Finding a new pair of jeans isn’t quite as simple as adding to cart. For most people, it involves going into a store, trying on several near-identical pairs, scrutinising the fit from every angle, and occasionally, a visit to the tailor to make the necessary alterations. Also, what constitutes the “perfect” pair of everyday jeans means something different for everyone. For some, it’s a pair that sits high and holds everything in. For others, they slouch low on the hips and puddle over shoes or have a little something going on with them. Thankfully, everyone on The Nod team has a pair they’re a little too loyal to and wear an unreasonable amount they’d love to recommend. There’s the dependable Levi’s 501s, a low-rise wide leg from Zara, baggy pairs from Uniqlo, and even a floral-print number in the mix.
Below, the tried, tested, and worn-to-death denim we swear by:
Butool Jamal, associate editor
The 90s Cheeky jean, Everlane
“These light wash jeans are a cropped, straight fit that let me imagine I’m Princess Diana on a day off. They have a slightly high waist, and I love, love the little bit of lift they give my butt (or so I imagine). I wear them in a size 27, with a belt. The only annoying thing about them is that they have a button fly rather than a zipper, so it can be a bit fiddly if you’re in a rush. They are my go-to on days when I don’t want to make a decision about what to wear, just throw on a tank top or loose shirt, but also when I have a meeting or event and need to look a little more put-together.”
Saniya Jaffer, social media executive
TRF loose folded low-rise jeans, Zara
“Allow me to preface my choice by saying that while I may have jeans that are better tailored, with better fabric composition, more consciously made, or more fun to look at, these Zara jeans have the heel bites to prove that they’re the ones I tend to favour most. These are my Zara low-waist, wide-leg, dark-wash jeans. I don’t believe this particular style is in stock anymore, but they always have something like it in their collection. I bought it in the biggest size they had in store, which was a 38, wanting a pair of jeans that would barely touch me. It has seen me through many nights out, workdays, and everything in between. The fit is most flattering right after a wash, but it takes on a nonchalant silhouette in the next few wears, which is also kind of fun. They sit right at my hip bone and wouldn’t dream of reaching my waist or even touching my legs. It’s almost like wearing nothing at all, which is rare for a pair of jeans.”
Priyanka Parkash, jewellery editor
Wide high-waist jeans, H&M
“I’m so new to the world of jeans; I literally started wearing them at the ripe age of 37. I am obsessed with the H&M high-waist jeans—they cinch the waist perfectly and then flare out to almost look like a formal trouser. They’re like the perfect gateway from trousers to jeans. I usually wear a size L or a 30 waist and I’m 5”8. I love teaming them with a baby tee or ganji and an oversized blazer, or even a leather shirt to our freezing office with a small heel or loafers or ballet flats.”
Avani Thakkar, senior beauty writer
Printed dad jeans in blue flower print, Stradivarius
“I don’t really like jeans (boohoo!), so to say this one is my favourite is a compliment of the highest order. It’s from Stradivarius and a UK 10, although my size differs depending on the fit. This particular pair is dotted with flowers of two different blue washes—it’s important my clothes have a personality even if they’re basics. I’m 5’2” and for once I didn’t need to make a trip to the tailor to alter this one’s length, like I do with a lot of other jeans (it’s a tough life for petite girlies). It’s mid-rise and has none of that bootcut drama, so I can wear sneakers or platforms—whatever the occasion calls for. I wish I could travel back in time to tell myself to buy a second pair because I would’ve worn the absolute hell out of it too.”
Chloe Chou, fashion editor
Baggy leg jeans, Uniqlo and JW Anderson
“The style I’ve been wearing on repeat is the baggy leg jeans from the Uniqlo x JW Anderson collab. I’m usually a size 26, but I got a size 24 in these because they run very big and the waist too stretches a bit with wear. I’d definitely recommend sizing down by at least two sizes if you plan on nabbing a pair. Technically, they’re mid-rise, but they sit pretty low on me, which I don’t mind. I’m 5’3”, so they’re also very long. I either cuff them, let them pool over my shoes, or wear a pair of kitten heels. The dark indigo wash makes them feel a lot more elevated than the other jeans I have in my closet, so they’ve become my go-tos for dinner and events with a shirt or a nice top.”
Shalini Shah, managing and copy editor
501 ’90s jeans, Levi’s
“While I do love the new barrel styles, the Levi’s 501s are an eternal favourite. I have half a dozen pairs of 501s—grey cropped, the selvedge India-special release with the Devnagari script on the back patch, a striped ’90s dark grey, etc—but my go-to are the classic indigo ones. I size up and then alter them down—I usually get a 30 and then take in two inches at the waist. Always, always size up with the 501s. The pair I like are a mid-rise straight fit; they’re relaxed through the legs but not so much that they appear sloppy. The thick, non-stretch denim ensures they hold their shape through the years. The only rule: I make sure my jeans are 100 per cent cotton; even 1 per cent elastane is a no-no. Most people find the button fly of the 501s tedious. I don’t. If I’m travelling and I have space for one pair of bottoms, these are the ones I’d pack. My office uniform tends to be jeans with oversized shirts or boxy tees, paired with ballet flats or sneakers. If you want to be fancy, turn up the cuffs and pair them with slingbacks or heels.”
Khushi Vora, fashion writer
High rise wide jeans, Uniqlo
“I usually buy sizes between 24-26 depending on how high I want them to sit. I got these in size 25. I’m 5’3”, but Uniqlo offers alterations, so I was able to get them hemmed by a couple inches. They’re still long enough to just graze the floor without becoming a mop but also cover the tops of my boots. The style is meant to be high-rise but they fit low-waisted on me. Since they’re wide-legged and loose-fitting, they’re roomy enough so I can comfortably go about my day without feeling like the denim is branding my skin. I don’t wear a belt, specifically so they can move with my body as I sit or stand (or eat too much) without any discomfort. Since they’re a basic blue wash, they go with pretty much anything.”
Naheed Driver, fashion stylist
Two-tone panelled jeans, Bodice
“I chanced upon these jeans at Bodice a few years ago when barrel jeans weren’t even really a thing yet. Honestly, as someone who’s a size zero, finding jeans in my size that fit well is surprisingly hard. But these? The way they fit, the shape, the comfort—it’s just so good, and I like to think they look pretty good too. They might not be my most reached-for pair, but they’re definitely one of my favourites. A few other brands that I’ve had really good luck with: Levi’s (their cinch-waist jeans, especially their barrel style), Zara when you find that rare 32, and Re/Done, which also does some great denim.”
