Teens live in jeans (unless they wear school uniforms or identify as e-girls, in which case they’re almost certainly in pleated plaid minis). To find out where they — the undisputed arbiters of newness — are sourcing theirs these days, we asked 25 cool high schoolers and college students. While time-tested Levi’s were an overwhelming favorite, with eight mentions, there were some more unexpected inclusions, including denim from a mall brand that makes one girl, when wearing them, “feel like I can conquer the world.”
“My favorite jeans are the H&M Skinny High Jeans. They’re stretch denim with a high waist, zip fly, and slim legs. The high waist is super-flattering without looking awkwardly long, plus they’re comfortable and slender without being too tight. The fit makes them really easy to dress up or down, so they’re great for day-to-evening outfit changes. I wear them year-round.” —Janey, 19
“My favorite jeans are High-Waisted Mom Jeans from H&M. They’re so versatile and cute; I can wear them with practically anything. I wear them about three times a week.” —Holly, 18
“I can’t get over Hollister’s Vintage Stretch Ultra High-Rise Mom Jeans. I always hated jeans that weren’t skin tight — until about a year ago when I realized Hollister made more than just skinny jeans. Their mom fit is now the only thing I’ll buy. They give off that comfortable/confident vibe that makes me just know that I look good.” —Angela, 16
“In the last few years, I decided to try mom jeans. Now it’s the only thing I’ll buy. Currently my favorite ones are from Hollister.” —Michela, 19
“My mom used to dress me in Abercrombie & Fitch’s logo apparel as a tween, but I only recently discovered that their jeans are the most underrated denim on the market. I absolutely swear by their Ultra High Rise Ankle Straight Jeans and have them in every color — black, white, dark, and light-wash blue. They’re insanely high-waisted (they suck everything in) and they have the perfect amount of stretch, so you’ll feel comfortable all day. I wear them multiple times a week. Compared to other denim brands of similar quality, the price is incredible.” —Coco, 18
“I found my favorite pair of 501 Levi’s at a thrift shop, and they fit me perfectly! Finding a pair of jeans that are cute and that fit well has always been super-difficult. They are either too big on the waist or too short for my legs. These are perfect.” —Kiley, 16
“My favorite pair of jeans is any of the Levis that I’ve thrifted; I usually buy 501s. I feel like Levis are such a classic and, being a plus-size girl, these are the best fit for me.” —Gabi, 18
“I could have hundreds of pairs but I’d only wear one — my Levi’s. The cutest wash, best-fitting, and most comfy. I never want to take them off! It’s so hard to find jeans that perfectly fit my waist, and a pair of 501 Levi’s always wins.” —Mimi, 14
“My favorite pair has to be my Levi’s Ribcage Straight. They’re comfortable and fashionable and perfect to lounge in. I’d even sleep in them. They’re my soulmate jeans.” —Claudia Perez, 18
“I usually wear Levi’s; I tend to go for the Wedgie Jean, or any mom-style pair. I try to find ones that fit the waist but aren’t too tight on my legs. I love a baggier look, but not to the point where you feel like you’re drowning in denim.” —Lola, 16
“My favorite pair is either the Levi’s 550 or the Wedgie Jean. They’re very flattering in the hip and butt area. The reason I mention both is because the Wedgie are more of a crop length and the 550s are very long.” —Jessica, 18
“I like baggy, low-rise worker pants. I wear Levi’s 501 and 505, for sure.” — Fiona, 18
“When it comes to denim, I choose thrift over everything. One of my favorites is my mid-wash Gap Carpenter jeans. They give you the look of everything sold at Urban Outfitters without burning a hole in your pocket (even though I love BDG as well).” — Gwen, 19
“My favorite pair of jeans are the PacSun High-Rise Ankle Jegging. They’re comfortable and form-fitting, and they go with every outfit. I love that they are a little bit cropped, that way you can show the shoes you’re wearing.” —Cassidy, 17
“I first found out about these fantastic J. Crew jeans when I stole a pair from my mom — and I never gave them back. I literally wore them every day, because they fit so well and were so comfy. Sadly, I busted a hole in that beloved pair, but recently bought new ones. I kid you not, I wear these jeans every single day, too.” —Alette, 18
“I truly believe that you cannot go wrong with white denim. What I like about this particular pair is the fit and also how the material feels. Plus, they’re kosher for my school’s dress code, so I can wear them with a colorful blouse or a flowy top to class. When I wear them, I feel like I can conquer the world.” —Patsy, 16
“As a super–skinny girl who has trouble finding jeans that fit well, Citizens of Humanity jeans accentuate my curves in all the right places while still being tight and comfortable.” — Ava, 18
“My favorite jeans are from Reformation. Not only are they super-flattering, they also have a variety of different styles. My go-to is the high-waisted straight leg. They use super-high-quality denim, and I like that it’s a completely sustainable brand.” —Chloe, 17
“Jeans are a staple for me, and these are one of my favorites. They fit really well, which, for a curvy girl like me, is a huge win. The fact that they’re high-waisted makes me feel secure but not suffocated. These jeans make me feel confident and comfortable.” —Sabryna, 18
“My absolute favorite pair is Urban Outfitters’ BDG Girlfriend Jeans. You know when you try something on and you can immediately tell it’s going to be your go-to? That’s how I felt when I tried these on. They’re super-wearable and comfortable, which is important to me. I want to be able to move around, to dance, to jump, and squat. I have two pairs in different colors. I’m saving up right now for a third.” —Georgia, 15
“The Empyre Eileen Mom Jeans are my favorite because they fit my waist and my legs, which is surprisingly hard to find for me. They’re super-comfortable and they can be styled to look modern or vintage; I really love how versatile they are.” —Caitlin Belle, 16
“My current favorite pair of jeans are the Unif Str8 jeans. They’re super-comfy, but also flattering and stylish. I wear them twice a week, at least.” — Olivia, 16
“The Topshop Jamie Jean is the perfect style of skinny, plus they’re high-waisted and slightly cropped, which is how I like them. I have quite a few pairs, from black to blue and everything in between, and I wear them most days.” —Lola, 17
“The ’90s Baby/Joey Wash jean from Revice is the perfect pair of simple yet elevated jeans. I discovered the brand through a friend of a friend who wore them to a party, and now anytime I wear these jeans, I get a ton of people stopping me, freaking out over how cool the jeans are. I wear them both day and night, and in any season. I love the rigid, vintage feel of the denim. When these jeans are part of my outfit, I instantly feel cool and put together.” —Drew, 19
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