Here's a secret: I don't like spending a lot of money on jeans. It's true that my entire denim collection includes the usual suspects, such as Mother, Agolde, and Hudson, but since I'm a fashion editor, the reality is that a majority of my pricier pairs are gifted. It's one of the advantages of the job, but despite the privilege of trying on some truly amazing jeans, it hasn't done much to change my penchant for cheap pairs.
I still maintain that a $200 pair of jeans can absolutely be worth the money in the right circumstances, but little comes close to the allure of saving a few bucks. After analyzing the styles and pairs that I reach for the most, I found that the bulk of them are what I'd call moderately affordable—typically under $100 on retail and, on a good day (aka a sale), under $60. Each pair is as trendy, high-quality, and comfortable as those double the price. Ahead, I'm outlining all of my favorite jeans that fall into this category of cheap and amazing. Just a warning: I'm a curvy girl who loves a crop top, so they're all high-waisted pairs. Keep scrolling to check out my top recs.
H&M
Wide High Cropped Jeans
Best Cropped Jeans
Though H&M jeans are hit-or-miss for me, I love this pair.
Levi's
Ribcage Full Length
Best Rigid Jeans
Yes, these are rigid, but that gives them that luxury feel.
When I want denim with an interesting twist, I go with Free People.
ZARA
Full Length Trf High Rise Wide Leg Jeans
Best Black Jeans
Raw-hem jeans always look great with heels. This silhouette leans more toward the sailor shape.
We The Free
Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
Best Colored Jeans
This wash!
j.crew
Wide-Leg Corduroy Trousers
Best Corduroy Jeans
I'm on a corduroy-denim kick this fall.
Abercrombie
Curve Love High Rise 90s Relaxed Jeans
Best Ripped Jeans
I'm a fan of Abercrombie for how generously cut its jeans are.
Madewell
The '90s Straight Jeans
Best Light-Wash Jeans
As classic as it gets.
Levi's
Wedgie High Waist Straight Leg Jeans
Best Jeans for Pear and Hourglass Body Shapes
I know Levi's has a fervent fan base, but I have a hard time finding styles that don't constrict my hips. I've found the Wedgie silhouette to be the best for pear and hourglass shapes.
Lioness
Eivissa Jeans
Best Dark-Wash Jeans
These look extremely expensive.
Frame
Le Garcon Jeans
Best Cuffed Jeans
If you're a fan of classic true-blue jeans, check these out.
Dr. Denim
Echo Wide Leg
Best Jeans for Tall People
These look especially great with bodysuits.
Topshop
High Rise Straight Kort Jeans
After my recent try-on of the brand, I quickly added Topshop to my list of destinations for cheap jeans.
On 34th
Pleated Tapered-Leg Jean
Best Pleated Jeans
Sometimes, you want a no-frill pair, and these deliver.
Good American
Good Legs Skinny Jeans
Best Skinny Jeans
These have good in the name for a reason—they're just about perfect.
Wrangler
High Rise True Straight Fit Jean
Best Classic Jeans
It pays to stick with the classics, like heritage brand Wrangler.
Mistress Rocks
Caption High Waist Jeans
Best Wide-Leg Jeans
This is the pair I'm wearing in the photo above. The slight amount of stretch offers comfort without losing its shape.
Mavi Jeans
Alissa Super Skinny Jeans
Best Tight-Fitting Jeans
I usually avoid skinny jeans, but these mold to my shape beautifully.
HIDDEN JEANS
Double Crossover High Waist Wide Leg Jeans
Best Crossover-Waist Jeans
The crossover waist is calling my name.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Indya Brown is a fashion editor, stylist, and writer living in Los Angeles. After graduating in 2016, she joined The Cut as a fashion assistant, eventually working her way up to fashion editor. While New York has been her home for over 10 years, she moved to Los Angeles in the midst of the pandemic in 2020 for a new chapter where she started working atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
, focusing on emerging designers, rising trends on and off the internet, interior design, and BIPOC creatives and brands. Aside from her work atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
, Brown is also a freelance stylist and writer, working on national print and video commercial campaigns for Sephora, The Independent, and Cadillac. Her bylines also include Harper's Bazaar, Vox, and The New York Times.