I always find buying straight leg jeans hard. Fact. I’m 5ft 9in, a large UK 12 on the bottom but have a smaller waist, so I either find that jeans are not cut high enough on the hips, are too short in the leg or are just too tight around the hips in order to make sure they’re not baggy around my middle.
For the past few seasons '90s-inspired straight leg jeans have been the key denim trend to buy into. Any content creator worth her salt has been photographed in a pair and they continue to be the season-less jean shape that designers and retailers bring out time and time again. So, why are they so popular? No one can deny that they’re incredibly versatile, mostly due to the classic shape and unfussy washes. They can be worn day or night, dressed up or down and can be pared back with most colour palettes. The classic Levi's stonewash continues to be the most popular and easiest colour to style and they instantly give even the most casual of outfits an element of cool.
However, straight jeans also tend to be designed with no stretch, which is a bit of a nightmare for anyone to find the very best fit. The reality is that the larger the waist size you need to buy, the wider the leg, so if you have wide hips but slim legs this just won’t work. And vice versa, if you have thicker thighs and a smaller waist, the struggle continues!
Buying jeans has never been an enjoyable experience for most of us, with every retailer adhering to different size guides. I will happily buy larger sizes than I usually wear to ensure the perfect fit, but what is annoying is having to take two or more pairs of each style into the changing room, or my online basket, and even then it's not a given I won't have to pick up another. I’m a large UK 12 on the bottom, so at a push I should fit into a size 30 or 31. But, with some brands it's really normally for me to need another two sizes or more up. Inaccurate sizing is not the only issue when shopping for jeans online. Some retailers add filters to their denim imagery on their websites making it impossible to decipher the exact colour. All in all, it can be a pretty time consuming exercise for an item that is so basic and integral to our wardrobes.
So, to save you the time and trouble—and to bring a little joy back into shopping for denim—I went out and tried on all the straight-leg jeans I could fit into, whittling it down to my favourite eight pairs available now that work on a midsize figure like mine. Enjoy!
1. THE HIGH STREET FAVOURITE
Style Notes: Other Stories is one of my favourite brands on the high street. When I headed into store, there were quite a lot of jean styles and washes available, which can sometimes be overwhelming. That said, this pair (the Favourite Cut) were true to size and tend to always be in stock, which is a bonus! Plus, they're a flattering, classic shape that will work with most footwear and tops. A great start!
SHOP THE JEANS:
These are called the Favourite Cut and I'm wearing a size 30, which is my normal size. These come in 11 colours, too.
2. THE INFLUENCER MUST-HAVE
Style Notes: I have been waiting to try these on for a while. They're an influencer favourite and when I heard they were called the '90s Pinch Waist High-Rise they appeared to tick all the boxes. After trying them on what's immediately apparent is how they are cut high on the hips and allow for curves. Yes, they're an investment, but on this occasion you do get what you pay for.
SHOP THE JEANS:
I'm wearing a size 31 here, so these are pretty true to size. They continue to sell out repeatedly though, so be quick if you're ready to invest!
3. THE STRAIGHT-LEG WILD CARD
Style Notes: The Agolde Criss-Cross jeans another influencer favourite and what I loved about them was that they were suprisingly roomy in the right size. They definitely felt and I like the support and trend-led detail the crossover waistband provides. This is an especially great style to dress up. Add a body, pointy heels and oversized blazer.
SHOP THE JEANS:
As with the other Agolde pair, I'm wearing a size 31 which proves there's no discrepancies between the brand's different styles.
4. THE CROPPED STRAIGHT LEG FOR PETITES
Style Notes: Although I love the brand for timeless classics such as knitwear and blazers, I have to admit that I find buying jeans in Arket always a struggle. They are either always sold out or they never have the sizes that I need. They also rarely design jeans with any stretch in them, so normally it's a no-go in denim for me. That said, I got lucky and found a great pair in store to try on. This time I had to opt for a size 33, so a few sizes larger than my normal.
SHOP THE JEANS:
The colour and shape of this pair were bang on but a little short in the leg, so perfect for more petite women or those looking for an ankle grazer.
5. THE STONEWASH CLASSIC
Style Notes: If you don't know where to start with straight leg jeans, you can't go wrong with a pair of iconic Levis 501s. I used to struggle with 501s but the brand has recently developed their offering to feature more high waisted shapes that work better on wider hips and to suit different body shapes.
SHOP THE JEANS:
I'm wearing a size 32 to get that slightly looser look but probably could've gone down a size if I wanted to.
6. THE MID-WAIST FAVOURITE
Style Notes: For me, buying jeans from Mango is a real mixed bag as a tall girl. Some styles are far too short—I find cropped styles are more like pedal pushers on me—but these straight legs are perfect! They come is various washes and were a really nice length. I'm a convert!
SHOP THE JEANS:
They are a mid-waist height which I find really comfy and I'm wearing a size UK 14.
7. THE BEST UNDER-£50 PAIR
Style Notes: Zara have come on leaps and bounds with their denim offering over the past couple of years. They do fit small, but the styles themselves are pretty great for the price point. I really liked how high on the hips this pair sat and how long they were. If you're looking to spend under £50 but want a great cut and colour, these are for you.
SHOP THE JEANS:
I'm wearing a size UK 14 in this pair, so it's worth sizing up.
8. THE BLEACHED STRAIGHT LEG
Style Notes: I love a more bleached wash, so I was instantly drawn to this pair. It's not easy to find this colour, especially on the high street, and in a shape that fits me well, so I snapped them up instantly. They're more of a cropped ankle but the frayed hem is a nice added detail. Plus, they were super soft.
SHOP THE JEANS:
Like with the other Zara pair I'm wearing a UK size 14 here. This pair is also available in three washes.
SHOP MORE STRAIGHT LEG JEANS BELOW
Straight leg denim looks particularly good with flats like loafers or Mary Janes.
This pair come in size 4-22.
A favourite amongst editors, celebs and influencers. Crafted from a soft organic cotton, this pair feature a high-rise waist and a cropped hem.
The perfect mid-dark wash. Add a cashmere sweater and ankle boots for an easy yet polished autumnal look.
Grey straight-leg jeans are so chic. Wear with white or black for a simple yet stylish look.
These are a slightly longer length so are a great choice if cropped styles aren't you thing.
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