I'm a Fashion Editor Who Has Tried Hundreds of Jeans—These 9 High-Street Stores Officially Do the Best Pairs
From Zara to H&M, these are the best high-street jeans on the market right now. Scroll to find your perfect pair.
Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki
As far as shopping experiences go, finding the best jeans on the high street used to be tough (both in person and online), but over the past few years, there's been an influx of styles, lengths and shapes to suit every body. It's no longer acceptable for "cheap" jeans to feel cheap, and thankfully, the days of ill-fitting, saggy pairs made from denim that easily thins are long gone.
From Zara’s petite-friendly styles to Abercrombie's Curve Love range, the high street is now full of good-quality, affordable jeans. But how do we determine which pairs are truly the best? For this round-up, I wanted to really do the research and really dig into the brands and their offerings.
As a fashion editor who has tried on an awful lot of clothes in the name of research, this was my opportunity to see if these jeans are genuinely worth the spend. From scrutinising the size ranges to analysing the materials and dissecting the fastenings, no pair of high-street jeans was left un-inspected. As it turns out, most of the winners had a few things in common.
Firstly, it should come as no surprise that they're all typically classic—no embellishments or gimmicks here. And secondly, most sit in the mid-rise, straight-leg category (although a few wide-leg and skinny styles crept in, too). So, staying true to size across the board, I made a concise list of the best brands for affordable jeans, along with the pairs I recommend the most. Keep scrolling to see—and more importantly—shop.
Shop the Best High-Street Jeans:
- Best Overall High-Street Jeans: Reformation Cynthia, £178
- Best High-Street Petite Jeans: M&S Sienna, £26
- Best High-Street Bootcut Jeans: Levi's Wedgie, £100
- Best Highstreet Stovepipe Jeans: Mango Matilda, £36
- Best High-Street Barrel-Leg Jeans: Topshop Barrel Mid-Rise, £50
- Best High-Street Wide-Leg Jeans: H&M Wide High Waist Jeans, £25
- Best High-Street Cigarette Jeans: Gap '90s Slim Straight, £50
1. H&M
Shopping editor Florrie Alexander wears H&M Wide High Waist Jeans.
Style Notes: Offering the "perfect Scandi jeans", as several creators on TikTok proclaim, H&M jeans are some of the best on the market. With hundreds of shapes, fits and lengths to choose from, plus affordable prices (they range from £15 to £75), there's a lot to love about H&M's denim offering. I tried the best-selling Wide High Waist Jeans and was instantly impressed. A mid-rise, straight-leg fit, the cotton has a slight stretch, making them soft to the touch. Falling to the top of the foot, they glide just above the floor, allowing you to show off your footwear without having to cuff, roll or scrunch for the desired length.
Size Range: UK 4–22
Colour/s: Light denim blue, grey, denim blue, black, dark denim blue, light khaki green, pinstripe, light grey.
Length/s: Regular.
Shop H&M Jeans:
This pair came home with me.
Cigarette jeans are having a moment.
Another cut that features in my wardrobe.
You can't go wrong with the original.
2. COS
Florrie wears COS Arch jeans.
Style Notes: The crème de la crème of elevated, good-quality jeans, COS’s denim had to make the list. Boasting reader-favourite styles like the Arch and the Column, its selection comes second to none. I stayed true to size in the latter (27), and this straight-leg, mid-rise jean proved that it has all the makings of a classic. You often won't find stretch in COS jeans; instead, this pair is made from rigid, recycled organic cotton, which means the jeans hold their shape beautifully, reaching the ankle with ease. Fitted, structured and available in multiple washes and shades, if you’re looking for a pair of jeans to last you decades, COS is a fantastic place to start.
Size Range: 23-32 (inches)
Colour/s: Indigo, Mid Blue, White, Off-white, Cream, Black, Light Blue
Length/s: Regular
Shop COS Jeans:
A best-seller for a reason.
Our editors are still raving about these jeans.
I've had my eye on this loose cut for some time.
If you prefer something slimmer.
3. Zara
Junior fashion editor Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki wears Zara Straight High-Waist Long Length jeans.
Style Notes: The thing about Zara’s jeans is that they aren't just good for high-street jeans—they’re the gold standard. The perfect mix of fashion-editor polish and everyday wearability, these are the kind of jeans that look like they came from a high-end boutique, but without the price tag. Boasting everything from slung-low baggy styles to on-trend stove pipes, their expensive-looking range won't break the bank (the most expensive pairs are £60). I tried on the Straight High-Waist Long Length jeans and found my legs cocooned in soft denim. And with a super-diverse range of styles, there's almost definitely a pair of Zara jeans with your name on them.
Size Range: UK 4-18
Colour/s: Blue
Length/s: Regular (a longer "regular" than other jeans).
Shop Zara Jeans:
A deep indigo wash is so expensive-looking.
Cuffed jeans give a cool, off-duty feel.
Pair with flip-flops and a graphic or brightly coloured tee this spring.
Low-waisted jeans are super popular right now.
4. Reformation
Imani wears Reformation Cynthia High Rise Straight Long Jeans
Style Notes: From loafers to cardigans and denim, Reformation reigns supreme as an It-girl favourite, especially where jeans are concerned. With a vintage-inspired energy running throughout the offering, they balance timelessness with trending. So, with nostalgic fashion very "now", keep an eye on signature styles like the Cynthia, Cary and Val, which are in the wardrobes of celebrities and editors alike. With every pair crafted from the brand's thick, rigid denim, Refomation jeans come in a range of leg lengths (petite, regular and long), so you always achieve the best fit. I'd always advise you to stay true to size (as I did when I tried on the Cynthia). Trust me: these jeans are magic and will nip and tuck in all the best ways.
Size Range: 23–34 (inches)
Colour/s: Maggiore, Naysa, Colorado, Black, Titan
Length/s: Short, Standard, Long
Shop Reformation Jeans:
A classic cut.
Pair these with a pastel mohair cardigan and peep-toe heels this spring.
Reformation's '90s-inspired denim collectsion is just so good.
A little embellishment is ideal for evening looks.
5. Marks and Spencer
Imani wears M&S Sienna Straight Leg Jeans.
Style Notes: M&S has some great jeans, and I've tested many of them. Expect classic styles made with denim that has a bit of stretch. I love that there are options for petite and long lengths, which is game-changing—I'm always surprised that more brands don't do this. Here, I've tried the classic Sienna straight-leg pair in my usual UK 8.
Size Range: UK 6–24
Colour/s: Black Mix, White, Dark Indigo, Dark Blue Denim, Mid Indigo Mix
Length/s: Extra Short, Short/Petite, Regular, Long
Shop M&S Jeans:
Lyocell has a light natural stretch.
These will give your bum a natural-looking lift.
This playful shape has become a best-seller.
These palazzo jeans are a hit with our editors.
6. Abercrombie & Fitch
Imani wears Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Vintage Straight Jean.
Style Notes: Abercrombie & Fitch is one of my favourite places to buy jeans. The denim itself is always soft and comfortable, and the sizing is just right; I've taken my regular size here. What's more, the brand offers lengths from extra short to extra long in a variety of rises, and the Curve Love collectsion, which has a more generous cut through the hip and thigh but not the waist, includes all the best styles. I went for the High Rise Vintage Straight Jean in a size 8, and they felt like a second skin. It's no wonder they're so often sold out.
Size Range: 23–38 (inches)
Colour/s: Medium, Medium Fray Hem, Medium Marble, Dark Wash, Dark Rinse, No Fade Black, Medium Pinstripe, White, Dark
Length/s: Extra Short, Short, Regular, Long, Extra Long
Shop Abercrombie & Fitch Jeans:
I took the long length in my regular size.
This pair comes in a range of washes.
A more rigid denim in a cool loose cut.
Whilst I love classic blue jeans, this pair also comes in a bold leopard print.
7. & Other Stories
Imani wears & Other Stories Wide Jeans.
Style Notes: & Other Stories has made a name for itself as a denim destination thanks to its best-selling Slim Cut Jeans. Whilst the rest of its offering leans slightly more fashion-forward, its jeans collectsion is refreshingly classic; think mid-rise silhouettes, timeless washes and soft denim. Offering everything from a barrel-leg style to a slightly flared bootcut, these mid-range jeans (they range from £60 to £95) are very good indeed.
Size Range: 4–22
Colour/s: Light denim blue, grey, denim blue, black, dark denim blue, light khaki green, pinstripe, light grey
Length/s: Regular
Shop & Other Stories Jeans:
The perfect tapered pair.
The jeans I tried.
I love how this ultra-wide style puddles at the floor.
This flared pair is calling my name.
8. Mango
Imani wears Mango Miami Medium-Rise Straight-Fit Jeans.
Style Notes: With a focus on classic colours and timeless cuts, Mango's denim selection seldom rotates, which is great when you find a pair you want to wear over and over. Sitting towards the more affordable end of the spectrum, every pair will prove a hardworking addition to your denim collectsion. I tried the Miami in a size 8, and they ended up coming home with me. Soft yet slightly sculpting and so well priced, they're the perfect pair of everyday denim.
Size Range: UK 4–22
Colour/s: Denim grey, light/pastel grey, medium blue, black denim, dark blue, light blue
Length/s: Regular
Shop Mango Jeans:
A great pair of straight-leg jeans is a wardrobe staple.
A lot of Mango's jeans also come in extended sizes.
I love the wash of these.
Flared jeans are back.
9. Free People
Imani wears Free People We The Free Jayde Flare Jeans.
Style Notes: Free People is where editors and fashion people head for trend-led cuts that are affordable but still great quality. Look to the brand's cult barrel jeans for a cool pair that will work just as hard as classic straight-leg styles. Mid-range in price, you'll find thick denim in everything from cropped cuts to skinny cigarettes, along with petite and tall-friendly lengths and adjustable waistbands. The range is truly expansive.
Size Range: 24–34 (inches)
Colour/s: Sunburst Blue, Deep Olive, Night Sky, Onyx, Hayley Blue
Length/s: Regular
Shop Free People Jeans:
A modern cult classic.
A classic pair of straight-leg jeans will always be in style.
These are low-slung and loose through the leg.
Wear with slimline trainers for a cool, retro-feel look.
Why Trust Us
AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.
We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
