You’ve heard every influencer under the sun talk about how it’s time to swap your skinny jeans for straight leg jeans. But I feel like we have failed in informing you on which straight leg jeans to try. So let today’s post be your ultimate guide to the best straight leg jeans to add to your closet.
The Best Straight Leg Jeans
Let’s first discuss what exactly a straight leg jeans is. Straight leg jeans basically just mean that they are cut straight down. They don’t really taper towards the end at all.
As millennials and Gen Xers, we are very used to the skinny jean. And while you may want to keep a pair or two for your closet, it’s time to make the swap. Straight leg jeans have been around for a while now. This is not a new trend anymore and if you haven’t made the swap you are officially VERY behind.
Are There Different Types Of Straight Leg Jeans?
There are so many different fits of straight leg jeans to try. If you’re nervous to make the swap, you’ll probably want to try a slim straight leg. These are just barely not a skinny. And they work with nearly ALL the shoes in your closet. You may just struggle a bit with the ankle boot, but that’s what this blog post is for!
There are also more relaxed style straight leg jeans that feel like a mom jean, or 90’s jean. I personally love these for pairing with high heels and boots with a longer inseam. For a shorter inseam that hits around the ankle bone, I pair the relaxed style with all my favorite sneakers, loafers sandals and high heels.
You can also try a wide leg crop. While these are not really a straight leg jean, to me, these give the same vibe and is a fresh update for your denim. I find these to be more flattering on more bodies personally too.
What Shoes To Wear With Straight Leg Jeans?
When thinking about what shoes to wear with straight leg jeans, it’s really just about anything. The only shoe I find that doesn’t work is the old ankle booties of the early 2010’s.
The ones that you would show off with a skinny jean that had cut outs and were a bit looser around the ankle. I’d leave these or donate them. And instead, try some other boot options to pair with straight leg jeans like I include in this guide.
Now let’s get into the straight leg jeans I love and have in my own closet. And a few outfit ideas to show you how to style this denim silhouette.
Madewell Perfect Vintage Jeans
The jeans that got me into the straight leg world. And these will be the most natural progression from your skinnies. The Madewell Perfect Vintage jean is a high rise (also comes in mid-rise now) straight leg jean with a slim tapered leg.
It’s the slim tapered leg that makes these feel like they’re almost a skinny. I like these to hit right above my ankle bone.
My one complaint about these is that they are almost too slim to pair with boots. It’s doable, but I prefer a more standard straight leg than the slim version. But, you can still do it! As you can see I’ve done it with my Dr Marten boots!
PS here’s my guide on how to style boots with straight leg jeans.
Madewell Wide Leg Crop Jeans
These are probably my most worn jeans in my closet these days. I love the wider fit of them and feel like they just balance my hips and thighs out. They are also super versatile and work with ALL my shoes.
For Fall & Winter
I pair these with clogs and sneakers in teh fall and winter. And even with suede heels. But the shoes that work best with these, and that I find a struggle with other styles, is pairing them with boots. As you can see with the black boots, these fit nicely over the boot. Stick to sock style booties that go up a few inches on the leg and are snug to the body.
For Spring & Summer
In the warmer months, I style these jeans with ALL the summer shoes. There really isn’t a single style that doesn’t work.
Strappy sandals, slides, sneakers, espadrilles, you name it, they work with these jeans.
Pistola Denim Cassie High Rise Straight Jean
These straight leg Pistola jeans are so good. I love the looser fit through the knee. Since the leg opening is a little wider than that of the Madewell Perfect Vintage Straight Leg Jean, I am able to also wear boots with these for fall and winter.
The Cassie jeans come in a few washes to choose from so you can find the perfect style for your wardrobe. I also like the Charlie fit for a slightly more slim straight leg option. And Pistola Denim usually has options for cropped lengths too so you can find different fits.
Everlane 90’s Cheeky Jean
These are nearly identical to the Madewell Perfect Vintage Jean with their more slim tapered straight leg fit. Everlane has a few other great straight leg jean styles like the way high jean which has a more straight fit with a slightly wider leg opening than these 90’s Cheeky Jeans.
Choose from Curvy fits, to rigid denim options and more. If you’re new to Everlane denim, read my Everlane denim review and size guide here.
You can see these are a bit wider at the bottom compared to the Madewell Perfect Vintage Jean. These are not tapered and are much easier to style with boots. but still go with all your sneakers, sandals, loafers, ballet flats and more.
While this white ripped knee version is sold out, this style is always around at Madewell to shop. These straight leg jeans will be a closet favorite and are a great addition to any closet.
Madewell also has lots of sizing options with tall, regular or petite. Read my Madewell denim sizing review here.
Sezane Le Crop Jeans
Another wider leg jean that I think is a great sort of straight leg option are the Sezane Le Crop jeans. They fit well (I’d size up) and look really nice with heels and boots. The Sezane Le Crop jeans come in a few washes. You can read my Sezane sizing guide here.
Sezane also has the slim jean and the Brut which are also a great straight leg option to try.
Abercrombie & Fitch 90’s Relaxed Jean
These are truly a relaxed 90s jean and they make me feel like I’m in middle school again. But I kind of love it! They are truly relaxed from the thigh which gives them that super relaxed vibe.
You can style the relaxed jean casually with sandals or sneakers. I kind of like how it puddles a bit, but it’s not my go-to. Just a preference, nothing wrong with it!
But I really love this fit for heels and boots. It’s almost like a wide leg trouser when you pair it with a little heel. I love that it is truly straight and relaxed from the hip for a clean long line.
As with all Abercrombie & Fitch jeans, these come in lots of washes and even in a Curvy fit. If you’re not familiar with Abercrombie’s sizing, check out my Abercrombie & Fitch denim review and guide here.
Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean
Another really great standard straight leg are the Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean. They come in so many washes, more than I can count! Plus, they also come in the Curvy fit.
If you’re not familiar with Abercrombie’s sizing, check out my Abercrombie & Fitch denim review and guide here.
I mostly style these with heels or boots. I prefer a more tapered straight leg with my sneakers.
Frame Denim Le Jane
These are a more splurge worthy pair, but oh my god, they are SO good. I recently added these Frame Denim Le Jane straight legs to my closet and they are top notch.
The Frame Denim Le Jane come in a few options. Le Jane Wide Leg, Le Jane Ankle and Le Jane Crop. Pick and choose the fit you love, but either way, these are ALL good options.
I took my regular size in them as they are 100% cotton and more rigid. But they will mold to your body. Choose from a variety of washes too.
More Straight Leg Jeans To Try
While I clearly am a Madewell fan, I do have a few other styles sprinkled in. And there are PLENTY of other brands to shop as well at different price points. A few that I have personally tried on and loved (but no I do not need any more denim so they were not purchased) are below.
For a more affordable option, these straight leg jeans at Target are really good (take your larger size). And the GAP straight leg are really great too. Another popular style are from AGOLDE which are the 90’s pinch waist.
