Materials: 59% Cotton, 40% lyocell, 1% elastane | Size Range: 24-34 | Rise: Mid | Inseam: 29.5, 31.5, 33.5 inches

We believe the best jeans are the ones you’ll actually want to wear, and for us, that means comfortable. Associate Editorial Director Ally Hirschlag says these jeans are one of the most comfortable pairs she’s ever worn, thanks to the brand’s signature, super soft denim. “They take a minute to break in, but once they do, the denim just molds to you but doesn’t stretch out insanely,” says Hirschlag. “You’re left with what looks and feels like jeans that were made just for you.” The style is fitted through the waist and hip and then extends out to a straight leg. We appreciate that they come in three different inseam lengths—Hirschlag says the S inseam is perfect for those petite like her.

Ally Hirschlag, associate editorial director: “If you want a super comfortable pair of jean that looks like they were made for you, these are for you. They are pricey, but once you experience the quality and fit, you get why.”

Materials: 80% Cotton, 19% polyester, 1% Lycra | Size Range: 23-34 | Rise: Mid | Inseam: 28, 30, 32, 34 inches

Being blessed with curves also comes with its own set of challenges, such as finding pants that fit your hips without gaping at the waist. That’s why we love these jeans from Levi’s—they’re designed to hug your curves, and we can confirm they do just that without any gaping. The wide-leg design features a built-in tummy panel to smooth and support, and Copy Editor Cher Checchio finds the material incredibly comfortable. We love how this pair comes in four different inseam lengths, and the 30-inch inseam was perfect for Checchio’s 5-foot-2-inch frame.

Cher Checchio, copy editor: “The 25-inch leg opening is just wide enough to lengthen my legs without making me feel like I’m wearing genie pants that were popular in the 20th century. With a smoothing front panel and stretchy cotton, these are some of the most comfortable jeans in my closet.”

Material: 91% Cotton, 7% polyester, 2% lycra elastane | Size Range: XS-3X | Rise: High | Inseam: 32, 34, 37 inches

Spanx is known for its shapewear, so it comes as little surprise that they make the best shaping jeans. Yet before you worry that “shaping jeans” will be restrictive, know that these are one of the most comfortable pairs we’ve tried. While we usually can’t wait to take jeans off at the end of a long work day, we barely feel like we have these on, partially thanks to the lack of hardware and zippers in the pull-on style. A combination of cotton, polyester, and elastane allows these jeans to hug us in all the right places while smoothing out our tummy and lifting our backside. With a flare leg, they look and feel more like jeans than jeggings, and they don’t sag or stretch out over time. Do note that they run long, even in the petite sizes, and are meant to be worn with heels.

Chrissy, tester: “Typically, I can’t wait to get home and take them off like with my regular jeans, but I never felt that way with these jeans. They are definitely the most comfortable jeans I have tried.”

Material: 98% Regenerative cotton, 2% elastane | Size Range: 23-33 | Rise: High | Inseam: 27.5, 29.5 inches

Rightfully dubbed “sailor jeans,” this pair gives you that nautical wide-leg and high-rise. Yet what really impresses us is how comfortable and stretchy these jeans are without sacrificing style. “The denim is solidly constructed and holds its shape while wearing, unlike cheaper denim that tends to loosen throughout the day,” says Molly, one of our testers. “They aren’t as stiff and weighty as classic Levi’s or vintage denim, for example, but they provide a similar look that is much more comfortable and forgiving.” Even after washing them in her building’s abrasive washing machine, our tester says the denim stayed in mint condition. Do note that the high-rise is quite high—it reaches our rib cage while sitting down—and there are two different inseams to choose from.

Molly, tester: “I love the fit and the comfort of these jeans. They are slimming and comfortable while still looking nice and refined. They fit and wash are very sophisticated, so they can easily be dressed up with heels or dressed down with sneakers.”

Materials: 94% Cotton, 5% polyester, 1% elasthane | Size Range: 23-34 | Rise: Mid | Inseam: 31 inches

Though our tester usually struggles with finding jeans that are wide enough for her hips yet narrow enough for her waist, she didn’t have that problem with these. “Not only do they fit my hips well, they hug my stomach in the best way, really accentuating my hourglass figure,” says Caitlyn Martyn, former associate editor. The material is the Goldilocks of jeans—not too thick, not too thin—and the stretchiness offers the right amount of comfort without bagging. Even after enjoying a ton of pasta at dinner, our tester felt so comfortable and at ease in these jeans. She’s tried all the popular jean brands (Agolde, Levi’s, Pistola, Abercrombie, Gap), and she swears these flares are the best.

Caitlyn Martyn, former associate editor: “I have gotten so many compliments on my shape in these jeans, and my best friends all agree that they make my butt look crazy good.”

Materials: 80% organic cotton, 20% recycled cotton | Size Range: 23-34 | Rise: Low | Inseam: 32 inches

If the word “low-rise” sends shivers down your spine, it’s probably because you have PTSD from the early aughts. Have no fear! This low-rise style from Reformation rewrites any stereotypes. Thanks to the slouchy, wide-leg and moderate rise, these offer a sophisticated take for the risk takers that are tired of high-rises. Our writer Amanda Rosenthal loves how the 100% cotton pair molds to her body for a custom-look and feel. In fact, she loves them so much she already owns four pairs from the 12 different colorways.

Amanda Rosenthal, writer: “The fit is unparalleled, the silhouette is timeless, the durability and fabric are superior, and I always receive compliments when I style them.”

Materials: 96% Cotton, 3% elasterell-P, 1% spandex | Size Range: 24-31 | Rise: Low | Inseam: 31 inches

With the rise of Western fashion, it’s no surprise bootcut jeans are also making a comeback, because you guessed it, they’re perfect for wearing over cowboy boots. This style from Los Angeles-based Just Black Denim is a great everyday jean since it goes with everything from boots to heels, ranges from dark to light wash, and features soft, stretchy fabric. Hitting right below the belly button, it’s the ideal low-rise that is, well, not too low. The 31-inch inseam is not too long nor too short on our 5-foot-2-inch frame, and we always feel taller in this pair.

Emily Cieslak, associate editor: “These are my go-to jeans. They are super comfortable, they go with all kinds of shoes, and I can dress them up and down. I always get compliments when I wear them, too.”

Material: 100% BCI-Certified Cotton | Size Range: 22-32 | Rise: High | Inseam: Not listed

If you love the look and feel of vintage denim but haven’t been lucky enough to score the perfect pair at a thrift shop, we recommend scooping up this one from Still Here. Not only do they boast a classic high-waist with a button fly, but the 100% cotton makeup offers that thick, rigid feel that takes us back to the ‘80s. Yet that doesn’t mean they aren’t comfortable. “I wore them everywhere and did many activities in them from long walks to city bike rides to celebratory dinners,” says our tester Kathleen. “These jeans were extremely comfortable.” The straight leg and wedgie fit also works for a variety of body types. “I think it can be hard to find true straight-leg pants that aren’t wide-leg and aren’t too tight on my calves, so it was a relief to try on the jeans and be happy with the way they fit my body and see it be honestly marketed online,” says our tester Heer.

Kathleen, tester: “I love how the jeans fit me! I was looking for a baggy jean but not one that was OVERLY baggy, and these were it. Even though they were baggy, they hugged my bottom just right which still gave me a complimentary shape. They were a bit long, but one cuff made it perfect.”

Material: 91% Cotton, 7% polyester, 2% elastane | Size Range: 00-18 | Rise: Mid | Inseam: 26.5 inches (after roll up)

We love a good boyfriend jean outfit for a casual look or to offset more elevated pieces. These jeans check off all our boxes. They fit great—even on our tall tester, the length is perfect. “I’m actually really impressed and surprised with how well they fit. It’s been a long time since a pair of jeans felt that good, to be honest,” says our tester Bierley. “There isn’t anything about the thighs that is too loose or the waist that is too tight.” Working as a photographer, our tester moves around a lot, and the material provides the ideal amount of stretch to crouch comfortably. In fact, one of our testers describes these jeans as a more sturdy pair of leggings.

Dera, tester: “Given their wear, design, and materials, I would’ve thought these would be more expensive! The price point is wonderful for someone like me who, only ever buys jeans from Old Navy, and wants to invest in a solidly nice pair of jeans.”

Material: 90% Cotton, 8% elastomultiester, 2% lycra® elastane | Size Range: 00-28, petite | Rise: High | Inseam: 30,32 inches

Coming in plus sizes up to 28, in addition to petite and regular, these high-rise, straight jeans cater to all body types. Not to mention, they have a smoothing panel in the front and a signature design in the back to accentuate your curves. “The fit is really good and contoured to my body well,” says our tester Rachel. The material is stretchy yet feels high quality and looks great after wearing and washing. “The material is somewhat medium: not paper thin but not a heavy, un-stretchy jean, so they’re comfy to both chase my kids in and sit down on the couch to relax in, plus sit at my desk to work,” says our tester Kate.

Rachel, tester: “These jeans were super comfortable. No digging or annoying tags. The material of the jean was not too thick and not too thin, so I think it’ll hold up well over time. The material was stretchy enough to allow for movement but not so stretchy that it lost its shape over time.”

Material: 35% Organic cotton, 34% cotton, 14% recycled polyester, 14% lyocell | Size Range: 23-34 | Rise: Mid | Inseam: 33 inches

What if we told you that you could get the comfort of sweatpants in designer jeans? Well, that’s the case with our favorite stretch jeans. “These are not only my comfiest jeans, but also my comfiest pants overall,” says our tester Karla. “No buttons or tags digging into the skin, and the waist did not pinch at all. I kept telling everyone that the jeans were so comfortable, it was equivalent to wearing soft sweatpants.” While high-stretch jeans might be less durable or more prone to sagging, that isn’t the case with these. “The jeans held up well throughout wearing them. There was no fading, shrinking, or any changes when they were washed and dried. They are very durable and still look as new as the day I got them,” says Karla.

Katy, tester: “These jeans were SO comfortable, I wouldn’t mind wearing them on a travel day if needed. The fabric is soft, there was no pinching or digging, and the material is lightweight.”