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I tried on more than 50 denim styles to find the best jeans for women over 50

From slim leg to flared, I've found the flattering styles that will become your forever favourites

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Julie player wearing a variety of denim shapes
(Image credit: @julieplayerfashion)
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When it comes to buying jeans, we all agree on one thing - finding a pair that fits perfectly and makes you feel fabulous is like finding the holy grail! Shopping for the best jeans that are both versatile and flattering is no easy task, and while there are no hard and fast rules as to what makes the best jeans for women over 50, you may find that the styles you wore in your twenties no longer suit your lifestyle.

I've been a fashion editor and wardrobe stylist for over 25 years, and I know that a great pair of jeans will be the backbone of your over 50 capsule wardrobe. Traditional styles like straight leg, bootcut or slim fitting jeans are timeless and will work in any situation. Alternatively, you can inject personality and revamp your look by choosing a more contemporary denim silhouette, such as barrel leg, flared, or palazzo fits.

The most flattering denim for women over 50

With all this in mind, I’ve done the hard work for you and found styles from a range of British clothing brands and specialist denim retailers. Keeping in mind the denim trends 2026, I've tried on a wide variety of shapes at every price point. From classic structured shapes to oversized baggy fits, there's a style to suit all tastes.

Julie Player testing the best jeans for women over 50

For reference I am 5'6" and wear a size 12 or 30" waist regular leg length.

(Image credit: @julieplayerfashion)

I looked at the cut and design, trying on a variety of styles that, in my experience, are the most universally flattering. I considered the quality and weight of the denim and paid particular attention to the amount of added stretch. The size range was important too, along with design elements such as buttons and pocket placement. I also researched the brand's sustainability values and the price of the denim.

Best jeans for women over 50: Straight Leg

This classic cut is universally flattering and suits women of all ages. A great pair of dark denim straight-leg jeans will work in the winter with boots and your best wool jumpers, and continue working in warmer weather with flat sandals and a linen blouse. Go for a mid-rise style for a flattering fit. "Low-rise jeans are best left in the noughties as they are very unforgiving", says Clare. "A mid or high rise will smooth the midsection and elongate the leg."

Best jeans for women over 50: Bootcut

Over the last few years bootcut jeans have fallen out of fashion but they are slowly creeping back in as women realise just how flattering they are. The figure-hugging style skims the hip and thigh, then kicks out from the knee, helping to make your legs look longer.

Best jeans for women over 50 Wide Leg

Suddenly, the shops are flooded with 70s-inspired flared leg styles. Finding the right length is key, and you need to think about your footwear. Will you be wearing them with platforms or your favourite trainers? I tried on a few pairs that were designed to puddle on the floor and rejected the idea (ridiculous, they will just get wet and dirty!) But don't disregard the trend if you are shorter than average; go for a petite brand that has scaled down for a perfect fit. "One style that I’ve found universally flattering on most body shapes and has been hugely popular with my clients is the Slim Palazzo by Frame." comments Clare. "Available in a variety of colours, this wide leg, high rise style is always a crowd pleaser."

Fashion director Paula Moore, 52, is a fan of this season's trending wide-leg styles. "At the moment I'm living in my flared jeans and teaming them with platform sandals and a fitted waistcoat so that they flatter my petite figure", she says.

Best jeans for women over 50: Barrel leg

With their sculptured shape and softly tapered leg, barrel style jeans have quickly become one of the most popular contemporary styles to hit the high street. They can add energy to your basics and make your outfit feel current. I tried on lots of trending styles, including carrot, stovepipe and the more exaggerated horseshoe shapes, but I found the barrel leg designs to be the most flattering.

Best jeans for women over 50: Turn-Up

Another way of bringing your wardrobe up-to-date is to opt for a pair of turn-up jeans, which will give every outfit a style twist and is the ideal way to show off your statement shoes. You'll find turn-up hems popping up on every style, so you'll easily find a shape and shade that suits you.

Best jeans for women over 50: Slim Leg

If you prefer your jeans to hug your body from hip to ankle, you'll be pleased to know that skinnies are still out there, ready and waiting among the plethora of wide-leg styles. Go for a high stretch content if you want a comfortable fit.

Clare has some great tips for finding the perfect fit. "If you have a narrow waist to hip ratio and find that jeans often gape at the back, then the brand you should try is Good American," she advises."Their jeans have a gap-proof waistband that nips in beautifully for those with a smaller waist in comparison to hips."

How to choose your jeans

  • Think about your body shape – Understanding your body type can make all the difference when it comes to shopping for denim. Finding the best jeans for your body type will mean they fit better and look great, too. Hourglass figures and pear shapes will look good in high-cut styles that cinch in and accentuate their waist, while apple shapes that naturally carry weight around their middle might prefer a skinny or slim leg style to show off their pins. If you have a straighter body type, you can pull off this season’s barrel jeans that sit on the hips or opt for a classic straight leg style.
  • Look at the fabrics – Denim with a higher stretch will show off your shape better while being much more comfortable to wear. Stretch jeans will make sitting and bending much easier, and you’ll enjoy wearing them all day. If you’d prefer something a little more structured and traditional, a heavier and thicker denim will work better for you, and will most likely last a little longer than stretchier and thinner denim pieces.
  • Consider the colour – Darker wash jeans are always more forgiving on curvier thighs and bums, so if you’re feeling a little self-conscious, it might be better to opt for navy and black jeans. Lighter washes and even white jeans may seem daunting, but are more wearable than you might expect, though and have a softer and more relaxed vibe that works particularly well for summer.

FAQs

How to style the best jeans for women over 50?

When it comes to styling jeans age is no barrier and you'll find that you can make any shape work with the right styling. Looking for some inspiration? Here are three ways that I like to wear my favourite styles.

Wide leg - I like to balance out the width of my flared jeans with a more fitted top. A tailored navy blazer with lightly padded shoulders works well, with a fitted t-shirt. Add a bright silky scarf around your neck for a splash of colour.

Turn-up - This style looks great with a casual sweatshirt and a pair of fancy ballet flats. Pairing casual jeans with elevated shoes makes an interesting outfit.

Bootcut - I usually reach for boots with a chunky heel when I'm wearing this style, and add a silky pussy-bow blouse to give it a feminine twist.

Should women over 50 wear skinny jeans?

Absolutely! If you feel comfortable in skinny jeans and they suit your style, wear them. Go for a longer top if you prefer, or french-tuck to highlight your waist while covering your bottom.

What is the most flattering jean type?

There isn’t one universal style of jeans that looks amazing on everyone – what might suit your friend may not look so great on you. Your personal style, height and body shape can all mean that your denim sits differently. If I had to pick one safe bet, though, it would be the straight-leg jean. This classic style often comes with a higher waist and is quite fitted around the hips and bum.

What is the best way to wash your jeans?

Keep your denim looking its best by taking extra care while washing. Before you pop them in the machine, ensure your jeans are fastened, and the zip is done up to help keep their shape. Always turn them inside out to protect colour and fibres too. High temperatures can cause your jeans to shrink, so aim for cooler water and pop your machine ona delicate setting to prevent any harm to the fabric. When it comes to drying jeans, hang them up and leave them to dry – never put them in a tumble dryer as this can cause shrinkage and damage.

Clare Watkins
Clare Watkins

One of the North’s most sought after fashion stylists, Clare runs a bustling personal styling business based in Manchester and Cheshire. Qualified at the London College of Style with a distinction in Personal Styling, she's now part of their team of experts on both their campus and online courses. In 2024, she was shortlisted as a finalist in the This is Manchester Awards in the Force of Fashion category.

Paula Moore
Paula Moore

Currently Group Fashion Director at Future Publishing, Paula Moore has been in the fashion industry for over 30 years. Overseeing the fashion pages for Woman and Home, Simply Woman and Home, Woman, Woman’s Own, Woman’s Weekly and Chat magazines.

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Julie Player
Julie Player
Fashion Editor & Wardrobe Stylist

With over 30 years experience in the fashion industry, Julie is a regular contributor to Woman & Home, Woman’s Weekly and Chat magazines, creating engaging fashion and lifestyle content for women of all ages. She also works in the wardrobe department at ITN, dressing the presenters for Good Morning Britain. In her late fifties, Julie understands what women want when it comes to figure flattering fashion.

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