Of all the irritations that can ruin a perfectly good outfit, realising your jeans are slightly too tight ranks pretty highly. It's often said rigid denim equals good-quality denim, but that doesn't matter if it's cutting off your circulation. While choosing a roomy fit is an easy fix, all it takes is a bad case of bloating to feel the waistband digging in again. But there's another solution: stretch denim.
When jeans have stretch, a small amount of elastane or spandex has been mixed in with the cotton, usually one or two per cent of the fabric composition. That low number makes all the difference, as elastane can stretch up to seven times its original size. Thanks to this magical fibre, sitting down or speed-walking to the bus stop no longer has to cost you your comfort.
Some stretch denim can indeed look cheap; if it's poorly constructed, it will quickly lose its shape. But there are plenty of well-made exceptions, even for as little as £25 (looking at you, M&S), where the reviews speak for themselves. We've rounded the best 15 pairs at a mix of price points below, including some testimonials from customers who have bought, worn and loved them.
The Best High-Street Stretch Jeans:
“These are genuinely my new favourite jeans—absolutely LOVE them, get so many compliments on them too and quality is just 10/10.” Abercrombie customer
“Such a gorgeous pair of jeans. So easy to style and can be dressed up or down . The quality is fantastic.” Arket customer
Designed with curves in mind, these comfortable jeans will hug you in all the right places.
“Really stretchy soft jeans and good choice of colours. Love the fit of these and no gaping at the back. Excellent value too!” M&S customer
“The fit is super-flattering (I am 'curvy') and they look great with slim-leg boots, strappy high heels and trainers alike... I've barely had them off since they arrived!” Whistles customer
The Best Mid-Range Stretch Jeans:
This relaxed pair comes in five different washes.
Between the wide-leg cut and the stretchy denim, this is destined to be your comfiest pair of jeans.
Most of Reformation's denim is rigid, but there are a few stretchy gems in the collection.
“Everyone that sees me in these wants a pair! They are so cute and comfortable.” Anthropologie customer
A great price for a forever pair.
The Best Designer Stretch Jeans:
This mid-blue wash will go with everything, making these jeans a sensible investment.
High-rise and straight-leg (with that all-important stretch), this is the perfect everyday pair.
The turn-up hem is a nice detail.
Citizens of Humanity is a favourite brand among editors and influencers, so it's always worth spending a little more on.
Slim-fit jeans are making a comeback—especially pairs with a little give.
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Scarf Belts Won't Look Dated *If* You Wear Them With This Skinny-ish Denim TrendProof is inside.
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These Designer Jeans Make Me Feel Like a Grown-Up With Excellent Credit and Even Better TasteI'm just another fashion insider who's obsessed with them.
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This Sweater Color Trend and This Jeans Color Trend Are the Key to Expensive-Looking Winter OutfitsTakes notes on this elegant Maude Apatow outfit.
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I Escaped to Boston for a Weekend—3 Chic J.Crew Outfits Perfect for New England FallEffortless style.
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Still Need The Perfect Winter Denim? Look No Further—These Levi’s Might Be Sold Out By Black FridayShop bestselling jeans, sweaters, jackets, and more.
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Wow, These 33 Chic Gap New Arrivals Actually Have Me Excited for Winter in NYCCool and expensive-looking finds.
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Suddenly, Everyone With Great Taste Is Styling These 7 "Dated" Fall Dress TrendsA 2017 throwback and a Victorian vibe shift.
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My Friends Love Reformation—I Sent Them 31 Gorgeous Picks I'm Eyeing Right NowOne of each, please.
