A lot has been said about jeans recently, particularly with Gen Z holding strong on their strike against skinny jeans (and side parts). As for me, my closet is bursting at the seams with an undisclosed amount of denim. Each and every pair of jeans holds a special place in my heart, but there's just something about a straight-leg pair of jeans that hits different. Now that I'm transitioning out of wearing my work-from-home best, I've found that I've been gravitating towards pairs of jeans that I just know are going to work for me.
The straight-leg silhouette is a comfortable classic, designed to sit high on your hips and drop straight down to the hem. Not only has this style stood the test of time and the coming and going of trends, but can also be worn any time of the year. Make this silhouette your summer go-to by complementing your jeans with a simple tank and sneakers or slip into a strappy heel and a bra-like crop top to beat the heat. Keep scrolling to shop my favorite washes, fits and brands.
Light Wash Straight-Leg Jeans
With the perfect amount of fading, the lighter washes have a well-loved, summertime feel. Find yourself a pair of light-wash straight-leg jeans that fits you like a glove and you'll find you can wear them with just about everything.
Everlane's unbeatable denim selection features the Way-High Jeans which, as the name might suggest, have a super-high rise on the waist. They're available in five washes (and five new colors!), so feel free to stock up on your favorite.
If you're on the hunt for affordable denim that will last, look no further than this pair from Topshop. The worn-in detailing at the hem adds to the vintage feel.
These cult-favorite jeans from AGOLDE are best-sellers for a reason. The rigid-fitting denim means that they'll hold their shape without needing to be thrown in the washing machine, and the classic colorway is great for year-round wear.
On the opposite side of the stretch-denim spectrum is this pair from Good American. The super soft fabric is designed to flatter, and the perfectly faded wash gives them a timeless feel.
True Blue Straight-Leg Jeans
Not quite light wash and not quite black, these true blue hues are the perfect middle ground option to keep on hand. A classic blue wash never goes out of style, so stock up.
Behold the perfect pair of wear-everywhere blue jeans. Slightly slouchy and perfectly worn-in, these jeans have it all going for them.
If you prefer a straight jean that's slightly skinnier on the leg, consider this option from Mavi.
There's a reason that Reformation's jeans are quick to sell out. This rigid pair is fitted through the waist before flaring out ever so slightly through the leg for a timeless look.
Sustainable denim brand RE/DONE struck gold when they designed this pair of High Rise Stove Pipe Jeans. Modeled after classic vintage fits, the combination of rigid denim and a cool blue wash has won them a legion of adoring fans.
Detailed Straight-Leg Jeans
Not all jeans should look the same. Make room in your collection for options that feature distressing or a trendy design detail to show off your fashion know-how.
Looking to dabble in the world of distressed denim? This pair from Madewell is for you. You probably won't even notice the tiny slashes at the knees.
Or, go for something a little bolder, like this pair from Free People's denim range. While they may not be suitable for wearing to the office, they still deserve a place in your wardrobe.
No, your eyes aren't deceiving you—the waistline on this pair of jeans is asymmetrical.
There are pre-cuffed jeans, and then there are jeans that feature a downright massive cuff like this pair from Mango does.
Black Wash Straight-Leg Jeans
Everyone needs a pair of vintage-inspired black jeans. The perfectly faded wash give the denim a lived-in look like you've owned them for years.
If you love it when jeans sit comfortably above your waist, Levi's made this pair with you in mind. They're slightly cropped at the ankle, making them perfect for people who are on the petite side.
Forget jeans that come in washed-out shades of black. This pair from Ksubi is dyed to be a true midnight hue.
Don't sleep on & Other Stories' denim selection. I am personally obsessed with this pair.
For denim with a laid back look, check out this pair from California-based brand Pistola.
White Straight-Leg Jeans
Grab yourself a pair of clean white denim just in time for summer. An ultra high-waist and cropped hem make for a laid-back look. Pair them with a simple cardigan and kitten heels for a sweet lunch-date option.
Wearing bright white jeans can be scary. Start of slow by opting for this cream-colored pair from Triarchy.
Or, try this pair of two-toned jeans from AGOLDE. And yes, the bottom half of them is made out of leather.
So fresh, so clean (clean). This pair narrows slightly at the knees for a tailored look.
This low-stretch denim features just enough elastane to make them comfortable for all-day wear. Just be careful not to get anything on them!
-
Princess Kate Missed Glittering Tiara Reception for First Time in a Decade—But Quietly Carried Out Another Royal Duty"If she did start returning to major social events, that would lead people to think things are back to normal, which isn't the case."
-
Prince Andrew Keeps "Allowing Himself to Be Humiliated" Amid Royal Lodge Dispute With King Charles"It is how it looks: an idle and disgraced Duke swanning around on his horse."
-
Oprah’s Favorite Designer Sneakers Are on Major SalePlus, 29 other styles you can shop before Black Friday.
-
Where Did All the Size-Inclusive Fashion Go?Spring 2025's runways glorified thinness to a troubling degree.
-
New York Fashion Week's Best Spring 2025 Looks Redefine Real ClothesKallmeyer, Rachel Comey, and Maria McManus define a new kind of everyday aspiration.
-
What Does Toteme Clothing Have That Other Minimalist Brands Don't?The label positively took over New York Fashion Week.
-
First Jamie Haller's Shoes Captivated Tastemakers. Now She's Taking Over Their Entire ClosetsJamie Haller's first clothing line is available today.
-
Gigi Burris Will Make You a Hat PersonRihanna, Lady Gaga, and every fashion tastemaker you follow are fans of her headwear. You're about to join the list.
-
Mara Hoffman Shutters Her Brand When Fashion Needs Her Ideas MostIt might be shutting down, but it set an example in inclusion and sustainability.
-
This Insider-Favorite Bridal Designer Never Intended to Make Wedding DressesBut at Patricia Voto's One Of, brides find dresses that are all their own.
-
Designer Róisín Pierce Is Creating High Fashion From Her Tiny Kitchen TableWorking with her mother out of her Dublin home, the designer makes clothes that tell the story of female resistance.
