Best jeans for women over 60 - and there's no need to compromise on style

Looking for the best jeans for women over 60? These 9 styles are great for every occasion

best jeans for women over 60 on models from these brands Next, Levi's, Seasalt, Good American, GAP
(Image credit: Next, Levi's, Seasalt, Good American, GAP)

The best jeans for women over 60 are a wardrobe staple. Denim offers ageless style and helps to underpin both wardrobe basics and more statement pieces, and regardless of whether you want trend led pieces, or simple silhouettes, there is an option for all body types and every occasion.

Tricky to find the perfect pair, but once you do, adding them to a capsule wardrobe for women over 60 can be life changing. An outfit building block, the variety of denim on offer in the market has exploded in recent years and once you find the right type of jeans for you, there is no going back, and this is true regardless of age. So where should you start and what makes the best jeans for women over 60? According to jeans queen Donna Ida Thornton, whose self-named brand Donna Ida has been dressing denim lovers of all ages, body shape is the most important thing to consider.

“Women should look for jeans which suit their body shape and style - it should not be about your age,” says Donna. “Instead think of which jeans will be best with your individual shape. Jeans are really specialist so a style, which may look amazing on your friend, may not suit you.”

While we get that you may want to avoid the latest denim trends 2024 as you may have worn some of these looks the first time around, the good news is that denim is evolving constantly and simpler, timeless silhouettes are still very much loved. With softer fabrications, flattering cuts and a range of washes, you can look chic in jeans, whatever your age. Don't think about this exercise as avoiding avoiding certain styles, but more about finding those jeans that make you feel great.

9 best jeans for women over 60

mid blue jeans

(Image credit: GAP)

1. Gap Mid Rise Bootcut Jeans

Best for hourglass and pear shapes

Specifications

RRP: £45
Sizes: 26-33 regular

Reasons to buy

+
Made with recycled cotton
+
Contain stretch for a better fit

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited size range

“The most universally flattering jean cuts tend to be flared and bootleg," says Josephine Lalwan, creator of fashion blog Chic At Any Age. “These streamline the silhouette, balance curves and make the choice of footwear easier. As my figure is pear-shaped, I look good in bootcut jeans.”

These bootcut jeans from Gap come in two darker washes of denim, and also contain 2% elastane to add a bit of all-important stretch and 5% recycled materials for a nod to the brands move towards greater sustainability. It is also made with the Washwell production process, decreasing the use of water consumption. 

The mid-rise waist means they sit mid-way between your hips and belly button, so add some structure around the midsection, but are ideal if you don't want full sculpting support across your middle, the type that high waisted styles deliver.

A great pair of jeans for all body types, the back pockets are also not positioned too low, which Josephine explains can create “the optical illusion of a lower and wider bottom area.”

The price is good too, ensuring this capsule wardrobe essential won’t break the bank, but will help you look your best, whatever the occasion.

501 mid blue original jeans

(Image credit: Levi's)

2. Levi’s 501 ORIGINAL JEANS

Best for creating versatile outfits

Specifications

RRP: £100
Sizes: 23-34 in two leg lengths (30 and 32)

Reasons to buy

+
Iconic design
+
Flattering high waist
+
Available in two leg lengths

Reasons to avoid

-
Made from cotton with no added stretch

The best straight leg jeans have to be the original 501s from Levi, which were first produced back in 1873 and have remained a peak style piece ever since. The straight leg, especially when teamed with a high-rise waist, is super flattering. They're not as tight on the legs as skinny jeans, but still have a slim line structure, meaning they work well for most occasions, from casual weekend walks to drinks with friends in the evening. With a Quiet Luxury jeans feel, thanks to their classic silhouette and rigid, elastane free denim, it's good to remember that the darker the colour of your jean, the smarter they'll feel.  

While these don’t contain any stretch, the rigid original denim does mean they feel secure and offer a structured contour to midriffs and bums, offering extra lift and shaping. As they have no elastane it's important to note that they will have less give (although like most denim they will give a little over time) so if you want something a little more 'relaxed' you may prefer a pair of jeans with additional stretch. 

Not sure how to style straight-leg jeans? These versatile jeans can be dressed up or down and look especially smart teamed with a simple t-shirt and fitted blazer, perfect if you're wondering how can jeans be business casual.


Model wearing Abercrombie slim jeans to illustrate the best jeans for women over 60

(Image credit: Abercrombie)

3. Abercrombie High Rise '90s Slim Jean

Best for range of sizes

Specifications

RRP: £75
Sizes: 4-26, in four leg lengths

Reasons to buy

+
Available in a wide variety of sizes and leg lengths
+
Flattering high waist
+
10 different washes

Reasons to avoid

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Quite thigh fitting - not for everyone

If you’ve been debating skinny vs straight jeans, then this pair is a great compromise. They still hug your top half, but are slimmer around the calf, creating a much smarter feel, perfect for smart casual outfit ideas. Available in 10 different washes washes, the darker options are ideal for a more polished feel. They also come in a brilliant range of inclusive sizes and four leg lengths. 

Donna Ida suggests a slim or skinny jean is a must because it’s a style the suits the majority of women and can be worn in a multitude of ways, all year round. 

"Team with knee-high boots in winter and swap for cute ballet pumps or loafers in summer," she suggests.

If you’re not sure how to style jeans like this or are conscious of your bottom half, the key is to choose longer-line tops. Team them with a slim sweater or t-shirt with a trench coat or longer blazer for a chic look. For more casual looks an oversized shirt with loafers, as a summer outfit idea, will work brilliantly with this style. 

Want to show off your curves? Opt for fitted tops, or a relaxed knit that you can half tuck in at the waist, and try adding one of the best designer belts to create a focal point.

flared jeans

(Image credit: Donna Ida)

4. Donna Ida Minnie Flare

Best for creating a modern look

Specifications

RRP: £215
Sizes: Sizes: 23-34

Reasons to buy

+
Creates a waist
+
Modern look
+
Contains some elastane for stretch and comfort

Reasons to avoid

-
Can’t be worn with all shoe types

We get it, seeing those trends come back around can be panic inducing, but the one exception we have to re-embracing old trends is flares. We don't mean bell bottoms, but wide-leg jeans are everywhere right now and are set to remain top denim commodity throughout 2024.

These ones are fabulous thanks to the high waist, which will contour curves, making them one of Donna Ida’s most popular styles right now.

“We call our Minnie Flare a ‘magic’ jean because everyone from Vogue Williams to Trinny Woodhall adores this super soft style,” says Donna. “It is very comfortable and has waist cinches to accentuate the waist,” and makes for one of the best jeans for women over 60.

Not sure how to style flared jeans for 2024? When you have volume below, the key is to keep everything on top slimmer, so tuck in a pretty blouse or t-shirt for a streamlined look. You can then throw on a tailored blazer or gilet to add polish and extra warmth. The perfect style for a night out, these flares would look great with a block heel and something sequined on top.


Model wearing M&S magic shaping jeans, one of the best jeans for women over 60

(Image credit: M&S)

5. M&S Magic Shaping Straight Leg Jeans

Best for a slimming effect

Specifications

RRP: £45
Sizes: 6-24, in short, regular and long

Reasons to buy

+
Great range of sizes and leg lengths
+
Special sculpting denim
+
Made from responsibly sourced cotton
+
5 colourways available

Reasons to avoid

-
High waisted, which isn’t for everyone

Josephine says not to dismiss straight-to-market brands when it comes to finding the best jeans for women over 60.

“Marks & Spencer in particular have a good range of jeans as you can choose different leg lengths short, regular and long,” she says. 

The British clothing brand has an edit of 'Magic Shaping' jeans that use clever technology to contour midriffs and perk up bums for a streamlined and sculpted finish. They also come with a gap-proof waistband, which is great if you are an hourglass figure with a small waist and bigger bottom and find this a particular issue when shopping for jeans.

The black jeans from the Magic Shaping range are perfect for a minimalist capsule wardrobe as they will literally go with everything. The dark colour and simple straight shape mean that they will work for dressier occasions, teamed with a pretty blouse and a low heel. Not sure what to wear with black jeans for day? A bright knit adds a pop of colour or perhaps keep it simple with a white shirt and your best leather jacket. They’re also available in white, grey, light and dark indigo, providing you with lots of options - you might want to stock up on them all.

You can browse the latest M&S discount codes to save money on your next purchase, too.


wide leg light wash blue jeans

(Image credit: Seasalt)

6. Seasalt Wide Leg Cropped Jeans

Best plus size jeans

Specifications

RRP: £67.95 / $110
Sizes: 8-24

Reasons to buy

+
Wide range of sizes and leg lengths
+
Made from soft, organic cotton

Reasons to avoid

-
Cropped style can be tricky to wear

The best jeans for curvy women are ones that enhance your curves, however, cropped wide leg jeans like these are great for all shapes. The wider leg skims over thighs, stopping at the ankle for a slimming effect.

To create an hourglass silhouette, tuck or half-tuck in a top to highlight your waist. This will also help to balance out the wider hem at the bottom of the jeans. While the cropped nature of this pair of jeans lends itself to wearing with sandals and ballet pumps, an ankle boot, that is high enough that it slips under the jeans hem, will also work come the colder months. It’s really all about proportions, so don't be afraid to try looks on and have a play with existing items in your wardrobe.

Regardless of your shape or size, Josephine suggests trying on jeans at home is often easier than in the store.

“Try on your jeans with the shoes or boots that you intend to wear them with to make sure the length is correct,” she says. “Make sure you also have a good full-length mirror available to view all angles. Check the waist fits well not too loose or too tight and that the pockets are well placed.” 

You can also try sitting down in the jeans to ensure comfort and even take snaps of how you've styled them to remind you of your favourite looks on busy mornings. 


Model wearing H&M pink wide legged jeans, one of the best jeans for women over 60

(Image credit: H&M)

7. H&M High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans

Best budget jeans

Specifications

RRP: £24.99
Sizes: 4-22

Reasons to buy

+
Good price point
+
Wide range of sizes
+
Flattering high waist

Reasons to avoid

-
Flares aren’t as versatile as some styles

If you’re looking for the most slimming jeans, Josephine says that high waisted are the way to go.

“High rise or styles that sit on the waist are more suitable as we age. They help elongate the leg and contour your waist,” she says.

A high waist mixed with a leg-lengthening flare, as with these H&M jeans, means you’ve got the best high waisted jeans around, regardless of your age. Available in a variety of washes, the pink pair taps into the fashion colour trends 2024 and are perfect for adding a little pastel brightness to your wardrobe.

Not sure how to style high waisted jeans like these? The key is to tuck in your top half or choose a slimmer-fitting top to counteract the volume on the bottom. A simple t-shirt worn with a blazer or shacket is a good choice. Finish off with a stylish loafer or a block heel. 


Good American boot cut

(Image credit: Good American)

8. Good American Always Fits Good Classic Boot Jeans

Best designer jeans

Specifications

RRP: £175
Sizes: 0-32

Reasons to buy

+
Size inclusive range
+
Guaranteed to always fit, regardless if you put on or lose weight

Reasons to avoid

-
Only comes in two blue shades

If we told you there was a pair of jeans that would always fit you regardless of your changing body shape, would you believe us? Well, that’s exactly what the Always Fit range from American clothing brand, Good American does. This pair of jeans features a clever design that ensures they fit up to 4 sizes, adapting to your body’s changes, and guaranteeing the perfect fit every time. That’s what makes these some of the best designer jeans to invest in.

Bootcut is just one of the silhouettes that will work with most things in your wardrobe, delivering a subtle flare at the bottom, they offer balance to your shape, particularly for larger busts or broader shoulders. If you need help with how to style bootcut jeans, it depends on the look you’re going for, but generally, keep the top half more fitted to balance out the gently flared hem. For a more polished look, try dressing bootcut jeans up with a well-tailored, shorter-length blazer and heels for an evening out.

Jeggings

(Image credit: Next)

9. Next Super Stretch Soft Pull-On Denim Leggings

Best for comfort

Specifications

RRP: £24
Sizes: 8-24 / Length: Short to XXL Tall

Reasons to buy

+
Wide range of sizes and leg lengths
+
Available in three colourways
+
Made with elements of recycled polyester and no rivets for sustainability

Reasons to avoid

-
Leggings, rather than jeans

If you find traditional denim jeans uncomfortable to wear, these pull-on denim leggings are a great alternative to the best jeans for women over 60. Made from a soft cotton blend, there are no buttons, so you get a smooth front - ideal for teaming with more fitted tops or knits and the stretch offers plenty of comfort. 

A longer-line top, jumper or blazer will work best with these jeans, as they can be very figure hugging. Although as the fabric used is thicker than generic leggings, you can wear shorter tops with ease, without worrying about VPLs or opacity levels, especially as they have a faux waistband, rather than just elastic showing, meaning at a glance they could pass for skinny jeans.

Working out what shoes to wear with leggings like these can be tricky as well, however, ballet pumps, trainers, ankle boots and even the best knee-high boots all look great with this style, proving that they’re super versatile.

Should a woman over 60 wear skinny jeans?

“Yes, absolutely!” says Donna. “If you feel comfortable in skinny jeans, they can look very chic. A pair of dark blue, black or dark grey jeans are the most flattering and versatile in your wardrobe.”

She says that the best skinny jeans will be made with a good weight of denim so that they’re not too thick or too thin. Added stretch is also essential, so you can feel comfortable. 

Josephine says the key to choosing any jean shape is to try them on and move around in them.

“Always be mindful of your lifestyle when shopping for jeans,” she says. “Think about sitting, leaning over and bending down when trying them on.”

How should jeans be worn after 60?

“Jeans are such a wardrobe staple they can be worn in so many different ways and they always look effortlessly cool and modern,” says Donna.

“A classic way would be with a classic white tee, blazer or trench coat and fresh white trainers.”

As well as finding the best jeans for your shape, Donna suggests just trying different styles to help create various looks.

“A flare or a cropped style can work really well for a relaxed everyday look,” she says. “For evening, think about switching up your look with a heel and add a blouse with plenty of detail finished off with statement accessories.”

Josephine Lalwan
Josephine Lalwan

Josephine has always worked in fashion firstly as a press officer at Browns and Jaeger, then as an Image consultant. Josephine started her blog fourteen years ago at the age of 60, with an aim to inspire women of all ages to create a stylish wardrobe. Josephine continues to create stylish content, splitting her time between the UK and France.

Jayne Cherrington-Cook

With over 22 years’ experience in journalism, Jayne has written about a variety of subjects. She spent the start of her career within the world of film, interviewing Hollywood stars, attending premieres and lusting after red carpet outfits, and then moved into fashion, launching websites for big magazines such as Look, Woman’s Own and Wedding and working with top fashion brands such as Westfield, LK Bennett and Hunter. 


Career highlights include dressing up as Kylie (in gold hot pants!) for a national newspaper and working on big fashion events alongside Giles Deacon, Henry Holland and Naomi Campbell.