Our Shopping Experts Own More Than 80 Pairs of Jeans — but These Are the Ones We’d Recommend to Anyone

Long distances, height differences, and a variety of other factors make it physically impossible for all of the PEOPLE shopping editors and writers to share one singular pair of jeans. 

So rather than box up and mail our favorite jeans The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants-style, we decided to share them in another way — via this list — and now, we’re sharing them with you, too. Why? We know how hard it is to find decent denim, let alone jeans that make you feel like a million bucks, but as shopping experts, we’ve got a leg up. 

We have tried on so many styles in all sorts of silhouettes and own more than 80 pairs collectively. Below, shop our favorites, which range from petite-friendly picks to those from celebrity-worn brands like Reformation and Levi’s to tall girl-approved styles. Plus, a few others we currently have on our wish lists. 

Shop Our Favorite Jeans at Nordstrom Now

• Madewell The Darted Barrel Leg Jeans, $148
• For the Tall Girls: Agolde Arc Straight-Leg Jeans, $258
• Levi’s Ribcage Straight-Leg Jeans, $98
• Celebrity-Worn Brand: Reformation Cary Slouchy High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $178
• Joe’s Jeans The Margot High-Waist Straight-Leg Jeans, $119 (orig. $198) 
• Silver Jeans Co. Suki Curvy Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $94 
• Petite-Friendly: Levi’s Ribcage High-Waist Wide-Leg Jeans, $98
• Madewell The Emmett Patch Pocket High-Waist Wide-Leg Jeans, $138
• Citizens of Humanity Miro High-Waist Barrel Jeans, $258
• Madewell The Petite Balloon Jeans, $138
• Pistola Cassie High-Waist Straight-Leg Jeans, $198

Madewell The Darted Barrel Leg Jeans

“I guess I’m officially an adult because I now love jeans? I know, it’s unbelievable — and so are these Madewell barrel-leg jeans. I actually want to wear them (if you knew me five years ago, you’d never believe that I’m saying this), and that’s because they hang and drape really nicely, so they don’t make me feel uncomfortable or restricted like other pairs. The barely-there barrel cut also gives them a slightly exaggerated shape that looks cool and not clown-like. Mine came in an off-white wash, which I get a lot of wear out of in Arizona, but I now want this blue pair for cooler fall days since it just feels more seasonal.” — Alyssa Grabinski, senior shopping writer 

Levi’s Ribcage Straight-Leg Jeans

“After testing dozens of denim styles over the years, none of them come close to the quality, fit, and comfort of Levi’s. The Ribcage jeans are my favorite everyday pair to slip into, whether I’m cleaning up after our horses, traveling, or heading out to date night. The denim is structured yet relaxed, and the high-waisted design and straight-leg silhouette are flattering and supportive.” — Nicol Natale, shopping writer

Reformation Cary Slouchy High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

“These Reformation jeans have been a mainstay in my denim rotation since the spring — I think I’ve worn them at least once a week, every week, for the past six months. I love that the high-waisted fit cinches my waist and that the roomy, wide-leg cut doesn’t restrict my legs. Sure, the price is a little higher than some, but a bit of quick math tells me that my cost-per-wear has already dropped to just $5 per outing (a real steal if you ask me).” — Averi Baudler, senior shopping writer 

Madewell The Petite Balloon Jeans

“I own 15 pairs of jeans (I know, it’s a lot), but they’re such a staple piece that I feel you can never have enough of them. These balloon jeans are the latest to join my stockpile, and I can’t stop wearing them. They have a worn-in, faded hue that, combined with the medium wash, gives a relaxed-yet-polished look that dresses up even a basic T-shirt. I wear them to the office, for drinks with friends, and even while just running errands.” — Rylee Johnston, shopping writer

Silver Jeans Co.Suki Curvy Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

“I’m not a fan of skinny jeans, so when I saw celebrities like Naomi Watts and Jennifer Lawrence wear wide-leg styles, I knew I had to follow suit. I practically live in my Suki Wide-Leg Jeans by Silver Jeans Co. — they have a flattering mid-rise waistline that hugs my curves without feeling tight or restrictive, plus comfortable loose legs that aren’t too baggy. The denim is also slightly stretchy but still substantial enough that they feel weighted and don’t wrinkle easily.” — Clara McMahon, senior shopping writer

Agolde Arc Straight-Leg Jeans

“I never thought I would see the day that a pair of low-rise jeans made it into my favorites, and yet? Here we are. This pair from Agolde completely won me over with its baggy fit and versatile wash. The style’s belly button-skimming fit is actually super flattering for my tall figure, and I appreciate that it toes the line between slim-fit styles and a true wide-leg silhouette. I’ve only owned these jeans for two weeks and have already worn them five times — that’s how good they are.” — Averi Baudler

Pistola Cassie High-Waist Straight-Leg Jeans

“These are my go-to everyday jeans. I love the straight-leg fit, whether paired with a chunky sweater or fitted blouse. The high-waist sits at a good spot for my 5-foot-5 frame, and the legs are roomy but not fully baggy, so they stretch over fall boots with ease.” — Madison Yauger, shopping editor 

Pairs We Have Our Eyes On

Joe’s Jeans The Margot High-Waist Straight-Leg Jeans

“​​I’ve said it before: I’m a denim snob. After trying dozens of brands over the decades, from distressed Diesels to (regrettably) low-rise True Religions, and more skinny jeans than I can count — Joe’s Jeans won me over about 15 years ago. They fit just right, like they were made for me. My go-to pair is no longer available, but I recommend The Margot, another cropped style with a high-rise and relaxed, straight-leg. Wear them with a cozy cardigan and loafers for a fall outfit that’s cute without trying too hard.” — Jeaneen Russell, shopping writer

Levi’s Ribcage High-Waist Wide-Leg Jeans

“As a petite shopper, I’ve always bought cropped jeans because it’s just easier. But after seeing all the relaxed denim trends, I decided it was time to get a full-length pair (yes, I measured to find my inseam). I recently bought Levi’s Ribcage Bell Bottom jeans that I absolutely love because they’ve got a bit of stretch and a flattering high-waisted fit, so now I’m looking at this wide-leg pair from the same line that seem a little roomier in the legs but not too roomy.” — Alex Nelson, associate editorial director 

Madewell The Emmett Patch Pocket High Waist Wide Leg Jeans

“I own more than a dozen pairs of jeans, from straight-leg to wide-leg, but lately I keep reaching for my Madewell Petite Flea Market Flare Jeans. They hit my petite frame in all the right places for a super-flattering fit and make my legs look longer. I love them so much that I already have a similar pair from Nordstrom in my cart because they look just as good with sneakers and a tee as with heeled boots and a blazer.” — Toni Sutton, shopping writer 

Citizens of Humanity Miro High-Waist Barrel Jeans

“I’m only wearing two pairs of jeans on the regular right now, so clearly, I need to add more to my wardrobe. I’m eyeing this Citizens of Humanity style because the light blue wash will work with daytime and nighttime outfits. Plus, the barrel legs aren’t too baggy but will still easily fit around Chelsea boots and heavier footwear come winter.” — Lindsey Greenfeld, senior shopping editor