The best straight-leg jeans are a necessity in every denim closet. The classic fit is straightforward and easy going, never clinging too tight or billowing too much on the leg. They can be styled with practically anything, and they’re a celeb-favourite, too—consistently worn by Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Kaia Gerber on the street in their everyday lives.
Straight-leg jeans are a solid denim choice, no matter the season and regardless of trends. However, we did see a rise in the vintage-inspired jean shape on the runway for fall 2024. Sharp and straight dark denim, sans frills or embellishments, ruled at Bally and Coperni—solidifying our current obsession with dark rinses. Helmut Lang showed a low-rise silhouette in a variety of washes and even Chanel paired its tweed separates and outerwear with denim—proving simplicity is most definitely in.
Whatever your mood, our definitive list includes them all. Below, you’ll find a variety of washes and finishes. Inky black, light wash blues, and ecru all make an appearance, but if you’re looking for something with a little more oomph, distressing or a cuffed hem will add an extra edge to the forever fit. Below, shop all our favourites from Agolde, Levi’s, Frame, and more.
True blue
You can’t go wrong with the classics. Think of a medium-wash, blue jeans as your foray into the straight-leg category. They’re iconic, timeless, and go with literally everything. Our favourite pairing just might be with a crisp, white T-shirt and a structured blazer for an everyday look that exudes style. Then go ahead and play with different footwear, depending on the occasion.
Light wash and faded
Whether you’re taking inspiration from the ’90s with a vintage, light-wash or even a little bit of Y2K with a faded style, these jeans feel incredibly fresh. A lighter hue might read more casual, reserved for weekend outings, but don’t think that these pairs can only be worn during the day. Try mixing light-wash denim with black separates for your next big night out.
Dark wash
There’s no denying the power of dark denim. Our mix of straight-legs will add instant polish to any outfit, whether that be laidback or dressed up. If you’re looking for an office-appropriate pair, dark denim is usually the one. Style any of these with a silky blouse, ballet flats, and trench coat for a work-ready ensemble—then simply swap out accessories when evening hits.
Cropped
The runways offered plenty of inspiration for full-length, straight-leg jeans this season, but if a cropped silhouette is more forgiving to your body shape (especially for petites), then these silhouettes that hit at or above the ankle will become your soon-to-be favorites.
Black
A black jean is always a wardrobe necessity, and when they come in a straight-leg silhouette, we think they’re downright perfect. No pair is the same, though, so we included a few different shades, from deep and inky black to something closer to charcoal, to give you some variety. They will look great with crisp, white button-downs and black, cashmere sweaters. Don’t forget a leather belt!
Shades of white
By now, you probably know that white after Labor Day is no longer a fashion “no.” We love white jeans worn well into the winter months with chunky sweaters and boots, just as much as we do in the summer with a sandal and T-shirt. Just make sure to choose something with a little weight and structure—no super stretch, please—to keep things looking fresh.
Distressed
Trust us, a little distressing goes a long way. When done elegantly, a straight-leg jean instantly gets that perfect, worn-in look—the kind you want to achieve after years of wear or sourced from your favourite vintage store. These blue wash options are ideal with a striped tee and sneakers on the weekend but can be elevated with an oversized blazer for a night out. Just make sure to keep the distressing soft and simple.
Cuffed
Cuffed jeans have definitely been having a moment, and we love how elevated they feel. From Bottega Veneta’s pleated style to a more budget-friendly version from Agolde, this is one cut that is worth trying out. Our only notes include choosing a style with a slightly trouser feel (we love the pintuck shapes!) and a thicker cuff. This will make them feel totally right for now.
