As far as shopping experiences go, finding a great pair of jeans on the high street used to be tough (both in person and online). But over the past few years, there's been an influx of styles, lengths and shapes to suit every body shape. It's no longer good enough that "cheap" jeans should feel cheap, and thankfully, gone are the days of ill-fitting, saggy pairs made of fabric that quickly wears away.
In fact, there are so many impressive, good-quality affordable styles out there right now. But for this round-up of the best high-street jeans, I wanted to really do the research and dig down into the brands, so I took on the challenge of putting each to the test. As someone who does lots of try-ons, I've already tested most of the offerings in various cuts and styles too.
All the brands and pairs I tried below have a few things in common, though. First, they are all classic—no embellishments or gimmicks here. Mostly, they tend to be high-rise and straight-leg, although a few wide-leg and skinnies crept in there too. I've made a concise list of the brands that came out on top, along with the most recommended pairs. Keep scrolling to see, and more importantly, shop.
THE BEST HIGH-STREET JEANS, HANDS DOWN
1. ARKET
Style Notes: With some of the best-quality jeans on the high street, Arket is always reliable in terms of denim. Its could-be-vintage washes look classic for every day, and I find they fit true to size (I've tried on a range of Arket jeans), except the Jade style, which I sized up in for extra comfort.
Shop Arket Jeans:
The brand also has more unique styles that could easily pass for designer, like these cult-favourite Cloud wide-leg jeans.
The slight crop is perfect for petite shoppers.
These jeans go so well with a simple white button-down.
I love the '70s-style stitching on this flared pair.
2. H&M
Style Notes: One reader described H&M jeans as "surprisingly good quality and fit", and I have to agree. Fitting true to size with seriously soft compositions and the bonus of affordable prices, there's a lot to love about H&M's denim. Here, I've tried the best-selling Wide High Jeans.
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This pair came home with me.
Barrel-leg styles are also having a moment.
Another cut that features in my wardrobe.
Looser styles are still going strong.
3. COS
Style Notes: COS is one of our go-to destinations for good-quality, affordable basics that fit well, and the brand's jeans selection is just that. I tried the Arch style, which fits true to size.
Shop COS Jeans:
A best seller for a reason.
Our editors are still raving about these jeans.
These also come in three other washes.
I'm after a brown pair of jeans, and these are perfect.
4. MARKS AND SPENCER
Style Notes: Marks and Spencer has some great jeans, and I've tested many of them. Expect classic styles with denim that has a bit of stretch. There are options for petite and long lengths which is game-changing—I'm always surprised that more brands don't do this. Here, I've tried a classic straight-leg pair in my usual size, 10 short.
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The pair I tried comes in three leg lengths for the perfect fit.
M&S's Magic Shaping jeans will give your bum a natural-looking lift.
This playful shape has become a best seller.
This new style is a hit with our editors.
5. LEVI'S
Style Notes: Whilst Levi's Ribcage jeans were by far the most popular amongst our readers, there are plenty of other options to choose from, including the iconic 501s, which I'm wearing above. With a wide selection of cuts, lengths and washes, Levi's continues to show off its denim prowess. The brand also offers various leg lengths; at 5'2", I go for a 27.
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I was so impressed with this pair.
The Ribcage style is endlessly flattering.
With three leg lengths for the perfect fit.
All the classic styles come in plus sizes too.
6. ABERCROMBIE & FITCH
Style Notes: Abercrombie & Fitch is one of my favourite places to buy jeans. The denim itself is always soft and comfortable, and the sizing is just right; I've taken my regular size here. What's more, there are various lengths from extra short to extra long plus a variety of rises, and the brand's Curve Love collection, which has a more generous cut through the hip and thigh but not the waist, includes all the best styles.
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At 5'2", I took the short length in my regular size.
This pair comes in a range of washes.
A more rigid denim in a cool loose cut.
Whilst I love classic blues, this pair also comes in a bold leopard print.
7. & OTHER STORIES
Style Notes: & Other Stories has made a name for itself as a denim destination thanks to the best-selling Slim Cut Jeans. Heading in-store, I wanted to see if the other styles were as good, and in trying on the Wide Jeans, I can officially confirm that they are. Here, I've taken my usual size.
Shop & Other Stories Jeans:
The perfect tapered pair.
The jeans I tried.
Ultra-wide cuts are big news for 2025.
This flared pair is calling my name.
8. MANGO
Style Notes: With a focus on classic colours and timeless cuts, Mango's denim selection seldom rotates, which is great when you find a pair you want to wear over and over.
Shop Mango Jeans:
A great pair of straight-leg jeans is a wardrobe staple.
A lot of Mango's jeans also come in extended sizes.
The cut, the colour—these are my dream jeans.
Flared denim is back for 2025.
9. Free People
Style Notes: Free People is where editors and fashion people head to for trend-lead cuts that are affordable but still of great quality. Look to the brand's cult barrel jeans (as seen on our Assistant Social Media Editor Annie above) for a cool style that will work just as hard as classic straight legs.
Shop Free People Jeans:
This pair are fast becoming a cult classic.
A classic straight-leg will always be in style.
The wash on these are just perfection.
White jeans aren't just for summer. Pair these with a cashmere knit and trainers now for an easy weekend look that looks so polished.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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