I’ve never come across stretch jeans that I don’t like. That’s because stretch denim can do the seemingly impossible: it makes jeans comfortable. While denim is both practical and sophisticated, it’s not known for being incredibly comfortable.
Instead, stretch jeans fill a gap in comfort – both literally and figuratively. Thanks to a clever blend of stretch fibers, they are not only close-fitting jeans that don’t open at the waist, but they also offer freedom and ease of movement that traditional denim can’t match. The only problem with feeling stretch jeans is that there are so many good options. After considering dozens of stretch jeans options, we ended up with these top-rated options, ranging from baggy mom jeans to slim-fit flared bottoms.
Compared to similar brands on the market, Abercrombie & Fitch’s stretch denim has a triple threat, excelling in comfort, slim fit, and affordability. But there’s something else to love about these ultra-high-rise stretch jeans: Available in a variety of lengths (ultra-short, short, regular, and long inseams), sizes (23-27″ waist), and washed. We also love how well they fit at the waist, hips and thighs, with a pronounced flared opening at the knees that creates the illusion of long legs. Plus, to put it simply, their comfort is unmatched.
Size: 23-37 |Material: 93% cotton, 6% polyester, 1% elastane |Color: 3 | Inseam: ultra-short, short, regular, long
If you’re looking for something more cost-effective but don’t want to skimp on quality, these old navy wide-leg pants are the ideal affordable option. They have cool-girl’s wide-leg pants that fit snugly around your seat, but then go through your hips and legs, making them a stylish and super comfortable option. In addition, they are available in three different versions (regular, high and small) as well as three different inseams. We love that these materials contain recycled polyester and cotton.
Size: 0-30 |Material: 63% cotton, 27% recycled polyester, 6% recycled cotton |Color: 4 |Inseam: short, regular, long
If you’re looking for a variety of stretch options, MOTHER denim will be the perfect fit for you and your wardrobe. While there are plenty of options to choose from, from flared pants to bootcut jeans, we appreciate the beautifully crafted look at these wide-leg straight-leg jeans. It’s made from denim with stretch, which is why luxury fashion content creator Ida Giancola loves the label’s bottoms so much. She says their stretch jeans strike the perfect balance of “softness and stretch” while still having a high-quality, classic denim feel. In addition, they come in a popular light blue wash with subtle fades and whiskering folds.
Sizes: 23-34 |Material: 90% cotton, 6% post-consumer recycled cotton, 3% polyester, 1% elastane |color: 3 |inseam: 27.5 inches
Kardashian-led brand Good American has been praised for its full-sizing and high-quality denim products. These skinny jeans show why they’re so lauded: not only does it fit perfectly, but it’s also made from curve-hugging, figure-contouring stretch denim that won’t fade with wear. This is important considering how much you want to wear them, so they are washable.
Size: 00-32 Plus |Material: 67.4% cotton, 25% recycled cotton, 5.8% Elasterel-P, 1.8% elastane | Color: 1 | Inseam: 29 inches
It’s always a good idea to invest in a good pair of mid-rise straight-leg jeans (though, with a perfect mid-rise wash). If it’s a pair of shoes made by the beloved brand Citizens of Humanity, so much the better. It’s a pair of polished and practical jeans with a soft wide-leg style, making it the perfect match to show off your new strappy sandals or western-style boots with an extended toe. (Ahem, can you tell I’ve figured out how to design them?)
Size: 23-32 |Material: 67% organic cotton, 22% recycled lyocell, 11% post-recycled cotton |Color: 6 |Inseam: 27 inches
Forget what Gen Z tells you – skinny jeans are always in vogue. These leggings are a trans-seasonal piece that can be worn day or night, bringing a sleek denim-like feel to your outfit, whether formal or casual. Despite the tight fit, the stretch fabric ensures comfort and freedom of movement. While this may seem unlikely to be a form-fitting style, wearing this pair of jeans from the popular denim brand will prove otherwise: these leggings feel like leggings.
Sizes: 23-34 |Material: 44% cotton, 42% lyocell, 13% polyester, 1% elastane |Color: 5 |Inseam: 28.75 inches
Make your Daisy Jones dream come true with these 70s-inspired Levi’s flared trousers. While the brand may be best known for its vintage, unbent over styles, these styles are all ultra-high-waisted, loose-fitting and can be slipped straight over the body. While paying homage to this decade, they don’t feel too old-fashioned, keeping them modern and fresh. Since they come in three different inseams, you can also find the ideal length for your height.
Size: 23-34 |Material: 84% cotton, 15% organic cotton, 1% elastane |Color: 6 |Inseam: 30, 32, 34 inches
While we love baggy jeans that feel like sweatpants, Rag & Bone tries to answer the question: what if jeans are sweatpants? No, seriously, the label’s high-waisted wide-leg jeans are crafted from super-soft cotton terry cloth and printed with faux-denim trims. They look like stretch jeans, they feel like stretch jeans, only they’re lighter and more stylish. You might call this cheat included in the stretch denim list, but we’ll call it genius. It’s arguably the most innovative pants to date.
Size: 23-34 |Material: 100% cotton |Color: 1 |Inseam: 34 inches
Plucked from DL1961’s Instasculpt collection, these beautiful jeans feature high-retention elastane technology, aka super-soft jeans, that will make you say, “No, seriously.” “Feel them. To anyone who praises you. These jeans also feature a wavy contoured waistband with a precise pattern for a perfect fit, and the entire pants have smooth, lifting, and snug properties. They fit snugly around the waist, seat, and thighs and won’t lose their silhouette even after multiple washes, which is a huge benefit.
Size: 23-34 |Material: 93% cotton, 6% polyester, 1% lycra |Color: 1 |Inseam: 33 inches
We love Spanx for all of our basic needs, but if you haven’t tried their denim yet, you’ll see why they deserve as much publicity as shapewear. Crafted from high-quality stretch denim, these vintage-inspired jeans feature high-rise coverage and are built in true Spanx fashion style with a concealed core shaping technique. Plus, they’re available in impressive sizes, with XS-3XL as well as small, regular, and trombone lengths to ensure a perfect fit every time.
Size: XS-3XL |Material: 91% cotton, 7% polyester, 2% Lycra elastane |Color: 4 | Inseam: 32, 34, 37 inches
Let it be known: Everlane has made stretch-denim jeans pop again. This is because they strike the ideal balance between looking retro but feeling very comfortable. (See also: they’re the best part of hard jeans, but they’re not actually stiff.) And with a very comfortable, ultra-high waist that pulls you and shapes your body, these give you a slender look that most other jeans can’t match. Mommy jeans can’t be taken off. For digital content creator Jules Acree, that’s why they’re her go-to: “I love the way they fit. They’re high-waisted and not too tight,” says Acree. “They make your hips look good, but they’re still loose, relaxed and laid-back. ”
Size: 23-35 |Material: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane |Color: 7 | Inseam: 25.5, 27.5, 29.5 inches
Recommended by fashion writer, editor and founder of The Mom Edit Shana Draugelis (and many others who are soon-to-be moms who give these jeans 5 stars), these fully panelled, loose-fitting girlfriend jeans stretch your legs and belly for maximum support. And they’re also very comfortable, with a loose silhouette at the hips and thighs, making them feel like pajama pants on days when you want to wear anything but denim.
Size: 25-34 |Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane |Color: 4 |Inseam: 24, 26.5, 30.5 inches
Sometimes, it’s hard to find a pair of jeans when you’re petite and curvy, but these jeans can do both: they fit around the waist and legs, and a high waist and wide legs elongate the figure. Plus, they look and feel quite luxurious – trust. We had a pair and couldn’t buy enough.
Size: 23-34 |Material: 63% cotton, 35% lyocell, 2% elastane |Color: 1 |Inseam: 31 inches
With an inseam length of 34.5 inches, these PAIGE jeans will meet the needs of any tall girl. Plus, with a dark, rich wash and a sleek comb silhouette (from a trusted premium denim brand, in case we forget!), this is a pair of jeans worth squandering and will stand the test of time.
Size: 23-24 |Material: 93% cotton, 5% polyester, 2% spandex |Color: 1 |Inseam: 34.5 inches