PureWow Editors and Buyers Have Spoken: These Are the 20 Highest-Rated Jeans at Nordstrom

“I have an older iteration of these jeans and, honest to goodness, the first time I tried them on in the store, I was like, ‘wow, I look like a million dollars,’” says PureWow’s Associate SEO Editor Marissa Wu. “They were the most I'd ever paid for denim at the time, but you can't put a price on looking like a million dollars, you know? I love that they're high-waisted (like, past the belly button), so it provides a nice slimming effect. However, there's also a decent amount of stretch so they're pretty comfortable, even on long haul flights (because I don't do sweatpants!).” While Wu, who is petite, finds them to sit high-waisted, these are a mid-rise jean and will likely sit at or below the belly button on most. Shorter women will enjoy showcasing their Chelsea boots and kitten heels in the 28-inch inseam, which should stop just above the ankles. What’s more, buyers say that they have a comfortable stretchiness that, at times, can make them feel too loose in-between washes.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 23 to 33
• Materials: cotton, polyester, elastane
• Inseam: 28-inch

Calling all petites! We may have just found one of the best jeans for shorter women, approved by PureWow’s Senior Director for Special Projects and Royals, Rachel Bowie, who wears the Hustler on repeat. She gushes, “I honestly have converted full stop to Mother Denim, especially their Lil Mother petite offerings—a brand-new fit for them, but one that mirrors their regular silhouettes. The fit is right, the fabric is buttery soft (it is so so soft!) and has the perfect amount of stretch. I also feel like it lifts my butt quite nicely.” It’s hard to beat a snatched bum, but the cropped flare hem comes pretty close, as it won’t swallow shorter frames whole but rather creates the illusion of lean and elongated legs. And that undone ragged hem is just the icing on top of the stylish cake.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 23 to 32
• Materials: cotton, polyester, elastane
• Inseam: 27-inch

Slouchy, comfortable jeans are hard to come by, especially those that manage to maintain a kempt semblance and flair. That is, until now. According to Jillian Quint, editor-in-chief of PureWow, the true-to-size Dre slim boyfriend jeans by Rag & Bone are “the perfect next step for a lame millennial trying to break up with her skinny jeans.” We’ll chalk that up to the tailored cut that tapers in at the bottom of the leg. Surprisingly, Quint had a few hesitations on the fit before she fell head over heels for her denim. “Full disclosure, I bought these secondhand, and wasn't sure if I'd get any use out of them, but I wear them ALL THE TIME. They have a tiny bit of stretch but enough structure that that they look modern and conceal bulges.” We’re sold.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 23 to 34
• Materials: cotton, polyurethane
• Inseam: 29-inch

“I don't know what Paige puts in their denim to make the jeans so soft yet so high-end looking, but if I could buy a ton of these I would,” admits Olivia Dubyak, commerce editor at PureWow. These wide-leg ones have such a relaxed but put together look, and the material complements my body so well.” The fabric is comprised of cotton, polyester and spandex, so expect these to stretch, give and mold to your natural shape. Speaking of the shape, we can’t get enough of the flattering slim leg and flare hem on these that can be both casual-chic and elevated. With a 32-inch inseam, they’re also the ideal pair of jeans for tall women.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 23 to 34
• Materials: cotton, polyester, spandex
• Inseam: 32-inch

If you’re the type of person that lives in workout leggings, then you’ll adore this pair of pants the next time you decide to wear something other than strictly gym attire. With nearly 800 customer reviews on Nordstrom and a 4.4-star rating, Wit & Wisdom’s jeggings are one for the books…err, we mean jean collection. People love how slimming and comfy the jeggings (jean + legging = jegging) are so much that some have replaced their 100 percent cotton jeans entirely. But don’t just take our word for it. Erin P., a Nordstrom customer, writes, “These are my new favorite jeans! I've been having such a hard time finding jeans that fit right, don't cut into me and also don't stretch and sag by the end of the day. My search is finally over. These jeans fit perfectly, hold their shape all day, are very flattering and, most importantly, they are so soft and comfortable!” It’s important to note that because it’s mainly comprised of a rayon fabric with some cotton, polyester and spandex, it will have a lot of elasticity and runs big, so both the brand and buyers recommend selecting one size down for a comfortable, skin-tight fit.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 00 to 4 or 0P to 18P
• Materials: rayon, cotton, polyester, spandex
• Inseam: 30-inch, 27.5-inch inseam

Let’s face it, white jeans can be tricky to source—they can’t be see-through, and they must be forgiving. Good news: These soft and stretchy pants sit high on the waist and feature the brand’s exclusive lift-tuck technology, which helps to flatten the tummy and lift your bum. (Oh, and taller gals will appreciate the 31-inch inseam.)

While one customer mentions the cotton, polyester and elastane blend appeared to be thin, another found the jeans to be just right, particularly with one adjustment: “I did get one size smaller than usual. At first, they were snug, but as the day went on the fit was perfect. Someone I haven't seen for a few months asked if I was on a new fitness program because I looked great. I knew it was the jeans holding me in all the right places!” TLDR? Order one size below your usual for a bespoke pair of scrumptious white jeans.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 0 to 18
• Materials: cotton, polyester, elastane
• Inseam: 31 inches

You can’t go wrong with a good ‘ol pair of some tried-and-true Levi’s, and the brand’s Wedgie straight leg jeans are a cult-favorite. With its trademark vintage feel, modern cheeky freshness and vibrant light wash, these make for a great everyday denim for the retro aficionados. Contrary to popular belief, the 99 percent cotton blend isn’t uncomfortably stiff, as one buyer discovered. “[I’m] able to squat,” she enthuses. “[It] has some stretch but also keeps the shape really well. [It] hits at a kind of awkward place in my feet and ankle but I cuff the pants for a little more laid-back feel, which is my style anyways.” The brand reports that it runs true-to-size, yet some customers experienced a slight gaping at the waist and had to size down for a snug fit.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 0 to 18
• Materials: cotton, elastane
• Inseam: 31 inches

In a battle between the aforementioned Levi’s Wedgie fit and this Agolde Pinch waist, it’s a close call, but it’s come to our attention that PureWow readers are taken, time and time again, by the nipped waist on these Agolde jeans. “If you are looking for the perfect vintage looking jean, definitely try these,” notes a Nordstrom buyer. Made with sustainably sourced materials and boasting a luxe weight, these denim jeans have no stretch and are designed with a ‘90s cut that will hug your hips then loosen along the length of the legs. “They fit true to size, if not a little closer fitting in the hips, and I just love the color. They are very high-rise—if you like that, which I do, for my cropped shirts and sweaters.”

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 23 to 34
• Materials: organic cotton, recycled lyocell, recycled cotton
• Inseam: 29.5 inches

There might be a short window when expecting mamas can squeeze into a few pre-pregnancy jeans, but thanks to 1822 Denim, you don’t have to worry about fitting your growing belly into your jeans. These pull-on jeans look nearly identical to your average baby blues but are equipped with a supportive stretch waist panel that’s designed to sit comfortably on and cradle your bump, so you don’t have to worry about the buttons pressing into your skin, the band etching into your stomach or the waist not zipping up. At 28 weeks pregnant, Nordstrom buyer Emily B. was wearing leggings and dresses on rotation before she found the maternity jean that checked off all her boxes. “I sent back so many pairs of maternity jeans that wouldn’t stay up or have enough stretch before I found these,” she writes. Oh, and the best part? They’re machine washable and fine to tumble dry.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 24 to 33
• Materials: cotton, rayon, polyester, spandex
• Inseam: 28 inches

We’ve had quite a bit of mixed feelings about the low-rise jean comeback, from impatient excitement to utter dread for our Y2K emotional baggage. Regardless of your stance, there’s something to be said about the Sweet jeans from Lucky Brand. According to one reviewer, they have “just enough stretch to be comfy, and the flare looks great with flat and heeled boots.” Above the knee, the jeans fit slim through the hips, hugging your butt and curves.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 24 to 34
• Materials: cotton, lyocell, elastomultiester, elastane
• Inseam: 30 or 32 inches

The dark wash coupled with the dramatic wide leg on the Mia jeans from Joe’s oozes chicness, sophistication and grandiose. They’re super high-waisted and have a 34-inch full length inseam that’ll cascade off long legs and elegantly pool around knee-high or comfortable boots. One helpful reviewer wrote, “I appreciate Joe’s Jeans for making pants that cater to taller girls! These Jeans are a beaut, and I can’t wait to get them in other colors. That said, I need to get these hemmed—a rarity for me! Also, I think these run a bit larger. I like this fit for work and more casual affairs, but I will size down in the future for a slimmer fit. I’m 5-foot-7 (leggy) with a size 28-inch waist. I usually wear a 27, but these would’ve been perfect in the 26.”

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 23 to 32
• Materials: cotton, elastane
• Inseam: 34 inches

“I love AG and have many pairs in different styles. Some I like more than others, and this Farrah bootcut is one of the best,” says one 5’5” Nordstrom reviewer. Cool and casual, these ankle-cut jeans are intended to hit right above the ankle bone, creating the illusion that your legs are—well—leggy, long and lean. The soft fraying along the hems gives it an effortless and undone quality, and “the fabric is soft and not too thick. (It gives, but it doesn't stretch out.) [Plus,] they wash great with no shrinking,” she adds.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 24 to 32
• Materials: cotton, polyester, spandex
• Inseam: 27 inches

Mother denim strikes again. Are we surprised? No, and that’s because in addition to receiving high marks from Bowie, nearly 100 Nordstrom customers left rave reviews and a combined total of 4.7 stars on the bootcut style. Most people commented on its impeccable fit, comfortable fabric and flattering silhouette. One reviewer fell in love at first site. She says, “I am short-torsoed and have a hard time with high-rise jeans, [however,] these are perfect, hitting right at my belly button. I love [that] the thick denim has just enough stretch to be comfortable without losing shape.”

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 23 to 34
• Materials: cotton, polyester, elastane
• Inseam: 30.5 inches

ICYDK, ‘70s-inspired sailor jeans are a hit amongst French women. They’re high-waisted, have a wide-leg and feature modish patch pockets. Really, what’s not to love? “I’ve been looking for a great pair of wide leg jeans for a while now, and these are perfect,” writes one reviewer. “They are soft and stretchy [yet] hold their shape well [and] don’t become loose or baggy. The color is a nice deep blue and I have not experienced any color transfer, which is typically common with dark blue denim.” Oh, and did we mention that you can throw these in the washer and dryer without a care in the world? Reader be warned, you will receive a ton of compliments wearing these jeans.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 24 to 32
• Materials: cotton, rayon, elasterell-p, elastane
• Inseam: 33.5 inches

If you want to attempt the blasé street style look—you know, that effortlessly cool vibe that looks haphazardly thrown together—then you need these 100 percent cotton PacSun jeans. We’re crazy about its intentionally baggy and oversize fit, which will make it feel super forgiving and uber-comfortable. The ripped knees are an edgy touch, too. “The waistband sits comfortably at my hips, and the length is perfect for my height,” notes a 5’6” Nordstrom buyer. “The ripped detailing on these jeans is one of my favorite features. The distressing is done tastefully and is not too excessive, giving the jeans a lived-in look without appearing too shabby. Additionally, the wide leg cut of the jeans makes them stand out from other styles and gives them a unique appearance. Overall, I would highly recommend these baggy jeans to anyone looking for a trendy, comfortable and durable pair of jeans.”

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 22 to 30
• Materials: cotton
• Inseam: 31 inches

“I own quite a few pairs of Agolde jeans, and as long as the brand keeps making denim jeans with their famous non-stretch cotton and vintage-yet-fresh designs, I’ll continue to spend my money on the pricey pairs,” says Stephanie Meraz, PureWow’s associate fashion commerce editor. “While I, a 5-foot-7 gal, do struggle with the shorter-than-average hem on many of their designs, such as the Harper, I am inclined to invest in an intentionally cropped number that’ll show off some strappy heels. Its mid-rise looks super relaxed, and I’m obsessed with how the straight cut widens ever so slightly down the leg, making for a blend between a straight and wide leg.” According to Meraz, Agolde jeans run true-to-size and, despite having no stretch, its cotton blend will give in-between washes.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 23 to 34
• Materials: cotton, polyester, elastane
• Inseam: 26.5 inches

The resurfacing of cargo pants popular in the early aughts may come as a surprise to some, though the rugged utility look has been widely embraced by many. Rag & Bone’s denim iteration of the relaxed and weathered work pants still feature a plentiful of functional pockets we expect out of your typical cargo pants, and the dark denim wash gives it a modern and elevated twist, differentiating it from the conventional styles we commonly see. If that wasn’t enough, just wait until you hear that it’s made from a 100 percent non-stretch cotton, just like your favorite pair vintage denims.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 26 to 34
• Materials: cotton
• Inseam: 26.5 inches

Celebrate your curves in a juicy pair of jeans intended to accentuate your natural figure and create the look of a snatched hourglass shape from none other than the cult-favorite brand, Good American. It comes in both a light indigo and black wash and has a super high fit at the waist. “[These are] great fitting jeans,” writes Alice D., a Good American reviewer. “They’re very nice quality denim [and] fit in all the right places without constricting or creating a muffin top! They will ‘give’ a bit after the first wear but I’m loving them and highly recommend.” Speaking of wear, some customers aren’t in love with the quality, noting that the material shows wear, and the fit has the tendency to stretch out. One customer’s solution? She opted for one size down from her usual for an overall snug fit that won’t sag in the crotch or butt between washes.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 00 to 15 (regular) 18 to 30 (plus)
• Materials: cotton, recycled polyester, recycled cotton, polyester, elastane
• Inseam: 27 inches

The jury is still out on whether skinny jeans will make a comeback in the near future, but that doesn’t mean we won’t include customers’ favorite pair. Enter: the Topshop Jamie jeans. Racking in 178 customer reviews on Nordstrom’s website, these certainly are the talk of the denim town. “These are my favorite jeans,” gushes a Topshop customer who own six pairs of the style. “As a curvy woman, finding jeans that fit in the hip area that doesn’t sag in the waist can be hard, but these get the job done. [They’re] very comfortable [and] there is a good amount of stretch, and the color doesn’t fade quickly.” Per the brand and plenty of shopper feedback, the Jamie runs small, so it’s advised you order one size up. (Psst, you may want to quickly snag them too, because Nordstrom is already down to select sizes of the tall fit in stock, and we expect the regular fit to follow suit.)

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 24 to 30 (regular) 24 (tall)
• Materials: cotton, elastomultiester, elastane
• Inseam: 28 inches