17 Best Plus-Size-Swimwear Brands to Shop - The Cut

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Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Retailers For more of the Cut's favorite fashion, beauty, and home finds, sign up for the weekly  Cut Shop Newsletter . Plus-size swimwear has long been a sleepy category full of floral tankinis and less-than-flattering swim skirts. To put it plainly: It's been, well, plain . Everyone deserves options that make them feel confident and comfortable — nothing less. If barely there, sexy options are your thing, you deserve them. If tankinis and cover-ups are what you're coveting this summer, so be it. As long as it's cute, why settle? Luckily, brands like Eloquii, Spanx, and even Skims create swimwear that is fun and sexy in sizes up to 6X. To get you started, we've waded (sorry) through tons of swimwear brands to bring you the o

The Best Jeans for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed - PEOPLE

We know the feeling all too well — trying on dozens of jeans in a badly lit dressing room only to leave defeated and empty-handed. But why is finding the perfect pair notoriously difficult? We chatted with celebrity stylist and on-air fashion expert Cindy Conroy to dig into it. 

"[Jeans have] a snug fit with very little wiggle room, unlike any other piece of clothing in your wardrobe," she tells PEOPLE. "That's why it's so challenging to find an exceptional pair of jeans." The key to finding your perfect pair, though, is all about knowing your measurements, according to Conroy. "When it comes to jeans, there's a science to it — so get that measuring tape out," she explains.

To find your dream pair, one should also consider the material makeup (the more elastane or spandex, the more give there will be, if that's your preference) and the style, from high-rise flares to baggy boyfriend jeans, which can fit and look differently across different body shapes. 

We wanted to make it a little easier for you, so we did the heavy-lifting ourselves (a.k.a. denim try-ons and wear-testing). The goal? To figure out which jeans were actually comfortable, true to size, and flattering, as well as which ones got the fit right across the board among people of different shapes, heights, and sizes. Our Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants pair, if you will.

To figure out which jeans to test, we spent days researching the market — and tried our best not to get overwhelmed. We then landed on 17 pairs of jeans from 12 brands that we felt would best align with PEOPLE readers. We included a range of price points as well but ultimately chose brands where we felt the quality matched the price tag. We recruited a testing pool of people aged 23 to 64 that spanned from 5 feet 1 inch to 6 feet tall and wore a range of jean sizes from 2 to 22. Each style was wear-tested by at least three different people (with one exception due to sizing constraints) and evaluated for its comfort, fit and size accuracy, quality, durability, and overall value.

Keep reading for our results of the very best jeans for women of 2024. We hope this guide makes shopping for your next pair of jeans that much easier.

Old Navy Mid-Rise Wow Boot-Cut Jeans

Old Navy

Pros
  • These are one of the least expensive pair of jeans on our list, while still maintaining good quality.

  • The simple, classic design is versatile and can go with any outfit.

  • Inclusive customization options like inseam, petite, and tall can help you find your exact fit.

  • We appreciated the soft feel and comfortable, stretchy waistband.

Cons
  • Our testers prefer a high-waist style, so the low-rise design didn't feel as secure around their midsections compared to others we tested (however, this is just a personal preference).

Despite having a penchant for high-waisted jeans, our three testers generally found favor with this budget-friendly, mid-rise pair from Old Navy. Ranging in age from 23 to 62, and all fairly petite at 5 feet 2 inches to 5 feet 5 inches tall, our testers put these jeans through a series of wear tests to determine their quality and longevity.

When you're used to high-waisted denim, a bootcut design feels a little looser around the waist and tighter in the legs, and that reflects our testers' experience with this pair of jeans. Though the jeans sat below the stomach, which made some feel unsupported in contrast to their usual styles, everyone loved the soft feel of the material and comfort of the stretchy waistband. The denim has a medium thickness and showed no signs of distress post-wash. 

Despite having a simple, classic appearance, there are several ways to customize the fit of these jeans — with options for length, inseam, and general size when ordering. Each of our testers ordered their normal size and was happy with the overall fit. The back pockets were a bit small to fit a standard size iPhone, but the jeans were easy to move around in and had lots of give. While they may not stand out in a crowd, these jeans can pair with almost any outfit, and at $22, it easily earns a place in our testers' closets.

Size Range: 0–30 (regular), 2–18 (petite), 4–18 (tall) | Material: 62% cotton, 30% polyester, 7% recycled cotton, 1% spandex | Inseam: 30 inches (short), 32 inches (regular), 36 inches (long) | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, inside out with like colors; tumble dry low

People

Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Rockstar 360° Stretch Super-Skinny

Old Navy

Pros
  • The super soft and stretchy denim feels almost like wearing leggings, allowing us full mobility and all-day comfort.

  • Their lightly frayed hem and ankle slit detailing feels like a modern update to traditional skinny jeans.

  • It's one of the least expensive pairs of jeans that we've tried, but it feel comparable to more expensive brands.

The best skinny jeans are the ones that we feel comfortable in all day long — and these pants from Old Navy gave us the soft, hugging fit that we're after. Across the range of sizes, we found the Rockstar Super High Skinny jeans to fit snuggly (but not uncomfortably) across the hips and thighs in a way that feels supportive. The denim feels soft and stretchy, almost like a pair of workout leggings, so we could easily move and stretch in these jeans without restriction. 

Though these are some of the least expensive jeans that we tested, they're outfitted with a few thoughtful details that make them look and feel like a much more expensive pair of pants. The seams are well-stitched with a slight V-shaped line above the back pockets that creates a flattering lift illusion for the behind. The hem is raw and slightly frayed, with an ankle slit that looks modern and fresh. 

Our only complaint was that these jeans stretched out a little throughout the day, albeit not enough that they no longer fit right. All together, if you're looking for a pair of comfortable, stretchy skinny jeans, these ones hold amazing value. 

Size range: 00-30 (regular), 2-18 (tall) | Material: 80% cotton, 13% recycled polyester, 5% recycled cotton, 2% spandex | Inseam: 29 inches (petite), 27 inches (petite), 33 inches (tall) | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold; tumble dry low

People

Loft High Rise Kick Crop Jeans

Loft

Pros
  • We liked that the cropped hem kicks out to show off your shoes and that the length pairs well with sneakers or boots.

  • The super stretchy, body-hugging denim looks flattering on the waist and hips.

  • We stayed comfortable all day long in these jeans.

If you're on the hunt for a pair of jeans that are as flattering as they are comfortable, then let us introduce you to the Loft High Rise Kick Crop jeans. They're stretchy and soft like your favorite pair of leggings and hugged us in the waist across a variety of sizes and body types. The cropped cut kicks out slightly at the ankle, and pairs well with sneakers or boots. 

We loved how thick and soft the stretchy denim felt against our skin, and we think these pants feel warm enough to wear during the colder seasons. They run pretty true to size if not slightly snug, but the material is so soft and stretchy that we didn't mind the extra hug.

If you're looking for a pair of cropped jeans, these comfortable jeans are reasonably priced compared to others that we've tested and are super flattering. Plus, the same cropped style is available in different variations, including some that are deconstructed, pintucked, or have a let-down hem.

Size Range: 24-34 | Material: 82% cotton, 16% Lyocell, 2% spandex; 100% polyester lining | Inseam: 26.5 inches (regular), 24 inches (petite) | Care Instructions: Machine wash

People

Spanx Flare Jeans

Spanx

Pros
  • These jeans are super comfortable and very stretchy, so you can sit, squat, bend, and kick without any mobility hindrance.

  • The thick waistband is supportive without feeling restrictive.

  • The high rise and sculpting fabric hugs you in all the right places while elongating your legs.

Cons
  • Some may prefer front pockets in their jeans, which these jeans don't have.

  • These jeans run long and are meant to be worn with a heel.

Straight from one of our tester's mouths: "These jeans fit like a glove." In true Spanx style, the brand's best-selling Flare Jeans are sculpting, supportive, fit securely, and, according to one tester, gave them "all-day confidence." Oprah, Jennifer Garner, and more celebs share their love for Spanx on a regular basis, and our testers had similar feelings: They loved the comfort, support, and stretch that these jeans supplied and felt that the style helped elongate their legs while also providing them with a full range of motion. Out of all the jeans we tested, these provided the most stretch and mobility. (One tester said she could even do yoga in them!)

Two of the three Spanx denim testers were already familiar with the brand and could speak to its high quality and craftsmanship. All three testers thought these jeans seemed durable while still remaining soft and smooth to the touch. We were a bit disappointed to find out that the front pockets aren't real (only the back two pockets are functional), and Spanx jeans are known for running long (these are meant to be worn with a heel), so keep that in mind when adding to your cart. The pull-on Flare Jean is available in four colors: a light wash, vintage wash, black, and white. (If a flare jean isn't your style, the brand offers other jean styles, too.)

Our testers were divided over the price. One said these jeans are absolutely worth every penny. One said they are a bit too steep for her taste, and another said they'd buy them if they were on sale. (When you consider that you're getting shapewear and denim packaged into one pair of pants, that may make the higher price tag easier to digest.) One tester mentioned they wish the flare was a bit more exaggerated so it would give a little extra room around the calves and another noted multiple times that these pants are very tight. If you're looking for a tight, supportive, stretchy flare jean and can swing the price, this is the pair for you. 

Size Range: XS-3X | Material: 91% cotton, 7% polyester, 2% Lycra elastane; 70% polyester, 30% cotton lining | Inseam: Regular (34), Petite (32), Tall (37) | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle inside out with like colors; tumble dry low

People

levis-501-original-fit-womens-jeans

Levi's

Pros
  • Our testers found these classic Levi's to be a comfortable and dependable pair of jeans for casual outings.

  • All three of our testers said they would recommend them to friends and family.

  • These jeans come in four different inseam lengths, so they'll work with most heights.

  • At around $100, they offer great value for the money thanks to the high-quality, long-lasting material.

Cons
  • One tester prefers a zipper fly and thought the button-fly closure created some rippling around the crotch, which wasn't super flattering.

  • Another tester noticed a slight gap in the waist, but she says this is typically an issue when she wears jeans.

Invented in 1873, the Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans are perhaps the most popular denim style ever — and with good reason. The 501s offer a classic shape, durable denim, and a flattering fit on most shapes thanks to its high rise and relaxed yet tailored fit through the leg. Since they're constructed from 100 percent cotton, there isn't any stretch, but they still mold to your shape over time, offering a comfortable fit that's not too loose, not too tight — just right.

Our testers, ranging from 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall, all said they sometimes need their jeans altered, whether that's needing them hemmed to shorten the inseam or getting the seams let out to add a bit more length. Luckily, these 501s are available in four different inseam lengths to accommodate most heights, so there's no worries in that department.

However, one tester noted she did have a slight gap at the waist with her pair (she is size 26 with a height of 5 feet 6 inches), but she says this is typically an issue for her when it comes to jeans. Another said that she prefers zipper flys, and the 501's button fly made her crotch area look rippled. However, our other two testers didn't note this as a problem. 

All in all, Levi's 501s (along with the brand's other styles) are known to last. For the price of just under $100, you'll get years and years of wear out of these jeans. And the best part is that they'll get more comfortable the more you wear them and the older they get. "These are much more comfortable than other vintage-looking jeans I've tried," says the tester who is 5 feet 6 inches tall. "They hug the thighs and hips in a comfortable way, and the 30-inch inseam hits the ground exactly where I like it."

Size Range: 24-34 | Material: 100% cotton | Inseam: 26-32 | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, normal cycle, wash inside out; tumble dry medium

People

Levi’s Wedgie Straight Fit Women's Jeans

Amazon

Our Ratings

  • Fit

    3.3/5

  • Quality

    4.3/5

  • Comfort

    5/5

  • Durability

    4.5/5

Pros
  • Made with 1% elastane, these jeans offer a slight stretch that many will appreciate (however, they are by no means "stretchy" jeans).

  • The special construction and back pockets are designed to lift and flatter your backside.

Cons
  • If you have thicker thighs, these will look more like a bootcut jean versus a relaxed straight fit style, as they're really snug around the hips and thighs.

  • While these do come in three different inseam lengths, the other Levi's came in four (meaning if you're taller, then you may prefer the 32-inch inseam option on the 501s).

The Wedgie Straight is another popular style from Levi's. We found this pair to be a bit more fitting around the thighs compared to Levi's 501s, and this resulted in more of a bootleg style for those with thicker thighs rather than a proper "straight" fit. Made with 1 percent elastane in the construction, this style offers a tad of give if you're someone who prefers a bit of stretch in their jeans (the 501s, on the other hand, are made with 100 percent cotton, meaning there's zero stretch). 

With "wedgie" in the name, you may expect these to be uncomfortable — but that's not at all what we felt. While these are by no means a "sit on the couch all day" type of comfort, they're more than comfortable enough to wear as an everyday pair of jeans. All three testers noted they felt they were a bit tight around the waist upon initial wear, but after a few hours, they ended up fitting perfectly. They are tighter, yes, but we found they act almost like shapewear; they accentuated our curves and feature a "butt-lifting" effect thanks to their special construction. One tester even proclaimed: "They make my butt look great, to be honest."

This style is just another example of the quality of denim Levi's brings to the table. We thought the denim material of these felt high-quality, super durable, and quite thick — almost like workwear. "I'd say these are definitely some of my favorite jeans I've tried in the last couple years," our size 34 tester said. She also noted how fair the price seemed, especially for the quality: "If they were on sale, I'd be tempted to buy two pairs." (Luckily for you, they are on sale.)

Size Range: 23-34 | Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane | Inseam: 26-30 | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold normal cycle, wash inside out with like colors; tumble dry medium

People

Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean

Abercrombie & Fitch

Pros
  • We found the size chart extremely accurate and love that these jeans come in different lengths (including extra short and extra long).

  • All testers commented on the comfort of these jeans, thanks to the lightweight fabric.

  • The high-waist rise combined with a slightly distressed look keeps these jeans casual enough for everyday wear but still professional enough for the office.

Cons
  • Two testers noted a gap in the waist. (In this case, the Curve Love style may provide a better fit for them.)

  • These jeans aren't necessarily soft, but they offer some structure without hindering mobility.

Abercrombie was once known as a preppy brand with a confusing marketing campaign: Beautiful models donning barely-there clothing. Fast forward to the present, and Abercrombie is at the forefront of creating quality clothing for people of many shapes and sizes. The brand is especially touted for its nostalgic Ultra High Rise '90s Straight Jean, and after testing them for ourselves, we have this to say: They are worth the hype.

All three of our testers (ranging from age 23 to 48 and size 4 to 16) commented on the comfort and incredible fit of these Abercrombie jeans. These are the "happy medium" in terms of structure, softness, and overall fit, when compared to other jeans we tested. The Ultra High Rise '90s Straight Jeans are lightweight yet noticeably well-crafted, so they feel durable without feeling heavy. They aren't quite as structured and stiff as Levi's Wedgie Straight Jeans, but they also aren't as stretchy as the Madewell Kick Out Crop Jeans or the Loft High Rise Kick Crop Jeans. They are somewhere in the middle, meaning that they are a little bit sculpting without limiting your mobility and they are lightweight but not stretchy-soft.

Our three Abercrombie jean testers were relieved to find that the sizing chart was extremely accurate and also appreciated that these jeans come in five different lengths — including extra short (for those 5 feet tall and under) and extra long (for anyone 5 feet 11 inches and taller). Two testers noted a waist gap, but fortunately, Abercrombie already thought of that. This same jean style comes in a Curve Love version that offers an additional 2 inches of room in the hip and thigh area, so if you usually struggle with a waist gap or have more of an hourglass figure, opt for the Curve Love version of this style. 

Overall, the Ultra High Rise '90s Straight Jean provides a casual, put-together look that could be appropriately styled for the office with a fitted bodysuit and blazer or easily thrown on for everyday errands and outings with a T-shirt or sweater. Two of the three testers had never tried Abercrombie jeans before and now all three testers are fans of the brand. Even though they are labeled as '90s jeans, we think this is a classic style you can feel confident investing in.

Size Range: 23-37 | Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane | Inseam: Extra short (26.5 inches), short (28.5 inches), regular (30.5 inches), long (32.5 inches), extra long | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

People

Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Ultra 90s High Rise Straight Jeans

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