I’m Done With Uncomfortable Denim—15 Paris Of Stretch Jeans I'm Considering For My Capsule Wardrobe

Of all the irritations that can ruin a perfectly good outfit, realising your jeans are slightly too tight ranks pretty highly. It's often said rigid denim equals good-quality denim, but that doesn't matter if it's cutting off your circulation. While choosing a roomy fit is an easy fix, all it takes is a bad case of bloating to feel the waistband digging in again. But there's another solution: stretch denim.

When jeans have stretch, a small amount of elastane or spandex has been mixed in with the cotton, usually one or two per cent of the fabric composition. That low number makes all the difference, as elastane can stretch up to seven times its original size. Thanks to this magical fibre, sitting down or speed-walking to the bus stop no longer has to cost you your comfort.

Some stretch denim can indeed look cheap; if it's poorly constructed, it will quickly lose its shape. But there are plenty of well-made exceptions, even for as little as £25 (looking at you, M&S), where the reviews speak for themselves. We've rounded the best 15 pairs at a mix of price points below, including some testimonials from customers who have bought, worn and loved them.

The Best High-Street Stretch Jeans:

Abercrombie & Fitch

Curve Love High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean

£75

“These are genuinely my new favourite jeans—absolutely LOVE them, get so many compliments on them too and quality is just 10/10.” – Abercrombie customer

Arket

Lupine High Flared Stretch Jeans

£87

“Such a gorgeous pair of jeans. So easy to style and can be dressed up or down . The quality is fantastic.” – Arket customer

Weekday

Glow Curve High Flared Jeans

£55

Designed with curves in mind, these comfortable jeans will hug you in all the right places.

M&S Collection

Lily Slim Fit Jeans With Stretch

£25

“Really stretchy soft jeans and good choice of colours. Love the fit of these and no gaping at the back. Excellent value too!” – M&S customer

Whistles

Stretch Barrel Leg Jean

£95

“The fit is super-flattering (I am 'curvy') and they look great with slim-leg boots, strappy high heels and trainers alike... I've barely had them off since they arrived!” – Whistles customer

The Best Mid-Range Stretch Jeans:

Reformation

Cynthia Stretch High Rise Straight Jeans

£168

This relaxed pair comes in five different washes.

Jigsaw

Tyne Wide Leg Cropped Jean

£95

Between the wide-leg cut and the stretchy denim, this is destined to be your comfiest pair of jeans.

Reformation

Cary Stretch High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans

£168

Most of Reformation's denim is rigid, but there are a few stretchy gems in the collection.

Maeve

The Colette Denim Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans

£98

“Everyone that sees me in these wants a pair! They are so cute and comfortable.” – Anthropologie customer

Lauren

Mid Rise Straight Jean

£159

A great price for a forever pair.

The Best Designer Stretch Jeans:

RAG & BONE

Peyton Belt-Loop Mid-Rise Flared-Leg Stretch-Denim Jeans

£265

This mid-blue wash will go with everything, making these jeans a sensible investment.

PAIGE

Sarah Cropped Stretch High-Rise Straight-Leg Organic Jeans

£280

High-rise and straight-leg (with that all-important stretch), this is the perfect everyday pair.

Veronica Beard

Dylan Straight-Leg Jean | Cuffed

£298

The turn-up hem is a nice detail.

CITIZENS OF HUMANITY

Loli Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

£330

Citizens of Humanity is a favourite brand among editors and influencers, so it's always worth spending a little more on.

7 For All Mankind

Kimmie Straight Slim Illusion Santa Monica

£240

Slim-fit jeans are making a comeback—especially pairs with a little give.