What are the Best Jeans for Teens? We Asked Real Teenagers and Fashion Experts
High schoolers and college students love these jeans for class and hanging out with friends.
Tested by Amanda ConstantineHome & Apparel Reviews Analyst
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Best overall jeans for teens
American Eagle Dreamy Drape Stretch Curvy Super High-Waisted Baggy Wide-Leg Jean
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Teenagers don't get the credit that they deserve when it comes to fashion, especially in the denim world. The school hallways are like a fashion show with all the new trends, like barrel jeans and baggy jeans, but they're not limited to throwback styles like low-rise pants and mom jeans. While teenagers may be stylish, comfort is still at the forefront of their minds, and the best jeans for teens combine trends with comfortability.
As the youngest Gen Zer in the Good Housekeeping Institute, I was tasked with finding out what the teens are wearing to school and to hangout with friends. I may have graduated college two years ago, but I like to think I know what the kids are up to nowadays (ask me about Brat Summer, Roblox and Olivia Rodrigo).
To get a sense of what styles of jeans teenagers are wearing and which brands they are shopping, I compiled recommendations from high schoolers, college students and teens from states across the country. These teenagers shared their favorite pairs of jeans from brands like American Eagle, Levi's, PacSun and Zara, and I vetted the materials and other key features with our pros in the Textile Lab. Ahead, find the best jeans for teens approved by real teenagers and our experts.
American Eagle Dreamy Drape Stretch Curvy Super High-Waisted Baggy Wide-Leg Jean
Not one, not two, but three different teenagers recommended these slouchy, wide leg jeans. Our experts have also tested this pair and ranked them as one of the best baggy jeans and the best jeans for women. Couple that with the high number of recommendations for AE jeans in general from teenagers, and we think you'll get a stamp of approval from a teenager if you gift this pair. The distressed denim in two of the four wash colors and slouchy ends give an effortlessly chic appearance.
There are a few variations of this pair of jeans, including one with an even higher waist band, another with a stripe down the legs and one pair that's more rigid and not stretchy, both of which our testers and experts were impressed by. All of them feature a high waistband and wide leg that's not super baggy, but loose enough for easy movement in the legs. Along with the trendy style, testers raved about the breathability and comfort of these jeans. Plus, the extensive size range — 000 Short to 20 Long — is hard to beat.
TEENAGERS' NOTES: "These are my favorite jeans because they fit so well with girls who have bigger legs and a smaller waist. They’re so soft, comfy and cheaper than other jean brands." — 16-year-old girl
"These American Eagle jeans are the most flattering wide-leg jeans I have tried on and [they] embrace my figure. They are the perfect everyday jeans to dress up or down. They are my go-to pants to throw on for any occasions." — 16-year-old high schooler
Sizes: 000–20, short, regular and long | Washes: 4 | Materials: 58% cotton, 21% recycled cotton, 18% tencel, 2% other fibers, 1% elastane | Price: $$
Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Flare Jeans
An actual teenager didn't recommend these jeans, but as someone who was a teenager not too long ago (four years is practically nothing!), I adore these retro-styled jeans from Old Navy, a brand whose jeans our experts recommend for teenagers. Available in five shades of blue, these jeans have a '70s-inspired flared bottom and high-rise waistband that create a trendy, yet classy, style for an incredible price.
In my experience of writing about online deals, I've noticed Old Navy and Gap jeans go on sale frequently throughout the year, making the prices more affordable. Plus, the brand's extensive size range for jeans, including regular, tall and petite fits with various inseam lengths, make these jeans ideal for teens in middle school, high school and college (and 23-year-old graduates!).
MY NOTES: I prioritize stretchiness in my jeans because I never sit correctly at my desk (and I never did in school), so I need to wear pants that allow me to sit criss-cross apple sauce. I love this pair because they are so stretchy that I could do yoga wearing them, but the denim still has a substantial feel and high-quality appearance. Wide-leg styles have been popular among teens for a few years now, but I remember receiving tons of compliments from classmates when I wore flared jeans. The style works well with sneakers, boots or platform shoes, and it's a great option for a trend-setter teen.
Sizes: 0–30, regular, tall and petite | Washes: 5 | Materials: Recycled polyester 6%, cotton 86%, recycled cotton 7%, elastane 1% | Price: $
American Eagle Strigid Curvy Mom Jeans
Ranked as one of our favorite mom jeans at the GH Institute, these AE jeans have that beloved '80s-inspired silhouette. The high-rise waistband features the brand's comfort waistband, which is stretchier than the rest of the pants for a better fit and more comfort. Textiles and Apparel Lab Product Analyst Grace Wu said of the non-curvy version of these jeans: “This pair from AE is rigid in the front and stretchy in the back for both structure and comfort."
The Strigid Curvy Mom Jeans take comfort one step further by adding an extra three inches in the hips and thighs to eliminate that gap in the waistband and creating that mom jean look of a looser thigh area and tapered lower leg. These jeans are made almost entirely of cotton with just a bit of elastane in the waistband, which keeps the pair sturdy and in good condition over time but allows for a bit of stretch around the waist.
TEENAGER'S NOTES: "I have a very muscular body from all the working out that I do and this can make finding jeans that fit very hard. These jeans from AE fit my legs and waist without feeling tight and uncomfy, so I love them." — 18-year-old college athlete
Sizes: 000–20, short, regular and long | Washes: 3 | Materials: 93% Cotton, 7% recycled cotton; back & waistband: 92% cotton, 7% recycled cotton, 1% elastane | Price: $$
This just in: low-rise jeans are cool again. You heard that right, the tiny zippers and below-the-belly-button style is back from the early 2000s and making its round again in school halls. These low-rise jeans mix nostalgia with the current trends, featuring a baggy silhouette and distressed rips at the knees and cuffs.
Levi's jeans consistently perform well in our tests and have been making best-selling jeans since 1873 — long before any teens or their grandparents were born, yet tons of teens raved about the brand. Although this specific pair is on the pricier end, the 100% cotton material should maintain the structure and shape of these jeans for a long time. Older teenagers who are less likely to change sizes in a short amount of time can benefit from investing in these high-quality jeans.
TEENAGER'S NOTES: "These are a little more pricey [than my other jeans], but definitely worth it if you want a nice pair of low-rise jeans. I just grew out of mine, but have had them for a while and they’re super durable and comfy once you break them in." — 16-year-old girl
Sizes: 23–34 waist, 30 and 32 inseam lengths | Washes: 6 | Materials: 100% | Price: $$$
ZARA Mid-Rise Z1975 Wide Leg Loose Selvedge Jeans
Not too high nor low of a rise, the waistband on these jeans are just right, as Goldilocks would say. High-rise jeans can sometimes swallow my shorter torso, but as a teenager I always overlooked mid-rise pants. The mid-rise waistband of these Zara jeans are perfect for those with shorter torsos who want more coverage than a low-rise pair of jeans. Made with 100% cotton, these jeans have a substantial feel and maintain their structure. While testing another pair of jeans from Zara, Emma Seymour, Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director, found the denim to hold up well in the washer and dryer.
The cuff at the bottom of the pant leg adds a unique touch, but if that doesn't suit your fashion taste, check out Zara's non-cuffed jeans of the same style (it even includes a belt!) or these mid-rise, wide leg Zara jeans that another teen recommended, which are very similar, but less slouchy and more elegant. If your legs are a bit short, these may not be the best jeans for you: the product listing of the non-cuffed jeans state the item runs big and these Selvedge Jeans have visible slouching at the bottom. However, that makes this a great pair for long legs or to wear with platform shoes, like these Doc Martens and Ultra Mini Platform Uggs that my teenage cousins (and myself) love.
TEENAGER'S NOTES: "I like these jeans because of the baggy fit, which looks really stylish. I am tall and these jeans are the perfect length for me." — 19-year-old college student
Sizes: 25–31 | Washes: 2 | Materials: 100% cotton | Price: $$
American Eagle Stretch Super High-Waisted Straight Jean
Straight-leg silhouettes are the perfect in between of wide-leg and skinny jeans — not too loose and not too tight around the thighs and calves. Straight jeans have a timeless, classy appearance that works for going to class, hanging out with friends, or even as pants in a semi-professional setting (I used to wear straight-leg jeans to my internships all throughout college).
Available in four shades of blue, this pair from AE is a great option for teens because the high waistband has elastane, adding a slight stretch in the torso and making the pants more comfortable for all-day wear. This means teens can sit easily in small desks for long days at and after school without wishing they wore sweatpants instead. Plus, the extensive size range at AE (00–24) and short, regular and long inseams make it easier for teens of all ages to find the perfect fit for themselves.
TEENAGER'S NOTES: "I like the look and fit of these jeans. I'm not a big fan of baggy jeans, so I like that these are a little slimmer. I wear them with sneakers to class and to football games." — 18-year-old college student
Sizes: 00–24, short, regular and long | Washes: 4 | Materials: 57% cotton, 10% recycled cotton, 32% lyocell, 1% elastane | Price: $
PacSun Casey Medium Indigo Ripped Knee Low Rise Baggy Jeans
Combining multiple trends in one, these low-rise, baggy, distressed jeans are the epitome of edgy and fashionable. The slouchy ends of the pant legs look effortless and the rips at the knees add on to that edgy, casual style. This pair has a low-rise waistband that rests right along the hips, which is trendy at the moment but very much up to personal preference (many people find it uncomfortable). Being a teenager is the perfect time to experiment with fashion, so trying out this pair from PacSun (a beloved brand among teens) can be an exciting way to slightly step outside of the box and try a new jean style.
Most teens I talked to recommended baggy jeans, and there's no doubt that I see baggy jeans while I'm out and about or scrolling through social media. So, if you're looking for a new pair of jeans or you want to buy one as a gift for a teenager, you can't go wrong with a baggy option. Although this pair only comes in one wash color, this light shade of blue is perfect for casual settings and a color I see most high schoolers reach for.
TEENAGER'S NOTES: "My favorite type of jeans are the PacSun Casey Ripped Knee Low Rise Baggy Jean. They feel very comfortable and they fit really well. I think the rips make them look very cool and fun. I also love the fact that they are affordable!" — 17-year-old high schooler
Sizes: 23–32 | Washes: 1 | Materials: 100% cotton | Price: $
We The Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
I must admit, barrel jeans are the first style that I feel out-of-touch with the kids these days. Barrel jeans have a curved seam that poofs the pant leg out a bit. This funky silhouette was a polarizing trend on TikTok, but is picking up in popularity among teenagers recently. These mid-rise, slouchy barrel jeans from Free People have a fullness along the outer thighs and calves with a wide-leg ending at the ankle.
The jeans are made with durable and breathable materials so that you can wear the pants all year long and keep them in your closet for years to come. Although the smallest size is a 24, which may be too big for younger teens, the brand recommends sizing down and there are short inseam length options as well. Choose from a whopping 18 color options, including classic denim blue shades, earthy tones for autumn or bright green for a pop of color.
TEENAGER'S NOTES: “I like the Free People barrel jeans because they hold their baggy shape really well and fit very nicely around the waist. They also go with a lot of clothes, which means I can wear them in a lot of outfits." — 18-year-old college student
Sizes: 24–33, regular, short and long | Washes: 18 | Materials: 40% recycled cotton, 17% cotton, 43% lyocell | Price: $$$
Looking for a gender-neutral denim style? This pair from Uniqlo may fit the bill. The silhouette and off-white, gray, blue and dark blue wash options make these jeans a staple wardrobe piece that can be worn by anyone. The name says it all: these jeans have a relaxed style that's not supper baggy but wide enough for tons of comfort and free range of movement throughout the day. This pair is sold under the men's section, but I think the androgynous, simple appearance could be rocked by all teens.
The size range is listed as XS–3XL, which can be a bit more confusing and less perfect-fitting when compared to other denim brands' extensive and specific sizing. Our Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst, Grace Wu, says Uniqlo denim runs big (something I can also attest for in my experience wearing their jeans), but the brand offers to alter in-store and online purchases for free for certain types of alteration stitches or a fee of $5 to $10 (details of alteration fees can be found here). Plus, there is a drawstring in the waistband of these jeans so that you can cinch it tighter without wearing a belt. The ankle-length prevents the legs from being too long if you're on the shorter end, but the ends can be cuffed or altered if needed.
TEENAGER'S NOTES: "I'm wearing Uniqlo [jeans] right now. I love the fabric that they use. They're stretchy and lightweight and super comfortable. I'm not someone who likes wearing form-fitting clothes and these are super comfortable. Uniqlo is great quality and seem to last. They're also pretty basic. Basic and high-quality is super nice because you can kind of wear them with anything. I do wish they had more inclusive sizes though. I don't think they have many plus-sized clothes in general." — 19-year-old male college student
Sizes: XS–3XL | Washes: 4 | Materials: 100% Cotton | Price: $
How we chose the best jeans for teens
Fashion trends can vary from city to city, but social media has made trends circulate throughout the country among teens, and we found which ones the kids are wearing to school and to hang out with friends nowadays. We compiled recommendations from 12 teenagers in high school and college in multiple states, including New York, Pennsylvania, California and Vermont. They recommended over 10 different brands and our experts have tested tons of brands over the years.
In addition to considering recommendations, we evaluated the jeans' materials and how the brand's denim has performed in our previous tests so that we only listed options our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute feel confident are quality pairs of jeans. I also took note of size ranges, color options and price tags and considered whether these points were suitable for a teenager.
What to look for when buying jeans for teens
Before you click add to cart, there are a few key features and details you should take note of when shopping for the best jeans for teens:
✔️ Know your measurements: Jeans' sizing can be a bit difficult to navigate, especially when different brands use different number ranges. For example, some brands use a 000–20+ scale while others use a 23–30+ or XXS–3XL scale. Also, you need to take your height into account. Amanda Constantine, Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst, says taking your waist, hips and inseam measurements will make jean shopping much easier. "Take your inseam (from crotch to ankle) and waist measurements at home before you start shopping online or head to the mall," Constantine says. She also suggests reviewing the brand’s size chart "to compare your measurements to the brand’s standard sizing so you have an estimate of which jean size to try on."
✔️ Find the right fit and style: There are all sorts of styles and fits, like wide-leg, baggy, straight-leg, skinny, mom jeans and more silhouettes. The most important thing for a shopper to keep in mind is how a certain style feels and fits on your body. "It can be easy to get caught up in the size, but denim sizing is inconsistent between brands and sometimes even inconsistent between styles at one brand. What matters most is how the jeans fit you," Constantine says. Ideally, you'll find a pair of jeans that has a comfortable waistband that doesn't gap, you can move easily while wearing the jeans and the length of the leg is not too long or too short.
✔️ Consider fabrication: "A pair of 100% cotton jeans will have a stiffer feel and more structured look, and there’s no give in the material, so the jeans may feel a bit snug," Constantine explains. If you want a bit more stretch and flexibility in your jeans, Constantine says denim made with a cotton and a synthetic fiber like spandex will have more stretch. "Just know that the stretch fiber may start to lose its shape over time, which can cause your jeans to feel a little baggy or loose in the waistline and knees," she says. This can be ideal for younger teens who are still growing and will need to size up in the future, but less ideal for those looking for jeans that will stay in excellent condition for a long time.
What are popular styles for jeans?
Teenagers are tapped into what's fashionable — especially now with social media spreading fashion trends faster than ever — but many said they value comfort above all else. Below are a few popular style options, described by Constantine:
- Wide: Wide-leg jeans have "a loose fit throughout the entire length," Constantine says. The wider the pant leg is, the more baggy and slouchy the jeans will look. These jeans were the most recommended of any style among teenagers.
- Straight: "[Straight jeans have] a straight cut from the hip all the way to the ankle," Constantine says. These jeans are slimmer than wide-leg jeans but looser than skinny jeans.
- Flare or bootcut: Constantine describes flare and bootcut jeans as pants "that are fitted in the hips and thighs but start to widen out towards the hemline, typically starting at the knee." Think '70s, retro-style pants.
- Mom: "These jeans have a looser fit down the leg but taper at the ankle. They also tend to emphasize the butt and hips," she describes. Mom jeans have an '80s-inspired style and tend to have a high waistband.
- Barrel: "A newer, trendy style, barrel jeans are designed with a curved seam that adds fullness to the leg," she explains. These are the newest trend in the denim world that teenagers are loving.
- Skinny: "These jeans are fitted from top to bottom, showing off the natural shape of your leg," she explains. Skinny jeans were all the rage when I was in middle school, but they're a little less popular nowadays and no teenagers recommended a pair of skinny jeans while crowdsourcing suggestions for this article.
Brands to shop jeans for teens
Looking for more options? Check out these brands recommended by Constantine and teenagers, including some that didn't make the cut in this roundup:
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Isabella Cavallo wrote this article by collecting recommendations from teenagers, consulting our experts, considering size and price ranges suitable for teens, looking at the Textiles Lab's testing notes and evaluating previously tested pairs of jeans. Cavallo is the Assistant Commerce Editor at the GH Institute and has experience writing product roundups in our fashion columns, including the best mom jeans and the best jean shorts. She's only 23-years-old and thinks this makes her young enough to know what the teens think are cool.
To write this roundup, she tapped Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine, who provided insight on popular styles and helped narrow down brands with suitable jeans for teenagers. Not only is she GH's residential fashionista, she also has years of experience testing clothing, including the best plus-sized jeans, petite jeans for women, white T-shirts for women and more.
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.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
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