Still searching for your perfect pair of jeans? It’s time to call off the dogs. We’ve scanned hundreds of online reviews — some raving, others ranting — to compile a list of the top 14 most comfortable jeans brands on the planet, according to the folks who actually test them out. Because, let’s face it, jeans should feel as good as they look.
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Most Comfortable Jeans Brands
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Genetic Los Angeles
Before launching his debut denim line, Genetic Los Angeles founder Ali Fatourechi spent a year traveling the United States. Not to sample various types of apple pie a la mode, but to meet with over 20,000 consumers and find out what they most wanted out of a pair of jeans. Then he delivered. Genetic's standout hit is its Shya Skinny jean, which cuts off just below the ankle for a leg-lengthening look. The Shya doesn't randomly sag or stifle thanks to its soft twill makeup and smart tailoring.
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AYR
AYR (an acronym for All Year Round) is the brainchild of Maggie Winter and Jacqueline Cameron, each of whom spent years at J.Crew and Madewell, respectively, before striking out on their own. Their main intent was create the perfect pair of jeans, which they pretty much did, along with a line of luxe yet minimal essentials. Come for the lived-in, vintage-feeling denim, stay for the brilliant closet staples.
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James Jeans
James Jeans has a solid reputation for denim that fits, flatters and feels like leggings. In addition to the brand's core collection, James Jeans offers Curvy Plus, a line of jeans sized 12 to 26 that includes popular styles like the James Twiggy or the Neo Beau, and Maternity, which comes with ultra stretchy belly bands to cover your baby bump.
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PAIGE
No jean list would be complete without Los Angeles' PAIGE Premium Denim, which was established in 2004 by fit model Paige Adams-Geller. For years, PAIGE has been a go-to in two key categories: skinny jeans that won't lose form and petite jeans with a 26- to 29-inch inseam. They also happen to be incredibly comfortable. It's a win-win for everyone.
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RE/DONE
RE/DONE founders Sean Barron and Jamie Mazur noticed that all the "cool chicks" they knew "wore vintage Levi's but had them tailored to fit better." So back in 2014, they created a brand that repurposes vintage Levi's in modern cuts for one-of-a-kind creations that are broken in before you buy them. Since then, the brand has expanded into brand new, nonvintage jeans. (There simply aren't enough good, dark-wash oldies.) The new jeans feature the same oversized pockets, button flies and perfect imperfections we know and love, but come in darker washes and cozy, 1 percent stretch fabric. ("It just gives it a little more ease.") The only downside: jeans can run as high as $332.
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JOE'S Jeans
Los Angeles-based lifestyle brand JOE’S Jeans, a favorite of Gigi Hadid and Ashley Graham, is known for soft, stretchy denim that you can practically sleep in. The label has made a name for itself by catering to a variety of proportions and leg shapes — its petite range is possibly the best in the denim game.
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DL1961
DL1961 is a family-owned and operated denim company from New York City. Every pair of jeans is crafted with a revolutionary four-way stretch denim that allows the fabric to move when you do, while also maintaining its shape. If you've never really considered yourself a jeans wearer, DL1961 will change that.
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J Brand
When you look at J Brand jean reviews, you'll read the same buzzwords over and over: soft, comfortable and durable. The California company has been setting the bar high since its debut in 2004, particularly in the skinny jean department. Popular styles include the Maria High-Rise and the Mid-Rise Skinny.
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Mother
Mother is a celeb-favorite denim brand headquartered in Los Angeles. Founded in 2010 by designers Tim Kaeding and Lela Becker, Mother is all about "having fun, and not taking yourself too seriously." Here, you'll find modern jean technology (think soft, worn-in denim) with a West Coast indie spirit. That would explain design signatures like frayed hems and those cheeky jean names: The Roller, The Hustler, The Looker…
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NYDJ
NYDJ pioneered slimming fit technology that doesn't squeeze, pinch and pack you in like a human sausage. Expect a patented crisscross panel design to flatten your front. That same "Lift Tuck" technology, helped along by strategically-placed pockets, holds up the rear. To really seal the deal, NYDJ constructs every pair with a gentle premium denim that contours to your curves, whether you're a size 2 or 20.
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Levi's
Levi Strauss & Co. made the first blue jeans all the way back in 1873 and has been a beacon of quality ever since. Shop here if you're looking for soft plus-size jeans (sizes 16 to 24), petites (28-inch inseam) or standard sizing under $100. For extra comfort, make sure to choose a pair of jeans with at least 2 percent elastane to avoid stiffness.
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Industry Standard
It's called Industry Standard for a reason. Launched in 2014, Balenciaga vet Nicole Najafi's affordably priced ($115 to $135 per pair) denim label focuses on classic, figure-flattering silhouettes. The tightly edited line features seven denim styles in a few wash variations, all straight or skinny fits. Industry Standard's soft cotton denim is sourced from the Cone Denim mill in North Carolina ("the original and premier supplier of denim in America") and keeps its promise not to "bag out after a few wears." High quality, high comfort, high approval rating.
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FRAME
Multimillion-dollar clothing brand FRAME was built on the success of its cozy, effortlessly cool denim. ("Le Skinny de Jeanne" and "Le Mix" are practically household names.) Co-founders Erik Torstensson and Jens Grede's 70s-inspired pieces, while irresistible, do tend to stretch, so size down.
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AG
The words "Japanese denim" and "comfort" don't usually go hand in hand, but AG founder Yul Ku is a god among denim mortals. The label's signature skinny stretches yet retains its shape; hugs, but doesn't choke. There's a reason Alexa Chung's given the brand her golden seal of approval.
