Lately, I’ve been feeling a little meh about my usual denim lineup, especially for casual everyday looks. I’m fine when I’m wearing a heel for church or dinner out, but the slim straight ankle jeans and flares I’ve relied on for the past few years with sneakers and flats suddenly feel a bit tired… maybe even a little frumpy.
That’s when it hit me: maybe what I really need is a couple of full-length straight-leg jeans — relaxed but not too slouchy. This style has been looking a lot more current to me lately, even compared to wide-leg jeans (which are still going strong, of course, but can feel like a lot of volume for everyday wear). So I ordered a handful of options to try, hoping to find that easy, modern silhouette that looks current for 2025 but still feels like me.
I ended up testing a few pairs, even venturing into some brands I don’t normally wear, just to see if I could broaden my horizons a bit. And today I’m sharing my honest thoughts — what worked, what didn’t, and which ones surprised me the most.
If you’re also reassessing your denim this season or trying to figure out which straight-leg jeans work best with casual winter shoes, I hope this gives you a place to start.
Why Full-Length Straight Legs Suddenly Make Sense
AG Brinley Straight (29) // bubble hem bomber jacket (S) // LNA Harrison Tee (M) // Treasure & Bond suede belt in Chocolate (M) // Dolce Vita Faint H2O Waterproof Chelsea Boot in Dark Brown Suede (8.5) // Clare V. Moyen Messenger
Straight-leg jeans are trending again in 2025, and the full-length styles in particular are getting a lot of attention. They create a cleaner line than ankle-length cuts and pair more naturally with the casual shoes many of us are wearing this winter — sneakers, clogs, loafers, and low boots.
The key is finding the right mix of rise, inseam, and leg shape so the fit feels modern and the proportions stay balanced. I’ve been looking for a straight-leg jean that skims the body, hits at a true full length (without puddling), and feels effortless for everyday wear.
6 Straight-Leg Jeans I Tried (and How They Stack Up)
SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and I usually wear a small or medium in tops and dresses, a 29 or 30 in jeans and pants, and a size 8 shoe. Gifted items are indicated by c/o; everything else I purchased myself.
Quince Bella Stretch Relaxed Straight Jeans in Atlantic Blue ($50)
at Quince (30/30) // Sanctuary Zip-it Sweater (S) // Birkenstock Boston Rivets (39)
PRODUCT DETAILS: Our Bella Stretch Relaxed Straight Jeans have the look of vintage ‘90s-inspired denim with added stretch that fits just right. The flattering high-rise cut hugs in all the right places while the relaxed leg brings a laid-back vibe. Plus it’s crafted from premium denim with organic cotton for a supportive yet comfy fit and impossibly soft feel. It’s the perfect pair you’ll always reach for.
- Front Rise: 10 1/2″
- Leg Opening: 20″
- Inseam: 30″
MY THOUGHTS: Quince jeans have been getting a lot of buzz lately, so I decided to try a pair. At $50, they really do seem like an excellent value. The denim is fairly thick but has a good amount of stretch and doesn’t bag out during the day. This pair has a mid-rise, relaxed straight-leg silhouette and comes in five washes and four inseam lengths. I also appreciate that they carry a wide size range (24–33).
I like the fit of these, and the rear pocket placement is good—something I always check because it can really make or break a pair of jeans. I look for pockets that are centered (not too low, high, wide, or close together) and medium in size. These check all the boxes!
The Atlantic Blue wash is a nice medium shade with subtle whiskering and distressing, but nothing too dramatic, and the 30″ inseam is perfect with my new Birkenstock Boston Clogs (see more of my thoughts on those in my post: How to Wear the Birkenstock Boston Clogs this Winter.)
VERDICT: I’m keeping these! I think I’ll reach for them often on casual days.
Quince Bella Stretch Relaxed Straight in Cool Blue
at Quince (30/30) // Sanctuary Zip-it Sweater (S) // Gola Torpedo (8.5)
PRODUCT DETAILS: Our Bella Stretch Relaxed Straight Jeans have the look of vintage ‘90s-inspired denim with added stretch that fits just right. The flattering high-rise cut hugs in all the right places while the relaxed leg brings a laid-back vibe. Plus it’s crafted from premium denim with organic cotton for a supportive yet comfy fit and impossibly soft feel. It’s the perfect pair you’ll always reach for.
- Front Rise: 10 1/2″
- Leg Opening: 20″
- Inseam: 30″
MY THOUGHTS: This is basically the same pair as the one above, just in a lighter wash. It’s a bit bright for my taste, but the 30″ length is perfect with my Gola sneakers.
Surprisingly, it also works with a low heel—these booties have a 2 ½” block heel, for reference.
also wearing: Z Supply Perci Sweater // Dolce Vita Vaydin Bootie (8.5) // Madewell Tote
VERDICT: I don’t hate these, but I prefer the Atlantic Blue wash, so I’ll probably return this pair.
Abercrombie Mid Rise 90s Straight Jean in Medium Wash ($90)
at Abercrombie (size 30 regular) // EVEREVE Jessie Cardigan (S) // Dolce Vita Baylee Flats (8.5)
PRODUCT DETAILS: Our classic 90s straight fit in a medium wash with a clean hem. Features a mid rise that is fitted at the waist through the seat to show off your best butt. Slightly eases at the thigh into a true full-length, straight leg shape. Made from our Vintage Comfort Stretch fabric with structure and slight stretch. This jean was designed to hit at the top of the shoe. Imported.
- Rise: 10″
- Leg Opening: 16″
- Regular Inseam: 30.5″
- Materials: 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane
MY THOUGHTS: It’s been a long time since I’ve tried Abercrombie jeans, but their ’90s fit comes highly recommended, so I thought I’d give them a shot. They come in five lengths, tons of washes, and they’re under $100! This pair is the mid-rise straight in the regular length. (I also ordered the high-rise relaxed straight in the short length, which I’ll share below.)
The denim has a more rigid feel than the Quince pair, yet it has good structure and doesn’t seem to bag out.
These jeans are just okay for me. They seem to run big — this pair feels a bit roomy, and I’d like to try the 29 for comparison.
VERDICT: Going back.
Abercrombie High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean in Medium
at Abercrombie (size 30 short) // Madewell Cashmere Cardigan (M) // Birkenstock Boston Rivets (39)
PRODUCT DETAILS: Our classic 90s relaxed fit in a medium wash with a clean hem. Features a high rise that is fitted at the waist through the seat to show off your best butt. Eases open through the thigh into a full-length, relaxed leg shape. Made from our Vintage Comfort Stretch fabric with structure and slight stretch. Imported.
- Front Rise: 11″
- Leg Opening: 20″
- Short Inseam: 29.5″
- Materials: 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane
MY THOUGHTS: This is a similar wash to the pair above, but the rise is an inch higher, the inseam is an inch longer, and the leg opening is wider due to the more relaxed fit. I also feel like this pair runs a bit large in the size 30, but they’re very comfortable!
Here’s how they look with Mary Jane flats. I think it works, although I don’t love the length of this sweater — I kept it on for these photos because it makes it easier to see the rise of the jeans.
VERDICT: I feel like these have potential… I ordered these in a size 29 to try next.
KUT from the Kloth Selena Low Rise Baggy Straight in Fateful ($114)
at KFTC & Nordstrom (6) // Quince Boatneck Sweater (M) // similar rag & bone bone boots
PRODUCT DETAILS: Embrace a cool, relaxed vibe with these baggy, low rise straight leg jeans in a classic black wash. Made from stretchy material, they provide comfortable movement and effortless style. For a slimmer fit we recommend to size down.
- Front Rise: 10″
- Leg Opening: 20″
- Inseam: 31″
- Material: 68% cotton, 28% polyester, 3% rayon, 1% spandex
MY THOUGHTS: KUT from the Kloth is my favorite mid-price denim brand, and I was drawn to this black wash pair because I don’t have a relaxed-fit style in this color that works with flats. They call it a low-rise baggy straight, but the front rise is 10″ (I measured mine to be sure, since there’s some discrepancy between the two websites), which is really more of a mid-rise. And the leg opening is 20″, the same as the Quince and Abercrombie “relaxed straight,” so it seems baggy is just another word for relaxed here.
Anyway… I really like these! I’m not sure why they look more flattering to my eye, since the measurements are nearly identical to the other two, but the fit just feels better overall.
They have a 31″ inseam, so I’m wearing them with a low heel. They’re a bit too long for flats, unfortunately, but I have a feeling they might shrink up a little in the wash.
VERDICT: Definitely keeping!
AGOLDE Harper Straight in Kindle ($238)
at AGOLDE, EVEREVE & Shopbop (size 30) // Naadam Cashmere Raglan Crewneck (S) // Vince Sutter Bootie (8.5)
PRODUCT DETAILS: The Harper Jean in Kindle is your new everyday favorite. Crafted from medium indigo lightweight denim with comfort stretch, it feels soft while holding its shape. With a mid-rise and relaxed straight fit, it’s true to size and perfect for all-day wear.
- Front Rise: 11 1/4″
- Leg Opening: 20″
- Inseam: 32″
- Material: 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane
MY THOUGHTS: This pair has a high rise silhouette and more of a relaxed straight fit, and sadly they are too long for me to wear with flats without alterations, but they are so comfortalbe and such a good fit. I love them! I also like the relaxed straight silhouette with heels. It’s a nice alternative to wide leg jeans or relaxed flares with a heel.
The size 30 did feel a little too big, though, so I ordered the 29… and those already came in so you can see how they compare below…
AGOLDE Harper in Forum ($238)
at AGOLDE (also in Petite) & Bloomingdale’s (size 29) // EVEREVE Jessie Cardigan (S) // Sam Edelman Saige Bootie (8.5)
- Front Rise: 11 1/4″
- Leg Opening: 20″
- Inseam: 32″
- Material: 99% Cotton, 1% Lycra
MY THOUGHTS: These are a slightly different wash (I didn’t realize when I ordered) and they feel a bit more rigid, which makes no sense because the fabric content is almost identical. Not sure what the difference between Lycra and Elastane is… but apparently something! I still really like the fit of these, though — they’re so elongating.
VERDICT: Keeping the 29, but I also ordered the Kindle wash in a 29 to compare, since it’s softer and more comfortable.
AG Brinley Mid Rise Straight in 16 Years Soaring
at AG Jeans, Nordstrom, EVEREVE & Bloomingdale’s (size 29) // Caslon sweater (S) // VEJA Campo (39)
PRODUCT DETAILS: Brinley is a mid-rise straight jean crafted from comfort stretch denim. AG-ed™ to replicate 16 years of natural wear for a well-worn, vintage-inspired finish. The comfort stretch denim offers flexibility and ease of movement while maintaining the structure of a classic straight-leg fit.
- Front Rise: 10 1/4″
- Leg Opening: 16″
- Inseam: 29″
- Materials: 72% Cotton, 26% Lyocell, 2% Polyurethane
MY THOUGHTS: If you’ve been around for a bit, you may recognize these! They were the first pair of full-length straight-leg jeans I tried, but I had to include them here because they’re definite keepers.
They’re super soft, comfy, and have that almost pajama-like feel — very casual and easy to wear. I like them best styled with sneakers or clogs.
And here’s how they look with the Birks…
They work with Mary Jane flats too, in terms of length and fit, but the wash reads a little too casual for that look.
I also wore them with casual heels and a fun bubble hem bomber jacket! I like this, but I think I’ll probably reserve these jeans for flats and wear the Agolde Harper with boots in the future, since I have both, but it’s nice to know I can wear these with a heel if I want to.
AG Brinley Straight (29) // bubble hem bomber jacket (S) // LNA Harrison Tee (M) // Treasure & Bond suede belt in Chocolate (M) // Dolce Vita Faint H2O Waterproof Chelsea Boot in Dark Brown Suede (8.5) // Clare V. Moyen Messenger
VERDICT: These are keepers! I’ve already worn them a bunch.
In Conclusion
Trying all these styles side by side really helped me zero in on which straight-leg silhouettes feel the most current and wearable. I’d love to hear from you — what straight-leg styles have you tried lately? Any brands or washes you’d recommend (or avoid)? Feel free to drop your favorites (or wish lists) below; I’m always on the lookout for good denim suggestions!
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33 Responses
I learned a lot, thanks for this! I never paid attention to leg opening, but that is the reason some jeans don’t work for me and I didn’t know why! thank you!
I have the AG and Agolde. Love both of them. My go to jeans are Agolde year after year! Since I love Kut from the Kloth, I may have to try those in the black. Thanks for a great post!
Thank you so much for this post! Being petite in statute has always been a complaint of mine. But these straight leg jeans have been my go to for years. I have tried and tried boot cut and full cut jeans and i look dumpy. So it’s straight legs all the way. Thank you for all of the pretty styles you have put together with them. This year has been a little easier in putting together outfits and your outfit ideas are great!! Again, thank you! You are the best!!
I am so glad you are embracing the looser straight-leg trend and look forward to seeing how you style them! I live in suburban Chicago and the fitted flares never took off as a trend here. We went from kick-flares and fitted straight-leg to wider legs and looser straight fits. The full length bottoms including jeans and athleisure pants all have a definite break in the fabric where the pant meets the foot and is almost to the floor in the back. I always enjoy your blog but even more so now as our regional styles are matching better at the moment!
These all look pretty good on you. They seem more like boot cut than straight as they are wider at the bottom. I Googled the difference and that didn’t help.
I’ve been wondering about those Quince jeans for a while! Definitely going to give them a try now! Also, you have said that you were looking for more jeans that you could wear with flats but kept a couple of pairs that you said were a little long and needed a heel. What made you keep those? Just curious!
I only kept the one… the Harper. I like the silhouette with a heel and it feels different to me than my other blue jeans I wear with heels. I think (hope) the black KUT ones will be okay after they’re washed… if not I might hem them.
The KUT Selena’s and the AG Brinley are both very flattering to you. Define the shape of the thigh better and not too baggy in the back. Thank you for styling the options. Baggy is so hard for us short women! 5’1/2″.
I guess it’s time for me to give Quince jeans a try. Thanks for this review.
Do you have a link for that vest?
Yes, I should have linked the whole look. Sorry about that! Here you go… https://tapto.shop/jolynneshane/l/43694348
Great post! Straight legs seem to have gotten wider?
You asked if there was one to recommend and I’d like to give these a shout : https://www.nordstrom.com/s/the-bookie-sneak-bootcut-jeans/8173717?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=420
They’ve become my “everyday” jean as they’re just so easy to wear, give the MOTHER bum and the wash is flawless. I know they’re called boot cut- but they’re not. I also do not think they’re 32″ inseam. I’d have to measure but I wear them with sneakers daily and they’re not too long at all. They’ve got nice structure and are a great rise (on me) I hope you’ll try them!
I agree Shelly, they seem wider? I have a few pairs of straight leg jeans, 2 Kut actually from 10 years ago that aren’t as wide? They are still current to me and have held up well. I have always liked straight leg jeans since I’m pear shaped
Oooh, please link to that faux fur vest!
Here you go… https://tapto.shop/jolynneshane/l/43694348
I got a pair of Quince Bella’s and I want to wear them everyday! They wear true to size, and generally just look really good. Everything you said about them is true, especially the price value and the softness. Agolde’s are next on my list.
My go to denim lately has been the Kelsey Kut from the Kloth/petite length and an older Pistola straight leg and I have the Quince Bella stretch straight coming soon. It isn’t as baggy as the ones your have here, so works better for me. The first pair had a flaw so had to return. This will be my first Quince pair, so will see how they do. I’m with you, once Spring and Summer left, I don’t want to grab my straight crop as it feels tired, even if the weather is nice. It seems a constant thing for me trying to find the right denim/shoe combo. I pulled out my dark wash bootcut the other day and it felt off, like not in style off. Are bootcut still in? At my age, I really can’t do the straight baggy look. Doesn’t feel like me. Straight now seems wider to me……is it?
The baggier is trending but they’re all out there currently. I was specifically looking for more relaxed fits.
Thanks for this post and for doing all this homework. It’s very helpful! I agree that the Kut from the Kloth jeans look the best out of the less expensive brands. It is interesting that they have similar measurements. I really like them on you.
Love this post on straight leg jeans, I like all the choices on you you chose to keep. I too need a pair of denim to wear with sneakers and boots. When skinnies were in, I felt they were easier to style with all kinds of shoes. I don’t wear heels unless I’m at a dressier occasion. I’ve totally gone casual for the most part. I’ll have to give a straight pair a try. I’m more drawn to fitted as opposed to baggy. Baggy pants seems sloppy on me not matter how I try to style them.
I purchased the Jessie cardigan from Evereve and love it. It looks great with denim, blue, black and gray!! It also looks nice with my dressier black pants. I like that it’s shorter too Great piece!!
I have the Quince Bella relaxed straight jeans in gray. I really like them. I ordered the Bella wide leg jeans but had to return them. They sizing was off. I’m glad it’s cooler than I can wear jeans again.
My favorite style of jeans–thanks! Hey Wendy, I also live in the western burbs of Chicago–and I pretty much agree with you on the flares. Actually, it seems I mostly see leggings everywhere–but I rarely wear those except to workout. I really like the Abercrombie High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean–of course they make the free shipping at $99 and the jeans are $90–ugh. But I will look into it more–I like that the short length is 29.5–that could be perfect for me. I love the faux fur vest–just don’t know how much use I would get out of it. I have re-visited my stance on the birks–after looking at Quince version–the reviews sound great and they do actually look a bit nicer then Birks.
Just ordered the Abercrombie High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean (: Hope they work for me–thanks for the post Jo-Lynne.
I also ordered the Quince Bella in Atlantic blue a few days ago. I can’t wait for them to arrive. I was also feeling like my Jean collection was looking a bit dated.
Great post!
I recently ordered the Quince jeans and they’re my new favorite! I’m thinking of getting them in black also. Love the Sanctuary Zip it sweater as well as the Nadaam Cashmere. I think I’m adding those to my Christmas list!
These are my favorite of your posts. It’s fun to see you try on different items and give your review. Thanks for doing all the work for us! 😉
Thanks but most of these jeans seem wider than straight legs
Wanted to share a pair of straight leg denim I found when in store at Loft yesterday. The High Rise Straight Jeans in Authentic Vintage Mid Wash are a nice pair to try at a decent price point, (48% off this weekend), I read the reviews and some say they stretch out after 30 minutes. The sales associate was wearing a pair and they looked great. I’m 5’4”, and the length is perfect. Thought I’d share in the event someone was looking for a modest price.
Thanks! Their jeans have been really good lately.
I have similar measurements to you for pants and your posts have inspired me to try something other than my usual bootcut style jeans. But I’m so confused between traditional wide leg jeans and relaxed straight jeans like the ones in this post. What is the difference? They look similar to me.
Everything is on a spectrum, so yeah, the relaxed straight is closer to a wide leg and a slim straight is closer to a skinny. There is no clear line of demarcation between the two, but typically wide leg jeans flare slightly from hip to hem, where as a relaxed straight is straight from hip to hem. Slim straight jeans fit closer to the body, and relaxed styles have a looser fit through the leg, but both are fairly straight, hip to hem. This post might help.
I have the Agolde which are my favorite jeans. They fit me great and are so comfortable. I also have the AG ones which I like. I bought the Kut for the Kloth Selena black ones. I think they run very big and they were pretty baggy and wide but they looked great on! The toughest thing I find with these jeans are shoes that look good!
This was a great summary of jeans. I’m thinking of ordering the Quince jeans. How is the sizing? Thank you
I think they run a bit small.