The 13 Best Pull-On Jeans of 2023

Our top pick is the Spanx Ankle Straight Leg Jean

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Best Pull On Jeans

Spanx / Talbots / Torrid

When a pair of classic jeans just isn’t in the cards for the day, but you still want that polished look, pull-on jeans are your best bet. Commonly known as jeggings, these comfortable pants have the appearance of classic denim but the feel and stretch of leggings. And for the past few years, more brands have hopped on board with the pull-on jean trend, making them available in a wide variety of styles, cuts, colors, and lengths for petite and plus sizes. 

Byrdie Researched & Approved

Our best overall pick is the Spanx Ankle Straight Leg Jean because of its ability to shape the silhouette while providing optimal levels of comfort.

“Depending on the cut and stretchability of the jeans, you might consider taking a size smaller to ensure the most flattering and comfortable fit once it is worn,” style coach Leena Alsulaiman tells Byrdie. 

We conducted hours of research on the best pull-on jeans for women, consulting with two stylists to help inform our recommendations. After considering dozens of brands and evaluating each style on design aesthetic, quality, material, and fit, we landed on these selections. We also considered a range of sizes and body types when sourcing for our roundup.

Ahead, find the best pull-on jeans to wear year-round.

Best Overall

Spanx Ankle Straight Leg Jeans

Spanx Ankle Straight Leg Jeans

Spanx

When in doubt, opt for a pair of these straight-leg jeans. Not only are they designed with hidden core shaping technology for a smoothing illusion, but also have stretchy fabric for comfortable movement. The best part? No more doing that annoying “wiggle” dance to put on these jeans as they just pull right on and have pockets to keep your phone and keys on you at all times. For optimal styling, wear it with your favorite sweatshirt, t-shirt, and sneakers. 

Price at time of publish: $103

Material: Cotton, polyester, Lycra elastane | Size Range: XS-3X (regular, petite, tall)

Best Budget

Ruby Rd Pull-On Jean Pant

Ruby Rd Pull-On Jean Pant

Belk

If you’re not looking to spend a fortune on pull on jeans, then you’ll want to opt for this pair from Rudy Rd. With an elastic waistband, these pants seamlessly glide right on and stay put without any unwanted movement. And to provide the illusion of actual denim, they are full-length and have faux pockets for a finished look. 

Price at time of publish: $20

Material: Ramie, cotton, polyester, spandex | Size Range: 6-18

Best Dark Wash

Talbots Sculpt Pull-On Jeggings (Empire Wash)

Talbots Sculpt Pull-On Jeggings (Empire Wash)

Tablots

Add a pair of dark wash jeans to your wardrobe like these ones from Talbots. Made with the brand's sculpt stretch fabric, these pull-on jeans contour each leg for a flattering finish while remaining comfortable for long wear. Wear these jeans with your go-to blouse or favorite hoodie for a more fashion-forward or relaxed fit.

Price at time of publish: $90

Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex | Size Range: 2 to 18 (Misses, petite, plus, plus petite)

Best Black

J. Jill Pure Jill 5 Pocket Knit Pull-On Jeans

J. Jill Pure Jill 5 Pocket Knit Pull-On Jeans

J. Jill

When you’re tired of navy blue jeans, it’s always great to have a pair of black ones in the closet. This pair combines the versatility of denim with the comfort of French terry for a pair of pants that’s good for both casual and formal wear. Instead of tugging at the pants to get them up in all of the right places, easily glide them on as they rest just below the waistline.

Price at time of publish: $89

Material: Cotton, spandex knit| Size Range: XS-4X (regular, petite, tall)

Most Comfortable

UpWest All Day Denim Pull On Pant

UpWest All Day Denim Pull On Pant

Upwest

In the market for a comfortable pair of jeans? Well, you’ll want to snag these pull-on ones from UpWest. With a fitted yet comfy cut, this pair offers the chic style of straight-leg jeans that can be worn with a loose t-shirt, crop top, or sweatshirt. And when you’re looking for a place for your hands to rest, utilize the side pockets for a laid-back feel and a space to keep your keys and cards.

Price at time of publish: $88

Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex | Size Range: XS-XL

Best Size Range

Lane Bryant Signature High Rise Pull On Jegging

Lane Bryant Signature HIgh Rise Pull On Jegging

Lane Bryant

It can be hard to find a pair of jeans with the right fit, even when talking about pull-on jeans. Made with a stretchy waistband, these jeans offer the comfortable fit of leggings with the appearance of your favorite pair of denim. You’ll also find a faux fly and two back pockets for those final touches that’ll elevate these jeggings to the next level.

Price at time of publish: $28

Material: Cotton, polyester, lycra, rayon| Size Range: 12-40 (regular, petite)

Best Baggy/Relaxed

Madewell Plus Pull On Jeans

Madewell Plus Pull On Jeans

Madewell

Baggy jeans may be arguably the most comfortable as they don’t compress right up against your legs. These pull-ons offer a jogger-like fit with a denim finish, so you can get the best of both worlds. To pull together an everyday look, grab a t-shirt and a pair of slip-on shoes, and you’re all ready to tackle the day in style and comfort.

Price at time of publish: $98

Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane denim, rayon | Size Range: XXS-3X (plus, petite, standard, tall)

Best Straight Leg

Chicos Pull-On Ankle Jeggings

Chicos Pull-On Ankle Jeggings

Chicos

These straight-leg pull-on jeans provide the appearance of your favorite five-pocket jeans with the comfort of sweatpants. Although they have a more form-fitting straight up and down cut, the stretchy fabric is designed to move with you for everyday wear, whether going to brunch or for an evening stroll in the park. As for the final touches, find faux front pockets and rivet accents reminiscent of classic denim.

Price at time of publish: $90

Material: Cotton, polyester, Lycra spandex | Size Range:XS-XXL (regular, petite)

Best Plus Size

Torrid Lean Jean Slim Boot Super Soft High Rise Jean

Torrid Lean Jean Slim Boot Super Soft High Rise Jean

Torrid

These high-rise jeans offer a slim fit through the knee and a flared bootcut at the bottom for a trendy and chic look. Made with no hardware, these pull-on jeans easily slide on the legs and rest comfortably right at the waist. For optimal styling, tuck in a baggy t-shirt or wear it with a blouse or fitted tee for more formal occasions.

Price at time of publish: $52

Material: Cotton, rayon, polyester, spandex | Size Range: 10-30

Best Flare

Free People Penny Pull On Flare Jeans

Free People Penny Pull On Flare Jeans

Free People

Take it back to the 70s with these retro flare jeans made from ultra-stretchy denim. Designed with an elastic waistband, these pull-on jeans rest comfortably right at the waist and can be styled with a crop top or vest for the ultimate throwback outfit. They are available in a plethora of colors, from blue and olive to white and pink providing endless styling opportunities.

Price at time of publish: $78

Material: Stretch denim | Size Range: 24-32

Best Cropped

GAP Mid Rise Distressed Easy Jeans with Washwell

GAP Mid Rise Distressed Easy Jeans with Washwell

GAP

Cropped pull-on jeans are ideal for lounging around the house and running errands as they rest just above the ankle. With a drawstring waistband, these jeans tie comfortably right at the waist and feature a faux fly for the appearance of your favorite denim. Wear these more laid-back jeans with a t-shirt and your favorite pair of slip-on sneakers.

Price at time of publish: $55

Material: Cotton, recycled cotton| Size Range: XS-XXL

Best High Rise

Spanx Flare Jeans Midnight Shade

Spanx Flare Jeans

Spanx

You can’t go wrong with a pair of high-rise jeans like these ones from Spanx for formal and casual outfits. Made with the brand's signature shaping technology, this pull-on pair provides enough compression for a smoothing effect without being uncomfortable. For optimal styling, you can wear them with a white blouse or camisole.

Price at time of publish: $118

Material: Cotton, polyester, Lycra elastane| Size Range: XS - 3X (regular, petite, tall)

Best Petite

Gloria Vanderbilt Petite Amanda Pull On Jeans

Petite Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda Pull On Jeans

Kohl's

If you’re on the more petite side, finding jeans that fit can be a challenge. However, these jeans are available in both petite and short sizes for just the right fit. With a slim fit and an elastic waistband, these five-pocket pull-on jeans are ultra-flattering while providing the same comfort as your favorite leggings.

Price at time of publish: $14

Material: Cotton, polyester, viscose, spandex | Size Range: 6-16 (petite, short)

What To Look For In Pull On Jeans

Elastic Waistband 

While shopping for the best pull-on jeans, make sure you find a pair that has an elastic waistband. This will provide you with more flexibility and room to move around. Desiree Miranda, New York City-based stylist and personal shopper, shares why she is always on the lookout for an elastic waistband when it comes to pull-on jeans. “Jeans with an elastic waistband are my personal favorite. I feel they are overall more comfortable and embody the look of what pull-on jeans should provide. They are classic, cozy, and comfortable while still looking put together.”

Fabric Quality 

Traditional denim jeans are usually made out of 100 percent cotton, which tends to give them a more rigid feel. However, for pull-on jeans, you’ll want them to be more flexible and stretchy, which is generally determined by the fabric. According to Miranda, “It's all about the fabric content when shopping for denim, anything with elastane in it will be 10x more comfortable; however, they won’t hold up as long wash after wash,” says Miranda. 

Alsulaiman adds that you’ll also want a denim gauge thinner than traditional jeans but heavy enough to be structured and not stretch out too much with wear and tear.

No Zipper/Fly

If you’re looking for a pair of classic pull-on jeans, you might want to consider a pair with no zipper, fly, or hardware. “The traditional jegging-like style that has no zipper/button fly and is usually made from an elastane/cotton blend fabric,” says Miranda. 

FAQ
  • What are pull-on jeans?

    Pull-on jeans are precisely that- jeans that you "pull on." Which is a stark contrast from their counterparts, the traditional zip-up or button-fly jeans.

    “Pull-on jeans have an elastic waistband and are made from a thinner weight of denim or cotton with some extra elastane making them soft and stretchy without being too thin,” says Alsulaiman. “Depending on the cut and design, they sometimes have a drawstring waist.”

  • Why are traditional jeans so uncomfortable?

    For the most part, traditional jeans tend to be more rigid and uncomfortable, and we have history to thank for that. “If we look back at the history of jeans, they were initially designed back in the 1950s for miners, which means they were built for durability, not comfort,” says Aluslaiman. “This is why in traditional jeans, the denim or cotton used is of a heavier gauge, and the hardware -buttons, zippers, and waist are stiff and sturdy.”

  • What kinds of jeans are in style?

    The types of jeans that are in style depend on the look you’re trying to achieve, however, in general, there are a few different looks that are trending. “Currently, the '70s are making a comeback, so flare, bootcut, and wide-leg jeans are in,” says Alsulaiman. “High-rise and mid-rise jeans are gaining popularity and edging the lower-rise jeans out.” 

    Additionally, Miranda adds that many people are saying skinny jeans are out of style and low-rise are in, but dressing for your body type is really what’s in style. “I believe in dressing for your body type and whatever style the client feels most comfortable in. If you have hips and a butt low rise isn’t for you, it will always depend on the client.”

Why Trust Byrdie

Casey Clark is a Byrdie contributor and has written about fashion for other publications like StyleCaster, Reviewed, and BuzzFeed. Staying up to date with the latest trends, she’s on the pulse of fashion for everyone and aims to make knowledge about the industry more digestible and easy to understand.

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