Rise: 11" high-rise
- Colors: One option
Save when you shop for the best straight-leg jeans deals with these Nordstrom promo codes.
Photography by Meghan Marin / Dana Smith
- 16/22
Reformation Cynthia High Waist Relaxed Jeans
We’re pretty certain that if you add these high-rise Reformation jeans to your cart, they’ll end up featuring pretty heavily in your rotation. Fitted through the waist, hips, thighs, and butt, they have almost a tailored effect, making them equally at ease with polished blazers and casual ribbed tank tops. Available in a handful of rinses and sustainable fabrics (both cotton and cotton blend), there’s a new go-to for everyone.
- Size range: 23–34
- Rise: 12" high-rise
- Colors: Six options
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- 17/22
Levi's Classic Straight Jeans
Popular on Amazon, this affordable Levi’s pair is as classic as it gets. With a mid-rise that sits at the waist, a relaxed fit through the hips and thighs, and a clean straight leg, these are destined to be a wardrobe workhorse. Comfy stretch fabric sweetens the deal. Offered in a range of sizes from standard to plus and three different inseams, you can be confident that you’ll find the perfect fit for your body.
- Size range: 26–40; available in plus size and various lengths
- Rise: 9¾" mid-rise
- Colors: 17 options
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- 18/22
Gap High Rise Cheeky Straight Jeans
Available in four different rinses and varying levels of distressing, this popular Gap style is an ode to old-school vintage jeans. The waist sits high and snug, while the hint of stretch conforms to your curves. It’s a classic straight fit from the thighs to the ankle, and as for the butt, well, the name says it all—things are about to get cheeky.
- Size range: 24–35; available in regular (with three inseams), tall, and petite
- Rise: 11" high-rise
- Colors: Four options
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- 19/22
Levi’s Baggy Dad Jeans
The relaxed, high-waisted cut of dad jeans is iconic for its comfy, casual aesthetic and feel. These Levi’s bestsellers are a bit baggier than you might see Dad sporting—and perfect for a summer afternoon styled with a sneaker and crop top. “I’m 5'10" and have long legs. It’s so challenging to find jeans that are long enough,” says Glamour tester Chelsea White. “But finally I found these Levi’s, which have a wider leg and are actually tall.” You can choose between three lengths, from 28 to 32 inches.
- Size range: 24–32
- Rise: 10¼" mid-rise
- Colors: Eight options
Save when you shop for the best straight-leg jeans deals with these Amazon promo codes.
Photo courtesy of Chelsea White
- 20/22
NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans
This deep indigo pair is all about what’s behind the seams, which is a proprietary slimming panel for anyone who wants denim with tummy control. But that’s not all. The back is also designed with specially placed pockets and contouring construction to visually lift the booty. Super soft and stretchy to enhance your shape, the best-selling straight-leg style is one that will see you from workday to weekend. Hint: We find this style tends to run big due to the stretch, so consider sizing down.
- Size range: 00–18, available in regular and petite
- Rise: 9¾" mid-rise
- Colors: Five options
Save when you shop for the best straight-leg jeans deals with these Nordstrom promo codes.
- 21/22
Levi’s Premium Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans
Fashion influencer, TV personality, and mom Lilliana Vazquez’s go-to weekend outfit is a relaxed white T-shirt paired with these Levi’s jeans, which she previously told Glamour is a “great-fitting pair of medium-wash, no-whisker denim.” She loves that the pants fit petites, with no alterations necessary, and styles them with a blazer thrown over, chunky sneakers, and a baseball cap. Easy breezy.
- Size range: 24–32; available in two lengths and plus sizes up to 24M
- Rise: 12⅛" high-rise
- Colors: 19 options
Save when you shop for the best straight-leg jeans deals with these Amazon promo codes.
- 22/22
Denim Forum The '90s Iggy Lo-Rise Baggy Jean
Low-rise jeans are a slightly divisive topic among Glamour editors, but if you already know you like the trend or want to give it a try—might we suggest these baggy beauties from Aritzia? They’ll ease you in with a cut that hits right across or below the belly button (and not a mile below it), and their slouchy fit is comfy and casual. The fabric is made of regenerative Italian cotton that’s produced with sustainable practices in mind (such as fewer chemical pesticides and with less water). It’s worth noting that the jeans are not stretchy, which you may prefer, especially if you like pants to keep their shape with repeated wears.
- Size range: 23–32
- Rise: Low-rise
- Colors: Six options