Pros: Comfortable enough to fly in
Cons: Confusing sizing
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We’re big fans of Madewell’s barrel jeans here at Glamour. These pants are so polished that you can easily wear them to the office in place of trousers. The high rise keeps them looking professional and maximizes your ability to tuck in tops, offering endless styling potential. (Go with a button-down shirt and blazer to start.) They’re long enough—30 inches to be exact—to easily wear a pair of heels underneath for nights out, but they’re not too long to ward off average-height women. And while I wouldn’t call them dramatic, they have some curving around the leg, distinguishing themselves from a simple straight-leg jean. These are rigid denim, so expect some break-in time before they feel tailor-made to you.
Pros: Plus, petite, and tall sizing
Cons: Sizing runs slightly small
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Agolde ’90s Pinch-Waist Jeans
If you aren’t familiar with Agolde’s editor-loved denim yet, it’s time to get acquainted. The brand’s designs are often made of 100% regeneratively-grown cotton, which translates to a high-quality fabric that’ll age beautifully and is completely biodegradable. This option isn’t jet black; rather, it’s a trendier faded wash that has more of a vintage feel. I appreciate the looser fit around the midsection, which makes sitting and walking around a little more comfortable.
Pros: Denim will age well; sustainable materials
Cons: Takes a few wears to soften up
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Banana Republic High-Rise ’90s Straight Jeans
The straight-leg jean is the perfect style to opt for if you’re looking to invest in something timeless. I love that this silhouette is not skin-tight, but still skims the body—a smart look ideal for daily wear. This option from Banana Republic borrows style points from classic ’90s jeans, with a high rise and a relaxed silhouette. As for material, 1% elastane gives this pair just the right amount of stretch for maximum comfort. Choose from three different inseam lengths to find your perfect fit.
Pros: Organic and recycled cotton; three inseam options
Cons: Might be slightly too baggy for a traditional straight fit
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Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Wide-Leg Jeans
Wide-leg styles are must-haves in my rotation, and they’re just about the trendiest jeans on the market. (They’re also year-round staples; in the winter, I wear mine with tights underneath for extra warmth, and no one is the wiser.) The Wow jeans from Old Navy offer three inseam lengths, spanning from 29 to 34 inches, which I appreciate since I often have to take my jeans to the tailor—that’s not the case here. With over 18,000 five-star reviews, it’s easy to trust the crowd this time around. Plus, the relatively affordable price is a nice contrast to some of the more expensive denim out there.
Pros: Wide selection of sizes and lengths
Cons: Not as durable as more expensive pairs
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Everlane Way-High Curve Jeans
A recent purchase of mine, these jeans have quickly become a favorite in my collection. They look incredibly chic, and the denim feels thick and substantial while still being comfortable, thanks to the roomy barrel-leg silhouette. (The pants also smelled surprisingly delightful out of the box, which is just an added bonus). I will say that the high rise feels a bit constricting when I’m sitting down, so if you prefer a bit more room, I’d suggest sizing up. On cooler days, I’d wear these with a pair of ballet flats.
Pros: High-quality construction and denim
Cons: Waistband can feel constricting
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Paige Laurel Canyon Flare Jeans
I love Paige jeans, as do both my mom and dad. The brand specializes in styles that feel incredibly soft, while holding up to years of wear and tear. Many of the brand’s pants are tall girl-friendly, too; this one has a 34-inch inseam, making it ideal for tucking over ankle boots or heels. Also worth noting: This pair is woven from proper stretch denim and feels almost like a thick pair of leggings, so it’s great for all-day wear. When it loosens out, just throw it in the wash to reset the fit.
Pros: Incredibly soft and stretchy
Cons: Not ideal for petites
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Loft High-Rise Slim Jeans
I love a pair of slim-fit jeans—neither too tight nor too baggy, and just right for 2025. They’re the perfect pick for a clean-cut appearance that’s polished for formal settings but low-key enough for daily wear. This particular option also comes cropped above the ankle, so use the opportunity to show off your favorite heeled booties—even if you’re petite, given that there’s a shorter inseam available, along with a curvy cut. For those who love stretch but don’t want to sacrifice sturdiness, reviewers also praise the pants for their substantial feel, commending the quality and sturdiness.
Pros: Lots of stretch; petite and curvy options available
Cons: Not to best option for tall girls
