The Jeans Styles That Are In, Out, and Classic, According to Our Editors

For a long time, my relationship with jeans was iffy. Yes, I wore them daily, but not without a groan beforehand as I anticipated the leg acrobatics that the process of putting on jeans entailed. If the image of hopping around your room to get into a pair of jeans resonates with you, then you, too, lived in the age of skinny-jeans mania. I’m talking about those skintight-jeggings days. *Shudders.* I’ll say what everyone is thinking: Thank goodness those days are over.  Jeans styles evolve like everything in fashion, and I could not be happier with the transition to silhouettes that are looser and more approachable. Nowadays, I don’t mind putting on jeans in the morning. In fact, I’m a huge denim girl and love that one good pair can take you from running around during the day with cool-girl sneakers and a simple white tee to a night out with strappy heels and a statement top. I took an editor poll around the Who What Wear office on what jeans styles are in, out, and classic. The results were loud and clear: kiss those skinny jeans goodbye and make room for oversize, low-rise, and flare styles. As for a classic pick, straight-leg jeans never fail. Below, shop the cutest jeans of the moment. 

You heard it here first—baggier is better. Pair oversize jeans with a fitted top and chunky sandals for a cool and casual look. 

These jeans have that perfect baggy feel, hence the name. 

Love the twisted-hem detail on these oversize jeans. 

Baggy meets baggier with this exaggerated wide-leg silhouette.  

Here for the light-wash, almost gray color. 

Go full-on ’90s in this pair for an off-duty look. 

Don’t write off low-rise jeans. These styles are loose, relaxed, and actually comfortable. Grab a pair in time for warm weather. You won’t regret it. 

Relaxed and low-rise is a power combo. 

Loving this pink. 

This is one editor’s favorite pair of jeans: “If I can comfortably wear these jeans at five months pregnant (albeit in a couple of sizes up), anyone can.”

These classic low-rise jeans with a slouchy, straight-leg silhouette are the ultimate cool look. 

Style these slouchy, shredded-knee jeans with your favorite sandals or sneaks. 

These Levi’s are a good option if you want to dip your toe in the low-rise style.

Flares are back, but they don’t feel like a ’70s costume this time around. Paired with a modern top and sleek accessories, the look is perfectly fresh.

Love the stitched hem. 

This customer review says it all: “Perfect. I love everything about these. Marine is the perfect vintage blue. LOVE LOVE LOVE these jeans. I wear them all the time.”

These are very cute, and the price makes them even cuter. 

Mix it up and try a cropped flare style

Here for the distressed hem. 

Ah, the classic straight-leg style that goes with just about everything for just about any occasion. They’re truly go-to jeans for every day. 

One reviewer can’t get enough of this style: “Love these jeans! I decided to use this as an opportunity to update my jeans to what’s in vogue—light color and straight. These jeans look fantastic!” 

A timeless, slim-straight cut. 

An ultra-flattering pinch-waist detail. 

The split hem for a little something extra. 

The off-centered seams accentuate the straight-leg style on these cropped jeans. 

When in doubt, go for black jeans. 

A raving reviewer says, “I am completely in love with these jeans! I immediately had to go back to the store the next day and buy a second pair. I hope, hope, hope that more colors come out. It is the perfect pair of jeans for my body style and lifestyle. I am overall a straight body style, but I do have a slightly thicker tummy and thighs. This cut is perfect for me. I also love the fabric.”

For more inspiration, check out Let’s Talk About Light-Wash Jeans: Here’s What to Wear With Them for Spring 2022