"Finding the perfect pair of jeans is a feat few achieve in their lifetime. It’s a Goldie Locks game of finding a pair that’s not too tight, not too loose, comfortable but not so comfortable that they’re saggy at the end of the day—every box needs to be checked.
But contrary to popular opinion, the best jeans aren’t always the most expensive ones. Our fashion team considers themselves to be something of jean connoisseurs, and some of our very favorite pairs happen to be affordable. We’ve done endless research (read: worn a lot of jeans) to bring you what we consider to be the very best pairs of jeans under $150. From the straight-but-not-too-skinny pair we swear by to baggy options you’ll live in on your days off, you’re about to finally find your perfect pair of denim.
The Best Jeans Under $150
If you asked our staff what our most-worn pair of jeans are, the answer would be Abercrombie’s Ultra-High Rise ‘90s Straight Jeans. With a vintage-inspired look, dozens of color options, and a price tag under $100, they’ve proven impossible to beat. They also offer five length options as well as a curve version, ensuring everyone can find their perfect pair.
31 washes available
If you’re constantly dealing with jeans gapping at the waist, Abercrombie’s Curve Love line was made for you (literally). Abercrombie’s Curve Love jeans feature an additional two inches in the hip and thigh to allow room for curves and eliminate the waist gap. Loose-fitting but not too baggy, these jeans are as comfortable as they are versatile.
39 colors available
Madewell’s denim has a cult following for a reason: It’s buttery soft, the perfect thickness, and ultra-flattering. This ‘90s-inspired pair fits snugly and holds you in through the hips and thighs, plus features Madewell’s trademarked Magic Pockets, which have a higher back to enhance your curves (read: they make your butt look incredible).
9 washes available
J.Crew’s denim has withstood the test of time, and their Classic Straight Jeans have earned our stamp of approval. Made out of 99 percent cotton, they mold to your body within a day or so of wear and never stretch or sag throughout the day. If you love a straight pair of jeans that are on the slim side, these are your best bet.
4 washes available
Madewell fittingly describes their Perfect Vintage jeans as “mom jeans… if your mom was a ‘90s supermodel.” With a high-rise waist and tapered legs, they’re about as flattering as a pair of denim can get. They’re also made with Madewell’s Heritage Stretch denim, which has a vintage look and broken-in feel that makes them feel like a second skin.
5 washes available
Levi’s has been building a legacy on their high-quality denim since 1873. Their original 501s are about as iconic as a jean can get, with a high rise, straight fit, and 100 percent cotton makeup that won’t stretch or sag. We’d recommend sizing up in these (our Fashion Editor recommends sizing up two sizes), but once you break a pair of these in, they give a vintage, “I thrifted these” look that can’t be beat.
14 washes available
The Everymom’s Commerce Editor swears up and down by this $26 pair of jeans. She describes the fit as soft while still being supportive and loves them so much that she owns them in three colors. For the price, they truly can’t be beat.
10 washes available
If you’re ready to enter your wide-leg jean era, there’s no better place to start than with Madewell’s Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jeans. These jeans somehow manage to hold you in like a non-stretch pair of denim while still remaining soft with a bit of give. Available in petite, plus, standard, and tall sizes, these babies were made for everyone.
6 washes available
Gone are the days of ill-fitting plus-size denim; Madewell’s Plus Curvy ‘90s Straight Jeans were designed specifically with hourglass figures in mind. They come feeling broken in, meaning they’re comfortable off the bat, and are an ultra-flattering option for those looking for a not-too-tight but not-too-loose pair of straight jeans.
5 washes available
If you can’t get enough of the high-waisted look, Levi’s Ribcage Jeans are your girl. With a 12-inch rise, they’re a favorite for their waist-defining fit that makes legs look a mile long. Made out of low-stretch denim, they’ll mold to your shape with wear and will only get better with time.
If you love a roomy, slouchy pair of denim, Levi’s Baggy Dad jeans are calling your name. With a mid-rise and baggy, straight leg, they were designed to look like a pair of jeans you might’ve stolen from your dad’s closet. If you’ve ever seen an outfit picture on Instagram and wondered how someone found a pair of jeans so perfectly cool, they were probably these.
Aritzia’s Denim Forum Farrah Jeans—aptly named after the ‘70s icon herself—take on a shape that hugs your figure and flares at the hem, making them the perfect jeans to pair with your favorite heeled and flat shoes alike. They’ll look just as great styled casually with a sweater as they do dressed up for a night out with a pair of heels.
5 washes available
Get the look of vintage ‘80s denim with Levi’s 501 ‘81 jeans. One of the highest-rise jeans Levi’s has ever created, they’re snug at the waist and loose through the hip and thigh for a perfectly relaxed fit.
2 washes available
Looking for a plus-size jean with a loose fit? Madewell’s Superwide-Leg Jeans are here to answer your prayers. The ‘90s-inspired fit has a high waist and is loose through the hips and legs, giving an intentionally oversized look that’s the definition of cool.
Finding a jean that looks intentionally loose—not just too big—isn’t an easy feat, but Gap nailed it with their Mid-Rise Loose Jeans. With a 10-inch rise, relaxed fit through the hip and thigh, and full-length inseam, they’re pining to be the jeans you reach for the most.
4 washes available