River Island denim deserves more attention - these editor-approved jeans look so expensive, but are all under £55
Some of the most stylish women I know buy their jeans from River Island
I really believe that when it comes to denim, the more affordable British clothing brands on the high street often turn out to be even better than expensive designer labels. You've probably tried some of the best M&S jeans (my favourites are the barrel leg jeans), and I'm always impressed by Next's selection of denim, too.
But River Island denim definitely deserves more attention. In fact, some of the most stylish women I know swear by the brand's jeans. woman&home's Digital Editor Kerrie Hughes is a fan, and so is Fashion Channel Editor Rivkie Baum, who told me: "I have always loved River Island jeans, although the majority of my wardrobe is made up of dresses and skirts, when I do need a denim fix, River Island is where I turn to.
"A great selection of sizes, stretch-fit denim and comfortable, hard-wearing fits that balance classic and contemporary with ease; they're my high street jeans of choice, and the price is amazing too"
Much like the Topshop Jamie jeans, River Island's Molly skinny jeans are a customer favourite, plus there are fresh shapes and styles like horseshoe and cargo jeans to choose from. There's a cracking petite selection, the prices are really reasonable and I love that they really clearly say on the website the level of stretch you can expect.
Oh, and one last thing River Island denim does particularly well: comfortable jeans that look more like trousers. A drawstring waist and pyjama-inspired fit? Yes please.
Shop the best River Island jeans
White jeans really come into their own at this time of year, and you don't have to faff about with zips and buttons thanks to the comfortable elasticated waistband on this style. More than that, the waistline will feel much sleeker if you're wearing a top that's not tucked in. These are a super stretch style, and are available in short, regular or long lengths.
These are almost a jeans/jogger hybrid, and I love the drawstring waist. I think we can all agree that there's nothing worse than a pair of jeans digging in at the waist. The wide leg fit is super flattering, and these are a non-stretch fabric.
For anyone under 5 ft 3, River Island's petite jeans are well worth trying. A perfectly proportioned take on the barrel leg jeans trend, these are available in UK sizes 4 to 16, and in several different colours.
A more exaggerated silhouette than barrel leg, allow me to introduce you to horseshoe jeans. Trust me - you have to try them to see quite how good they are! These are non-stretch, and if you order by 10pm you can get them on next day delivery.
This pair of jeans is easy to throw on and immediately look polished. Which is the dream combination, right? These are 100% cotton, so there's no stretch to them, and River Island even have a handy guide to how to care for your denim.
Thinking ahead to your autumn wardrobe? These cargo jeans look amazing on the model with a short belted trench coat, and the stitching will add interest to even the simplest of outfits.
The perfect laidback jeans to wear with a T-shirt, you'll have these on constant rotation in your wardrobe for years to come. These are also available in a petite version.
Flares look amazing with ankle boots in autumn, and the patch pockets on this style really remind me of a Victoria Beckham design. These will elongate your legs, plus one customer called them "One of the best-fitting pairs of jeans I've bought in a long time."
I can't get enough of barrel leg jeans, and the light wash of these is perfect for wearing with pretty cotton tops in August, and then blazers in September. They're non-stretch so they won't go baggy or lose their shape when washed.
River Island's sculpting Molly jeans have been a customer favourite for a decade. They've got 2% elastane in the fabric so they're super stretchy, and they will be spot on for tucking into knee high boots when the temperature drops.
If you're looking for something in between skinny and wide leg jeans, a straight shape like this one is very versatile since it pairs well with plenty of different shoe options.
Beige jeans are a great way to try some of the fashion colour trends 2026, as they offer a neutral base that will work with lots of different shades.
Autumn is closer than you think, so although it might feel a bit too warm for jeans right now, it's good to get ahead when it comes to denim trends.
Nail down the perfect pair of jeans for you, and the rest of your autumn wardrobe will fall into place so easily. Prioritise the shape that flatters you and makes you feel most comfortable, and it will make deciding what to wear every morning a joy.
