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10 Best Straight-Leg Jeans for Women to Wear in 2025

No matter which denim trends crop up, straight-leg jeans will forever be in style. The best straight-leg jeans have a classic, relaxed, and vintage-like appeal, plus a flattering cut that pairs seamlessly with no shortage of shoe styles: ultimately resulting in a chic, streamlined look.

“In recent years, we’ve seen a huge shift in people moving away from the super-stretch skinnies and opting for more authentic, rigid fabrications reminiscent of vintage jeans of the ‘90s,” explains Frame’s creative director of women’s denim, Erin Meehan. “When seeking inspiration for the perfect rigid straight-leg, I always tend to think of those iconic paparazzi shots from the ‘90s: Cindy Crawford, Julia Roberts, and Meg Ryan so effortlessly wearing their vintage straights with a simple tank or tee while at the airport.”

Straight-leg jeans are embraced as an essential building block of polished ensembles by countless style stars, given that they’re spotted everywhere from the eclectic model-off-duty wardrobe of Bella Hadid to the classical stylings of Kate Middleton. Designer labels like Bottega Veneta, Khaite, and The Row have made the denim style a mainstay on the runway, and social media trendsetters like Matilda Djerf interpret straight-leg jeans in street-style uniforms by balancing playful accessories with other timeless elements like women’s sweaters or sleek ankle boots.

While the silhouette is seemingly straight-forward, what sets this particular type of denim apart is its variety. Straight-leg denim comes in a myriad of different leg widths and lengths, waist heights, and fits — which makes it universally flattering. Plus, the simple cut of women’s straight-leg jeans makes them a blank canvas for added detailing (think split hems, embroidery, utility pockets, hardware, and more).

Peruse our top picks for the best straight-leg jeans on the market, with tons of style options to fit your own aesthetic sensibilities. We also share the low-down on what to look for in your next go-to pair of denim, while doling out styling inspiration for how to wear straight-leg jeans and wear them right.

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Favorite Daughter The Mikaela Straight-Leg Jeans

Selena Gomez, Anne Hathaway, Olivia Rodrigo, and many more A-listers are fond of Favorite Daughter’s closet must-haves that balance the trendy and the timeless. These jeans are no exception, what with their faded, gray-hued looks, no-stretch fabrication, and slight pooling at the ankles. That low-rise waist breathes more modernity into the style, and we urge you to match it to your cowboy boots, retro-inspired runners, and suede clogs.

What reviewers say: “The perfect ‘vintage’ jeans. So flattering and chic with some pumps. I am pretty tall, so it’s such a win that they’re long enough.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $218

10 Best Straight-Leg Jeans 2025: Women's Denim Styles to Wear for Fall

Frame Le Sleek Straight-Leg Jeans

The Le High Straight-Leg Jeans from Frame are some of the best women’s jeans on the market because they’re the kind you won’t be running home to take off. Their blend of certified organic cotton, lyocell, polyester, and elastane lends a soft and stretchy feel that adapts to your body. If you haven’t given the American classics brand a try, consider this your sign to purchase a piece from its ultra-popular denim selection. As an added incentive, this particular pair flaunts the trending-right-now leopard print that’s both runway- and It-girl-approved.

What reviewers say: “Perfect amount of stretch in the material. Very flattering cut. Love these jeans. Worth the purchase.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $288

10 Best Straight-Leg Jeans 2025: Women's Denim Styles to Wear for Fall

Abercrombie & Fitch Mid-Rise 90s Straight Jeans

$110


Buy Now at abercrombie & fitch

When you think of early aughts denim, Abercrombie is one of the first brands that come to mind. The outfitter has made a major comeback in 2025, generating millions of searches for its ’90s-inspired styles in particular. Hop on the bandwagon with this trending pick: measured straight through the hip, thigh, and waist while “show[ing off your best butt,” per the brand. What makes these jeans stand out from the crowd is no doubt their studded details, which will add instant edge to every single one of your ensembles (whether you’re heading to school, work, or simply stepping out to run some errands). Tuck a crisp white button-up into the mid-rise waist here, and off you go.

What reviewers say: “These jeans fit like a glove. Feels like they were made for me. Perfect for everyday wear. Can easily dress them up or down.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $110

10 Best Straight-Leg Jeans 2025: Women's Denim Styles to Wear for Fall

Levi’s Women’s Premium Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans

Levi’s has a long history of offering unfussy, practical denim that feels great when you put it on. After the quintessential American brand released the ribcage — a high-rise style that hits above the belly button — dozens of tastemakers rushed to make it a staple in their denim rotation. The leg is fitted but not too tight, and the slightly cropped ankle is great for pairing with the best women’s white sneakers. Do note that the highly rated Amazon selection tends to run small, so consider sizing up.

What reviewers say: “So comfy and flattering! The slight stretch makes the high-rise waist really comfortable. Hugs my hips and butt just right.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $98

10 Best Straight-Leg Jeans 2025: Women's Denim Styles to Wear for Fall

Agolde 90’s Pinch Waist High Rise Straight Jeans

The power of a great pair of black jeans is undisputed, as it’s a wardrobe staple that everyone should have on hand. Agolde is a fashion-insider favorite — beloved for its relaxed, cool-girl silhouettes — and this selection, highly recommended by Meehan, boasts a versatile appearance and just-right fit. The high rise and slouchy fit through the legs make for a relaxed combination that can easily be dressed up or down, and the slightly washed coloring gives the jeans an intentionally worn look. An added bonus: The non-stretch fabric is soft to the touch, so you can expect to be comfortable all day long, no matter how busy you get.

What reviewers say: “Love the thickness of the material and the higher waist.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $218

10 Best Straight-Leg Jeans 2025: Women's Denim Styles to Wear for Fall

Good American Good Icon Straight Diamond Jeans

Founded by Emma Grede and Khloé Kardashian, Good American is a contemporary womenswear brand that has filled a gap in the denim industry with its size inclusivity. This new release maintains the brand’s high standards by offering a plethora of size options that mold to your unique body type, with the bonus of shimmery crystal detailing and cutouts for entering your showgirl era with a single purchase.

Other things to love? The jeans’ gap-proof waistband, stomach-smoothing technology, high-rise fit perfect for layering over bodysuits, and chic black hue. The styling possibilities here are endless, whether you match the denim to red-soled pumps or, in yet another nod to the ’90s, a pair of chunky dad sneakers.

What reviewers say: “These are so fantastic. I think they fit well, maybe just a tiny bit snug, so if you want a looser fit, size up. They are truly well-made and feel sturdy.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $189

10 Best Straight-Leg Jeans 2025: Women's Denim Styles to Wear for Fall

& Other Stories High-Waist Straight-Leg Jeans

$129


Buy Now at & other stories

The High-Waist Straight-Leg Jeans from & Other Stories are our top pick for the best high-wasted jeans in a straight-leg style. They fall at the natural waist, just above the belly button and below the ribcage, while featuring a comfortable, structured fit. Their cotton blend is guaranteed to hold shape throughout the day and won’t droop towards your hips when you’re not wearing a belt, though the jeans style does have a dropped crotch for keeping things loose and modern. What you’ll be getting here is a trouser-like fit with minimal detailing; that being said, the jeans are polished enough to wear to the office with a blazer or blouse (while also being the ideal piece for upcoming concerts when styled with a baggy tee and leather jacket).

What reviewers say: “These jeans are so flattering, I immediately bought them in another color! I’m 6’ and struggle to find pants that are long enough. These are great for tall gals.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $129

10 Best Straight-Leg Jeans 2025: Women's Denim Styles to Wear for Fall

Everlane The ’90s Cheeky Jeans

Everlane’s The ’90s Cheeky Jeans are the definition of a personalizable purchase, seeing as how you can not only pick your wash of choice but also have more control over the jeans’ inseam length. An extra-high rise and a butt-boosting fit in the back come together to bless your curves. The style’s 100-percent organic cotton composition, too, will ensure these babies last you for years on end, meshing well with everything from Fair Isle sweaters to your sexiest date-night halter tops.

What reviewers say: “This is my second pair of 90’s cheeky jeans. I need a fairly straight fit and so many jeans are either too tight in the waist or too big in the hips. These are perfect, with a small amount of stretch but not so much that they are too loose.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $128

10 Best Straight-Leg Jeans 2025: Women's Denim Styles to Wear for Fall

Anine Bing Roy High-Rise Straight-Fit Jeans

$250


Buy Now at saks fifth avenue

Ready to have a little fun with your jeans? Look no further than this straight-leg iteration from the denim brand that Meghan Markle can’t stop wearing. The Roy Jeans in question have a full-length, boyfriend-inspired cut and are made from stretchless, 100-percent cotton (our editors are also partial to their indigo hue and ankle slits). Go ahead: Team these with a black trench coat and slingback mules for a stylish day-to-night look you’ll keep coming back to.

What reviewers say: “Perfect size, comfy, looks great on body!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $250

10 Best Straight-Leg Jeans 2025: Women's Denim Styles to Wear for Fall

Rag & Bone Harlow Straight-Leg Jeans

Jennifer Lawrence, Reese Witherspoon, and Taylor Swift are just some of the celebrities who count Rag & Bone among their go-to denim brands. The New York–based fashion label is famous for producing jeans that are designed to feel as though each pair is tailored with you in mind. Its mid-rise Harlow jeans are composed of a cotton and elastane blend, with a powder-blue hue and strategic hints of distressing down the leg. Rag & Bone calls the fit here “ankle-grazing,” meaning the denim will look especially darling with sneakerinas, the season’s hottest ankle boots, and everything in between.

What reviewers say: “I am seriously obsessed with these jeans. The fit is on point and the look is perfection. They hit a little below my ankle and are true to size. A must-buy and a great staple for every season.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $255



What’s the Difference Between Straight-Leg and Skinny Jeans?

“A straight-leg jean isn’t too far of a departure from a skinny, as they have the same fit on top,” explains Tim Kaeding, co-founder of Mother Denim. “The term straight-leg is somewhat loose because there isn’t an exact point at which they have to go straight. Some straight-legs go straight starting at the hip, others at the thigh, and some can even start at the knee. It’s an easy transition to make if you were a skinny-jean wearer.” While skinny jeans hug the body tightly from waist to leg, straight-leg jeans tend to be more rigid and fit slightly looser, especially through the lower part of the leg.



What to Look for in the Best Straight-Leg Jeans

Material/fabric: Not all denim is solely made from cotton, which is why you should look at the fabric composition of any pair of jeans before purchasing it online. If you’re looking for rigid straight-leg jeans, go for styles made from 100-percent cotton. While these options will end up fitting to the proportions of your body, they do take some time to break in. Frightened by the thought of breaking in your jeans? Invest in women’s straight-leg jeans that blend cotton with the stretchier spandex or elastane.

Fit: Just like the perfect white T-shirt or LBD, the right pair of straight-leg jeans has incredible potential to be flattering. The beauty of straight-leg jeans is that they have the ability to skim past the hips while elongating the legs and creating a more balanced look (that’s why the silhouette is a great choice for body types that are broader on top and narrower on the bottom). Regardless of your proportions, it’s important to check the inseam, rise, and model measurements when shopping for jeans online. The inseam tells you where the jeans will hit your legs, while the rise tells you how high they will go up your torso. Remember that for a pair of jeans to be considered straight-leg, it needs to hit around your ankle bone, no matter your height.

Wash: When doing your straight-leg jeans shopping, take into account the occasions you’ll be wearing them for, and then think about which wash best fits the bill. Dark blue and black-washed straight-leg jeans are great for days and nights because their hue is easy to dress up or down, depending on what look you want to achieve. Light-wash straight-leg jeans are typically best for summer or casual year-round events because they dress down any look. On the other hand, when you want to take things up a notch, there’s no better way to do so than with straight-leg jeans boasting bold detailing. These jeans make it fun to get dressed up but can be more challenging to style.



The Different Rise Options For Straight-Leg Jeans

“Rise is really all about body shape and type — you have to find the right one for you,” Kaeding tells WWD. “Higher rises can be flattering as they help hold one in at the waist. Mid-rise jeans are some of our bestsellers at the moment. They work well for a variety of body types.”

  • Low-rise straight-leg jeans: The biggest trend of the aughts has returned — low-rise jeans are back, baby. This cut is definitely more trend-forward and will show some skin. “I would recommend keeping your low-rise jeans a bit more relaxed and easy through the leg to give them a more modern appeal,” notes Meehan. Try styling such jeans with a cropped shirt or cardigan to create a balanced silhouette. You can also wear them with a long, chunky sweater for a bit more coverage through the midsection.
  • Medium-rise straight-leg jeans: If you gravitate towards things that sit in neutral territory, the medium rise is for you. It offers more coverage than low-rise jeans but may not be as constricting as something that hits above the belly button. Pair mid-rise jeans with a relaxed T-shirt for a daytime look that doesn’t feel too formal.
  • High-rise straight-leg jeans: High-rise jeans hit above the belly button, making them a match made in heaven for crop tops and shorter blouses. High-rise denim also offers more support around the hips and stomach, so it’s worth considering if you prefer your pants to fit snugly across the midsection.



How We Selected the Best Straight-Leg Jeans

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail, and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.

To find the best straight-leg jeans for women on the market, we assessed the design elements of every straight-leg jeans pick on this list, including the inseams, hems, and materials used, supplementing this with personal testing and market research. To narrow our selections of women’s straight-leg jeans, we also looked to online consumer reviews and interviewed denim experts in the fashion industry. Here, you’ll find jeans that cater to all budgets and body types — from petite to tall and curvy. Learn more about us here.



Meet the Experts

Erin Meehan is the creative director of women’s denim at Frame, coming to this role from the brand Agolde, where she served as the design director. Meehan guides the ship when it comes to creating the next big denim trends and spoke to WWD about why straight-leg jeans are trending, which ones are worth shopping in 2025, as well as how to pick a pair perfect for you.

Tim Kaeding is the creative director and co-founder of Mother Denim. The Los Angeles–based denim brand is inspired by ’70s-era California, and it’s well-loved for its wide assortment of classic-yet-edgy styles. Bottom line: Kaeding knows what makes a great pair of jeans.



Meet the Authors

Olivia Cigliano was a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD, where she wrote shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. Cigliano updated this straight-leg jeans shopping guide for women on August 21, 2023, with fresh product picks and emerging trends.

Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on seasonal closet staples worth readers’ time and money.

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