As much as I loved my skinny jeans back in the day, I’ve come to prefer denim that doesn’t feel like it’s painted on. And I certainly don’t miss tugging at the calves to pull them down, every time I stood up. These days, I’m reaching for straight-leg jeans more often than not. They’re timeless, flattering, and one of those rare pieces that truly suit every woman, no matter her shape. But let’s be honest, finding the right pair isn’t always easy. So today, I’m sharing my favorite straight-leg jeans, along with some tried-and-true options that have been getting rave reviews. Think of it as your shortcut to great denim, without all the trial and error.
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What Are Straight Leg Jeans?
Straight leg jeans do exactly what their name suggests: they fall straight down from the hip to the ankle. They’re looser than a skinny but not sloppy. They are usually fitted through the hips and give nice room in the thigh area. That straight line creates a balanced silhouette that flatters nearly every body type.
Choosing the Right Fit
Fit is everything, especially with straight leg jeans. Because they’re not meant to cling, it’s important to find a pair that follows your shape without squeezing. Here are a few things I look for when I’m shopping for straight leg denim:
- Waist height: I gravitate toward mid to high-rise jeans because they give a smoother line under tops and feel more secure. Low-rise options are out there, but they don’t do our midsections any favors. Mid-rise also works well for those with a shorter torso.
- Fabric: A little bit of stretch can go a long way. I like jeans with about 1–2% elastane or spandex so they move with me, but not so much that they lose their shape.
- Length: This is a big one. The most flattering straight leg jeans either skim the top of your foot or hit just above the ankle. Anything longer tends to puddle, and anything too short can look awkward unless you’re wearing a cropped style on purpose.
If you’re petite, look for brands that offer shorter inseams so you don’t have to rely on tailoring. I often choose ankle-length styles because they work with a variety of shoes and are especially flattering with loafers or low boots.
What Shoes to Wear with Straight Leg Jeans
Straight leg jeans work with more shoes than you might expect. Here are a few that I wear regularly:
- Loafers: A classic pairing that’s ideal for everyday wear.
- Ankle boots: Choose a pair that fits closely around the ankle or tucks neatly under the hem.
- Sneakers: Clean, low-profile styles look best.
- Flats: Ballet flats and pointed-toe styles work beautifully and give a slightly dressier feel.
- Heels: If your jeans are long enough, a block heel or kitten heel adds a little lift without sacrificing comfort.
Best Straight Leg Jeans for Women Over 50
My current favorite straight leg jeans are these Pistola slim straights, which fit like a dream. These are labeled cropped, but are ankle length on me. They come in several washes.
The FRAME Le Sleek jeans are precisely what the name suggests… sleek, polished, and super chic. They have a slim, straight leg that gives a streamlined look while still feeling comfortable. The fabric has just the right amount of stretch to move with you while holding its shape, so they look just as good at the end of the day as they do when you put them on. With a clean design and a versatile medium-wash, I find them super easy to dress up or down!
Another great straight-leg option is these NYDJ Marilyn jeans. They come in four blue washes, and I’m wearing the Quinn. They come in regular, petite, and tall sizes 00-18. I’m wearing the 6 petite, and they’re plenty long with an inseam of 29 1/2″. I’ve been buying and wearing NYDJ for years and know them to be a reliable fit at a great price.
Lately, I’ve been reaching for my Derry Signature Jeans from Frank & Eileen. They have a zip fly with a hook-and-bar closure that lays flat on the waist for a smooth look. They also have pockets, which I love! The fabric is a cotton blend with elastane, woven in Italy and made in California. They feel as comfy as your favorite leggings but look much more stylish.
I recently tried this pair of straight-leg stretch jeans in black from J.Crew Factory (Find the full try-on here!) and loved the fit. These jeans also come in 6 other denim washes and fit like a dream. These also come in petite and tall, sizes 24-34.
These straight ankle jeans from Talbots have a lovely, non-distressed, medium/dark wash, which I find the most versatile. They have a high waist and slim, straight legs, with classic 5-pocket styling. The curvy option is here, the plus is here, and the curvy plus is here. They’re a cotton blend with 1% spandex and feel fabulous on.
These are a new slim leg style jean from Talbots. They’re 99% cotton with just 1% spandex and are so flattering on. This Bettina wash is classy looking and easily dresses up or down.
Do you like the polished look of slim-straight jeans, or do you have another go-to denim style?