Found: The Most Comfortable Pairs of Jeans on the Planet (2024)

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Size: 000-20 | Material: 77% Cotton, 16% Polyester, 5% Viscose, 1% Elastane | Colors: 3 | Inseam: Short, regular, long

Hollister's stretch denim stands out as a triple threat, excelling in comfort, flattering fit, and affordability when measured against similar brands in the market. But here are some other things we love about this pair of ultra-high-rise stretch jeans: They’re available in a range of lengths (short, regular, and long inseams), sizes (000-20), and washes. We also love that they are fitted at the waist, hips, and thighs, with a slightly flared opening at the knee that creates a leggy illusion. And even though they are described at low-rise, our testers still felt confident wearing the pair. Plus, their comfort level is—to put it simply—unmatched.

Size: 0-30 | Material: 63 % Cotton, 27% Recycled Polyester, 6% Recycled Cotton | Colors: 4 | Inseam: Short, regular, long

If you’re looking for something more on the cost-efficient side but don’t want to skimp on quality, these Old Navy wide-legs are the ideal wallet-friendly option. They have a cool-girl wide leg that hugs your seat but then flutters out through the hips and the legs, making for a stylish yet super-comfy choice. Plus, they come in three different fits (regular, tall, and petite) as well as three different inseams. And we love that the materials contain recycled polyester and cotton.

Size: 23-34 | Material: 90% Cotton, 6% Post Consumer Recycled Cotton, 3% Polyester, 1% Elastane | Colors: 3 | Inseam: 27.5 inches

If you’re looking for a wide variety of stretch options, Mother denim will serve you—and your closet—well. And while there are plenty of options to choose from, with everything from flares to bootcut, we appreciate how beautifully done these wide, straight-leg, clean-lined jeans are. They’re made from denim with a touch of stretch, which is why luxury fashion content creator Ida Giancola loves the brand so much for bottoms. She says that their flexible jeans strike that perfect balance of “soft and stretchy” while still having that high-quality, classic denim feel. Plus, these come in an on-trend light blue wash with subtle fading and whiskering.

Size: 00-32 Plus | Material: 67.4% Cotton, 25% Recycled Cotton, 5.8% Elasterel-P, 1.8% Elastane | Colors: 1 | Inseam: 29 inches

Kardashian-led label Good American has been praised for its size-inclusive and high-quality denim offerings. This skinny jean exhibits why that acclaim is so well deserved: Not only do these fit so incredibly well but they’re made from a curve-hugging, body-sculpting stretch denim that doesn’t wane with wear. These hold up with washes, which is important, considering how much you’ll want to wear ‘em.

Size: 23-32 | Material: 67% Organic Cotton, 22% Recycled Lyocell, 11% Post Recycled Cotton | Colors: 6 | Inseam: 27 inches

Investing in a quality pair of mid-rise, straight-legged jeans—in a perfectly mid-wash, nonetheless— is always a good idea. It’s an even better idea when it’s a pair by cult-favorite label Citizens of Humanity. These are a polished and practical pair of jeans with a gentle wide-leg , making them the ideal pair to show off new strappy sandals or a western-inspired boot with an elongated toe. (Ahem, can you tell I’ve already thought of how I’d style these?)

Size: 23-34 | Material: 44% Cotton, 42% Lyocell, 13% Polyester, 1% Elastane | Colors: 5 | Inseam: 28.75 inches

Forget what Gen Z has told you—skinny jeans will always be in style. This tight-legged silhouette is a trans-seasonal piece, and it works day-to-night and can be dressed up or down, providing your outfit with an effortless edge that sleek denim provides. Despite the snug fit, the stretch fabric ensures comfort and ease of movement. And while it may seem unlikely for a form-fitting style, slipping into this pair from a popular denim label will prove otherwise: These skinnies feel just like leggings.

Size: 23-34 | Material: 100% Cotton | Colors: 1 | Inseam: 34 inches

While we love slouchy jeans that feel like sweatpants, Rag & Bone begs to answer the question: What if jeans were sweatpants? No, seriously, these high-rise, wide-leg jeans from the label are made from a super-soft cotton terry, printed with faux denim accents. They look like stretch jeans; they feel like stretch jeans, except they’re something much more lightweight and sleek. You might call that cheating to include on a list of stretch denim, but we call it genius. It’s arguably the most innovative pant yet.

Size: 23-34 | Material: 93% Cotton, 6% Polyester, 1% Lycra | Colors: 1| Inseam: 33 inches

This beautiful pair of denim is from DL1961’s Instasculpt line, which utilizes high-retention elastane technology—a.k.a. a super-soft jean that will make you say, 'No, seriously. Feel them.' to anyone who compliments you. These jeans also feature a contoured waistband with a precise pattern for a perfect fit, as well as smoothing, lifting, and conforming properties throughout the pant. They shape to the waist, seat, and thigh without losing their silhouette, even after multiple washes, which is a huge bonus.

Size: XS-3XL | Material: 91% Cotton, 7% Polyester, 2% Lycra Elastane | Colors: 4| Inseam: 32, 34, 37 inches

We love Spanx for all of our underpinning needs, but if you haven’t tried their denim, you’ll understand why they deserve as much hype as their shapewear. These retro-inspired jeans are made from premium stretch denim, have a high-rise coverage, and—in true Spanx fashion—have hidden core shaping technology. Plus, they’re available in an impressive range of sizes, carrying selections in XS-3XL and in petite, regular, and tall lengths, ensuring the perfect fit every time.

Size: XS-3XL | Material: 91% Cotton, 7% Polyester, 2% Lycra Elastane | Colors: 4| Inseam: 32, 34, 37 inches

Let it be known: Everlane made stretch jeans cool again. And that’s because these strike an ideal balance of looking vintage-y, but feeling marvelously comfortable. (See also: They’re the best part of rigid jeans without actually being rigid.) And with an oh-so-comfy extreme high-rise waist that pulls you in and shapes your body, these give you that leggy look that most other mom jeans aren’t able to pull off. For Digital Content Creator Jules Acree, this reason and more is why they’re her go-to pair: “I love the way these fit. They’re high-waisted, not too tight on my thighs,” says Acree. “They make your butt look good, but they’re still loose, relaxed, and laid back.”

Size: 25-34 | Material: 98%Cotton, 2% Elastane | Colors: 4 | Inseam: 24, 26.5, 30.5 inches

Recommended by fashion writer, editor, and founder of The Mom Edit, Shana Draugelis (and by plenty of other soon-to-be mamas who give this one 5-stars), these full-paneled, loosely-fitted girlfriend jeans stretch over your belly for maximum support. And they’re entirely cozy, too, with a relaxed silhouette through the hip and thigh, feeling as close to a sleep pant as they can get for those days where you want to wear anything but denim.

Size: 23-34 | Material: 63% Cotton, 35% Lyocell, 2% Elastane | Colors: 1| Inseam: 31 inches

Sometimes, it’s hard to find a pair of jeans when you’re petite and curvy, but these jeans cater to both needs: They fit throughout the waist and legs, and the high rise and wide leg elongate the frame. A miracle! Plus, they look and feel pretty luxe on too—trust. We have a pair and can’t get enough of them.

Size: 23-24 | Material: 93% Cotton, 5% Polyester, 2% Spandex | Colors: 1| Inseam: 34.5 inches

With an inseam of 34.5 inches, these PAIGE jeans fulfill any tall girl’s needs. Plus, in a dark, rich wash and a stylish bow leg silhouette (from a trusted, premium denim label, lest we forget!), these are a splurge-worthy pair of jeans that will withstand the test of time.

Size: 23-34 | Material: 84% Cotton, 15% Organic Cotton, 1% Elastane | Colors: 6 | Inseam: 30, 32, 34 inches

Live out your Daisy Jones dreams in these ‘70s-inspired flares from Levi’s. While the brand might be known for its vintage, can't-bend-over styles, these are super high-rise, loosely fitted, and glide right over the body. And as these nod to the decade, they do so without feeling too costume-y, remaining modern and fresh. Since these come in three different inseams, you can find the ideal length for your height as well.

FAQ

• How do stretchy jeans feel different than 100% cotton jeans?

  The best part about stretchy jeans, according to Draugelis, is that they feel comfortable immediately. “No breaking in will be required,” she says. “Instead, stretchy jeans allow for a full range of movement, so there’s no ‘pull’ when, say, bending down to tie a shoe or pick something off the floor.” She also mentions that 100 percent cotton jeans can feel very restricting (especially at first), and stretch jeans feel more supportive rather than constrictive.

• How do you care for stretchy jeans?

  “The biggest thing to remember with stretchy jeans is that they should never touch hot water or be thrown into a hot dryer—the heat will break down the stretch fabrics,” says Draugelis. “When I wash my stretchy jeans, it’s always in the coldest water and will tumble dry on extra low.” Her pro tip? Spot cleaning or hanging them up for an airing out is the best way to keep stretchy jeans looking new. This will keep your jeans’ silhouette intact, keeping that soft-to-the-touch feeling that made you buy ‘em in the first place.

• Do stretchy jeans become saggy while wearing them?

  According to Draugelis, it depends! “Most stretchy jeans are made from a cotton/elastane blend (i.e., 98 percent cotton, 2 percent elastane), and this combination, while comfortable, does tend to get saggy with wear,” she says.

  Higher quality stretch jeans, however, are now made with a blend of cotton and Tencel Lyocell, and these blends perform better than the cotton/elastane stretch jeans. “Plus, Tencel Lyocell has a more sustainable life cycle than traditional cotton since it’s made from responsibly sourced wood,” adds Draugelis.