Hannah Lewis
A few years ago, if you weren't a fan of skinny jeans, there wasn't one obvious alternative to the form-fitting cut that harboured the same mass appeal. Now, however, that's a different story. Over the last few years, straight-leg jeans have become a hero silhouette for many brands, from Khaite to Frame, to high-street denim trend-setters like Nudie Jeans. The cut's popularity soared, and it's all but eclipsed skinny jeans ever since.
Style Notes: Sylvie Mus opts for a more oversized fit and gives double denim a go.
Years on and the vintage-style jean—think of the ones Bruce Springsteen wore on the Born in the USA album cover—still feels incredibly current. It's '90s roots appease those who grew up in the decade, as well as new gens who are discovering the style through their throwback fashion journeys. Weekday's creative director, Louise Lasson, previously explained to Who What Wear UK that the most popular denim style are vintage-wash light-blue denim with straight legs, and the market reflects that. Blue jeans with an aged fade dominate the shopping offering. However, there are plenty of variations getting our attention, from those with subtly-pressed front seams to cropped hemlines.
I myself have worn straight-leg jeans exclusively for years—even in the face of the trending styles that have come through this season. Below, I've shared my favourites that I've tried, as well as some pairs I'm impressed by and tempted to try also. Scroll on to see them.
1. H&M Vintage Straight High Jeans
I first wore these are part of a Who What Wear try-on. I was immediately impressed and inevitably bought them. The fit is exactly how you'd want it; with the slightest bit of give. There is a stretch to the denim, which makes these all the more comfortable to sit in. Still, they don't lose their shape. Plus, no one can argue with the price.
2. Agolde '90s Pinch Waist High-Rise Straight-Leg Organic Jeans
After appearing on the feeds of just about every stylish person I follow, I was interested to see what all Agolde Pinch jean fuss was about. The waistline is high and fitted and makes you feel incredibly secure. With a slight crop, these were closer to being full length on my petite frame, grazing the tops of my loafers. Not that I mind! The silhouette is spot-on too. If you're looking to invest in a premium pair, I dare say this is it.
3. & Other Stories Straight Full-Length Jeans
I've tried a few pairs of & Other Stories jeans and this is my favourite. Although they definitely fit into the straight-leg category, I love the addition of the front seam and the slightly-flared leg; it creates a different silhouette.
4. Marks & Spencer Sienna Supersoft Straight Leg Jeans
If you've spent more than 10 minutes on Who What Wear then you'll know we're big fans of M&S. From the quality to its timeless approach to style, it always ranks highly in our edits. And its jean department is no different. So many of our editors regularly wear its straight-leg Sienna jeans; coming in a variety of shapes, an extended size range, and a super-soft denim that holds its shape, it's little wonder they're so popular.
5. Reformation Cynthia High Rise Straight Jeans
Again I wore these as part of a try on and I was very tempted to not send them back. A little long on me, I was impressed at how authentically vintage they looked—Reformation really has perfected that '90s blue. The denim was starched but pleasingly so, and I felt like the jeans pulled me in in all the right places.
6. Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean
Okay, so I technically haven't worn these yet but they're the next thing on my shopping list. I have heard so many great things about these Abercrombie jeans—no less how they hold their shape when washed and contour perfectly to hourglass curves. The best part about them, however, is their inclusivity, as they come in a vast array of sizes.
Shop More Straight-Leg Jeans
Another high-street jean that has won over some of my colleagues.
I love this deep shade of blue.
This looks like the ultimate crop length.
Take it back to the OG with a Gap pair.
River Island has invested a tonne of resource into its denim this season, and the results speak for themselves.
Great if you prefer a slightly looser straight-leg.
Kendall Jenner regularly wears Khaite's Danielle jeans.
Next denim is known to last, and comes in an extended size range.
These are going in my next Zara order.
Black jeans always look so polished IMO.
This brand comes with endless five-star reviews.
These look born out of the '90s.
Up next: Editor Tested: High-Street Jeans That Look and Fit Like Expensive Pairs
Opening Image: @sylviemus_
