9 Jeans for Spring and Summer, Per a Fashion Writer

On some level, it’s wild that all jeans can be classified as jeans. Shirts can range from tanks to tees to blouses to crop tops and more, but all denim pants qualify as jeans. Just jeans, nothing more. 

Personally, I find I have different denim to suit different needs. I have off-duty jeans, work-friendly jeans, going-out jeans, street style jeans—the list goes on. So when I say I cleaned my closet and only nine pairs made the cut, you might think I barely culled down my collection, but trust me—damage was done. It sounds like I kept a lot of one thing, but each pair has its own unique merits.

Each of my denim favorites feels totally different from the rest, be it a perfect wash, unique silhouette, or some other compelling element that allowed it to earn its keep in my wardrobe. Ahead, read on for nine flattering and comfy jeans to consider for spring and summer styling.

Flattering Jeans for Spring

Madewell Superwide-Leg Jeans 

These Madewell Superwide-Leg Jeans are my new fixation. They make my legs look a million miles long (which is something I never say, as a 5-foot-1 shopper) and styling them with the matching Cocoon-Sleeve Denim Lady Jacket makes for the perfect seasonless set.

Levi’s XL Baggy Straight Linen+ Denim Jeans

These Levi’s are baggy without being oversized and slouchy, and I haven’t seen any other brand manage to nail that balance so flawlessly. The new Linen+ Denim fabrication is especially airy and breathable, so you can even rock your jeans on a hot summer day. Those of us who are anti-denim shorts, rejoice.

Gap High Rise Stride Wide-Leg Jeans

If you asked virtually anyone to draw a pair of jeans, this is the pair they’d draw. I love how perfectly minimalist the classic silhouette is, from the bare back pockets to the saturated blue dark wash. They’re like the kind of jeans a cartoon character would don for their every-episode attire.

Everlane The Way-High Jean 2.0

White jeans often get a “no” from me—but creams, tans, and off-whites? Keep ‘em coming. This Ecru wash from Everlane is the perfect shade, and the extra-high rise and super-straight leg make for a streamlined silhouette that’s sharp, but still somewhat relaxed.

Abercrombie Mid-Rise Barrel Jean

Another deviation away from blue denim, Abercrombie’s washed brown shade is a major cool-girl move—especially in this trending barrel silhouette. Abercrombie has various denim materials to choose from, depending on whether you prioritize stretch or structure, but this heavyweight, rigid feel is my fave.

Cos Volume Wide-Leg Jeans

When I’m shooting street style, I reach for these Cos jeans. They’re enormous, in the very best way. I love all the volume through the leg and how it pools at the bottom. Picture these with a pair of pointy-toed heels peeking out from underneath. Chef’s kiss.

J. Crew Cuffed Lower-Rise Wide-Leg Jean

Last year was the year I fell in love with J. Crew denim. I’m loving the extra-wide cuff on this summery style, which is perfect for all types of warm-weather ‘fits. The cuff itself adds a bit of interest without distracting from the rest of your look, so you can lean into small, unexpected details, or have it add to an overall maximalist ‘fit.

Good American Always Fits Good Classic Bootcut Jean

I was skeptical of Good American’s Always Fits collection at first, but I’ve owned a few pairs, and I appreciate the grace they give me as my body fluctuates throughout the month. These one-size-fits-four jeans (you can get them in 00 to 4, 6 to 12, 14 to 18, 20 to 26, or 28 to 32) are designed to expand, shrink, and flatter thanks to four-way stretch and a gap-proof waistband. They’ve definitely seen me through when no other jeans would fit.

Rag & Bone Miramar Terry Wide-Leg Pant

Of course I’m including a pair of sweatpant jeans—I’m exactly like the other girls! These viral Rag & Bone sweats are made of a cotton terry cloth with a printed denim overlay that really does make them look like a pair of jeans. The only giveaway? No real button or zipper. I typically style these with tops that cover the waistband, and no one ever notices.