Where to find the best plus-size jeans for women, from polished denim trousers to stretchy pull-on pairs

Good American

Out of all the denim brands I tried, Good American is by far my favorite. There are no separate straight and plus-size sections here — everything is available in sizes ranging from XS (00) to 5XL (32).

I'd heard our team rave about Good American's pull-on jeans for years, but I didn't fully grasp how amazing they are until I tried them myself. Imagine the comfort of your favorite pair of leggings combined with the look of high-quality denim, and there you have the Power Stretch Pull-On Jeans.

I found that Good American's jeans were true to size, so no need to size up or down. The pair I tried go with just about everything in my closet, and the best part is that they slide right on with no zipping or buttoning required. Even so, they still look like a pair of traditional jeans — there's even a faux button detail— a far cry from the jeggings of the 2010s.

The material is stretchy for optimal comfort, so they're not the best choice if you prefer rigid denim. That said, I literally took a nap in these jeans — the highest compliment I can give to any pair of "hard pants."

Besides the pull-on jeans, I also recommend the Always Fits line. Rather than purchasing your exact size, these jeans are sold in size ranges, adapting to your body while retaining their shape. I love that this line caters to changing bodies and promotes sustainability — after all, there's no need to buy a new pair of jeans with every bodily change if the jeans change with you.

Read more in our full Good American jeans review.

Shop more Good American plus-size jeans.

Madewell

Executive editor Sally Kaplan has deemed Madewell's Perfect Wide Leg Jeans her "holy-grail jeans." While washes and styles are more limited compared to its straight sizes, Madewell is still a beacon for cute and comfortable designs for curvy figures. One pair costs about $148.

Former deputy editor Lauren Savoie is a huge fan of Madewell jeans, singing the brand's praises for its combination of a flattering silhouette and a comfortable fit. "I find Madewell denim fitted in all the right places and loose where it matters," says Savoie. "They're very comfortable to wear and my true go-to in day-to-day life, so I prefer Madewell jeans over pretty much any other brand."

Madewell's sizing can be tricky to navigate, especially if you've never tried anything from the brand before. You should size up in rigid jeans if you're between sizes, but size down for stretchy denim, since the elastane loosens over time. The brand used to have petite and tall jeans for curvy figures, but now there's only one inseam option for plus sizes. We'd like to see a return to the way it was.

Read more in our full Madewell jeans review.

Shop more Madewell plus-size jeans.

Spanx

Spanx sells more than just shapewear — it also makes waist-snatching denim, including trendy barrel-leg jeans. Of course, every body is a good body, so you don't need "tummy control" — indeed, you can easily see my belly in all of my pictures (and I think she's cute!) — but if you're looking for a pair of jeans that sucks you in, Spanx is the way to go.

We had freelance writer Olivia Rose Rushing order five pairs of Spanx jeans to compare its three different types of denim: ReDefine, Authentic360, and EveryWear. ReDefine jeans are rigid, with smoothing around the stomach, thighs, and butt and a traditional zipper and button. Authentic360 denim is stretchy and compressive, while EveryWear is even still more stretchy but with a more relaxed feel.

The pair Olivia loved most is a trouser jean style made with a smoothing, compressive fabric."I feel really, really good about how my body looks in the Spanx Authentic 360 Wide Leg, especially being postpartum," she said. "The amount of shimmying it took to get into this pair made me doubt myself, but as soon as I turned around and saw my reflection, I had an instant boost of confidence." Being 5-foot-2, she also says the petite inseam options made this pair worth the $158.

Read more in our full Spanx jeans review.

Shop more Spanx plus-size jeans.

Eloquii

Eloquii is one of our all-time favorite sources for cute plus-size clothing that meets the moment. It's the first place I check whether I need new workwear or a wedding guest dress. The brand also excels in denim, featuring an array of styles, shapes, and washes for sizes 14 to 32.

I tried a pair of Eloquii's rigid jeans, and they quickly became one of my go-to pairs. I usually prefer denim with four-way stretch around the waist and hips since I have an apron belly, but truthfully, the Yvette Rigid Wide-Leg Jeans are the best-fitting pair of jeans I've ever tried. They fit true to size and snatch me in without being uncomfortably tight.

Eloquii offers more than just rigid denim, though — there's also a huge selection of stretchy pairs in wide leg, flare, bootcut styles. You'll also find a variety of unique looks, including this pair featuring a cool overlapping waistband or animal print designs. Most pairs cost about $110 or less.

Shop more plus-size jeans at Eloquii.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie has come a long way since the '90s. Its rebrand has left us consistently impressed with the large selection of on-trend, structured jeans ranging from size 00 to 24. They're also reasonably priced at about $100 a pair.

Abercrombie is one of Savoie's favorite places to shop for jeans. "I like that there are a lot of styles available in plus and long length as opposed to the one or two usually available from other retailers," she said. For plus-size people with a curvy body type, the Curve Love line features extra space in the hip and thighs, which eliminates gapping around the waist.

Surprisingly, I was also impressed with the brand's selection of low-rise jeans. It's relatively rare to find low-rise plus-size denim, so I definitely recommend checking out Abercrombie if you've been trying to achieve that Y2K look.

For those with larger thighs, we recommend sizing up. "I find that the jeans tend to be a bit tight in the thighs, even in the Curve Love sizing," Savoie said. "They fit true to size in the waist and legs, however."

Read more in our full Abercrombie jeans review.

Shop more Abercrombie Curve Love jeans.

Universal Standard

Like Good American, there's no designated plus-size section at Universal Standard. Specializing in excellent denim in sizes 00-40, Universal Standard offers the biggest selection of both styles and sizes out of all the brands we tested. Pairs runs from about $118 to $158 each.

You can find just about every style of jeans at Universal Standard, from skinny fits to barrel-leg styles. I tried the Claudia High Rise, a distinctive pair with sailor-style front pockets and a stitched cuff along the wide leg opening. The design and structure turn a regular outfit into something special, with details that really shine.

For something more work-friendly, Savoie recommends the Marnie Bootcut, a sleek, polished look that's perfect for the office. Regardless of the style or occasion you're shopping for, you'll likely find an excellent pair at Universal Standard.

Keep in mind that Universal Standard sizing differs significantly from typical sizing, with each size running larger than you might expect. The jeans I tried ran big, with noticeable gapping around the waist. I recommend taking measurements before buying.

Shop more Universal Standard plus-size jeans.

Warp + Weft

Not every outfit calls for blue jeans. Warp + Weft goes beyond your traditional washes — you'll find plenty of black, brown, gray, and red options, too. Most of the brand's straight size offerings are also available in plus sizes.

I'm in love with the NCE Plus Wide Leg Jeans, an ultra-stylish, wide pair of jeans that'd look gorgeous with your going-out top or mock knit sweater. In addition to multiple traditional denim options, this style is also sold in brown and black corduroy, the perfect cozy look for fall or winter.

Shop all Warp + Weft plus-size jeans.

Levi's

Levi's is one of the top names in denim for good reason — its products fit well and stands up to years of washing and wearing. Many of the brand's most popular styles also come in extended sizes, or up to a size 24.

The iconic 501s are available in plus sizes, with a classic, straight-leg silhouette, roomy pockets, and a rigid construction. The 501s, among others, are also available in three different lengths for a truly customized fit.

Savoie found that the Levi's ran a little small, especially around the waist, so be sure to double check your measurements before buying.

Shop all plus-size jeans at Levi's.

Torrid

If you’ve been shopping plus-size fashion for your entire life like I have, you’ll know Torrid is a polarizing figure in the community. Some love its accessible prices with inclusive sizing, while others criticize the brand for looking too matronly or lacking on-trend styles. Whatever you believe, the truth is that Torrid makes exceptional denim.

We tried two different styles of Torrid jeans and loved both. Savoie opted for the Baggy High Rise Straight Jeans and praised the fit and comfort of the pair. “This is the first pair of baggy jeans I've tried that I feel like actually look good on me,” she said. “I feel very trendy and hip wearing them.”

I tried the Bombshell Flare Jeans, featuring an elastic waistband, a high-rise, and a stretchy fit. I also loved the fit and feel, which felt more structured than other stretchy denim I’ve tried. Regardless, these jeans are incredibly comfortable and are easy to dress up or down.

Keep in mind that Torrid’s sizing differs a little from other brands. I usually wear a 28 in pants, but I wear a 26 in Torrid jeans. Measure your hips and waist, then compare your figures to Torrid's sizing chart in order to get the right fit.

Shop more Torrid jeans.

NYDJ

Senior home editor Jaclyn Turner has been a bona fide fan of NYDJ's budget-friendly plus-size jeans for years, and we’d be remiss to leave them from this list. Skinny jeans may not always serve plus-size folks, but they do come in handy when you're planning an outfit with wide-calf, knee-high boots and want your pant hems to tuck in neatly.

I’m personally a wide-leg jeans girl, but I thought NYDJ’s slim-leg jeans were still exceptionally comfortable. I tried the brand’s iconic Marilyn Straight Jeans and loved how it fit around my thighs, especially, with a feel that was comfortably snug without being too tight.

I also tracked down a pair of the brand’s wide-leg jeans, the Brodi, made with cooling denim. I had never tried cooling denim before, but now I’m a true believer. They had a sleek, cool-to-the-touch feel unlike any other pair of jeans I’ve tried before. I already know I’ll be reaching for them in late spring and summer to keep cool.

NYDJ sizing is a bit different, with jeans usually running big. I’m typically a 28 in jeans, but the 26 was a perfect fit for me. If you need a return or exchange, you have 30 days to send any unused items.

Shop more NYDJ plus-size jeans.

How to choose the right plus-size jeans

Measure twice, shop once. Sizing can vary wildly between different brands, so always double check your measurements before buying. I recommend measuring your hips, waist, thighs, then comparing your numbers with the sizing chart. Personally, I can run anywhere from a 24 to 30, depending on the brand and style of jeans. Measuring myself every time I shop really could have saved me the hassle of sending returns.

Look for supportive waistbands. The best plus-size jeans usually have wide waistbands for optimal support, and the ideal rise depends on your personal preference. I personally prefer high-rise jeans over mid-rise jeans, since styles with a higher waistband have plenty of material to account for my stomach and sit comfortably at my waist without digging in. Any kind of jeans with stretch in the waistband, like pull-on styles, are most comfortable to sit in all day, so look for extra stretch if you're buying a pair of jeans for the office or traveling.

Check the elastane content. The amount of elastane in a pair of jeans determines how stretchy it will be. High elastane denim is typically more comfortable, and I like knowing that a four-way stretch can accommodate my body's fluctuations (such as the occasional bloat). Low elastane is common in rigid cotton blends. I like the look of a rigid jean (plus they retain their shape better), but keep in mind that sizing can run smaller since there's less stretch.

Compressive denim shouldn't feel suffocating. If you're opting for compressive denim, you should still feel comfortable — your jeans shouldn't restrict your ability to move or breathe. The best compressive jeans sculpt the body and emphasize your natural shape, like the 360-degree panels featured in Spanx jeans.

Style your jeans in advance. When shopping for jeans, consider how you'll style them. For example, I like to choose a rise that meets the hem of my shirt so it draws the eye to the natural waist. If you're searching for a pair to go with your favorite heels or platform shoes, look for a longer inseam than you might typically go for.