It seems like there’s always a debate over the best leg shapes; some may prefer wide-leg, others gravitate towards a skinny silhouette, but the best slim-fit jeans are always in style, and should remain a denim must-have in your closet. Bridging the gap between a true skinny jean and straight-leg, they hug the leg without extra fabric, creating a sleek and contoured look. The beauty here is their ability to be paired with a variety of shoe options, from flats to boots, sneakers and heels, allowing for all-year wear.
We spoke to fashion experts and stylists to help narrow down your search, from cropped styles perfect for petites, to lengthier inseams made for those with longer legs, there’s an option for every body type. We also covered the bases to include a range of washes, from true blue to dark wash, with a medley of rises and stretch levels, depending on your personal preference.
The best slim-fit jeans, at a glance
Best Petite Slim Jeans: Pistola Charlie Classic Ankle Jeans
Pistola Denim is known for high-quality denim with a more affordable price point than premium competitors. “Admittedly I don’t wear a ton of slim-fit styles, but when I do need something with a more streamlined look, I go for this pair,” says Paula Lee, a freelance fashion editor, writer, and brand consultant. “It has the high-rise, straight-leg cut that I prefer, yet contours to the body in the right place, since they have a nice bit of stretch. I’m a little under 5’4″ so this cropped style hits me right below the ankle and I don’t have to hem them.” Jenifer Calle’s, Glamour’s senior commerce editor, says Pistola is one of her favorite denim brands, so you know it’s worth the investment.
Best Dark Wash Slim Jeans: Levi’s Ribcage Full Length Jeans
According to our fashion experts, look to Levi’s for the best slim-cut jeans in a dark blue wash; the durability of this heritage brand, plus their affordable price point, can’t be beat. “The Levi’s Ribcage full-length jeans in the darkest shade of blue will hold you in beautifully and pair well with almost any shoe,” says fashion editor, stylist, and consultant Sarah Zendejas. “Post-pregnancy, I gravitated toward this pair to help me feel great and held-in because of the lack of stretch. Also, the pocket placement lifts the bum. They’re a closet staple.” She recommends to “dress them up with Mary Janes (she has a pair of Manolo Blahnik), or down with a crisp, white pair of canvas sneakers (her go-to are Keds Champion).”
Best No-Stretch Slim Jeans: Amo Loverboy Jeans
“I’ve been wearing an iteration of Amo’s slim ankle-crop jeans almost every single day for the past six or seven years. I own them in classic blue, black, white, and honestly have more than one in each color so laundry never prohibits their wear,” says Avery Matera, a freelance fashion writer and co-founder of Palley & Co. Jewelry. “They’re the Goldilocks of denim: slim without feeling too skinny, just high-waisted enough, and boast a perfectly flattering ankle crop that looks good with truly every kind of shoe—from Chelsea boots to ballet flats; sandals to pointed-toe pumps.” Although each wash varies slightly, she loves that “most are made of either 100% cotton or just 1% spandex, so that they hold their shape and break in expertly over time.”
Best Low-Rise Slim Jeans: Haikure Carly Low-Rise Straight Jeans
“I really love the Carly denim by Haikure,” says Novella Paghera, founder of Novella Paghera PR. “Their low-rise, straight-leg silhouette evokes a ‘90s allure while offering a flattering, effortless, and classic fit.” She enjoys that these are made from non-stretch denim, providing “a structured, fitted, premium feel that gradually molds to your body, creating a personalized shape over time.” These slim jeans are crafted with sustainability in mind, as well. They use organic and BCI-certified cotton which she appreciates.
Best Tall Slim Jeans: Gap High-Rise ‘90s Straight Jeans
“I’m not a jeans girl—at least, I wasn’t until this year,” Shelby Comroe, site editor at The RealReal, tells Glamour. “I never wore jeans, and one day I decided I needed to add at least one pair to my wardrobe.” She didn’t want to splurge right away, so instead, opted for the High Rise ’90s Straight Jeans from Gap. “I love the fit—they’re incredibly comfortable, the length is perfect on me, and even though they’re technically ‘high-rise’, they actually sit closer to a mid-rise on my frame, which I prefer. Not too low, not too high—just right. They’ve totally changed my mind about jeans, and now I’m finally ready to invest in the Khaite pair that’s been sitting on my wishlist.”
Best Sizing Slim Jeans: Good American Good Classic Slim Straight Jeans
Good American is known for incredible comfort across their denim offerings, often featuring super power technologies. This pair has a gap-proof, high-rise waistband and tummy control, all within the silhouette of a slim-leg, that falls right between a skinny jean and straight-leg. “I love these Good American jeans because they fit perfectly and hold their shape all day,” says Lauren Gray, founder and CEO of What Lo Wants. “The stretch and recovery keep them comfortable, without worrying about them sliding down or losing their shape.”
Best Black Slim Jeans: Mother The High-Waisted Rider Skimp
“A wardrobe staple for me is definitely a pair of classic, black jeans,” says brand consultant and fashion stylist, Jaclyn Bloomfield. “As a girl on-the-go, I rely on uniform dressing; it’s my everyday go-to. This pair from Mother is a timeless silhouette with a slim-leg and high-waist that flatters and feels effortless.” She recommends pairing these with “a simple tee or a crisp button-down, then layer on your favorite trench, suede fringe jacket, or barn coat for that perfect, off-duty look.” With plenty of stretch, they are sure to go the distance with you, each and every day.
Best Stretch Slim Jeans: Madewell The Perfect Vintage Jean
“When it comes to denim, I typically gravitate towards straight, rigid options, but Madewell sold me on stretch with their Perfect Vintage Jean,” says freelance fashion editor and writer Kristina Rutkowski. “These have the look of the impossible-to-find, selvedge equivalent I am constantly on the hunt for while thrifting, while not feeling quite as tough to the touch. I’m 5’ 8” so the regular length hits me perfectly at the ankle, allowing me to style with ballet flats and a blouse for a work meeting, or a slim, t-shirt and heeled booties for a night out.” It’s notable to mention that these slim jeans won’t stretch out after hours of wear, due to custom technology—plus, they’re made mindfully in a Fair Trade-certified factory.
Best Cropped Slim Jeans: La Ligne Meredith Tux Jean
Another great option for petites, Lee recommends La Ligne’s Meredith Jean, aptly named after the brand’s co-founder. “For a black jean, this pair is it,” says Lee. “The dark color, high-rise, and cropped, flare leg is flattering for my shorter, petite legs. Generous stretch makes them comfortable for all-day wear and pro-tip: I don’t wash them often to help retain their inky, black hue.” The high-waisted fit offers a flattering finish, while the very subtle, boot-cut leg was made to show off your top-notch shoe game—from loafers to designer sneakers, booties, and more.
Best on Amazon Slim Jeans: Amazon Essentials Standard Straight-Fit Jeans
ICYM: Skinny jeans are making a comeback. If you’re craving the flexibility of a mid-rise jean but on the skinny side, you needn’t look further. Amazon makes one of the top-rated slim jeans in the mix, which customers all agree is the antidote to true skinny jeans. They feel comfortable while in wear, with ample stretch, offering a slim-fit silhouette without any extra bulk from too much fabric hugging around the legs. Find various inseams from regular, short, and long, that cater across the board, ensuring your best fit is possible, no matter your body type. The best part is the price point hits under-$30, so you can invest in more than one color for weekly styling opportunities.