I Once Disliked Trying On Jeans, But That Changed When I Went to Madewell—5 Stylish Pairs That Changed My Perspective

      Setting aside my expertise as a shopping editor and acknowledging my extensive collection of jeans, one might assume that denim is my favorite item to shop for. However, that couldn't be further from the truth—I dislike shopping for jeans. I'm very particular about the fit, wash, and feel of denim. They need to be versatile, easily transitioning between dressy and casual—especially dressy. I adore the combination of jeans and heels, but after hearing my fellow editors rave about how Madewell jeans are unmatched for months, I decided to give them a try. Join me as I try on and review my selection of editor-approved Madewell jeans. You'll find all the essential details, including sizing tips and styling ideas for skinny jeans in 2026. (Yes, skinny jeans are making a comeback and pair wonderfully with an oversized blazer.) Below, I've listed the five best Madewell jeans of 2026. Think vintage-inspired straight-leg, baggy and low-rise, stylish barrel-leg varieties, comfortable wide-leg options, and more. Style them with basics and new arrivals from Madewell. Trust me—these are the jeans you'll want to wear all year. Read on for my reviews and to shop the best Madewell jeans.

      **The 5 Best Madewell Jeans of 2026**

      1. **The Longline Straight Jean**

       - My review: These full-length jeans are fitted at the hips, waist, and thighs, feeling like they came straight from my denim dreams. You can style them down with a boxy white tee and low-top sneakers for a '90s Kate Moss vibe, or dress them up with a collarless blazer and pointed-toe boots for a chic dinner look that’s sure to grab attention. Regardless of whether you choose the comfort stretch or rigid fit, the Longline Straight Jean will become a year-round staple in your wardrobe.

       - Size range: 23 to 33

       - Inseam: Standard 30 inches, petite 27 inches, tall 33 inches

       - Washes: 5

       - Sizing tip: I prefer a snug fit since denim has a tendency to stretch over time.

      2. **The Darted Barrel-Leg Jean**

       - My review: The barrel leg style can be divisive in the denim world. I’ll admit, I wasn't immediately a fan of the curved-leg design like some fashion enthusiasts I know. It took considerable convincing and multiple try-ons to find barrel jeans I actually liked. The Darted Barrel-Leg Jeans have a slight curve, deep pockets, and a slightly cropped leg. Perhaps their subtle silhouette is why I'm fond of them; they're playful, casual, and priced under $200.

       - Size range: 23 to 33

       - Inseam: Standard 26 1/2 inches, petite 23 1/2 inches, tall 29 1/2 inches

       - Washes: 4

       - Sizing tip: The shorter inseam provides a cropped effect. For a full-length look, I recommend sizing up and going for a low-rise fit.

      3. **The Perfect Vintage Jean**

       - My review: Soon, we’ll see a resurgence of cigarette jeans and slim-straight denim. The initial step in embracing the comeback of skinny jeans is to pick up a pair of these Perfect Vintage Jeans on your next trip to Madewell. These slim-straight jeans offer support at the waist and have a true high-waisted fit. While they’re not quite jeggings, this denim is the closest I'll accept for now. To rock skinny jeans in 2026, consider pairing them with a white button-down tucked in or an oversized sculptural blazer.

       - Size range: 23 to 33

       - Inseam: Standard 29 inches, plus 28 1/2 inches, petite 26 1/2 inches, tall 31 inches

       - Washes: 2

       - Sizing tip: I’m 5'6", and these sat just above my ankles. If you're after a full-length option, consider sizing up or checking the tall sizes.

      4. **The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean**

       - My review: This stunning pair of jeans will quickly become a go-to. A wide-leg version of the Perfect Vintage Jeans, these high-waisted, full-length jeans fit snugly at the waist and fall straight from the hips. They are soft to the touch, and I can easily envision pairing them with ballet flats, suede booties, or sporty sneakers. Truly, one of the top jeans for women. With just the right amount of pooling at the ankle, these vintage-inspired jeans could also be styled with heels.

       - Size range: 23 to 33

       - Inseam: Standard 31 inches, plus 30 1/2 inches, petite