There are few things I find simultaneously as satisfying and as humbling as trying on jeans.
I feel like denim has been having a bit of an identity crisis these last few years - skinny jeans disappeared, straight legs became the default and suddenly we were all being asked to consider barrel legs, wide legs, dad jeans and silhouettes that felt very out of our comfort zones (or at least my millennial, traditionalist, classic-style comfort zone!!)
I’ve slowly but surely embraced a lot of the newer shapes and, with a new season upon us, I decided it was time for another denim try-on.
Unrelatedly but worth mentioning, Sézane just did their huge knitwear drop today so if you need some new sweaters to pair with your denim - shop the new styles HERE!
I ordered 12 pairs across some of the denim brands I’ve worn and loved over the years — PAIGE, AYR, FRAME, Rag & Bone, DL1961, Levi’s, Madewell, Agolde and MOTHER — with a mix of straight, wide, bootcut and more relaxed silhouettes.
A few important notes before we get into it: I’m 5’5” and typically wear a 28 or 29 in denim depending on the brand and fabrication.
I also generally prefer my denim with less stretch which I know is not a lot of people’s preferences. I like jeans that feel like jeans and tend to prefer a more structured, rigid fabrication that holds its shape.
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As always, denim is so personal, so consider this less of a ranking and more of a dressing-room report.
Want even more denim shopping inspo? Don’t miss my 2026 Fall Style Guide!!
Ok so here we go!!! Here’s what I tried, what size I took and which pairs I’d actually add to my closet.
Pieces seen styled with the denim include: this black cropped cashmere sweater (size L) or this ecru cashmere crewneck (size M), the J.Crew rollneck (size M) or this navy cashmere (size up!! I’m wearing an XL). Shoe styles shown: Chanel Ballet Flats (similar look for less here and here), Downtown Boots, Adidas Sneakers, Golden Goose sneakers and Margaux Fonteyn Ballet Flats.
1. PAIGE Sasha Wide Leg Jeans
Size: 29
I wanted to start with a true wide leg because this is one of the silhouettes I continue to see everywhere and one I barely own much of.
The Sasha has that long, sweeping leg that feels decidedly different from the straight-leg denim I’ve relied on for so many years. I tried the 29 and liked that they felt polished rather than overly exaggerated on my 5’5” frame after I had them tailored to my height.
This is the sort of jean I think looks particularly good styled with something more fitted or tucked in on top to balance out the volume. I also like a wide leg like this with a pointed toe shoe or a bit of a heel to really elongate the leg.
After looking at the photos I took I don’t think I’d wear these boots with them however. I actually think these would look so good with a strappy sandal and an oversized leather jacket for a night out - particularly because of the dark wash that feels like it can, in fact, be dressed up a bit.
Paige’s F&F sale is on this weekend so this and the other styles featured are currently 25% off!
The verdict: A good option if you’re ready to go properly wide leg rather than just dipping a toe into the trend and an excellent “evening” jean for nights out.
2. AYR The Secret Sauce
Size: 29S
AYR has become one of the denim brands I’m always interested in trying when they introduce a new silhouette because I really appreciate the feel of their denim.
If you read my AYR Denim Review, you know I regretted getting these in a 28S and should have gone with my usual size 29S in AYR jeans.
I righted my wrong and got a new pair of The Secret Sauce in a 29 Short and immediately appreciated being able to get the proportions right without having to think about tailoring (just one of the several reasons I’ve come to really rely on AYR denim!)
That being said - this is actually my least favorite pair of jeans by AYR!? I think it’s the stretch fabrication for me.
The verdict: I’m going to keep these for days I want stretchier jeans - commuting days, period days, etc. But I’ll reach for The Legend, The Bud and The Chaser more.
3. AYR The Legend Jeans in Russell
Size: 29S
The Legend is not a new-to-me style — in fact, it’s become one of my favorite denim silhouettes from AYR and I wore my Skyscraper wash a lot last fall-winter. As such, I decided to get the Russell wash.
This wash is a classic blue that feels particularly versatile for Fall. I’ll style these with everything from a white button-down and loafers to a cashmere sweater and ballet flats.
If you’ve seen me wear The Legend before and wondered whether I still recommend them: very much yes. Buying them in another wash probably says it all.
The verdict: A repeat purchase for me and one of my favorite polished denim silhouettes that works with a lot of shoe styles I wear often in Fall and Winter.
Levi’s Easy Dad Jeans
Size: 29
I wanted to try these specifically as a more affordable alternative to my AYR Legend jeans and because who doesn’t love a good pair of Levi’s.
I love the relaxed, slightly borrowed-from-the-boys look of this kind of denim, particularly styled with feminine shoes - think ballet flats, slingbacks or a kitten heel — and something more polished on top.
If you’ve liked the look of the AYR Legend on me but haven’t wanted to make the investment, I think this is a silhouette worth considering - especially because they are now on major sale at Shopbop.
The verdict: My budget-friendly alternative to the AYR Legend look. Currently majorly marked down 🚨
FRAME The Swing Jeans
Size: 29
The name really says it all with this pair. The Swing has more movement through the leg and gives you that modern, relaxed denim look that feels especially current right now.
I tried the 29 and liked these as an alternative for someone who wants to move beyond a classic straight leg but perhaps doesn’t want a super dramatic wide leg.
I think this silhouette is particularly good with a cropped jacket or blazer because it gives you some definition at the waist while letting the denim be the more relaxed element of the outfit.
The verdict: A cool update if your closet is already full of straight-leg jeans and you want something that feels noticeably different.
Candidly, FRAME sent me these to try and I don’t think I would keep such a trendy style at this price point had I paid for them.
I just definitely prefer the Agolde Ren jeans I’ve been wearing the last two years that are similar, a better price and more structured (therefore more my style!) Wearing a 28 above.
Rag & Bone Cam Low Rise Jeans
Size: 28
A low rise jean WHO IS SHE!!!
I liked the shape of these as another way to embrace a fuller leg without feeling like I was wearing a trend simply for the sake of wearing a trend. That being said - these feel very on-trend for the denim I’ve seen across Europe in London, Milan and Paris this year.
They feel modern but still very wearable with the pieces I already own, which is always my litmus test when deciding whether a newer denim silhouette actually deserves closet space.
The verdict: A modern silhouette that still feels easy to incorporate into an existing wardrobe and low waist with actually still being wearable.
Also available on Rag & Bone’s site.
PAIGE Stevie Straight Leg Jeans
Size: 29
And now for something much more familiar!
A straight leg remains the silhouette I reach for most often because it just works with so many shoes and so many outfits. The Stevie is exactly the kind of jean I can see myself grabbing without having to think too hard about how to style it.
I tried the 29 and liked the streamlined leg but with a 31in inseam I did have to get these tailored. If you’re not particularly interested in chasing denim trends and simply want to update an older pair of jeans, this is the sort of style I’d look toward.
They have a nice amount of stretch but not too much that it bothers me and they come in a nice variety of washes.
The verdict: Classic, versatile and the easiest silhouette of the bunch to work into my existing closet.
Keep reading below the paywall for…
Five more jeans I tried on including the pair that were an immediate yes and which went straight back in the box. Plus, I’m trying on some of the season’s biggest denim silhouettes, including barrel legs, wide legs and a few updated takes on my beloved straight leg.
If you, too, find shopping for jeans to be an Olympic sport, consider me your dressing-room guinea pig.
