No one likes uncomfortable denim. That's why the best stretch jeans for women are such a must-have in any closet — they're anything but constricting and give you plenty of mobility.
What Gives Jeans Their Stretch?
Though the fabric makeup of each pair differs by brand and style, the general answer — no matter if you have your sights set on premium denim or a budget-friendly pair of everyday jeans — is this: a bit of elastane or spandex. And speaking of budget, the perfect-fitting jeans don't have to cost a fortune. While many high-end brands have fiercely loyal customers, plenty of their more affordable counterparts deliver similar fits and styles for less.
Don't believe me? Here, I've compiled a list of the absolute best stretch jeans you can get on Amazon — and no, they're not just a bunch of the best jeggings for women. Throughout this comprehensive list, you'll find a variety of fits, inseam lengths — including some of the best petite jeans — and sizes to eliminate any potential shopping guesswork. All of them are under $50, and they're conveniently categorized by ranking and price, from the cheapest to the priciest.
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Featuring a tapered straight-leg fit in a wide variety of sizes and inseam lengths (from 26 inches to 33 inches), the mid-rise "Amanda" jeans from Amazon's own brand, Gloria Vanderbilt, deliver — at the lowest price, too.
Fabric breakdown: 72% cotton, 26% polyester, 2% elastane
Why they're great: Aside from their major selling point (aka a wealth of different sizes), these dark-wash jeans have five working pockets and a barely-there zipper closure. Their tapered shape and 2% elastane fabric blend means they hug the right places for total comfort all day long.
What fans say: "These jeans are so comfortable I will only wear these jeans. Gloria Vanderbilt Jeans have been around for over 25 years that I am aware of. When I purchased my first pair 25 [years] ago I was so impressed that I have only purchased Gloria Vanderbilt Jeans over the years. These jeans are well made and if you turn them inside out, wash them in cold water, dry them on medium-low setting, then these jeans will last you for years."
- Available sizes: US 4 - 24, including long, petite, petite short, and short sizes
When it comes to comfort, it doesn't get much better than a good pair of stretchy wide-leg cropped jeans that give you plenty of room to move.
Fabric breakdown: 93% cotton, 5% polyester, 2% elastane
Why they're great: These jeans have a wide-leg silhouette with a button-fly and an effortlessly cool raw hem. The rise measures 11 inches and the inseam measures 25.5 inches. They're available in six different washes.
Editor's note: I own these jeans and they are truly incredible. They have so much stretch, a good length for shorter women (I'm 5 foot 3 inches), and the button-fly design is such a chic touch. - Amy Biggart
What fans say: "These are super comfortable and they look great. They have a decent amount of stretch without stretching out too much by the end of the day."
- Available sizes: 24 (US 00) - 32 (US 14)
Fans of straight-leg jeans should consider this pair from Lee. They have a slim, relaxed fit and some stretch so that they remain comfortable throughout the day, no matter where it takes you.
Fabric breakdown: 93% cotton, 5% polyester, 2% elastane
Why they're great: There are pages upon pages of Amazon reviews attesting to how comfortable these jeans are — and users love that they're stretchy and not too tight or baggy. They come in a wide range of sizes, including both long and short options, and they're available in 18 different colors.
What fans say: "These are the only jeans I wear. I have several pair of these jeans and every time I purchase another brand I just go back to choosing these! They always look and feel great."
- Available sizes: US 4 - 18, including long and short sizes
If bootcut is more your style, you can't go wrong with these mid-rise Lee jeans. Not only are they super comfortable (according to buyers), they're also budget-friendly.
Fabric breakdown: 65% cotton, 16% rayon, 16% polyester, 3% spandex
Why they're great: Buyers enjoy that these jeans are fitted through the leg with a slight flare that allows them to pull them over boots and sneakers. The Flex Motion jeans also feature a built-in elastic waistband that's designed to prevent a gap, even as you move. They're available in seven different washes.
What fans say: "Fitted jeans but nice stretch, allows me to squat easily to touch the floor and not feel uncomfortable. Lives up to the name so far."
- Available sizes: US 4 - 18, including long and short sizes
With a relaxed fit and mid-rise, these stretchy plus size jeans were designed with comfort in mind. Plus, their elastic waist can even prevent pesky waistband gap, according to reviewers.
Fabric breakdown: 99% cotton, 1% spandex
Why they're great: They're not your run-of-the-mill pair of stiff jeans — they're truly made for comfort! They're meant to be form-fitted at the waist but relaxed through the leg so that you have room to move. The elastic feature sits on the sides of the waistband and is easily hidden under a belt, according to reviewers. All in all, these are a great (budget-friendly) option for everyday wear.
What fans say: "They fit me perfectly. Every time. Good quality denim. Not too heavy but definitely not light weight. I've purchased them in several colors and love them all. They're just darn good basic every day jeans. Buy them."
- Available sizes: 14 - 30, including petite and long sizes
These skinny jeans are perfect for shoppers who love a high rise. The rise on this pair measures just over 10 inches and they're designed to be very stretchy with a slim fit from your waist to your ankles.
Fabric breakdown: 61% cotton, 19% polyester, 19% lyocell, 1% elastane
Why they're great: In addition to being super high and super stretchy, they're available in a range of washes and prints, including this soft black and an eye-catching leopard print. You can snag them in versions with or without distressing and in straight and plus sizes.
What fans say: "I like that it comes in different lengths, too. You guessed it, I'm tall, too. Not too thick of fabric, stretch, but it stretches back into shape easily. I like these."
- Available sizes: 24 - 46, including short and long sizes
Looking for some jeans that have a sporty edge and plenty of stretch? These jogger-style jeans, which are made up of 4% elastane, are a fantastic option.
Fabric breakdown: 92% cotton, 4% polyester, 4% elastane
Why they're great: They're "super comfortable," according to reviewers. They also feature fun accents, including a functional zipper on each pant leg and back pockets with button closures. They have a 10-inch rise and a 28-inch inseam.
What fans say: "Great jeans. These are thick denim material, but still have stretch. Very comfortable and affordable. Cute with tennis shoes but not to dress up, possibly a cute summer wedge."
- Available sizes: 24 (US 00) - 32 (US 14)
Believe it or not, skinny jeans and stretchy jeans are not mutually exclusive. In fact, many of the most comfortable skinny jeans — like these versatile, mid-rise Levi's 711 skinny jeans — have some stretch.
Fabric breakdown: 79% cotton, 19% polyester, 2% elastane
Why they're great: Available in nearly 40 different washes, these classic Levi's jeans hit just at the ankle and, like the Gloria Vanderbilt pair above, come with long and short inseam options to ensure a proper fit. They've got a zipper and button closure, plus just enough elastane to provide flexibility without losing their shape.
What fans say: "These fit so nicely... Almost as comfortable as no pants work at home wardrobe!! These are a total hit!"
- Available sizes: 24 (US 00) - 46 (US 26), including short and long sizes
If cropped jeans are more your style, you definitely need a pair of Democracy's elastic-waistband-clad stretchy crops in your wardrobe, stat.
Fabric breakdown: 54% cotton, 27% rayon, 17% polyester, 2% spandex
Why they're great: Though they're one of the more expensive pairs on this list, these cropped jeans with working pockets have the necessary spandex required for a stretchy fit — and a 25-inch inseam and calf-length cuffs to show off your ankles. Get 'em in five different washes including the pictured indigo shade.
What fans say: "Once you try Democracy jeans, you will never wear any other brand. Seriously. They are made beautifully, of the highest quality, are very fashionable, and the fit is amazing. They have the most comfortable elastic lined waistband that just hugs your body perfectly."
- Available sizes: 2 - 16
If you're looking for a pair of mid-rise jeans with a relaxed fit and laid-back vibe, opt for these boyfriend jeans. You can roll them up to emphasize the casual style or leave them unrolled — whichever you prefer!
Fabric breakdown: 79% cotton, 19% polyester, 2% elastane
Why they're great: These mid-rise jeans are meant to be slightly loose through the leg for ultimate comfort. They have a 27-inch inseam and 9-inch rise in the front with a zipper closure. This particular pair is lightly distressed, but they come in non-distressed options too.
What fans say: "These capris are what I have been looking for! Seriously so comfortable and light weight. They have some stretch in them but not too much where by the end of the day they are falling off."
- Available sizes: 27 (US 4) - 46 (US 26)
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