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Let’s be honest: We probably throw around the term “closet staple” a bit too liberally. But if anything deserves that title, it’s jeans, which you likely wear more often than you wear anything else you own.
Finding that favorite pair, though — the ones that tick all your boxes — can be frustrating, to say the least. To help you streamline the shopping experience, we’ve put together a little category-by-category guide that highlights the very best fits and styles out there right now. It covers a lot of ground in terms of desired fit, including boyfriend jeans, high-waisted wide legs, cropped jeans, slouchy skinnies, and everything in between (like our favorite embellished pairs, too).
Shop them all below, and for more spring shopping guidance, see our guides to the season’s best sandals, purses, graphic tees, and ruffled tops — four things that will look super-cute with your new favorite jeans.
Boyfriend Jeans
Roomy throughout, with a relaxed waist that sits low on your hips.
Slouchy Skinny Jeans
Tapered and slim-fit throughout, but not totally skin-tight like the jeggings of yesteryear.
Wide-Leg Jeans
Fitted through the hips with a high waist and a wide cut through the knee and ankle.
Mom Jeans
Vintage-inspired with a relaxed fit throughout, a high waist, and a slightly tapered leg.
Cropped Jeans
Relaxed, straight-leg fit that hits above the ankle.
Embellished Jeans
Denim decked out in everything from fringe to embroidery.