I've said it before and I'll say it again, good denim doesn't have to cost a fortune, and there are plenty of pairs of jeans on the high street right now to prove me right.
I've scoured the shops, both online and in-store, and I can confirm that lots of the best jeans cost less than £100, without compromising on fit and cut. There are some classic styles like straight-leg and white jeans, as well as some more trend-led baggy and cargo trousers.
I've rounded up some of my favourite high-street denim brands below and included lots of information on what fit is right for you.
Which jeans are right for me?
When it comes to jeans, it's all about the fit. Baggy jeans are all the rage at the moment, but if you're looking for a more subtle approach, you can't go wrong with a pair of dad jeans.
Of course, we can't forget about wide-leg jeans. This style hit the denim scene a while ago, and it looks as if it's going nowhere. They're the perfect mix of skinny and baggy, and can easily be dressed up with heels and a blazer, or dressed down with trainers and an oversized shirt for an off-duty look. If you are interested in a more tapered leg jean, we have also rounded up the best 90s straight-leg jeans and flattering boot cuts for a subtle flare at the leg.
This summer, we are seeing plenty of love for horseshoe jeans, which are worn with a relaxed blazer and flats. Of course, the trusty cargo jeans are still going strong from last year's success, so we made sure to include our top pick.
And, of course, we also included our favourite retailers like River Island and Marks and Spencer who offer more in-depth inclusive sizing and options to ensure there is a style to suit everyone.
Where to shop for the best high street jeans
There are so many good quality high street jeans available. I've included our favourite brands below, from H&M, Mango, Zara and more. While we know that some of these brands might not be the most sustainable options around, here at Marie Claire UK we believe in conscious consumption and ensuring that every piece you buy becomes a closet staple that you can wear for years to come. When it comes to staples, there's nothing more timeless than a pair of jeans. Let's face it, most of us wear jeans every day, so below we have specifically selected classic styles we know you’ll keep forever.
If you're looking for the right items to pair with your brand-new jeans, don't forget to check out our roundups of the best trench coats, best designer handbags and the best sunglasses to transition your wardrobe into the new season.
Scroll below for our edit of the best high-street jeans to buy now and where to find them.
Best 90s Straight-Leg Jeans
Pros: The faded wash and straight leg of these jeans instantly make them a timeless denim staple. They feature a slightly wider ankle for extra comfort for those who are not fond of an ankle-grazing pair of denim and come in six different colourways. Zara's variety of accessible denim styles makes it a high-street favourite amongst the fashion sort.
Cons: These jeans run slightly small, so we would suggest sizing up.
Fit: Tapered at the waist and slightly looser towards the ankle.
Materials: 100% cotton
Size range: UK 4-16
Best White Jeans
Pros: It's easy to see why the fashion set can't get enough of ARKET jeans. There are so many styles to choose from, from the classic to the not-so-classic, like these low and loose white jeans.
Cons: Single leg length on all denim, more expensive option.
Materials: 62% cotton and 38% lyocell
Size range: 25inch- 33inch
Best Wide-Leg Jeans
Pros: These wide-leg jeans are my most complimented pair ever. Featuring five pockets for those days when you don't want to carry a handbag and made from comfort-stretch fabric, you can't go wrong with this basic wardrobe staple. My biggest recommendation for this pair is to hand, or steam wash where possible to ensure they retain their soft-as-butter feel.
Cons: It does not offer the most inclusive size range.
Fit: High-waisted, fitted at the waist and looser on the legs. These jeans are true to size so I would recommend opting for your usual size.
Materials: 87% Cotton, 12% Lyocell
Size range: 24- 32 inch
Best Baggy Jeans
Pros: Weekday's Astro jeans are definitely a pair to consider if you're on the lookout for a great pair of baggy jeans. Coming in 12 different colourways and completely unisex, these jeans are not only comfortable but incredibly stylish. For those on the petite side, like myself, I have found the sizing to be super helpful as you're also able to select your size based on your leg length to ensure a perfect fit.
Cons: Colourways can often be sold out.
Fit: Low-rise, slouchy feel that puddles at the feet.
Materials: 100% cotton
Size range: 24-34 inch
Best horseshoe jeans
Pros: Free People's in-house line 'We The Free' offers a great selection of unique denim with a strong design aesthetic that ranges from billowing wide-leg jeans to straight-leg jeans with paint splatters. This season, the brand has released its own take on the trendy horseshoe jeans. Offering 15 different colourways, these jeans are just under £100 but are definitely worth the investment for the totally one-of-a-kind colourways available.
Cons: 'Root Bear' and 'Pastel Pink' colourways are over £100 due to their over-dyed denim.
Fit: Mid-rise, slouchy, relaxed fit, tapered at the ankle for a horseshoe effect. This pair runs slightly large, so we would recommend sizing down one size.
Materials: 57% Cotton, 43% Lyocell
Size range: 24-33 inch
Best Extended-Sizing Jeans
Pros: River Island's denim selection is incredible, offering inclusive sizing and leg length options for taller women; we can't recommend them enough. With timeless options that are sure to see you through many seasons, these relaxed blue straight jeans are a great option to dress up with mules or down with comfortable trainers or flats.
Made from responsibly sourced cotton, River Island's jeans come in three sections: short, regular, and tall, to make sure you find your perfect fit and length. Additionally, River Island stocks more pairs of denim in their petite and plus section. Petite ranges in sizes UK 4-16 and plus ranges in UK 20-26 inches.
Cons: Lack of model imagery in different sizes to serve as a guide when shopping online.
Materials: 100% cotton
Size range: UK 20-26
Best Bootcut Jeans
Pros: Bootcut jeans are a great introduction for those looking to dip their toes in the realm of flared jeans. They are not quite as flared but hold a similar silhouette from the knee down. This pair from Marks and Spencer looks and feels effortlessly chic. With a great size offering ranging from petite to regular and long and five different colourways, you are bound to find a great option.
These jeans are also part of M&S' Better Cotton initiative which is sourced through a system of Mass Balance.
Cons: Lack of model imagery in different sizes to serve as a guide when shopping online.
Fit: High-waisted bootcut fit with added stretch.
Materials: 83% cotton, 15% polyester and 2% elastane (exclusive of trimmings)
Size range: Petite UK 6-24, Regular UK 6-24, Tall UK 8-20
Best Pleated Jeans
Pros: Pleated jeans instantly elevate any outfit. Whether you are looking at a full pleat or a simple dart detailing, this small but mighty addition is sure to make a difference. These Massimo Dutti jeans with a slight dart detail at the waistline come in a dark blue shade that is sleek enough to be worn to the office.
Cons: Lack of extensive sizing and different colourways
Materials: 77% cotton, 22% hemp 22%, 1% elastane
Size range: UK 6-16
Best Cargo Jeans
Pros: COS jeans are slowly but surely achieving cult status amongst denim fans, and for good reason. They are durable and well cut, like these cargo jeans, a great alternative to traditional baggy jeans. This pair of cargo jeans comes with a matching jacket to complete the look and additionally includes customers' images for styling inspiration. Do act fast, as this style is selling out fast.
Cons: These jeans run big, so we would recommend sizing down for a more fitted look.
Fit: Low-rise fit with a wide-leg silhouette.
Materials: 80% Organic cotton, 20% Recycled cotton
Size range: 24inch-32inch
How We Selected
Here at MCUK HQ, we love getting our hands on various pieces to get a deeper understanding of garment constructions, materials, and silhouettes. From testing our favourite denim to sleek waistcoats, we are proud shopping experts with in-depth experience in garment construction and knowledge of fabric performance to ensure the products we are recommending are wearable and worth investing in for longtime durability.
To read more about our testing practices, check out our guide here.
