The Best Jeans for Older Women We Tested, Including Denim from Spanx, Levi's, Gap, and More

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Kuiper / Amy Cramer / Elaine Metrus

People / Kuiper / Amy Cramer / Elaine Metrus

We all understand the struggle of finding the right pair of jeans. The task of running from store to store to try on countless pairs of denim (or, if you’re of a certain age, “dungarees”) becomes even more tiring and difficult to fit into our busy schedules as we age. And who would want to spend their precious free time doing the disappointing and downright despairing task of trying on jeans?

Experts SayWe spoke tocelebrity stylist Zoe Gofman, who’s styled famous moms like Adriana Lima and Shanina Shaik.“Denim is timeless!”Gofman tells PEOPLE. “Denim can be worn at any age for any shape and size.”

Experts Say

We spoke tocelebrity stylist Zoe Gofman, who’s styled famous moms like Adriana Lima and Shanina Shaik.“Denim is timeless!”Gofman tells PEOPLE. “Denim can be worn at any age for any shape and size.”

To make your life easier, we set out to find the best jeans for older women, keeping in mind comfort, price, and of course, timeless style. We tapped women 45 and older, including moms, grandmas, and friends, to test out jeans from popular brands like Gap, Levi’s, and Spanx. Our testers wore their jeans while walking, working, and running errands, then washed them and wore them again to provide us with in-depth notes on the fit, comfort, and durability of each pair.

We’re not talking about “mom-jeans” — we’re talking about jeansformom. Fashion has noage, so keep reading to find your next favorite pair of jeans.

Spanx Flare Jeans at SpanxJump to Review

Spanx Flare Jeans at Spanx

Levi’s 501 Original Fit Women’s Jeans at Amazon$98Jump to Review

Levi’s 501 Original Fit Women’s Jeans at Amazon$98

Old Navy Mid-Rise Wow at Old NavyJump to Review

Old Navy Mid-Rise Wow at Old Navy

SALE

Good American Good Classic Slim Straight Jeans at Goodamerican.comJump to Review

Good American Good Classic Slim Straight Jeans at Goodamerican.com

Spanx Flare JeansPHOTO: SpanxView on SpanxView on Dillards.comStar QualitiesSuper stretchy and comfortableSculpting tummy controlStylish flare cut makes legs appear longerRed FlagsFront pockets are just for showRuns a little bit longThere’s no need to give up comfort for style when choosingthe best jeans— because Spanx Flare Jeans masterfully combine fashion and functionality. The fabric is smooth, soft, and (most importantly) ultra-stretchy.The high-waisted jeans have a leg-lengthening effect thanks to the slim fit and ankle flare. And, thanks to the discrete tummy control technology in the waist, they also helped our testers feel more snug and secure in the pants.Our only qualm is that we wish the front pockets on the pants were actually functional pockets and not just a design feature. The jeans also tend to run long, so keep that in mind when choosing from one of the three inseams. But those few downsides didn’t take away from our love of these comfortable sculpting jeans.Size Range:XS–3X |Material:91% cotton, 7% polyester, 2% Lycra elastane |Inseam:32 (petite), 34 (regular), 37 inches (tall) |Care Instructions:Machine wash cold, gentle cycle inside out with like colors; tumble dry lowPHOTO: People / KuiperPHOTO: People / Ashley JohnsonExpert Style Tip“I love dark denim for fall and fitted straight leg because it can be worn with any type of shoe, and on multiple occasions.” — celebrity stylist Zoe Gofman

Spanx Flare JeansPHOTO: SpanxView on SpanxView on Dillards.com

Spanx Flare Jeans

PHOTO: Spanx

View on SpanxView on Dillards.com

Star QualitiesSuper stretchy and comfortableSculpting tummy controlStylish flare cut makes legs appear longerRed FlagsFront pockets are just for showRuns a little bit long

Star QualitiesSuper stretchy and comfortableSculpting tummy controlStylish flare cut makes legs appear longer

Super stretchy and comfortable

Sculpting tummy control

Stylish flare cut makes legs appear longer

Red FlagsFront pockets are just for showRuns a little bit long

Front pockets are just for show

Runs a little bit long

There’s no need to give up comfort for style when choosingthe best jeans— because Spanx Flare Jeans masterfully combine fashion and functionality. The fabric is smooth, soft, and (most importantly) ultra-stretchy.

The high-waisted jeans have a leg-lengthening effect thanks to the slim fit and ankle flare. And, thanks to the discrete tummy control technology in the waist, they also helped our testers feel more snug and secure in the pants.

Our only qualm is that we wish the front pockets on the pants were actually functional pockets and not just a design feature. The jeans also tend to run long, so keep that in mind when choosing from one of the three inseams. But those few downsides didn’t take away from our love of these comfortable sculpting jeans.

Size Range:XS–3X |Material:91% cotton, 7% polyester, 2% Lycra elastane |Inseam:32 (petite), 34 (regular), 37 inches (tall) |Care Instructions:Machine wash cold, gentle cycle inside out with like colors; tumble dry low

PHOTO: People / KuiperPHOTO: People / Ashley Johnson

Expert Style Tip“I love dark denim for fall and fitted straight leg because it can be worn with any type of shoe, and on multiple occasions.” — celebrity stylist Zoe Gofman

Expert Style Tip

“I love dark denim for fall and fitted straight leg because it can be worn with any type of shoe, and on multiple occasions.” — celebrity stylist Zoe Gofman

Levi’s 501 Original Fit Women’s JeansPHOTO: Levi’s$98 at AmazonView on Target$80$70 at ZapposStar QualitiesTimeless, fitted-straight styleSuper durable constructionFitted through hips and thighsRed FlagsSome testers experienced gapping at the waistMaterial has no stretchYou might already be familiar with the iconic Levi’s 501 jeans — they’ve been worn and loved for more than 150 years. The classic style and durable material has yet to go out of fashion, so we know that we’ll love these jeans for years to come.The straight style hugs the hips and thighs, though some of our testers experienced a little gapping around the waist. You can choose between four inseam options, which is great for those looking forpetite jeansand extra-tall folks who aren’t always catered to in jean lengths. The pants have a classic button fly and zero stretch, which gives them a sturdy vintage feel and helps them keep their shape over time, but the lack of stretch may not be every wearer’s preference. But if you’re looking for a pair of long-lasting jeans that’ll never go out of style, we highly recommend these.Size Range:24–34|Material:100% cotton |Inseam:26, 28, 30, 32 inches |Care Instructions:Machine wash cold, normal cycle, wash inside out; tumble dry mediumPeople / Elaine Metrus

Levi’s 501 Original Fit Women’s JeansPHOTO: Levi’s$98 at AmazonView on Target$80$70 at Zappos

Levi’s 501 Original Fit Women’s Jeans

PHOTO: Levi’s

$98 at AmazonView on Target$80$70 at Zappos

Star QualitiesTimeless, fitted-straight styleSuper durable constructionFitted through hips and thighsRed FlagsSome testers experienced gapping at the waistMaterial has no stretch

Star QualitiesTimeless, fitted-straight styleSuper durable constructionFitted through hips and thighs

Timeless, fitted-straight style

Super durable construction

Fitted through hips and thighs

Red FlagsSome testers experienced gapping at the waistMaterial has no stretch

Some testers experienced gapping at the waist

Material has no stretch

You might already be familiar with the iconic Levi’s 501 jeans — they’ve been worn and loved for more than 150 years. The classic style and durable material has yet to go out of fashion, so we know that we’ll love these jeans for years to come.

The straight style hugs the hips and thighs, though some of our testers experienced a little gapping around the waist. You can choose between four inseam options, which is great for those looking forpetite jeansand extra-tall folks who aren’t always catered to in jean lengths. The pants have a classic button fly and zero stretch, which gives them a sturdy vintage feel and helps them keep their shape over time, but the lack of stretch may not be every wearer’s preference. But if you’re looking for a pair of long-lasting jeans that’ll never go out of style, we highly recommend these.

Size Range:24–34|Material:100% cotton |Inseam:26, 28, 30, 32 inches |Care Instructions:Machine wash cold, normal cycle, wash inside out; tumble dry medium

People / Elaine Metrus

Old Navy Mid-Rise WowPHOTO: Old NavyView on Old NavyStar QualitiesSuper soft and comfortableStretchy material moves with youMid-rise cut with slight flare is very versatileRed FlagsMid-rise offers less stomach support than other options on our listFor those who prefer a mid-rise cut, this option from Old Navy that feels shockingly high-end is your pick. The soft, stretchy material moves with you, making them feel ultra comfortable through any activity — whether you’re running errands, chasing around kids and grandkids, or sitting at an office desk, we found the stretchy waist to be comfortable all day.If you’re used to high-waisted styles that hold in the upper belly, then you might find that these lack support in that area. But, for anyone interested in comfortable mid-rise denim that offers a lot of bang for your buck, then these Old Navy jeans are a fabulous choice.Size Range:Regular (0–30), Petite (2–18), Tall (4–18) |Material:62% cotton, 30% polyester, 7% recycled cotton, 1% spandex |Inseam:30 (short), 32 (regular), 36 inches (long) |Care Instructions:Machine wash cold, inside out with like colors; tumble dry lowPeople / Kuiper

Old Navy Mid-Rise WowPHOTO: Old NavyView on Old Navy

Old Navy Mid-Rise Wow

PHOTO: Old Navy

View on Old Navy

Star QualitiesSuper soft and comfortableStretchy material moves with youMid-rise cut with slight flare is very versatileRed FlagsMid-rise offers less stomach support than other options on our list

Star QualitiesSuper soft and comfortableStretchy material moves with youMid-rise cut with slight flare is very versatile

Super soft and comfortable

Stretchy material moves with you

Mid-rise cut with slight flare is very versatile

Red FlagsMid-rise offers less stomach support than other options on our list

Mid-rise offers less stomach support than other options on our list

For those who prefer a mid-rise cut, this option from Old Navy that feels shockingly high-end is your pick. The soft, stretchy material moves with you, making them feel ultra comfortable through any activity — whether you’re running errands, chasing around kids and grandkids, or sitting at an office desk, we found the stretchy waist to be comfortable all day.

If you’re used to high-waisted styles that hold in the upper belly, then you might find that these lack support in that area. But, for anyone interested in comfortable mid-rise denim that offers a lot of bang for your buck, then these Old Navy jeans are a fabulous choice.

Size Range:Regular (0–30), Petite (2–18), Tall (4–18) |Material:62% cotton, 30% polyester, 7% recycled cotton, 1% spandex |Inseam:30 (short), 32 (regular), 36 inches (long) |Care Instructions:Machine wash cold, inside out with like colors; tumble dry low

People / Kuiper

PHOTO: Gap

$70$41 at AmazonView on Gap

Star QualitiesSuper comfortablePerfect amount of stretch to feel comfortable while still maintaining shapeHugs the thighs and bootyRed FlagsRuns slightly small

Star QualitiesSuper comfortablePerfect amount of stretch to feel comfortable while still maintaining shapeHugs the thighs and booty

Super comfortable

Perfect amount of stretch to feel comfortable while still maintaining shape

Hugs the thighs and booty

Red FlagsRuns slightly small

Runs slightly small

With a booty-hugging fit and a slight flare at the ankle, these mid-rise jeans have an on-trend style that would flatter any body type. The bootcut isn’t too dramatic for daily wear but still adds a little bit of visual intrigue to the pants. We clearly loved these jeans, though we did find that they run slightly small, so keep that in mind when choosing your size.

Size Range:24–35 |Material:2% elastane, 13% recycled cotton, 81% cotton, 4% elasterrell |Inseam:31.5 (regular), 35.5 (tall), 29 inches (petite) |Care Instructions:Machine wash

People / Amy Cramer

Good American Good Classic Slim Straight JeansPHOTO: Good AmericanView on Goodamerican.com$139 at Saks Fifth AvenueStar QualitiesNo waist gappingHigh-rise and tummy-smoothingMakes legs look longerRed FlagsFeels a bit snug when sittingCan jeansreallybe gap-proof? After testing the Good Classic Slim Straight jeans from Good American, our quest for jeans that snugly hug the waist and hips is finally complete. The stretchy pants didn’t gap at the waist on any of our testers across a variety of sizes, shapes, and heights. We loved the supportive high-rise, which comfortably holds in the tummy. Plus, the slim cut made our legs appear longer.These jeans fit true-to-size, but if you’re not a fan of close-fitting jeans (especially when sitting), then you may want to try one of the more relaxed styles on our list, like the Old Navy Mid-Rise Wow Boot-Cut Jeans.Size Range:00–14, 15–30 plus |Material:68% cotton, 26% recycled cotton, 4% polyester, 2% elastane |Inseam:28 inches |Care Instructions:Machine wash cold inside out, dry flat or hang dryPeople / Alyssa Brascia

Good American Good Classic Slim Straight JeansPHOTO: Good AmericanView on Goodamerican.com$139 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Good American Good Classic Slim Straight Jeans

PHOTO: Good American

View on Goodamerican.com$139 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Star QualitiesNo waist gappingHigh-rise and tummy-smoothingMakes legs look longerRed FlagsFeels a bit snug when sitting

Star QualitiesNo waist gappingHigh-rise and tummy-smoothingMakes legs look longer

No waist gapping

High-rise and tummy-smoothing

Makes legs look longer

Red FlagsFeels a bit snug when sitting

Feels a bit snug when sitting

Can jeansreallybe gap-proof? After testing the Good Classic Slim Straight jeans from Good American, our quest for jeans that snugly hug the waist and hips is finally complete. The stretchy pants didn’t gap at the waist on any of our testers across a variety of sizes, shapes, and heights. We loved the supportive high-rise, which comfortably holds in the tummy. Plus, the slim cut made our legs appear longer.

These jeans fit true-to-size, but if you’re not a fan of close-fitting jeans (especially when sitting), then you may want to try one of the more relaxed styles on our list, like the Old Navy Mid-Rise Wow Boot-Cut Jeans.

Size Range:00–14, 15–30 plus |Material:68% cotton, 26% recycled cotton, 4% polyester, 2% elastane |Inseam:28 inches |Care Instructions:Machine wash cold inside out, dry flat or hang dry

People / Alyssa Brascia

What to Know About Jeans for Older Women

Fit and Comfort

The first factor to consider when picking out a new pair of jeans is the fit you’re looking for. While some jeans have a looser, baggier fit, others provide a snugger fit that holds in the thighs, waist, and stomach. Both tighter-fitting and baggier jeans can be dressed up or down, so the style that’s right for you is dependent on your preferences.

It’s also important to consider the material makeup of denim because this will determine how soft, stiff, stretchy, or structured your jeans will feel. Denim that has at least 2 percent elastane or spandex, like theSpanx Flare Jeans, will feel stretchier, while 100 percent cotton pants, likeLevi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans, will have a more structured fit.

Cut and Style

Another thing to consider when choosing denim is the cut — think about the rise of the waist, the length of the leg, and the looseness or tightness of the waist, leg, and ankle.

Your choice will ultimately come down to your personal style, but professional stylist Zoe Gofman has some tips for picking out a pair you’ll love. “Taking note of what shoes you have in your inventory will affect the type of denim you should be looking for,” Gofman says. “If you want to wear them with heels, look to wear more of a straight leg or oversized fit. If you want to wear them with a boot, go for more of a skinny fit.” Whiletrendy wide-leg jeansare definitely having a resurgence, classic straight and slim cuts are a timeless choice.

Length and Inseam

A pair of jeans will look different on everyone who tries them, and the length of your legs will determine how long the pants fit you. Some jeans come in multiple lengths, so consider your height and how long you prefer your jeans to fall when picking out your size.

Think about the shoes you want to wear with your jeans when choosing a length — if you tend to choose flatter shoes likewalking sneakersorcomfortable ballet flats, then you’ll want to make sure that your jeans are short enough that the hem won’t drag on the ground. If you want to wear jeans with heels or boots, then you might want to look for a longer length, which can help to elongate the leg.

Cai Cramer is a staff shopping writer at PEOPLE who’s been writing about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle for more than three years (though she’s been testing those products for much longer). For this story, our PEOPLE team relied on insights from a variety of testers, including women from ages 23 to 64, with heights ranging from 5-foot-1 to 6 feet tall and sizes from 2 to 22. She also spoke with celebrity stylist Zoe Gofman to determine what factors were most important to look for in a pair of jeans.

Meet Our ExpertZoe Gofmanis a professional stylist whose work can be seen on stars like Adriana Lima and Tayshia Adams, as well as in magazines like Glamour.

Meet Our Expert

Zoe Gofmanis a professional stylist whose work can be seen on stars like Adriana Lima and Tayshia Adams, as well as in magazines like Glamour.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

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source: people.com