In case you haven’t heard, skinny jeans are out. According to Gen Z, they’re about as cool as the side part and the crying laughter emoji. Instead, you should be stocking your closet with mom jeans. While there’s plenty to defend when it comes side parts and emoji preferences, there are even more perks when it comes to mom jeans.
Don’t mistake them though for the style famously mocked by Saturday Night Live. Essentially, the best mom jeans are like classic relaxed fit jeans — cute loosely for a comfy fit, yet still versatile and chic, with a higher rise. Looser-cut denim styles — seen recently on Hailey Bieber, Tracee Ellis Ross and Katie Holmes — are much more forgiving than skinny jeans and can be equally stylish. To prove it, we’ve rounded up the best pairs of mom jeans to shop now.
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The new silhouette parallels a similar change in current men’s suits, as evidenced by Daniel Levy’s breezy custom cream suit by The Row which he wore to the SAG Awards.
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1. BDG ’90s Vintage Mom Jeans
Delivering a major ’90s aesthetic, these BDG mom jeans have vintage vibes in spades. Made from heavyweight, non-stretch denim, they have a high waist and slant side pockets to complete the throwback look. Oh, and they’re included in Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, too.
2. Citizens of Humanity Willa Utility Pants
If you’re going for ’80s sitcom-meets-cool modern mom, try these heavyweight jeans by Citizens of Humanity. This ankle-length silhouette features a high waist with a seamed yoke with cargo pockets, which make it convenient for actual mothers to stylishly stow away their kids’ stuff.
3. Slvrlake Women’s London Jeans
When you want to look cool and casual, these are the best mom jeans to nab the look. Made from non-stretch denim, these Slvrlake jeans feature a classic high rise and straight cut, giving them a timeless air. They’ll look perfect paired with any T-shirt, with a knit layered over on chillier days.
4. Good American Good Mom Jeans
If you require some stretch with your denim, then these are the best mom jeans for you. This pair of tapered-leg, high-rise denim from size-inclusive label Good American is made with 99 percent cotton and one percent elastane to give them some stretch, which also equals plenty of comfort. They feature subtle fading and whiskering as well as shredded holes and a distressed knee for just the right touch of attitude.
5. DL1961 Women’s Patti Straight High Rise Vintage Jean
Say it with dark denim! Mom jeans get a modern makeover with a cropped cut (we’re talking a 27-inch inseam) and a raw hem. Boasting DL1961’s comfort stretch technology with certified cotton, the fabric moves with you and keeps its shape over time. You’ll look good and feel good, knowing these dark wash jeans were made sustainably with energy efficiency.
6. Levi’s Women’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans
It doesn’t get any more classic than Levi’s, so you’ll want this pair if you’re looking for the most timeless mom jeans. Available in a range of washes — from light all the way to black — and in an impressive size range, spanning 24 to 44, you’ll be able to find exactly the pair you’re looking for. Featuring a button closure and the right amount of stretch, these are sure to be in heavy rotation in your closet.
7. Rag & Bone ’90s Frayed High-Rise Jeans
Rag & Bone jeans have a cult following for a good reason — stars like Emma Roberts, Zoe Saldana and Katie Holmes are among those who’ve been spotted wearing the brand. This pair embodies the perfect ’90s mom jeans with its high waist, loose leg and mid-weight, non-stretch denim. The vintage-inspired whiskering and frayed hem make them stand out in a sea of blue jeans.
8. AG Women’s Alexxis Jeans
Another denim brand with a major fan club, AG knows how to craft a pair of jeans and this pair is no exception. The fading, whiskering and raw hem on these blue jeans show they’re all about the details. Made with mid-weight stretch denim, they’ll keep you looking cool and feeling comfy.
9. Riders by Lee Indigo Women’s Classic-Fit Straight-Leg Jean
Lee has been making the best mom jeans for a long time, so they’ve certainly figured out the winning formula. This classic indigo pair features a straight leg with five pockets and sits just below the natural waist with plenty of stretch. They come in plenty of washes and sizes, too.
10. Nobody Denim Kennedy Straight-Leg Jeans
Thanks to the light wash, high waist and relaxed straight-leg fit, these jeans by Nobody Denim are as American as apple pie. The heavyweight, non-stretch denim is made with 99 percent cotton and one percent elastane using sustainable manufacturing and materials, earning them a seal of approval from eco-conscious agency Good On You.
11. Ruisin Classic High Waist Jeans
You don’t have to break the bank to work the mom jeans trend. Between the high waist and straight legs, this Ruisin choice has all the signature hallmarks of a classic pair of mom jeans. Opt for a longer inseam to roll them up at the hem to add a dash of personal style. Made from 100 percent cotton.
