When I think of the best flared jeans looks, an image of Riley Keough as wayward rockstar Daisy Jones comes to mind.
The bold silhouette has come a long way since it was a hallmark of '70s fashion, but every time I’ve ever felt myself gravitating towards flared jeans, I’ve hesitated at the thought of them looking rather costume-y and outdated. Yet, in front of our very eyes, this retro style is having a 2025 resurgence.
Kudos to whoever is managing the PR for flared jeans because they are very much back. Bella Hadid heralded their return to the zeitgeist with her new Western-inspired aesthetic. This latest public uniform is a watershed signifier of our fashion's evolving tastes.
On the runways, this was translated into the free spirit and bohemian nature exhibited in Chemena Kamali’s first and second collections for Chloé. The message was clear: after years of simple straight-leg styles, flared jeans have ascended to bring in a wave of relaxed yet contoured bottoms.
The style has also been co-signed by two other major celebrities: Kendrick Lamar, who took to the stage for the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show in Celine’s waist-hugging Marco Flare Jeans, and Meghan Markle, who wore a dark-indigo pair of flared jeans by Veronica Beard to an Invictus Games event that very same day. Coincidence? I think not. The appeal even reached Rihanna—typically a trendsetter rather than a follower—when she wore the same Celine style as Kendrick Lamar to a dinner a few days later.
These celeb spots all indicate that flared jeans will soon be trickling down into our own wardrobes, but are these endorsements enough to convert a staunch sceptic? After years of ignoring flared jeans, I had very little understanding of the lay of the land. Should the denim be rigid and crisp and the length floor-grazing? Would every pair be high-waisted and, therefore, not the most flattering fit for my petite torso?
Naturally, as an inquisitive fashion editor, I took it upon myself to scour the offerings from designer brands and high-street stores for the best flared jeans currently available. After a few timid outings—and numerous unexpected compliments from theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK team—I can confidently say that I’ve been converted to flared jeans.
I will add, however, that not all are made equally. Some of the pairs I tried were quite restrictive and would need tailoring to suit my body shape. Others felt as soft as leggings but lacked the structure needed to sit nicely around my ankle. Nevertheless, I managed to track down the Goldilocks of flared jeans—the styles that are well cut and fit just as well as they flute at the hem.
Ready to jump on the bandwagon? Ahead, I’ve rounded up and reviewed the six best flares to shop now. After testing loads of pairs, consider this your comprehensive guide to navigating and buying the best flared jeans.
The Best Flared Jeans, Tried and Tested by an Editor
- Best Overall Flared Jeans: Paige High Rise Laurel Canyon 32" Bootcut Jean, £285
- Best Affordable Flared Jeans: Mango Flare Jeans Mid Rise Rinse Wash, £36
- Best Luxury Flared Jeans: Celine Marco Jeans, £830
- Best High-Waisted Flared Jeans: M&S Collection Mid Rise Flared Jeans, £45
- Best Fitted Flared Jeans: Veronica Beard Beverly Skinny-Flare Jean, £240
1. Mango
Style Notes: I was immediately drawn to the way these Mango flared jeans widen from the knee when I spotted them online. Sometimes, flared jeans can begin protruding at the calf or ankle, but I really like the way these gently flute out. In real life, they flare as promised, and I felt they had the perfect high-rise finish, too.
Shop the Flared Jeans:
If you like Victoria Beckham's flared-jeans outfits, this floor-grazing option is a great way to achieve her silhouette on a budget.
For
- Comes in a size 4 through size 18.
Against
- This style is swelling out swift!
2. Paige
Style Notes: I'll be the first to admit it: jeans aren't usually my forte. I'll typically wear a wide-leg trouser or a pencil skirt over denim. But if I am wearing jeans, they'll always be a straight-leg style. These flared jeans from Paige, however, were the pair to change my mind. I can't overestimate how comfortable the fabric was, and even when I was wearing flats, the flare still looked cute and perfectly tapered to me. This is a pair I can see myself walking 10,000 steps in without breaking a sweat, chafing or becoming uncomfortable.
Shop the Flared Jeans:
Available in both a petite and a regular fit, these can be shopped from a size 23 to a 34 talk about inclusive!
For
- Fabric is incredibly soft, it almost feels like you're wearing stretch leggings.
Against
- These are super hip hugging, which might feel a little tight to fit.
3. Marks and Spencer
Style Notes: Whilst this M&S pair was the most typically '70s-looking out of the bunch I tried on, I'll confess that I wasn't actually too opposed to the shape after wearing them for a few days. They're a true wide-leg, which might feel too spacey around the leg for some. The pleat down the middle gives the body a really generous elongated effect, but I was slightly constricted by where they sat around my tummy. They were quite tight, and I'd usually suggest sizing up to solve that problem, but the shape of the flare could prove problematic to tweak. Nevertheless, I'd still recommend them for affordability alone.
Shop the Flared Jeans:
Sitting slightly higher on the hips than a true mid-rise, this iteration features a chic pleat that runs through the middle which creates a nice lengthening effect.
For
- A true expensive-looking high street staple.
Against
- I found the indigo dye transferred and stained my hands.
4. Reiss
Style Notes: I really enjoyed the fabric of Reiss's flared jeans. Not only were they soft to the touch, but they really lifted and firmed my bottom—something that I (and French women) believe to be an essential quality of good jeans. This look is an homage to a classic Parisian outfit, and I liked the way the flare comes to a tapered finish rather than puddling on the ground.
Shop the Flared Jeans:
This tapered flare style doesn't protrude too far out, meaning you can still get that streamlined effect without creeping into wide-leg territory.
For
- Offered in both a regular and a petite size.
Against
- Despite the jeans offered from size 24 through to 32, the larger styles are often out of stock.
5. Celine
Style Notes: I have a confession to make: I thought I would hate these jeans after seeing them on the hanger. First, they're low-waisted, which is a major red flag for me. They're also distressed on the back, so I thought they would drag slightly along the ground. But after testing them in person, I have to say the fit and finish instantly quelled all my doubts. Yes, they're not as tapered to my waist as I'd like, but they still give generous coverage and don't expose any skin that I'd otherwise like hidden. I wished I could've worn them home, but for almost £1000, they run a pretty penny. Nevertheless, if I was investing in a pair of popular designer jeans, I'd choose these.
Shop the Flared Jeans:
This fit-and-flare style is conscious around your thighs but doesn't feel restricting. They finish with a distressed hem at the back and have a low-rise cut.
For
- Withstanding the eye-watering price, the quality and shape does feel worth every penny.
Against
- These designer jeans are considerably expensive.
6. Veronica Beard
Style Notes: I'll acknowledge that I probably did these flared jeans a disservice by trailing them with loafers. But if you're investing in a pair, they should be able to work with your shoe capsule wardrobe. There's really nothing I can fault about Veronica Beard's flared jeans other than the fact you do have to add a bit of height to really showcase them. The fit is super skinny around the thighs, which might dissuade those who like their jeans to be a bit roomier in this area, but for the quality, they do their job nicely.
Shop the Flared Jeans:
A true high-waisted rise with a skinny fit through the thighs before it flutes out into a soft flare.
For
- These come royal-approved.
Against
- I found the length of these jeans too long for flat shoes, meaning you'll need a heel or heeled boot to make them work.
Shop Other Editor-Approved Flared Jeans:
I love the softer wash of these Reiss flared jeans.
For
- These are already intentionally distressed at the knees, making them ideal to live in.
Against
- The flare doesn't project as far as it does in the images as it does in person.
Reformation's jeans are made from a deeply saturated organic indigo denim and contrasting tan thread.
For
- This western-inspired iteration feels quite relevant for 2025.
Against
- The front pocket can feel a little useless thanks to the non-stretch fabric.
Unlike other flares I tried, I love the look of these Re/Done jeans because of the barrel-leg fit through the thighs. These would be a good bet if you prefer a looser fit in this area.
For
- Fits true to size.
Against
- These come with a five button finish instead of a zip.
A thicker belt loop and deeper hem brings a soft twist to these flared jeans
For
- Made of organic and recycled cotton.
Against
- The colour is susceptible to transfer.
This pair is slightly cropped and sits high on the waist.
For
- Also available in an animal print pattern.
Against
- The frayed hem lends itself best to heeled shoes.
A great expensive-looking high-street option.
For
- Affordable.
Against
- Super high-rise, which might not be the most ideal fit for some.
Given that Stella McCartney's dad is practically flared-jeans royalty—see the Abbey Road album cover for proof—I'm coveting this regenerative cotton style.
For
- Fits like a true '70s flare.
Against
- The chain accent might not be everyone's cup of tea.
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