From flared styles to patchwork pieces, recent denim trends have encouraged us to get creative with our jean collections, expanding them way beyond our favorite skinnies. And when it comes to the biggest styles of the moment, none have captured our attention quite like mom jeans. The high-waisted, straight-leg style may have been the butt of a joke or two over the years (remember that "Saturday Night Live" sketch?), but recently, they've come back in style as people rediscovered just how comfortable and flattering they can be.
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"It’s such a classic, cool fit," New York City-based stylist Sheyna Imm tells Shop TODAY. "The way that they are cut allows room for different body types to kind of make them their own, and they look really flattering on a lot of different shapes and sizes."
Stylist Christina Stein agrees and says she doesn't think the style is going anywhere. "I feel like women are just like, I want to feel curvy and I want to feel good in my jeans," she says.
Here, two stylists walk us through how to identify the trend and offer some tips on how to wear your own mom jeans.
What are mom jeans?
One of the defining factors of mom jeans is a high waist — it's part of the reason why they’re thought to be so flattering, Imm says. They typically hit right below the belly button and are a little narrower at the waist with a bit of give in the hip and a wider thigh, she says. Another key detail? The straight-leg design. “It’s not really hugging you in any places other than the waist, so it accentuates your waist and gives you more of an hourglass figure — even if you don't have one,” Imm says.
The styles we're seeing today are much more varied than the ones that we had in our closets back in the ‘90s. They now come in tons of different washes, denim weights and have unique pocket aspects and distressed details, Imm adds. All of this only adds to the fun of styling them.
How to style mom jeans
The nice thing about mom jeans is that they can go with just about everything in your closet, so they’re a true wardrobe staple. “It’s one of those things where you can invest in a pair and you know you’re going to get a lot of use out of them,” Imm says.
Plus, the style can suit any season or occasion. For a winter look, Imm suggests pairing the jeans with a tucked-in tight turtleneck and zip-up boots. She also recommends wearing them with an unbuttoned long-sleeve shirt over a tank top and trendy loafers for "a more casual out-and-about look." They pair well with heels too, so you can even slip them on for a night out.
One thing Stein notes about shoes is that you want to make sure the top of your foot and a little bit of your ankle is showing, especially if you're petite in size.
The jeans also pair well with basics, like a simple white tee, as well as a body suit "because you can then layer it with anything," says Stein. If you're wondering what you should avoid, she says she doesn't love overly billowy or peasant tops with them, and her number one rule is to tuck your top into your denim.
"When in doubt, always tuck it in," Stein says.
How to choose the right mom jeans
Because of where this specific style hits at the hip, if your pair is too tight, you might notice that it can creep up a bit in the front. While it’s completely normal and something many women experience with a variety of different types of pants, it’s also preventable. When shopping for mom jeans, Imm suggests making sure the pair isn’t too tight around the waist. “That’s one of the aspects that makes mom jeans so great; they are very flattering with a little bit of room and give.” If you find that they feel a little tight around the waist, you might want to consider sizing up.
Stein emphasizes ignoring the size number, since she says sizing isn't true throughout denim. "Your best bet is to just try a bunch on and see what just feels more flattering to you," says Stein.
With all that in mind, here are 19 mom jeans the stylists and our editors love that are sure to become staples in your wardrobe.
Mom jeans
H&M Slim Mom High Ankle Jeans
- Multiple color washes
- Cropped at ankle
- Reviews say run small in waist
- No stretch
Sizes: 0 - 18 | Colors: 7
Deputy editorial director Ali Deabler is a huge fan of this pair from H&M. "They feel like the half-step between skinny and mom for the millennials who aren’t ready to make the jump," she said. However, Deabler suggests to buy true-to-size or to size up if you're between sizes since there's little to no stretch.
AE Stretch Mom Jean
- Variety of styles; rips, etc
- Many length options
- Reviews say they stretch out
Sizes: 000 - 20 (X-Short - Long) | Colors: 3
American Eagle mom jeans have racked up hundreds of five-star reviews, and it’s not hard to see why. In fact, Shop TODAY editors love them, too. Available in five different washes, our editors say they have a comfortable stretch fit and soft fabric.
"But when I put on these jeans, I immediately remembered why I loved those AE jeans so much in the first place — they’re extremely comfortable. While some mom jeans can be rigid and uncomfortable, these ones are about as stretchy and soft as I imagine that a pair of jeans can get," says commerce writer Emma Stessman.
Wrangler Blues Relaxed Fit Jean
- Three different length options
- Reviews say can fit baggy
Sizes: 2 - 30 | Colors: 1
Made with 100% cotton, Wrangler jeans can take you from the barn to the big city and everywhere in between. Built to last, production coordinator Camryn Privette raves about this pair and says other brands can't match their comfort and durability.
Gap High Rise Cheeky Straight Jeans
- Has 2% elastane
- Ankle-length design
Sizes: 23 - 35 (Short - Long) | Colors: 4
This vintage-inspired high-rise pair is just what your curves have been asking for. According to the brand, it hugs your body in all the right places before tapering off at the ankle.
Zara Z1975 Mom Fit Jeans
- Classic straight leg
- No stretch
Sizes: 0 - 14 | Colors: 6
According to Imm, Zara is another great spot to find the popular style. The brand's Mom Fit Jeans look like the perfect nostalgia-inspired addition to your wardrobe. The five-pocket jeans come in several washes and go for under $50. According to the brand, the jeans run small, so you might want to consider sizing up when purchasing.
Hollister Ultra High-Rise Dark Wash Mom Jeans
- Different styles such as rips
- Sizes/colors running low
Sizes: 000 - 20 (Short - Long) | Colors: 2
Relaxed through the thigh and tapered from knee to ankle, this pair couldn't be more on-trend. The brand offers size inclusive options, including short, regular and long lengths.
Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda Classic Straight Jeans
- Machine washable
- Stretchy fit
- May run big
Sizes: 4 - 18 (Misses to Plus) | Colors: 19
Made of cotton and elastane, reviewers have raved about how comfortable and stylish these jeans are. The jeans also have a high-waist, however, reviewers say they run on the baggy side, so you might want to size down.
Levi's Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans
- Cropped at ankle
- Can fit tighter in legs
Sizes: 24 - 39 (Standard to Plus) | Colors: 15
"These are my new favorite jeans! They have some stretch which makes them really comfortable, and the high-rise length is perfect," says commerce editor Amanda Fama.
Amazon offers this pair in 15 washes, which include destroyed designs and colors such as "dijon."
Levi’s Premium Wedgie Straight Fit Jeans
- Many colors and lengths
- Non-stretch
- Run small, says reviewers
Sizes: 23 - 33 | Colors: 11
“Levi’s makes the Wedgie Fit, which is super cute and it’s a more medium price point, so I think it’s an attainable denim,” Imm says. According to the brand, the “wedgie” style is designed to accentuate your curves and give your backside a nice boost.
Abercrombie Ultra High Rise '90s Straight Jean
- Works for short or long torso
- Many washes and styles
- Multiple length sizes
- Washes can be darker in person
- Can shrink in dryer
Sizes: 23 - 37 (Extra Short to Extra Long) Colors: 16
Associate editor Shannon Garlin loves these mom jeans so much, that she bought them in multiple washes. "These are my favorite jeans ever," she says. "I have a smaller waist and round bottom, so most jeans give me that annoying gap. These fit perfectly and are pretty true to size."
Levi's Premium 501 Original Cropped Jeans
- Many color options and styles
- Two stretch options
- Cropped above ankle
Sizes: 23 - 33 | Colors: 13
Levi's is also a favorite brand of Stein's for mom jeans. "Levi’s have always been the most accurate to sizing and the closest to the best quality," she says.
So of course, we can't talk about mom jeans without mentioning Levi's 501 style. The cropped pair features the straight fit and signature button-fly design that Levi's fans have come to know and love. Plus, they're available in two stretch options and a wide range of washes to fit different styles.
Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Mom Jeans
- Five length options
- Made with elastane
- Reviewers say not as high-rise
- Colors/sizes running low
Sizes: 23 - 37 (Extra Short to Extra Long) | Colors: 5
Another favorite find from Abercrombie is this pair that's perfect for anyone looking to try out the trend. They come in a variety of washes, including options for destroyed.
Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High Rise '90s Relaxed Jean
- Flattering fit
- Comfy, breathable, durable
- Slightly loose in waist
Sizes: 23 - 37 (Extra Short to Extra Long) | Colors: 25
Commerce editor Vivien Moon says she loves that these flattering mom jeans have a little design, which makes them different from other jeans she owns. "They pass the sit test and have enough space in the thigh area without being restrictive so whenever my weight fluctuates, I can still count on this pair," says Moon. "I also love the quality that feels sturdy without being heavy, which is a fine line with jeans, I’ve found."
Madewell The '90s Straight Jean
- Offers plus size
- Very high-waist
- Brand says to size up
Sizes: 23 - 33 | Colors: 2
Madewell jeans are a favorite among many editors on our team and for good reason. Available in seven different washes and sizes 23-33, you'll be able to find your perfect fit.
Madewell The Curvy '90s Straight Jean
- Roomy in thigh and hip
- Stretchy
- Runs small
Sizes: 23 - 34 | Colors: 2
Madewell also offers the style in a more curvy git, and production associate Audrey Ekman says this pair is her go-to jean. "I got this black wash pair from Madewell recently and have been wearing them on repeat ... they never miss!" she says. "I love that the brand offers a curvy version to accommodate my hourglass figure, as well as petite, standard, plus and tall cuts so everyone can find their perfect fit."
Good American Good Straight Split Pockets
- Stretchy fabric
- Tight-fitting
Sizes: 00 - 24 Plus | Colors: 1
Good American is known for creating jeans that fit people of all shapes and sizes. This popular mom-style pair comes in sizes 00-32 (though there's a waitlist for select sizes at the moment). They're made from a sculpting and smoothing fabric that the brand says is meant to hold its shape, even after repeated wears.
Reformation Cynthia High Rise Straight Cropped Jeans
- Brand offers free alterations
- Non-stretch
- Brand recommends sizing up
Sizes: 23 - 34 | Colors: 4
These jeans from Reformation — which are a staple in commerce writer Danielle Murphy’s closet — seem like a worthy investment. The brand describes them as a rigid jean with a cropped straight leg and finished hem. One helpful thing to note: If you’re looking for a more comfortable fit, Reformation recommends ordering in a size up.
Re/Done Comfort Stretch High Rise Stove Pipe
- Made with elastane
- One length option
Sizes: 23 - 32 | Colors: 4
Re/Done is another brand that Imm recommends for the mom jeans trend, and these are one of the company’s bestsellers. While the price tag might make you hesitate at first, the stylist is quick to remind shoppers that a good pair of jeans is often worth the investment. “I think it’s always wise to invest in a pair of jeans,” Imm says. “They last forever, they always circle back into style, and they have a high resale value — so I just think it’s a win-win.”
Meet our expert
- Sheyna Imm is a New York City-based stylist with focuses in editorial, advertising and video.
- Christina Stein is a stylist and founder of Style By Christina.
How we chose
We selected mom jeans based on insights and recommendations from professional stylists and approved picks from Shop TODAY editors and staffers. Other mom jeans were sourced through verified shopper reviews.
