Between fresh denim trends that arrive every season and timeless denim cuts that are always in stores, the best jeans for women are really in the eye of the beholder.
When I asked Bazaar editors to test and review their favorite jeans for summer, I received recommendations landing at every point on the denim spectrum. Between wearing their best swimsuits at the beach, some editors opt for a pair of wide-leg relaxed jeans; while others are all in on more tailored straight-leg (the better to spotlight a strong mary-jane flat, of course). I did my best editor's take to make a convincing case for the return of skinny jeans. Two editors named the same pair of ’90s straight-leg jeans as their absolute favorite—but they’re wearing theirs in completely different ways.
Ultimately, the beauty of this summer’s best jeans is their ability to speak to a variety of tastes. While washes and silhouettes vary, what all the denim we recommend have in common is a comfortable fit and endless styling potential. (Checking the tag for fabrication details and double-checking for the right inseam will ensure you find a pair as perfect as our editors’ favorites.) Ahead, shop the best jeans for summer 2024 for every body type, budget, and personal style—as tested by Bazaar editors.
The Best Denim Jeans for Women of 2024
"I have been on a real goldilocks adventure to find a new perfect everyday pair of jeans after having my second kid. AGolde's '90s pinch waist are beloved by many and for good reason--they can dress up with a blazer and sandals or down with Birks and a t-shirt on the weekend. They come in several great washes; I love the "infinate" hue."—Leah Chernikoff, executive editor
Sizes: 23–32
Wash: Light wash
"I love the Diana jeans from Doen, it's the perfect high-rise, straight-leg and vintage wash jean. Made from cotton denim, they get better every time you wear them." —Nicole Fritton, executive fashion director
Sizes: 23–34
Wash: Light, Medium, Dark, Palomino
"Hot tip for short people: Tibi does petites! I thought I'd never find horseshoe jeans that fit my five-foot frame, but the Sid is cut for those of us on the smaller side. I feel very cool in these, and the proportions are just right—although, to be totally honest, I did still have to chop an inch off the bottom so that I didn't trip going up the stairs. Excited to wear them with ballet flats all spring." —Izzy Grinspan, digital director
Sizes: 24–32
Wash: Black
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"Defined high Waist, super wide long leg, super chic from front, super sex’d from the back, with a zip that runs the length of the pant from waistband to hem. Transformative." —Laura Genninger, creative director
Sizes: FR 36-44
Wash: Black
Best Skinny Jean
RE-DONE High-Rise Skinny Jeans
“Miu Miu in February showed the coolest pair of skinny jeans on the runway at Paris Fashion Week. These jeans have attitude, there's something sexy yet dorky about these. I can't wait to give these a spin with a mini-dress tunic” —Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, senior fashion and accessories editor
“I will be wearing these straight-leg jeans all season. There’s something so flattering about a mid-rise: It’s high enough to comfortably cinch at the perfect place on your waist, and also looks flattering with a T-shirt or thin knit tucked in and pulled out slightly with a belt. These hit the ankles at the ideal spot to wear cool Mary Janes, flats, and Chelsea boots when it’s colder.” —Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, senior fashion and accessories editor
“I constantly receive compliments whenever I wear my 90s Straight Leg Jeans from AGOLDE. Even while being 100% cotton (something I usually steer away from when denim shopping) they're soft and have just the right amount of give and stretch that make them a jean for all seasons.” —Bianca Betancourt, culture editor
Sizes: 23–32
Wash: Mid denim
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"If I’m looking to build an outfit that plays with shapes and silhouettes, then I’ll be reaching for this pair of jeans from Everlane. Something about the curved, ballooned structure of barrel jeans makes an outfit look so much more put together. It helps that these can be easily dressed up or down, whether your choose to wear yours with a plain white tee or a pair of slingback heels." —Chelsey Sanchez, digital associate editor
Sizes: 23-33
Wash: Vintage Blue, Dark, Black, Chanterelle, Ecru
"If you, like me, struggle with your height, then these are the jeans for you! No more the dreaded trips to the tailor or the constant rolled up cuffs that fall out of place- finally a pair that sits just right. The low-rise straight-leg jeans from Sandro are perfect for your everyday needs." —Alex Delifer, executive assistant to the editor in chief
Sizes: 2-10
Wash: Blue Jean
"I historically have never been able to find what I consider to be the perfect jeans: loose enough but not stiff (but not stretchy either!) low rise but not so low that I can’t sit down, a leg just wide enough but not wide leg jean…. But these are it! And, they are only $50 but feel like $500. A win all around."—Faith Brown, senior social media editor
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"These jeans perfectly marry utility-style pockets and paneling with a comfortable high-rise fitted silhouette." — Ariana Marsh, senior features editor
Sizes: 23–33, petite, standard, tall
Wash: Blue, Ecru, Dark
"I love a cropped jean. This Toteme is perfectly proportioned-high waisted with a touch of flare. I love it with a flat shoe."—Nicole Fritton, executive fashion director
Sizes: 23–32
Wash: Black
"I wear these jeans at least once a week. They're sleek, easy to style—looks just as good with a low-heeled boot as they do with a suede sneaker— and are genuinely breathable, which is a non-negotiable as the weather continues to heat up." — Michella Oré, fashion commerce editor
Sizes: 23–32
Wash: Black
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“These are the jeans that you marry! That is because owning them takes a lifetime commitment. In return, they will be the only jean you’ll ever want to wear.
“I love the way they break in, form to your body, and record in their deep blues the life you’ve lived in them. To this extent I never really wash them. When they need a reboot, I put them in the freezer or with a dryer sheet on high in the dryer. (If that’s too extreme, I also recommend rinsing them in cold water with dark Woolite, then hanging to dry.) The slimness and modern cut look great with anything. For that Left Bank Parisian look, pair it with a sweater, tweedy blazer, and a brown loafer. C’est chic!" —Miguel Enamorado, accessories director
Sizes: 24–36
Wash: Indigo
"I am so excited for this spring + summer to wear these every day. I typically wear baggy, light/medium-wash jeans but ordered these and immediately loved the fit and capri length. I am making an effort with warmer weather approaching to embrace a more form-fitting denim fit. I think pedal pushers are honestly very flirty!!!" — Claudia Cruz, deputy visual director
Sizes: 23–34
Wash: Black
“I’m obsessed with everything Commission does, but I especially love their jeans—a little classic, a little not, perfect fit, and just the right indigo wash.”—Brooke Bobb, fashion news director
Sizes: 24–36
Wash: Dark indigo
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"Whenever I want to throw together a good outfit without putting in too much work, I pair a short sleeve or button-up top with these high-waisted jeans from Good American. As noted in the name, they give perfect ’90s vibes and the color is classic Americana. Plus they’re just slightly baggy without being too dramatic. Oh, and they’re über comfortable too. Once you start wearing these, you’ll never wanna try another pair." — Joel Calfee, editorial and social media assistant
Sizes: 0-22
Wash: True Blue
"Madewell Jeans have always fit me best through all stages of my life—pre-baby, post-baby, and every weight change in-between. I love that these jeans offer the look of a more relaxed, boyfriend jean without veering too baggy or saggy. They're so versatile that I find myself reaching for them exclusively even though I own way too many other pairs of jeans."—Jenna Rosenstein, beauty director
Sizes: 23–33
Wash: Light Wash, Mid-Wash, Dark, White, Black
"A pair of jeans that come with a detachable purse? Sign me up! The loose fit make these a great silhouette to layer with, I love to pair them with an oversized sweater and flat."—Caitlyn Morton, senior visual editor
Sizes: XXS-Large
Wash: Blue and Black
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"I have spent so much time on the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans that will make me feel cool, confident, and chic. Once I tried on this wide-leg pair from Everlane, I was instantly obsessed! I love pairing them with either a pair of leather boots or Mary-Janes for the ultimate day-to-night outfit."—Olivia Alchek, Senior DesignerSizes: 23–33
Wash: Light, Mid-Wash, Dark Blue, Black, White
“These are the kind of jeans you buy and then proceed to wear every single day after. I ordered two sizes up for an extra baggy feel, which is how I prefer to wear my denim in the fall. The slouchy look and wide-leg silhouette make these jeans such a great shape to play with, when it comes to layering. Basically they’re like the perfect middleman between a big snug sweater and tiny little sexy slingback heels." —Tara Gonzalez, senior fashion editor
Sizes: 23–33
Washes: Light, mid, dark, espresso, and more
Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen
Senior Fashion & Accessories Editor
Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen is Harper's Bazaar's Senior Fashion & Accessories Editor. Outside of the office she can be found downtown with her twin sister, figure skating somewhere or on the hunt for the perfect striped top. Follow her on Instagram @jaclynalexandra
