I Tried On Hundreds of Flared Jeans in Search of "The One"—These 6 Styles Are Strong Contenders

I Tried On Hundreds of Flared Jeans in Search of "The One"—These 6 Styles Are Strong Contenders

      When I envision the finest flared jeans, I picture Riley Keough as the rebellious rock star Daisy Jones. This expanding silhouette has evolved significantly since its '70s fashion roots, but I’ve often found myself hesitating over the fit for fear it may come off as costume-like or outdated. However, this vintage style has recently made a notable comeback. (Kudos to whoever is managing the PR for flared jeans.) After a short absence, Bella Hadid reintroduced flared jeans with her Western-inspired aesthetic. Her current public look is a departure from the mix of eclectic and vintage items she previously wore, with the return of flared jeans serving as a clear sign of our changing tastes.

      On the runway, this revival was mirrored in the free spirit and bohemian essence highlighted in Chemena Kamali’s debut collections for Chloé. The message was unmistakable—after years of shapeless straight-leg designs, flared jeans are back to usher in an era of relaxed yet contoured silhouettes.

      So, I was quite surprised when, in early February, flared jeans made consecutive appearances on two of the most iconic Californians of all time. The first was Kendrick Lamar, who wore Celine’s waist-hugging Marco Flare Jeans while performing at the 2025 Super Bowl. This moment reignited my interest in the style, which was further amplified when Meghan Markle donned a dark indigo pair of flared jeans by Veronica Beard at an Invictus Games event later that same day. Coincidence? I think not.

      Although she generally sets trends rather than follows them, even Rihanna couldn’t resist the allure of flared jeans when she wore the same Celine pair as Kendrick to dinner at her favorite Italian restaurant, Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica.

      These endorsements suggest that flared jeans will soon make their way into our own wardrobes—but are these validations strong enough to sway a firm skeptic? After years of overlooking these items, my understanding of the current offerings was limited. Are flare jeans scratchy? Do they graze the London pavement? Are they high-waisted and therefore unflattering for my petite frame?

      As a curious fashion editor, I decided to explore designer boutiques and high street stores for the best flared jeans on the market. After several tentative outings—and many compliments from the Who What Wear team—I can confidently say I have been won over by the charm of flared jeans.

      However, not all are created equal. Some were rather restrictive and required a bit of tailoring to accommodate my shorter stature. Others felt as soft as leggings but lacked the necessary structure to fit well around my ankles. Nonetheless, I managed to find the 'Goldilocks' of flared jeans—the styles that offer a perfect balance of fit and flare at the hem.

      If you’re ready to hop on the trend, I’ve compiled and reviewed six of the best flared jeans available. After numerous tests, consider the following your thorough guide to choosing and shopping for this style.

      **The Best Flared Jeans, Tried and Tested by an Editor**

      - **Best Overall Flared Jeans:** Paige High Rise Laurel Canyon 32" Bootcut Jean, £285

      - **Best Affordable Flared Jeans:** Mango Flare Jeans Mid Rise Rinse Wash, £36

      - **Best Luxury Flared Jeans:** Celine Marco Jeans, £830

      - **Best High-Waisted Flared Jeans:** Marks & Spencer Mid Rise Flared Jeans, £45

      - **Best Fitted Flare Jeans:** Veronica Beard Beverly Skinny-Flare Jean, £240

      1. **Mango**

       - **Style Notes:** I was immediately attracted to how these Mango flared jeans started to widen from the knee when I saw them online. Some flared jeans flare out around the calf or ankle, but I liked how these balanced out. In real life, they flared as expected and had the perfect high-rise finish.

       - **For:** Available in sizes 4 through 18.

       - **Against:** This style flares out quickly!

      2. **Paige**

       - **Style Notes:** I’ll admit, jeans usually aren't my strong suit. I typically prefer pleated trousers or pencil skirts instead of denim. However, these flared jeans from Paige changed my perspective. The fabric was incredibly comfortable, and even with flats, the flare still looked cute and well-fitted. I could easily walk 10,000 steps in them without discomfort.

       - **For:** In both petite and regular fits, available in sizes 23 to 34—so versatile!

       - **Against:** They are quite fitted around the hips, which might feel tight for some.

      3. **Marks & Spencer**

       - **Style Notes:** Although this M&S style was the most ‘70s-inspired of the options I tried, I surprisingly liked the shape after wearing them for a few days. The true wide-leg design might feel too roomy

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I Tried On Hundreds of Flared Jeans in Search of "The One"—These 6 Styles Are Strong Contenders

From Meghan Markle's Veronica Beard look to Kendrick Lamar's Celine ensemble, these are the six top flared jeans, as recommended by a fashion editor who has assessed hundreds.