It’s no wonder that black jeans have earned their place as a wardrobe essential. Their versatility, flattering fit, and timeless appeal make them a must-have for anyone looking to streamline their closet while staying stylish. Whether you’re dressing for a casual day out or a more polished evening look, a great pair of black jeans is the ultimate in effortless style. Once you invest in a pair that fits perfectly, you’ll find yourself reaching for them time and time again—guaranteeing they become the most worn item in your closet.
So if you haven’t already, it’s time to embrace the power of black jeans and make them the cornerstone of your wardrobe.
Fabulous Fall Outfits Start with the Best Black Jeans
They’re timeless and universally flattering.
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The best black jeans are wardrobe staples for all-year wear, but we’re partial to rocking them in cooler months with comfortable ankle boots and a stylish fall jacket. What should you look for when selecting the right pair for you? Jeans are highly personal, but to get you started, you can reference the range of Oprah Daily staffers’ favorite styles in this year’s Denim Awards. At the end of the day, it’s all about comfort and confidence.
What to look for when choosing a pair of black jeans
Silhouette: Look at the overall shape of the jeans and how it fits the body. Is the fit tight enough to show every curve? Or is it more relaxed, even oversized, for a laid-back look? Then consider the leg shape: Are you going for a tapered look close to the ankle, a straight fit, or a flare/wide-leg? Some women prefer a stretchy skinny jean that feels like their favorite yoga pants, while others go for a trouser-like wide-leg style that looks sophisticated enough for the office or a night out. While a flared leg helps to balance curves, no silhouette should be off-limits. When in doubt, try different styles and figure out what makes you look and feel your best.
Fabric: Historically, denim was made from a stiff cotton twill that became softer and more comfortable over time. A general rule to follow is the higher the percentage of cotton, the less stretch there will be. Some women only wear non-stretch denim for its structured and stylish finish. Added fibers like Elastane make the denim lighter, more resilient, and of course, stretchy.
Sizes:Â Finding the right-sized jeans may sound like an impossible feat, but it doesn’t have to be. Pro tip: always consult a brand’s sizing chart, as well as the fit details that may indicate if you need to size up or down. Some denim is even specifically designed for specific body types like curvy, plus-size, petite, and tall. Always check the inseam lengths to determine if you need specific sizing like short or tall.
After researching and testing dozens of denim, we’ve curated the best of the best selection of women’s black jeans for every style, budget, and body type. This fall, look no further than the best black jeans for women as your new neutral—from skinny and straight leg to bootcut, flare, and wide-leg styles.
Why We Love It
- High-rise and ankle-length cut lengthen the silhouette
- Available in an extended range of sizes
- Lift Tuck technology shapes and supports curves
What to Consider
- Extreme stretch may not be for everyone
Oprah Daily creative director Adam Glassman remarks he often styles Oprah in NYDJ. The bestselling Marilyn jeans are made from stretchy denim that’s comfortable and easy to move in. The best part? It features the brand’s signature slimming panel that smooths the front and contours the backside. The high-rise waist, slim cut, and ankle-grazing hem help to elongate the silhouette for your most flattering fit yet.
- Fabric:Â 91% Cotton, 7% Elastomultiester, 2% Lycra Elastane
- Sizes:Â 00 – 28W
- Additional Sizing:Â Plus
Why We Love It
- Affordable with convenient Amazon Prime shipping
- Available in an extended range of sizes and inseams
What to Consider
- Super stretch is not ideal for those who like mid to heavy-weight denim
For an easy-to-wear skinny jean you’ll wear everywhere, we recommend this soft and stretchy pair that’s comfortable for all-day wear. It’s designed with a mid-rise waist and a snug fit through the hip, thigh, and leg. We like the fact that you can choose from a short (27″), regular (29″), and long (31″) inseam for the perfect fit. At this price, why not give them a try?
- Fabric:Â 64.5% Cotton, 32.5% Polyester, 3% Elastane
- Sizes:Â 0 – 20
- Additional Sizing:Â Plus, Short & Long
Levi’s Women’s 726 High-Rise Flare Jeans
Credit: Levi’s
Why We Love It
- Flattering high-rise and flared-leg silhouette
- Choice of inseams for shorter women
What to Consider
- May be too stretchy for some
Levi’s introduced blue jeans over 100 years ago and has been innovating and perfecting men’s and women’s jeans ever since. You really can’t go wrong with a classic pair of Levi’s, but we recommend the 726 style for all body types. The high-rise waist paired with a flared leg helps to balance curves and lengthen the overall silhouette. Plus, each pair is made with a cotton blend for stretchy comfort.
- Fabric:Â 91% Cotton, 7% Elastomultiester, 2% Lycra Elastane
- Sizes:Â 00 – 28W
- Additional Sizing:Â Plus, Short
Lee Ultra Lux Comfort Flex Motion Slim Straight Jean
Credit: Lee
Why We Love It
- Lots of stretch for maximum mobility and comfort
- Available in a range of sizes, including long and short inseams
- Affordable price point
What to Consider
- May not be ideal for those who prefer structured styles
Originally the H.D. Lee Mercantile Company, each pair of Lee jeans has over 100 years of denim expertise in its DNA. Stretch lovers, these are for you. Lee’s ultra-lux comfort collection offers significant stretch and a sculpting effect. This pair has a slim-straight leg design that hits at the ankle for a lengthening effect. You can also customize your fit with a short, regular, and long inseam.
- Fabric:Â 53% Cotton, 44% Polyester, 3% Elastane
- Sizes:Â 2 – 18
- Additional Sizing:Â Long & Short
Why We Love It
- Available in an extended range of sizes and lengths
- Very high stretch that allows for comfort and movement
- Affordable price point
What to Consider
- High stretch may not be ideal for some
Wow is right! These jeans have secret smoothing panels, so you’ll never have to worry about any bulkiness in the waist or hips. The super-high-waisted, wide-leg design can be dressed up with heeled booties or down with sneakers or ballet flats. We love that this universally flattering fit comes in an extended range of sizes, including petite and plus-size, as well as short and long inseams.
- Fabric:Â 63% Cotton, 27% Recycled Polyester
- Sizes:Â 0 – 30
- Additional Sizing:Â Tall, Petite, Short & Long
Good American Soft-Tech Good Petite Straight Jeans
Credit: Good American
Why We Love It
- Specifically designed for women under 5’4
- Built-in tummy smoothing technology and gap-proof waistband
- High-quality materials and finishes
What to Consider
- Super stretch denim may not be ideal for some
Good American is celebrated for its high-quality jeans in an extended range of sizes for women, from petite to plus-size. These flattering straight-leg styles, made with dreamy SoftTech denim, are designed specifically for petite women under 5’4. The brand’s tummy-smoothing technology and gap-proof waistband are integrated into each pair.
- Fabric:Â 28% Tencel, 27% Ecovero, 20% Rayon, 20% Modal, 4% Polyester, 1% Lycra
- Sizes:Â 00 – 32
- Additional Sizing:Â Plus
Why We Love It
- Specifically designed to fit and flatter plus-size bodies
- 30″ inseam is ideal for longer legs
What to Consider
- Not a ton of stretch
Fashion-forward plus-size brand Eloquii offers high-quality pieces designed specifically for women with curves. The brand spent years developing and perfecting its denim collection first released earlier this year. The midweight denim is structured but has a touch of stretch for all-day comfort. These beautifully made trouser jeans have a high waist and wide legs, and are hemmed right below the ankle for a fabulous elongating effect.
- Fabric:Â 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex
- Sizes:Â 14 – 32
J. Crew High-Rise Bootcut jean in 2003 Super-Stretch
Credit: J. Crew
Why We Love It
- High rise and slight bootcut makes the legs look longer
- Available in an extended range of sizes
What to Consider
- Might have too much stretch for some
J. Crew’s designer Olympia Gayot has given new life to the brand’s storied denim collection. With a flattering high-rise and slightly flared leg, these bestselling bootcut jeans can double as your “dressy denim” and instantly add polish to any look. Each pair is made with slightly stretchy denim for all-day comfort and easy movement in the right places.
- Fabric:Â 94% Cotton, 4% Polyester/2% Lycra Spandex
- Sizes:Â 23 – 37
- Additional Sizing:Â Plus, Petite & Tall
Why We Love It
- Offers Spanx’s signature compression core-shaping technology
- Available in an extended range of sizes
- Option for petite and tall inseams for longer/shorter legs
What to Consider
- Crop flare shape isn’t for everyone
Oprah loves Spanx’s lounge sets so much that they’ve made their way to the Favorite Things list for the past two years. The Oprah Daily style team collectively agrees that the jeans offer the same comfortable, confidence-boosting effect as the brand’s bestselling shapewear. We love these stylish high-rise, kick-flare jeans that feature Spanx’s signature hidden core-shaping technology.
- Fabric:Â 91% Cotton, 7% Polyester, 2% Elastane
- Sizes:Â XS – 3X
- Additional Sizing:Â Plus, Petite & Tall
Why We Love It
- Premium 100 percent cotton for a super-flattering mid-weight fabric
- Vintage-inspired design with high-waist and bootcut fit with finished hems
What to Consider
- 34″ inseam likely needs to be hemmed
Dream jeans? Style expert Alexa Chung thinks so! These jeans are inspired by classic vintage styles with a high waist, fitted leg, and bootcut flare. Similar to old-school styles, each pair is made from premium Japanese denim with zero stretch that only gets better with wear. Tall ladies–we’ve got you with an impressive 34″ inseam! Madewell offers in-store hemming for those who need a shorter length.
- Fabric:Â 100% Cotton
- Sizes:Â 23 – 33
- Additional Sizing:Â Plus
DL1961 Hepburn Wide-Leg High Rise Vintage Jeans
Credit: DL1961
Why We Love It
- Premium tailored finishes can be dressed up for work or special events
- Wide-leg design elongates the silhouette
What to Consider
- On the pricier end
A favorite of fashion editors, DL1961’s signature Hepburn jean features a fitted waist that extends to a stylish wide-leg for an ultra-flattering effect. “Admittedly, I’ve never been able to find a pair of jeans I’ve really liked, but I absolutely love these!” Oprah Daily associate market editor Justine Anthony said of the Hepburn. “I was pleasantly surprised when I first put them on—the fabric is so soft and a good year-round weight. The cut is flattering for a relaxed day with friends or a more dressy dinner. These are now in regular rotation!”
- Fabric:Â 62% Cotton, 36% Tencel Lyocell, 2% Lycra
- Sizes:Â 23 – 34
Why We Love It
- Barrel silhouette is flattering on most body types
- Made from soft, sustainable organic cotton
What to Consider
- Inseams may not be long enough for taller women
One of the biggest denim trends we’re seeing is barrel jeans. This style is fitted at the waist, slightly tapered at the ankle, and has a statement curved seam. The overall effect? Fashion-forward and flattering. Everlane’s version is made from organic cotton with a touch of stretch for a structured yet comfortable look. It comes in seven different hues and the choice of a 27″ or 29″ inseam.
- Fabric:Â 98% Organic Cotton, 2% Elastane
- Sizes:Â 23 – 33
- Additional Sizing:Â 27″ and 29″ inseam
Why We Love It
- Relaxed silhouette adds maximum style points to any look
- Soft denim fabric feels comfortable against skin
What to Consider
- Oversized silhouette is not for everyone
For the fashion-forward set, an exaggerated wide-leg jean is as comfortable as your favorite sweatpants but with maximum sartorial effect. This pair from Gap is incredibly soft and lightweight, while the no-stretch fabric provides structure and shape to an otherwise relaxed design. We love recommending these jeans for tall women as the inseams run up to 35″.
- Fabric:Â 55% Cotton, 40% Tencel, 5% Recycled Cotton
- Sizes:Â 24 – 35
- Additional Sizing:Â Tall, Petite, Short & Long
Joe’s Stacy High-Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans
Credit: Joe’s
Why We Love It
- Silhouette makes you look longer and leaner
- 100 percent cotton for a structured effect
What to Consider
- Some may need more stretch
It’s no wonder that stylist to the stars and fashion expert Dani Michelle highlights these black jeans as a closet staple. If you’re into a more structured look, this style is made from 100 percent cotton for a crisp, polished feel. A high waist, slim fit through the hips and thighs, with a sophisticated bootcut hem just below the ankle may make these your most flattering jeans yet.
- Fabric:Â 100% Cotton
- Sizes:Â 24 – 34
Duer All-Weather Denim High Rise Barrel Pant
Credit: Duer
Why We Love It
- Wind and Waterproof treatment for optimal protection
- Breathable technology prevents overheating
- Made with organic and recycled materials
What to Consider
- Can be heavy for early season wear
Leave it to the Canadians to produce the fiercest protective clothing from the elements. No matter what the fall and winter bring, you’ll be prepared with these all-weather pants from Duer. The brand’s signature stretch denim is treated with a weatherproof layer to protect skin from rain and wind chill all season long.
- Fabric: 70% Cotton (30% Organic), 28% Coolmax EcoMade Polyester, 2% ExoMade Spandex
- Sizes:Â 26 – 34
How We Chose
Sara Klausing is a fashion editor with over 10 years of experience who covers all things style for Oprah Daily. Klausing and the fashion market team spend hours researching, testing, and trying on products to find the best black jeans recommendations.
Sara Klausing covers all things fashion and style for Oprah Daily. Follow her on Instagram.