Our pick of the best Zara jeans, tried and tested by us

The best Zara jeans are some of the trendiest and most affordable in the straight-to-market fashion arena, with countless styles and cuts to suit a variety of silhouettes. 

The denim trends 2024 offer plenty of inspiration for styling up your staple denim, so there's no better time to ensure you have the perfect fitting pair of jeans in your arsenal. However, although there are more brands than ever offering quality denim, shopping for the best jeans for your body type and personal style requires a lot of experimenting. This is where Zara comes in. With hundreds of styles available to shop online, you are almost guaranteed to get your hands on a pair of jeans you adore.

Zara's collection not only provides trend-led designs that will keep you ahead of the curve, but also timeless cuts that you will never tire of. Our fashion writer has visited Zara regularly to keep on top of the best new in pieces, trying on a range of different Zara jeans and looking closely at the fit and quality of each pair. These are our honest thoughts on the best Zara jeans and which pairs are actually worth investing in, whether you buy full price or in the Zara sale.

Our top 5 pairs of Zara jeans to invest in

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The best straight leg jeans are a wardrobe staple. One of the most universally flattering fits, these classic beauties pretty much go with anything and everything in your wardrobe. Zara's offering is available in six different colours that have you covered for any event, so if you like the fit of these, you'll probably want to invest in all the washes. Check out our Zara size guide if you're unsure what size to order.

What our tester said:

"I first tried on Zara straight leg jeans last year and I fell in love. It isn't easy to find a good pair of straight denim when you're curvier, so I had high hopes trying these. I took my usual size in these and they are definitely more form-fitting than some other straight leg jeans I have tried, but they still felt very comfortable throughout without any pinching. With a nice high rise fit that is great for accentuating the waist, these are a pretty foolproof investment that will take you from weekend dates to the office.

However, as is often the case with tighter fits, I don't think these had the proper straight leg feel on me. They are much looser around the thighs on the model which is a look I prefer for myself too, so I would be inclined to size up once or twice in these for a true loose and straight fit - although this would definitely mean I would need a belt. That being said, the wash is perfect and they have a high-quality feel with material that seems like it will last through a lot of wear. If you're happy to size up or have a less curvy body type, I think you'll love these."

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Generally speaking, cropped jeans are an excellent choice for those looking for petite jeans, as the shorter hem length should fit true to your stature and negate the need for alterations. Not petite? You can still wear a pair of cropped jeans as the ankle-skimming style is ideal for showing off your latest footwear purchases, as well as holding instant leg-lengthening properties.

What our tester said:

"What I loved most about these jeans is how comfortable they felt. The material is very soft and stretchy, so I had no problem slipping these on or sitting down in them. For the days when you want something a bit smarter than leggings but don't want anything too rigid, these will do perfectly. They're also ideal for pairing with boots if you want to show off the cool raw hem detail.

The thing that let these jeans down is how they fit me. As I have found common with quite a few straight-to-market stores, these are not designed to work on bigger legs. You couldn't see the flare at all on me, so they ended up looking more like straight leg jeans. Nevertheless, they are still a pair of jeans I can see being extremely useful for a smart, slim fit that is also stretchy enough to wear for almost any activity without discomfort. If you do have slimmer calves, I definitely recommend this pair for petites who want something fun to team with the best cotton t-shirts this season."

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Flared jeans are still one of the most trendy styles to buy right now, meaning there is no better time to learn how to style flared jeans. A universally flattering silhouette, flares are great for balancing proportions and with a nipping waist you can really play with proportions to create an hourglass silhouette.

What our tester said:

"I stuck to my regular size in these classic flares and the fit around the waist and legs was just right. With some extra stretch, they were pretty easy to get on and off and I can imagine them staying comfortable throughout the day. I love this dark hue for year-round wear, but especially during the colder months as it matches with absolutely everything - and looks so chic with a sleek trench coat year-round.

If you are debating between different types of jeans, a pair of subtle flares like these will always look good. However, with many Zara jeans, you'll need to be tall to pull these off. The flared bottoms were lost on my 5ft1 frame. However, if you tend to wear heels or you're taller than me, these will come in incredibly handy for all sorts of occasions. Ideal for teaming with floaty tops or baggy tees for spring and summer, they're bound to become a staple."

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Mom jeans have become a real fashion staple. Categorized by a high waist and a relaxed leg, this retro style has certainly found its spot in the modern wardrobe. Easily pairable with both smart and casual looks, it's all in the wash and the level of distressed detailing you choose as to whether they can be worn for work or play.

What our tester said:

"When it comes to boyfriend jeans vs mom jeans, I tend to reach for the boyfriend style more often, as I can never usually find mom jeans that fit my legs properly. This pair did slightly convince me to change my mind. The thick material contains some stretch, making for an ideal fit around the legs, which I loved. Overall I would say they are true to size, and some of the best Zara jeans that I tried, however, the waist was much tighter on this style than some of the others that I tried on. This is great if you want to add some more shape and definition, and of course, over time, denim does give a little, but I would definitely need to size up to get a comfortable fit - there's no way I could sit down in these.

I also think that sizing up would give me more of the relaxed mom fit I'm after. Considering this is such a classic style, I'd love to see Zara extend the sizing on this pair as they have with some other styles. But if you are like me and sometimes struggle to get mom jeans that fit right, this is definitely a pair to try out - just be sure to size up at least once if you're curvier."

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When looking for the best Zara jeans, we had to investigate the Zara bootcut. This statement style is back on our fashion agenda and if you're nervous about getting into this trend (again), you may want to opt for a slightly more affordable bootcut like these to start your journey. Ideal for pairing with the latest boot trends, these mid-blue jeans certainly gave us a Western feel.

What our tester said:

"I had to try this pair of jeans in a size down from my usual, as they didn't have my size available, and I really felt the pinch. Despite the stretchy fabric, I couldn't quite make them work. Though they fit fine on the legs, the waist was tight and uncomfortable, so you will definitely want to go for your normal size - if not a size up - with this pair. However, I did like the mid-rise fit that cut at just the right spot.

I find flares to be some of the most flattering jeans, and these definitely gave me the best fit around my bum out of all the Zara jeans I tried. I also love the mid-blue wash that will pair perfectly with the best white trainers. The downside is that this pair didn't do me much justice with the actual flare shape that was totally obscured by my height, but they could be cropped if needed. If you are taller, I really think that they will provide the ideal everyday flare that is not too exaggerated."

What is the quality of Zara jeans like?

Overall, the quality of Zara jeans is very good. Many of the styles on offer are 100% cotton, whilst others are typically cotton mixed with elastane to give some extra stretch. Each pair we tested felt sturdy and comfortable, and we would happily add a number of these pairs to our own wardrobes. Considering the price point, you are getting a good product for an affordable cost.

What do Zara jeans fit like?

As with most jeans, the fit completely varies depending on the style. We found baggier styles to fit perfectly, but straighter cuts were a little trickier to get right. If you have curves, you may need to do some experimenting with a couple of different sizes to get the right fit. Overall, Zara jeans do fit mostly true to size, and we didn't come across any pairs that we couldn't wear. We would love to see Zara extend its size range further in future, as they typically only carry up to a UK12 in store, which can certainly be improved.

How much do Zara jeans cost and are they worth it?

Zara jeans typically cost around £30, which is an affordable price for denim. Considering the quality, which we were impressed by, we would say that almost every pair is worth the price tag. They may not last quite as long as more premium denim, but with the right care, you can't really go wrong with this price.

How to wash Zara jeans

All of the Zara jeans we have tested out can be machine washed, meaning it couldn't be simpler to clean them. For best results, turn your jeans inside out before washing, opt for a cool washing temperature, and air dry rather than tumble dry to avoid changing the shape or size of your Zara jeans.

How we tested the best Zara jeans

When trying on each pair of jeans, we asked our fashion writer to assess the fit, fabric quality, shape, sizing, and length. Jeans are an essential component of a capsule wardrobe, so getting the perfect pair is high on our priority list. Ideal for planning new-season outfits styling with baggy tees in warmer weather, there is no end to how a great pair of jeans can be styled. Regardless of the price tag, you want to be sure that any purchase made is a good one, so we used our findings to determine if each pair of jeans is worth it.

How to choose the right Zara jeans for you

There are several factors that come into choosing the right Zara jeans for you. Here is what we recommend considering before purchasing, and what to look out for.

• Your body shape and height: As we have learnt, many Zara jeans don't cater properly to curves or petites. Consider the leg length you will need, as well as the which cut of jeans will work for your particular body type. We recommend that petites opt for cropped styles, and those with curvier figures will probably find most success with flared or bootcut styles.
• Your desired fit: With hundreds of jeans available to shop online at Zara, you need to know the fit you're after. From straight to skinny, Zara has it all. The site gives you the option to filter by cut, so this is the best way to shop efficiently.
• What occasion you will wear them for: Despite the versatility of denim, each occasion requires different styles and washes. If you want to find some new jeans for work, a dark indigo or black pair of jeans will always look smart and sophisticated. Whereas if you're shopping for casual wear, light blue washes have endless fashion appeal. If you're unsure, most Zara jeans come in multiple hues, so you can buy your favourite cut in a couple of different colours so you have something for every event.
• The material: Typical denim is 100% cotton, which is nice and breathable for year-round wear. However, they won't offer much give, so it's important to get the right size. If breathability is your top concern, choose a pair of Zara jeans made from pure cotton. On the other hand, several styles on the Zara site are made with a blend of cotton and elastane. This is what you should be looking out for if you like your denim to have some added stretch and movement.

Zara jeans collection - our verdict

Overall, we were very impressed with the Zara jeans offering. Affordable and good quality, there are several pairs here that we would love to have in our collection. However, as is often the case with high street stores, those with curves may need to spend a little more time experimenting with different styles to get the desired fit. But for the price point, trendy styles and quality, we can definitely recommend Zara denim.