15 Pairs of Comfy Jeans That’ll Convince You To Leave the Stretch for Your Workout
With the heavy influence of nostalgia in fashion right now, non-stretch jeans are the look du jour, often with a high-rise waist and in a straight or slim-fit silhouette—you might also know them as “mom” jeans. But that moniker doesn't really do this denim justice say those who are fans of the new styles on the market right now.
“Non-stretch denim is one of our favorite fabrics to play with because of the cool, vintage attitude it gives to jeans,” says Jill Guenza, vice president of global women’s design at Levi’s.
- Alaina Miller, former women’s design director for Citizens of Humanity
- Jill Guenza, vice president of global women’s design at Levi’s
Best non-stretch denim at a glance
- Best loose: Re/Done High Rise Loose Jeans, $275
- Best straight leg: Everlane The '90s Cheeky Jean, $110
- Best classic: Levi's 501 Women's Jeans, $62
- Best tapered leg: Nudie Breezy Britt Jeans, $200
- Best slim: Nico High Rise Slim Fit, $152
- Best low-rise: GRLFRND Bella Low Rise Boyfriend, $225
- Best shorts: Agolde Parker Distressed Denim Shorts, $138
- Best mid-rise: Madewell The Mid-Rise Perfect Vintage Jean, $138
- Best boyfriend fit: Citizens of Humanity Emerson Ankle Slim Fit Boyfriend Jeans, $198
- Best white jeans: AE Mom Jean, $32
- Best baggy: Wrangler Barrel 652 Stripe Jean, $129
- Best baggy: Free People Tinsley Baggy High-Rise Jeans, $98
- Best cigarette fit: Rag & Bone Nina High-Rise Cigarette, $86
- Best trouser jeans: Citizens of Humanity Annina Trouser Jeans, $42
- Best overalls: Dickies Denim Bib Overall, $60
What's the benefit of non-stretch denim?
If you're accustomed to super-stretchy jeans, rigid denim might feel like an unsavory style. But stiffer fabrics can actually be more flattering and get better over time, rather than breaking down and needing to be replaced after a season or two. (Let's call it a win for conscientious consumption.) “The denim has just the right amount of body-molding give, yet holds you in and up in all the right places,” says Guenza. “Because non-stretch denim generally has more structure than high-stretch denim, it gives slim and straight-leg fits amazing attitude.”
Warming to the idea of adding a pair to your wardrobe? Here's a pro-tip for you: “With non-stretch denim, you can expect the jeans will expand slightly as they shape to your body, so be sure to buy them on the snug side,” Guenza advises.
What should you look for in non-stretch jeans?
Alaina Miller, former women's design director for Citizens of Humanity, agrees that a "perfect" or "snug" fit will result in the ideal pair of non-stretch jeans. "I think the most flattering fits are snug on the hips and thighs...A half hour or so of slight discomfort most often results in a perfect fit once the jeans start to give and mold to your body," she explains. Leggings, these are not, but every convert I spoke to swears, like a good pair of sneakers or boots, once you get past the break-in period, they're worth the effort.
Still, if you can't get comfortable with a super-snug jean, don't stress. There are options. "It really depends on what the wearer feels their best in," Miller says. "Loose-[fitted] jeans can also be very cool and flattering, depending on your figure."
While high-rise, straight-leg or skinny jeans are a versatile bet, wide legs are another option worth exploring, like Levi’s High Water Wide Leg ($98). “They’re the perfect blend of vintage attitude and modern edge and they go with all of our favorite shoes this fall from chunky dad sneakers to western ankle boots,” Guenza says. In place of overt distressing, Miller says vintage washes with subtle distressing or faded details feel very new this season, as well as lengths that hit at the ankle or below.
Best Non-Stretch Jeans
This pair of jeans is rigid, and that’s a good thing. With a high waist and comfy, relaxed leg, this pair will be your go-to for your casual outfits of the day. Go for a faded indigo wash with small distressed details or opt for one of the other many colors that have other features like raw hems or ripped patterns.
Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: 23–32
Colors: 4
Pros:
- High-rise
- Distressed details
Cons:
- Long length/inseam
- Only light washes
Throw it back to the ’90s with this pair of jeans that have an extra high waist, straight leg, and retro-inspired but modern look. They’re made with a premium non-stretch Japanese denim so won’t lose their shape easily.
Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: 23–33, three inseam lengths (26.5″, 28.5″, 30.5″)
Colors: 6
Pros:
- Multiple inseam lengths
- Straight leg
- Multiple colors/washes
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they run large
It’s hard to go wrong with a classic pair of Levi’s, especially the 501s, which were the OG jeans. With low-stretch denim, a high waist, a straight leg fit, a button fly, and five pockets, this pair of jeans is timeless. They were invented in 1873 and haven’t gone out of style since.
Material: 99% cotton. 1% elastane
Sizes: 23–34
Colors: 1
Pros:
- High-rise
- Straight leg
Cons:
- Button fly
If you’re looking for something with a slimmer leg but don’t want to go for a skinny jean, this pair is a nice in-between, with its tapered leg. It has a high waist and is made with organic cotton.
Material: 80% organic cotton, 20% Pre-consumer Nudie Jeans recycled cotton
Sizes: W: 24–36, L: 26–36
Colors: 5
Pros:
- Multiple length options
- Thick fabric
- High-rise
Cons:
- Button fly
Brighten up your closet with a pair of light jeans that have some fading and distressed detail to give them a nice, well-worn look. They have a button fly and a tapered leg to complete the look.
Material: 90% cotton, 6% recycled cotton, 3% poly, 1% elastane
Sizes: 23–32
Colors: 1
Pros:
- Distressed detail
- Ankle length
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they run large
Go baggy with a pair of low-rise boyfriend jeans. This pair has a loose relaxed leg and sit just so on the hips, a nice alternative to high-waisted jeans.
Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: 23–32
Colors: 1
Pros:
- Looser fit
- Slight taper in leg
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they run large
Non-stretch jeans isn’t only limited to pants; for warmer days, make sure you have a good pair of shorts at the ready. These jean shorts are easy to match, have a raw hem and distressed detailing, and pair well with sunshine.
Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: 23–34
Colors: 1
Pros:
- Relaxed fit
- High-rise
Cons:
- Short inseam
Made with non-stretch denim, these jeans have a tapered leg and magic pockets, comfy waist (mid-rise, so not too high, not too low), and will break in to mold nicely to your body. The classic wash will help cheer up your mood and day.
Material: 99% cotton, 1% Heritage Stretch denim
Sizes: 23–33, petite, standard, plus, tall
Colors: 1
Pros:
- Multiple size options (petite, plus, standard, tall)
- Thick fabric
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they run large
Slim, slouchy, and not a stretch in sight, these Citizens of Humanity jeans will take you from season to season. The boyfriend style is just a tad baggy, so if you prefer a tapered look, go down a size.
Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: 23–32
Colors: 1
Pros:
- Slouchy and slim
- Weathered denim
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they run large
These aren’t your regular mom jeans, they’re cool mom jeans with a high waist and tapered leg. They’ll make you want to wear white jeans year round thanks to that effortlessly stylish look.
Material: 95% cotton, 5% recycled cotton
Sizes: 00–20, short, regular, and long
Colors: 1
Pros:
- Multiple length options
- High-rise
Cons:
- Slimmer at top
There’s a common misconception non-stretch denim has to be straight legged or styled as mom jeans—they don’t. These jeans are made from 100 percent cotton and feature a baggier silhouette, with a relaxed fit through the waist and knee and an exaggerated wide leg from the knees down. They’re definitely relaxed, but not stretchy and actually hold their shape wear after wear.
Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: 24–34
Colors: 3
Pros:
- High rise
- Relaxed fit
Cons:
- Only one length
For a relaxed look, these baggy jeans will keep you casual and comfy. They have everything you want in a vintage look, including that signature high-waist, a five-pocket design, and a slouchy silhouette. You can pair ’em with sneakers, sandals, clogs—just about anything.
Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: 24–33
Colors: 4
Pros:
- High rise
- Slouchy silhouette
Cons:
- Longer inseam
There’s just something effortless chic about a pair of dark, cigarette jeans. They look great with a simple white tee, an oversized sweater, or a leather jacket. These Rag & Bone jeans have a high-rise waist and straight legs, and they hit at the ankle for versatility.
Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: 23–34
Colors: 1
Pros:
- High rise
- Tapered leg
Cons:
- Button fly
These baggy jeans are made from non-stretch denim and have generous and straight legs that drape just right. They have a high rise and they’re a light wash, so they’ll be your go-to during warmer temps.
Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: 23–32
Colors: 4
Pros:
- High rise
- Lightly distresses
Cons:
- Longer inseam
If you’re looking to mix up your closet, get nostalgic and throw on a good pair of overalls. They’re up for the task whether you’re doing work around the house or heading out for lunch with friends. These Dickies denim overalls have a relaxed fit, straight leg, and eight pockets to hold all your essentials for a day out (go ahead and leave your purse at home).
Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: XS–24 Plus
Colors: 6
Pros:
- Relaxed fit
- Lots of pockets
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they run large
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