Penny Goldstone
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: good denim doesn't have to cost a fortune, and there are plenty of pairs of jeans on the high street right now to prove me right.
I've scoured the shops, both online and in-store, and I can confirm that lots of the best jeans cost less than £100, without compromising on fit and cut. There are some classic styles like straight-leg and white jeans, as well as some more trend-led baggy and flared silhouettes.
I've rounded up some of my favourite high-street denim brands below and included lots of information on what fit is right for you.
Which jeans are right for me?
When it comes to jeans, it's all about the fit. Baggy jeans are all the rage at the moment, but if you're looking for a more subtle approach, you can't go wrong with a pair of straight-leg jeans.
Of course, we can't forget about wide-leg jeans. This style hit the denim scene a while ago, and it looks as if it's going nowhere. They're the perfect mix of skinny and baggy, and can easily be dressed up with heels and a blazer, or dressed down with trainers and an oversized shirt for an off-duty look.
This summer, we are seeing plenty of love for horseshoe jeans, which are worn with a relaxed blazer and flats. Of course, the trusty skinny jeans are still going strong from last year's success, so we made sure to include our top pick.
And, of course, we also included our favourite retailers like Levi's and COS who offer more in-depth inclusive sizing and options to ensure there is a style to suit everyone.
Where to shop for the best high street jeans:
There are many high-quality high-street jeans available. I've included our favourite brands below. While we know that some of these brands might not be the most sustainable options around, here at Marie Claire UK we believe in conscious consumption and ensuring that every piece you buy becomes a closet staple that you can wear for years to come. When it comes to staples, there's nothing more timeless than a pair of jeans. Let's face it, most of us wear jeans every day, so below we have specifically selected classic styles we know you’ll keep forever.
If you're looking for the right items to pair with your brand-new jeans, don't forget to check out our roundups of the best trench coats, best designer handbags and the best sunglasses to transition your wardrobe into the new season.
Scroll below for our edit of the best high-street jeans to buy now and where to find them.
Best Baggy Jeans
Pros: I wear baggy jeans at least four times a week, so I can confirm I'm the ultimate expert on the silhouette. When it comes to timeless pieces at affordable prices, H&M is genuinely one of my go-tos. This classic pair of baggy jeans comes in four different colourways, including a distressed leg option for those seeking a deconstructed approach. If comfort is one of the most essential qualities you look for when purchasing new jeans, then these are bound to satisfy as they're made from 100% cotton.
Cons: Colourways can often be sold out.
Fit: Low-rise, slouchy feel that puddles at the feet.
Materials: 100% cotton
Size range: UK 4-30
Best 90s Straight-Leg Jeans
Pros: You really can't go wrong with a classic pair of true blue 90s straight leg jeans, and this pair is exactly that for under £40. Coming in two different colourways, they offer style and comfort at an accessible price point.
As someone with dermatitis that experiences bad flare-ups when rough denim brushes against my ankles, I've found this style of jeans a great ally in ensuring I avoid aggravating my skin. As the hemline flares out slightly at the bottom of the ankle, I don't experience excessive rubbing on the skin as is often found in more tapered denim silhouettes.
Cons: Lacks a range of colourways.
Fit: Tapered at the waist and slightly looser towards the ankle.
Materials: 99% cotton
Size range: UK 6-18
Best White Jeans
Pros: It's easy to see why the fashion set can't get enough of ARKET jeans. There are so many styles to choose from, from the classic to the not-so-classic, like these flared white jeans.
Cons: Single leg length on all denim, more expensive option.
Materials: 99% cotton
Size range: 25inch- 33inch
Best Wide-Leg Jeans
Pros: These wide-leg jeans are, by far, my most complimented pair ever. Featuring five pockets for all your essentials and crafted from comfort-stretch fabric, you can't go wrong with these. My top tip would be to steam wash them whenever possible to ensure they retain their soft-as-butter feel.
Cons: Not petite-friendly as the legs are very long.
Fit: High-waisted, fitted at the waist and looser on the legs.
Materials: 87% Cotton, 12% Lyocell
Size range: 32- 46 centimetres
Best horseshoe jeans
Pros: Free People's in-house line, 'We The Free', offers a great selection of unique denim with a strong design aesthetic that ranges from billowing wide-leg jeans to straight-leg jeans with paint splatters. Since last season, the brand has been building on its release of the trendy silhouette. Offering 15 different colourways, these jeans are just under £100 but are definitely worth the investment for the totally one-of-a-kind colourways available.
Cons: More expensive, not full cotton.
Fit: Mid-rise, slouchy, relaxed fit with a tapered ankle for a horseshoe effect. This pair runs slightly large, so we would recommend sizing down one size.
Materials: 40% Recycled Cotton, 17% Cotton, 43% Lyocell
Size range: 24-33 inch
Best Extended-Sizing Jeans
Pros: River Island's denim selection is incredible, offering inclusive sizing and leg length options for taller women; we can't recommend them enough. With timeless options that are sure to see you through many seasons, these relaxed blue straight jeans are a great option to dress up with mules or down with comfortable trainers or flats.
Made from responsibly sourced cotton, River Island's jeans come in three sections: short, regular, and tall, to make sure you find your perfect fit and length. Additionally, River Island stocks more pairs of denim in their petite and plus section. Petite ranges in sizes UK 4-16 and plus ranges in UK 20-26 inches.
Cons: Lack of model imagery in different sizes to serve as a guide when shopping online.
Materials: 100% cotton
Size range: UK 20-26
Best Flare Jeans
Pros: Divisive as they may be, there's no denying that flared jeans are among 2025's biggest denim trends. If you're looking to dip your toes into the trend, these Gap jeans are among my best discoveries of the season. Giving an effortlessly chic look, they come in a flared and slim fit silhouette, depending on your choice of style and come in an office-friendly indigo blue for an elevated look.
Cons: Lack of model imagery in different sizes to serve as a guide when shopping online.
Fit: High-waisted bootcut fit with added stretch.
Materials: 86% Cotton, 7% Recycled cotton, 6% Recycled polyester, 1% Elastane.
Size range: 26-34 inches
Best Pleated Jeans
Pros: Pleated jeans instantly elevate any outfit. Whether you're considering a full pleat or simple dart detailing, this small but mighty addition is certain to make a difference. These Hush jeans, featuring a slight dart detail at the waistline, are available in two different washes for those who prefer a true blue colourway or a deeper, more sophisticated shade. Additionally, there are sizing options available for both regular and short leg lengths.
Cons: Higher price point, lacks different colourways.
Fit: High-rise with wide-leg silhouette
Materials: 60% Cotton, 40% TENCEL™ Lyocell
Size range: UK 4-18 in short and regular
Best Cargo Jeans
Pros: Levi's jeans are a timeless classic, and for good reason. They are durable and well-cut, especially their fan-favourite shaping range. This pair of skinny jeans is a hard-working capsule wardrobe piece that comes in nine colourways and different leg length sizes for a guaranteed true fit.
Cons: Lacks extensive waist sizes.
Fit: Mid-length with a slim-fit leg
Materials: 80% Cotton, 14% Polyester, 6% LYCRA®
Size range: 26 - 33 inches, 38 - 32 inches in length
How we selected:
Here at MCUK HQ, we love getting our hands on various pieces to get a deeper understanding of garment constructions, materials, and silhouettes. From testing our favourite denim to sleek waistcoats, we are proud shopping experts with in-depth experience in garment construction and knowledge of fabric performance to ensure the products we are recommending are wearable and worth investing in for longtime durability.
To read more about our testing practices, check out our guide here.
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