Say Goodbye Forever to Chafing, Because These Are the Softest Jeans in Every Cut
A good pair of jeans is a staple in everyone's wardrobe, but soft jeans are the best jeans (IMO). Whatever color, style, or cut, they are easy to dress up, or down, travel in, lounge in, dance in, and work in. That said, after two years spent working from the kitchen table (or couch), the appeal of going back to wearing "hard pants" is slim to none. To limit the amount of convincing it'll take to swap your fleece-lined leggings and sweatpants for a pair of jeans, we've rounded up the softest pairs of jeans in every style that feel as close to wearing loungewear as you can get.
The best part about finding a soft pair of jeans is that you limit the risk of chafing. Chafing occurs as a result of "any combination of friction, moisture, and irritating fabric. Prolonged rubbing on the skin makes your skin sting or burn, and you develop a mild, red rash," explains Harold Lancer, MD, board certified dermatologist. These comfy jeans have the perfect amount of breathability and stretch that will help avoid chafing while still maintaining a fitted style that is oh-so-flattering on every body type. We've done the testing so you don't have to. Scroll down to shop the softest jeans out there in every cut and color.
The softest jeans in every cut
If you’re on the hunt for a jean that’s not as baggy as a “mom” jean, not as tight as a skinny, and pairs perfectly with boots, we’ve found it. This tapered leg jean is timeless and has the perfect amount of stretch. Made of Italian denim, these have made the transition from leggings to “hard pants” pretty bearable.
These ’80s-’90s inspired jeans have a relaxed fit all the way through that makes them feel just like sweatpants while actually being “hard pants.” What we love about these is that they’re still form fitting at the waist and butt, so you can continue to show off all the good stuff.
Looking for the perfect low-rise (yes, we said low-rise) jean to pair with a cropped sweater? These jeans are for you, then. The 100 percent cotton style is machine washable, starts out soft, and will only get softer with every cycle.
- Harold Lancer, MD, board-certified dermatologist, fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, founder of Lancer Glow.
This relaxed pair is perfect for weekend adventuring. The distressed ripped style is ideally comfortable and breathable but still effortlessly cool, and the high-rise fit is supremely flattering.
This loose, ripped pair has a laid back, vintage look that makes you want to wear them daily. But the best part is that they are sustainably made, making them eco-conscious on top of being super stylish.
IMO, flared jeans never went out of style. These ’70s inspired jeans are sculpting and flattering on every body type, while also having the perfect amount of stretch that make them ideal for boogieing the night away.
These high-waisted jeans just look fancy—but they’re still comfortable! The pleated detail elevates the look while the relaxed fit makes them comfy enough to wear all day.
If you’re in the market for a jean that is always, always consistent, look no further than Madewell, home of comfy, well-fitted denim. These vintage-inspired straight leg jeans are made of 99 percent cotton and 1 percent elastane Orta denim, which gives them the perfect amount of stretch without losing all shape two hours into wearing them. The ankle-length inseam makes these a perfect pair for boots, and we love the timeless light blue wash.
Straight jeans are a staple in anyone’s wardrobe. This black pair can be dressed up or down and is made with a 360-degree stretch fabric that is both lifting and oh-so-soft.
The Lucky jeans from your high school days are just as good as ever, and we can’t stop wearing these Stevie flares, which hug us in all the right places, are perfectly high waisted, give us room the breathe, and feel soft and comfortable (we’ve spent many a day on the couch rewatching SATC in these, and we can report back that we forgot we were wearing jeans). Aside from the classic flare cut (great for sneakers and boots), we love the wash. It’s a muted blue with hints of grey that’s perfect year-round.
Escaping the cold this winter? These colorful shorts are unique and the perfect level of relaxed that you won’t have to worry about any chafing or uncomfortable pulling.
If you’re looking to mix up your denim wardrobe, this jumpsuit is just the ticket. Since it’s a one-piece, it makes getting dressed easy, and the mid-weight denim is soft and stretchy while still being structured. The only downside is peeing in a public bathroom. Still can’t get over the initial temperature shock and just casually being naked in a stall.
This bootcut pair is hip-hugging and high-rise at the top and flared at the bottom for the perfect vintage look. The worn-denim look and stretchy feel make the pair feel like butter to pull on.
Skinny jeans may have had their time in the press lately, but they are nothing if not classic. This pair is sculpting but also so stretchy, and they really do feel like your favorite pair of black leggings.
Whomever said that jeans have to be blue was sorely mistaken. This bright, patterned pair makes a statement while still being fun to wear.
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