Our favourite women’s denim for all body types

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Arguably the best part of fall is getting to revisit and restock your favourite denim and cozy sweaters, then wear them on repeat. The combination of fireplaces, hot drinks and holiday-themed romantic comedies may be cliche but are a close second on our list.

After testing dozens of the very best in jeans, we’ve determined that not all denim is created equally. Through extensive internet sleuthing, interviews and real-life testing on a diverse group of body types, we’ve narrowed down our list of the best denim out there, just in time for cozy season. 

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Quick summary

The best overall boot cut: Levi’s 501s
Runner up: Reformation Lake High Rise Split Hem Bootcut Jeans 

The best overall flare: Gap High Rise ’70s Flare Jeans with Washwell
Runner up: Good American Good Waist Palazzo Jeans

The best over wide leg: Reformation Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Runner up:  DUER Midweight Denim Wide Leg

The best overall high rise: Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans
Runner up: Rolla’s Dusters Bootcut Jeans

The best overall crop: Everlane The Way-High Sailor Jean
Runner up: Reformation Wilder High Rise Wide Leg Cropped

The best for plus sizes: Good American Always Fits Good Waist Jeans
Runner up: Levi’s 311 Shaping Skinny Women’s Jeans 

The best for petite sizes: Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Skinny Jean
Runner up: Madewell Petite Perfect Mid-Rise Stovepipe Jeans

The most comfortable: DUER High-Rise Straight
Runner up: Everlane Utility Barrel Pant

The best budget-friendly: Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Womens Modern-Skinny Jean
Runner up: BDG High & Wide Jean

The best splurge: AGOLDE 90s Mid-Rise Loose
Runner up: GRLFRND Bella Low Rise Boyfriend

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The best booty enhancer: Everlane The 90’s Cheeky Jean
Runner up: Levi’s Premium Wedgie Icon Fit Jeans

The best non-denim: Gap Sky High Rise Faux-Leather Cheeky Straight Pants
Runner up: Amazon Essentials Women’s Pull-On Jegging

The best overall boot cut: Levi’s 501s – $118

Considered the “original blue jean” for a reason. Levi Strauss invented the 501s way back in 1873, and we’re still wearing (and loving them) today. A timeless classic that will never go out of style and looks great on most body types — pay attention to Levi’s size guides, as we find they run a little small. For reference, I typically wear a size 29, but tend to go up to 30 in Levi’s. These are true denim, so they start a little stiff but will loosen up after a few wears and washes.

Boot cut runner up: Reformation Lake High Rise Split Hem Bootcut Jeans– $218

These jeans will make your butt look great. I don’t really need to say more, but I will. The Lake ticks a lot of boxes — high-waisted, high-quality denim, relaxed leg, sustainably made and did I mention the butt? They run true to size and don’t have much stretch, so keep that in mind if you’re planning to sit down for long periods of time.

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The best overall flare: Gap High Rise ’70s Flare Jeans with Washwell – $54-99.95

Go big or go home. There seem to be two camps – one loves and one despises the return of the 70s. I’m sitting squarely in the former category, and couldn’t be happier with these jeans. Flared legs are flattering on most body types and we love the Gap for offering a variety of inseam sizes from petite (30”), short (31”), regular (32”) and tall (34.5”). At 5’4” I went regular but would choose the petite or short next time. They’re also available in classic denim and patchwork denim.

Flare runner up: Good American Good Waist Palazzo Jeans – $221

These flares hold and mold in all the right places. Ultra high-waisted and with a medium amount of stretch, these jeans keep everything in place while providing a super-flared silhouette. One of my favourite features as a small-waisted, big-bummed gal is the gap-proof waistband.

The best overall wide leg: Reformation Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans – $218

These jeans aren’t marketed as flares, but they offer a subtle introduction to the classic 70’s style if you’re not quite ready to go full-on bell bottom. They’re slim-fitting through the hips, wide at the bottom and accentuate your backside in the best way possible. 

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Wide leg runner up:  DUER Midweight Denim Wide Leg – $149

We love that these are Canadian-made using a midweight denim that has that classic rigid denim look, but with so much added comfort. DUER creates “performance denim” using a combination of moveable fabrics like cotton, spandex and cooling polyster — essentially tricking people into thinking you’re wearing denim, but you’re actually wearing lounge pants.

The best overall high-rise: Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans – $128

Levi’s highest of high rises offers everything we’ve come to love about the brand, packaged with a 12” rise that succeeds in slimming, leg-lengthening and waist-defining, as promised. Check the size guide and move up in size based on your measurements — we find Levi’s size guide tends to differ from other guides.

High-rise runner up: Rolla’s Dusters Bootcut Jeans – $149.33-163.03

Rolla’s is known for super-high rise and flattering fits. This pair does not disappoint. Inspired by vintage-style denim and a laidback Australian lifestyle, this brand is able to mix retro elements with modern materials and technology to create a unique range of denim we can’t get enough of. We suggest sizing up as the jeans run small and there is little to no stretch.

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The best overall crop: Everlane The Way-High Sailor Jean – $189

These high-waisted jeans are flattering, comfortable and stylish. The wide-leg silhouette is made from low-stretch denim, meaning you don’t have to worry about these pants losing their shape. Made from 98 per cent cotton and two per cent elastine, giving them just enough stretch to work in for a full day. They come in two inseam sizes, and we recommend 27.5″ inseam for anyone 5’6” or shorter and the 29.5” for the taller folks.

Crop runner up: Reformation Wilder High Rise Wide Leg Cropped – $210

Reformation jeans seem to fit just right — they hold their shape yet provide enough stretch to feel comfortable in all day. We love these jeans for their high rise (why do they even make low-rise jeans anymore?), great length (I’m 5’4” and they sit at my ankles) and Fior Di Latte (fancy way of saying off-white) colourway, perfect for spring.

The best for plus sizes: Good American Always Fits Good Waist Jeans – $230

Good America has created a one-size-fits-four design that changes with your body. These super stretchy jeans were created to disrupt the denim industry and provide a unique stretch and recover technology that adapts to body fluctuations.  Available in sizes 00 to 32 plus.

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Plus size runner up: Levi’s 311 Shaping Skinny Women’s Jeans – $99.95 

These super-soft jeans were made with Levi’s Sculpt for enhanced comfort and supportive stretch. They’re built to contour delicious curves and lengthen legs and feature a built-in tummy panel. Available in sizes 14 to 26. These run true to size.

The best for petite sizes: Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Skinny Jean – $94

These jeans are budget-friendly and come in sizes W23-37. The best part is you’re able to choose your inseam from a five-point range starting at extra-short to extra-large. They have a high-rise, fit true to size, come in a range of colours from ultra-light to black and are often in stock.

Petite runner up: Madewell Petite Perfect Mid-Rise Stovepipe Jeans – $204

These jeans are stretchy and relaxed, with the “holds-you-in sorcery of our Magic Pockets,” according to the Madewell team. They are great for those with a short torso and great for those with short legs — opt for the petite option if you’re 5’3” or less. Madewell’s jeans are made well, with premium eco-friendly recycled cotton that manages to hug the curves and bounce back, avoiding the depressing denim sag after hours of wear.

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The most comfortable: DUER High-Rise Straight – $119-149

DUER wins hands down for the most comfortable denim. The founder created the brand out of a need to easily move from outdoor activities like biking and hiking to a work meeting to a bar or restaurant. He wanted to maintain performance and aesthetics, without comprising comfort. The DUER line of stretch performance denim is created for “doers” and manages to stay comfortable while holding its shape.

Comfy runner up: Everlane Utility Barrel Pant – $156

These pants can be worn with anything — a tight sweater or top, baggy sweatshirt, loose tank — you’re looking effortless regardless. They’re extremely comfortable, so much so that a friend of mine bought four in different colours. Something about the barrel cut is cool, chic and trendy yet shapely and comfortable. I love the Toasted Coconut and Bone colourways for spring.

The best budget-friendly: Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Womens Modern-Skinny Jean – $40.13

With an almost five-star rating on Amazon out of almost fifty thousand reviews and backed by the Levi Strauss name, this $40 pair of jeans is a no-brainer. Available in a variety of colours, sizes and lengths, plus super-stretchy comfort.

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Budget runner Up: BDG High & Wide Jean – $53.99

These BDG jeans are part of Urban Outfitters’ exclusive collection of denim that aims to elevate classic basics. We’ve found BDG denim can be hit or miss in terms of fit and comfort, but these ones are a big hit — particularly the light wash. If you decide to go darker, we suggest sizing up as they run a bit small.

The best splurge: AGOLDE 90s Mid Rise Loose – $313.14

These jeans have been trending on social media and for good reason. Made of 100 per cent organic cotton sourced from Turkey and intentionally faded and distressed, these jeans are high quality meets comfort. Born-in-L.A. brand AGOLDE knows cool. The seek to highlight youth culture through the ages by recreating the best looks from the past with a modern spin.

Splurge runner up: GRLFRND Bella Low Rise Boyfriend – $309.43

So I’m not a huge fan of the low rise, but the youth of today say these are the “epitome of chill” and who am I to argue? Pair these slouchy jeans with a crop top or oversized band-tee and you will be invited to all the cool parties (or get-togethers if you’re 30+).

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The best booty enhancer: Everlane The 90’s Cheeky Jean – $173

The 90’s Cheeky is made from non-stretch Japanese denim that has a “butt-boosting rear fit.” I don’t understand the science behind that statement but I do know how my butt looks in the mirror, and it looks good. Everlane has a ton of great colours and washes, including a perfect Sunbleached Blue for warmer weather. There are three different inseam options for a variety of lengths.

Booty runner up: Levi’s Premium Wedgie Icon Fit Jeans – $118-134

Just like the Cheeky Everlanes, these jeans were designed with a special construction to lift and accentuate your backside and boy, does it work. Pair that with Levi’s high sustainability standards and I’m smitten.

The best non-denim: Gap Sky High Rise Faux-Leather Cheeky Straight Pants – $109.95

These faux-leather jeans just about look like the real deal, while staying kind to the planet and our furry friends. Sky-high rise, fitted through the hip and thigh with a straight leg that is forever on trend. The pièce de résistance? Machine washable.

Non-denim runner Up: Amazon Essentials Women’s Pull-On Jegging – $45.50

When you want to show up in jeans but just can’t be bothered wearing denim, these affordable jeans-like leggings do the trick. They fit true to size and have a 4.5-star rating out of almost 14,000 reviews — the internet doesn’t lie.

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ltaveroff@postmedia.com

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