Best Overall
Good American Good Ease Relaxed Jeans
Good American made the top of our list because of their consistency with inclusiveness. From the launch of the line, the brand prioritizes using plus-size models so consumers can see how its denim looks on different sizes. Good American is also a go-to of expert Gia Sinatra who “looks at the curvy models when online shopping” to get an idea of how the fit could look on herself.
The brand’s Good ’90s and Good Waist Palazzo jeans — both of which also have a relaxed fit — are another two of Sinatra’s personal favorites.
Materials: 69% cotton, 30% lyocell, 1% elastane | Sizes: 00–32 | Inseams: 34″ | Colors: 1
Raena Loper
TESTER NOTES: “I love the Good Ease jeans because they give the look I was searching for, a pair of loose-fitting jeans that are actually loose on my curvy figure. I’ve been wearing Good American jeans for about six years, from skinny jeans to relaxed fits — I’ve loved them all and recommend the brand to all of my curvy friends. My weight has fluctuated over the years, but I can always count on Good American to fit. I don’t have to think about it and I know they’ll look good.” — Raena Loper, Good Housekeeping Institute contributing analyst and writer
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Value
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Sky-Hi Wide-Leg Jeans
Now 31% Off
Credit: Old Navy
When it comes to fit and price, Sinatra is a fan of Old Navy’s denim. A standout pair in her closet is the Sky-Hi, which has a loose fit and a slightly wide leg. The jeans come in a broad range of colors and are also available in tall and petite lengths, though those only go up to a size 18. According to the brand, these extra high-waisted jeans are one inch higher than its standard high rise.
Materials: 75% cotton, 24% lyocell, 1% spandex | Sizes: 00–30 | Inseams: 31″ | Colors: 11
Gia Sinatra
EXPERT NOTES: “Old Navy is always my go-to for plus jeans. I love that their denim is inexpensive, but I never have to worry about the fit. They are tried-and-true plus-size jeans that I can always count on when shopping for denim online.” — Gia Sinatra, extended-size brand consultant and founder of mid- and plus-size clothing brand GIA/irl
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best High-Waist
Torrid Bombshell Flare Super Soft High-Rise Jean
Now 55% Off
Credit: Torrid
Torrid is an OG in the plus-size community and its jeans have been dependable choice for many throughout the years. Sporting a flared hem and a a high-rise cut, the Bombshell is one of the brand’s top-selling styles. Another big benefit is that it’s offered in five inseam lengths from extra short to extra tall.
Materials: 65% cotton, 20% rayon, 13% polyester, 2% spandex | Sizes: 10–30 | Inseams: 27″, 29″, 31″, 33″ and 35″ | Colors: 2
Courtesy of Tester
TESTER NOTES: “I’ve gotten so many compliments when it comes to these jeans. I look and feel good in them. They actually provide support. Some jeans I’ve worn are thin but these feel durable. Even after several washes, they still look new.” — Courtesy of a Good Housekeeping tester
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Relaxed Fit
Abercrombie Curve Love High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean
Abercrombie’s Curve line, which launched in 2019, is a favorite of GH testers as well as Sinatra who goes back to the brand time and time again. The 90s Relaxed Jean has stretch to comfortably hug your stomach and curves, but are designed with a straight, roomy leg. The brand offers the style in extra short and extra long inseam lengths though those lengths are only available up to size 32.
Materials: 99% cotton, 1% elastane | Sizes: 23–37 | Inseams: 29″, 31″ and 33″ | Colors: 26
Courtesy of Tester
TESTER NOTES: “Abercrombie’s Curve line is one of my favorites when it comes to jeans. I like them because I can dress them up or down. I’m wearing the cuffed 90s pair. I can literally wear them to work and throw on a different top or shoe if I’m headed out on the town. But, most importantly, they are comfortable and have a slight stretch.” — Courtesy of a Good Housekeeping tester
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Petite
Good American Good Petite Skinny Jeans
Good American offers the same extensive sizing that made us choose it in our overall top spot, for petite sizing as well. The brand even offers a size 15 — which isn’t easy to come by in general, but particularly with short inseams.
Materials: 94.8% cotton, 3.7% elasterel-p, 1.5% elastane | Sizes: 00–32 | Inseams: 25.5″ | Colors: 1
Courtesy of Tester
TESTER NOTES: “I tested these jeans late last year, and after initially thinking they would fall apart on me, they are now my holy grail pair of pants to wear! I love the fact that they come in a shorter length (perfect for my 5’1” frame) and the fit is just perfect for me! I love to add a cute pair of boots in the wintertime with the look, but they’re really versatile with whatever you want to wear. And the best part? The jeans hit just above my waist, which is perfect as someone who has some self-conscious concerns about her mid-area. I’m obsessed and can’t get enough.” — Adrianna Freedman, editorial assistant
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Tall
LEE Women’s Legendary Trouser Jean
Like petites, finding tall options that come in plus sizes can be challenging, but LEE provides multiple lengths at a price point that your wallet might not be mad at.
The Legendary Trouser Jean comes in three different lengths, petite, regular and long which has a 35-inch inseam. The best part is that they are under $55 and come in three washes, including two shades of blue and a blurred black. The plus sizes range from 16 to 30.
Materials: 99% cotton, 1% spandex | Sizes: 16–30 | Inseams: 30″ 32″ and 35″ | Colors: 3
Courtesy of Tester
TESTER NOTES: “I’m 5′ 10″ and finding high-waist jeans that are actually long is challenging, but this pair from LEE are so long that I can even wear heels without them feeling cropped or too short. They are comfortable and have stretch, but I really love the color, in a sea of blue denim, having a grey pair provides a different look.” — Courtesy of a Good Housekeeping tester
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Skinny
Universal Standard Seine High Rise Skinny Jeans
Credit: Universal Standard
With sizing from 00 to 40, saying Universal Standard is inclusive is an understatement. The brand has an extensive size range, but not just for one or two styles like others brands — all the items on the website is available up to size 40. But back to the jeans, the Seine is one the top-selling denim styles from the brand. The skinny jeans boast a lot of stretch and come in high and mid rise with three inseams lengths in addition to their petite version.
Materials: 73% cotton , 23% polyester, 4% elastane | Sizes: 00–40 | Inseams: 27″ 30″ and 32″ | Colors: 6
Courtesy of Tester
TESTER NOTES: “I’m wearing the high-rise and these jeans hug my waist and hips in the best way. I feel sexy in these regardless if I’m wearing them with heels or with sneakers. But, most importantly, I feel comfortable. I don’t feel restricted or confined. I’m 5’10” and they stop slightly above my ankle, which I don’t mind depending on the shoe I pair with them.” — Courtesy of a Good Housekeeping tester
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Straight Leg
Everlane The Way-High Hourglass Jean
These jeans are part of Everlane’s line of curvy fit denim, which is designed for people with hourglass figures. The Way-High Jean is made with 98% cotton which provides stiffness and structure, while the 2% elastane offers some stretch, especially good for those with curves. The style is available in seven colors including Vintage Indigo which is shown here and Coal, a true black.
Materials: 98% cotton, 2% elastane | Sizes: 23–35 | Inseams: 27.5″ and 29.5″ | Colors: 7
Courtesy of Tester
TESTER NOTES: “I wear a size 14, but it’s mostly for my waist and hips, so finding jeans that fit can be tricky. I love these jeans from Everlane because they’re both comfortable and cute — I can move comfortably and I’m not restricted. I’m passed the days of wearing tight clothing. I want something I feel like I can breathe in and I can breathe in these.” — Courtesy of a Good Housekeeping tester
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Cropped
Madewell The Plus Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jean
Fun and trendy styles can be tricky to find in plus sizes, which is why this pair from Madewell stands out. This wide-leg crop comes in a faded blue and off-white wash and features a raw hem for a slightly distressed look. The brand offers a line of plus-size styles including denim, blazers and more.
Materials: 99% cotton, 1% spandex | Sizes: 14–28 | Inseams: 26.5″ | Colors: 2
Best Distressed
Levi’s 711 Skinny Women’s Jeans
When the topic of jeans comes up, Levi’s is one of the first brands many think of, especially when looking for a pair with little stretch and lots of structure. The 711 Skinny Jeans, are a fun take on a classic pair with a distressed details. The brand also offers a non-ripped version for those who like to stick to the traditional look without the wear and tear.
Materials: 60% cotton, 23% viscose, 16% polyester, 1% elastane (some colors have different fiber content) | Sizes: 14–26 | Inseams: 28″ and 30 | Colors: 3
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Raena Loper
TESTER NOTES: “I have the distressed version and love how well they hold up, even after washing. After every wash, they still feel the same as the first day I tried them. They have stretch but still have a thick, durable feel like my other Levi’s jeans. I usually wear a size 20 in denim, but for this pair, I went with a 22 and they fit perfectly.” — Courtesy of a Good Housekeeping tester
Best Jeggings
Lane Bryant High-Rise Sateen Pull-On Jegging
These easy, pull-on jeggings from Lane Bryant are a top performer for the brand. The stretchy bottoms come in petite, regular, short and long lengths, ranging from 26.75 to 32 inches. The high-rise style is available in 10 different washes, from light blue to black. Another upside is you don’t have to worry about bulky buttons with this elastic-waist pair.
Materials: 65% cotton, 22% polyester, 11% rayon and 2% Lycra | Sizes: 12–38/40 | Inseams: 26.75″, 27″, 29″ and 32″ | Colors: 10
Raena Loper (she/her) is a fashion journalist and product analyst based in New Jersey whose work has appeared in Forbes, Good Housekeeping and O, The Oprah Magazine. Raena is a graduate from Montclair State University where she earned a degree in fashion studies as well as gender, sexuality and women’s studies. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, cooking BBQ and spending time with family.
Expert consulted:Emma Seymour
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below