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9 Best Mom Jeans Our Experts and Editors Love

We've got styles that you, your friends, daughter and mom will look amazing in.

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best mom jeans

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The '80s were iconic for a multitude of reasons — the synth-pop music, big hair, colorful makeup and bold clothing. While most of the decade's styles faded out (ahem, neon leotards), one fashion choice has regained a spot in wardrobes around the world: mom jeans. Think of these denim pants as an umbrella term for all high-rise jeans with a straight to baggy cut.

Mom jeans are not just for mothers. The best mom jeans accentuate your hips, while feeling comfortable to move in, thanks to the looser fit around the thighs. Whether you have four children or you've never changed a diaper, our experts' and editors' favorite mom jeans will give your outfit that classic, vintage look and never restrict you (and your legs!) during your day.

1
Best Overall Mom Jeans

Levi's Women's Premium Wedgie Icon Fit Jeans

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Women's Premium Wedgie Icon Fit Jeans

You can't go wrong with a pair of jeans from Levi's. Our Textile Lab pros and editors love the brand's high-quality denim fabric, especially in this straight-leg pair. These mom jeans are snug in the waist with a button fly, looser around the legs and tapered near the ankle. And true to their name, these jeans' unique butt-lifting construction accentuates curves well.

"I like the way these give you some figure without hugging you too tightly, great to dress down with a T-shirt or dress up with a blouse," said Rachael Chen, temporary textiles analyst at the GH Institute. Offered in nine different washes, including distressed options, Chen noted that the color hasn't faded after laundering. Plus, she found the material to feel thinner than other denim, making it a great pair to throw on year-round through all the seasons.

I've never found a pair of jeans that fit me perfectly around the waist and were long enough until I tried Levi's. I love that these jeans are available in an extensive size range. There are even more inseam lengths, no-stretch options and plus sizes available on the brand's website.

Sizes: 23–32 | Inseam lengths: 26", 28" and 30" | Rise: 10 7/8" | Washes: 9 | Material: 99% cotton and 1% elastane (or 100% cotton) | Stretch: Low-stretch and no-stretch

2
Best value mom jean

ASOS DESIGN Relaxed Mom Jeans

Relaxed Mom Jeans
Now 40% Off
Credit: ASOS DESIGN

When I think of mom jeans, I envision a slightly baggy, high-waisted pair of blue jeans cuffed at the ankle. In my eyes, ASOS DESIGN hit the nail on the head with this pair. "I love these jeans because they fit great in both my hips and waist, which can be hard to find. The material is thick, but still has enough give for curves," said Cameron Jenkins, Good Housekeeping staff writer, who has owned these jeans for years.

While these may not be the best pair for petite women (the smallest size is a 24 and there is not an inseam length below 30 inches), the inseams go up to 34 inches with a size range of 24–36, so taller women may like the fit of these jeans.

Jenkins styles these jeans year round: "They’re just as cute with a graphic tee and sneakers as they are with a turtleneck and boots," she said. And if blue denim isn't your cup of tea, grab a pair in black, white or tan — or pick up multiple washes for endless styling opportunities.

Sizes: 24–36 | Inseam lengths: 30", 32" and 34" | Rise: Not listed | Washes: 6 | Material: 100% cotton | Stretch: No stretch

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3
Best Gender-Neutral Mom Jeans

Levi's 501 Original Fit Women's Jeans

501 Original Fit Women's Jeans
Credit: Levi's

After owning (and loving) previous pairs of Levi's jeans, I finally grabbed a pair of the brand's famous 501 Original Fit Jeans for myself. This style, which was the first jeans created in 1873, is made with 100% cotton and no stretch. GH Home and Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine said this fabric may feel a bit stiff at first, soon they'll "take shape beautifully and break in with each wear."

You can shop from the women's or men's traditional sizing to get the perfect waist and inseam length measurements, but the style itself is overall the same regardless of your gender. It features the classic high waist with a button-fly closure and looser leg opening that creates a casual, clean-cut appearance. It's not too wide and baggy nor too tight and slim so that all body shapes can feel comfortable and stylish. With the right accessories, these jeans can be dressed up or down and look feminine, masculine or androgynous.

Size range: W23–34 and M28–42 | Inseam lengths: 29, 30, 32, 34 & 36 | Rise: 11 1/8" | Washes: 33 | Material: 100% cotton | Stretch: Non-stretch and low-stretch

4
Best Petite Mom Jeans

American Eagle Strigid Mom Jean

Strigid Mom Jean

When your height falls below 5'4, finding jeans that fit your waist and your leg length can add an extra level of difficulty to denim shopping. Our style editors rounded up the best petite jeans and were excited about American Eagle's Strigid Mom Jeans' extra short, short and regular inseam length options.

“This pair from AE is rigid in the front and stretchy in the back for both structure and comfort," said Textiles and Apparel Lab Product Analyst Grace Wu. The pants also feature a comfort-stretch waistband to mold to your waist and ensure you have a snug yet flexible fit. The cut is tapered and a bit slim, but looser than a skinny jean.

If sized correctly, the cuffs of the pants should hit right above the ankle, which pairs well with all sorts of shoes from sneakers to ankle booties. You'd think all these amazing features would result in a high price tag, but these jeans come in under $50 yet look and feel to be of much higher quality.

Sizes: 2-14 (X-Short), 000-20 (Short) | Inseam lengths: X-short, short, regular and long | Rise: 11.75" | Washes: 4 | Material: 93% cotton, 7% recycled cotton (front) and 91% cotton, 7% recycled cotton and 2% spandex (back) | Stretch: Stretchy back and comfort-stretch waistband

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5
Best Curvy Mom Jeans

Good American Soft-Tech Good Curve Straight Jeans

Soft-Tech Good Curve Straight Jeans
Credit: Good American

In past testing, our experts and consumer testers loved Good American's jeans for curvy body types. The ultra-high rise of this pair is ideal for those with a long torso or someone who wants a supportive waistband around the stomach area. The contour seam in the backside is designed to enhance curves and the straight-leg cut does not taper around the ankle, which can create a subtle flared-out look.

These semi-stretchy jeans boast an impressive size range of 00 to 32 plus and have some neat features to better suit curvy body shapes. "My biggest challenge when it comes to jeans is that it might fit on my hips and my butt, but then gap at my waist," one of our previous testers said when we rounded up the best jeans for every body type. The Soft-Tech Good Curve Straight Jeans have a "gap-proof" waistband, according to the brand, and are designed to contour to your body like a second skin.

Sizes: 00–32 Plus | Inseam lengths: 28" | Rise: Unknown (super-high rise) | Washes: 1 | Material: 48% Tencel lyocell, 47% Ecovero viscose, 4% polyester, 1% Lycra spandex | Stretch: Comfort stretch

6
Best Tall mom jeans

Madewell The Perfect Vintage Jean

The Perfect Vintage Jean

Madewell is a denim brand beloved by multiple editors at the GH Institute (myself included!) and the Perfect Vintage Jean is a popular style available in regular, petite, tall and taller inseam lengths. The straight-leg cut and blue wash colors create a modern look for an '80s- and '90s-styled pair of jeans.

Testers loved the style and fit of these jeans, but several noted that the Kepler wash ran small. "Several people complimented me on my jeans. One friend even said they looked tailored for my body," a tester said.

Although they are a bit pricey, the two Madewell jeans I purchased are the only pants I've ever spent over $100 for and I believe they are well worth the investment. The rigid yet slightly stretchy material make them the comfiest jeans I own and they have not lost their shape or structure over time. Plus, the colors on both pairs have not faded after running them through the washer and dryer multiple times.

Sizes: 23–33 | Inseam lengths: 29"–35" | Rise: 11 3/4" rise | Washes: 4 | Material: 99% cotton and 1% spandex | Stretch: Comfort stretch

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7
Best Ankle Mom Jeans

Nudie Jeans Breezy Britt Casual Blue

Breezy Britt Casual Blue
Credit: Nudie Jeans Co

Nudie Jeans is a woman-owned brand that our style experts and editors love at the GH Institute. These tapered-leg mom jeans are available in eight colors, have a button-fly opening and feature wavy stitches on the back pockets for a unique touch.

As a part of the brand's sustainability efforts, each item has a product transparency section where you can read more about the manufacturing process and water usage. These sturdy and durable jeans are on the pricier end, but will last a long time without losing their structure.

Sizes: 24–38 | Inseam lengths: 26", 28", 30", 32" and 34" | Rise: Not listed | Washes: 8 shades | Material: 100% cotton | Stretch: Rigid

8
Best ultra-high rise mom jeans

Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean

Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean
Credit: Abercrombie

A staple pair of jeans I've had for two years is Abercrombie's Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean in a light blue wash. The waistband goes far above my belly button and feels very snug around my torso and bum. I love how how the leg openings are looser than other straight jeans without looking too baggy or wide. Alex Mata, an editorial stylist at Good Housekeeping, agreed with me on the fit: "Not too tight and not too loose, but still snug in the right places," she said.

I mostly wear mine in the summer because of the color I own, but they're also the most lightweight and softest pair of jeans I've worn, which makes them breathable and comfortable in the summer months. These jeans are available in a whopping 22 shades and a wide range of sizes and inseam lengths. I may just grab another pair (or two!) to wear in the winter.

Sizes: 23–37 | Inseam lengths: 27.5"–33.5" | Rise: 11.5” | Washes: 22 shades | Material: 99% cotton and 1% elastane | Stretch: Rigid with some stretch

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9
Best ankle-length mom jeans

AG Jeans Rian High-Rise Straight

Rian High-Rise Straight
Credit: AG Jeans

Although it's the priciest option on our list, the Rian High-Rise Straight jeans are a stretchy option with a classic look. The cropped length means the pants will skim just above the ankle and give a summery vibe with flats and sandals or look perfect with ankle booties in the colder months.

The slim waistband creates an illusion of not looking too high rise if you're not into that style but want the comfort and coverage that comes with a higher-rise pair of pants.

Sizes: 22–33 | Inseam lengths: 28 1/2" | Rise: 11 3/4" | Washes: 1 | Material: 98% cotton and 2% elastane | Stretch: Vintage comfort stretch denim

What are mom jeans?

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"There isn’t a singular definition and it more often refers to a trend of more casual jeans with a looser fit," said said Emma Seymour, senior analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles & Apparel Lab, but after discussing with the experts in the Textiles Lab and gauging GH editors' favorite mom jeans, the overall consensus is that mom jeans are high-waisted jeans that are loose but not baggy (a perfect middle ground, if you will).

GH Home and Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine described the style as "fitted at the rear, with a loose, tapered leg and high rise." The goal is to accentuate the hips without feeling like a second skin the way that skinny jeans do.

I did some digging on the internet and found the the term "mom jeans" really took off in popularity from a sketch on SNL in 2003. Tina Fey coined the term, according to The Atlantic, as a way to refer to the uncool jeans a suburban mom would wear. Luckily for everyone who likes comfortable jeans, mom jeans became trendy and popular in the 2010s and haven't left many wardrobes since.

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Why trust Good Housekeeping?

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Isabella Cavallo is the assistant commerce editor at the GH Institute. She has experience writing product round-ups and covering all things shopping, like the best online clothing stores, the best running shorts for men and the best jean shorts.

The Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab experts have years of experience testing clothing items. Cavallo worked with the Lab pros and GH editors to create this list of mom jeans that are comfortable on various body types and cover a wide range of budgets.

Headshot of Isabella Cavallo
Isabella Cavallo
Assistant Commerce Editor

Isabella (she/her) covers commerce and product-related content in the home, lifestyle, fitness, technology and beauty. She graduated from Binghamton University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in English: Literature & Rhetoric. Before joining GH, she was an editorial assistant at Prevention, where she covered health topics and celebrity news. 

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