As a fashion editor with a passion for denim, here are six pairs of jeans that have a vintage appearance but are actually modern.

      I may not have the exact numbers, but I would argue that jeans are the most popular items when it comes to vintage shopping. In my small group of friends and fellow NYC editors, I frequently hear that many prefer to spend their free time vintage shopping on the Lower East Side in search of the ideal worn-in jeans. Some even venture over 6000 miles to cities like Tokyo or Paris just to shop at places like The Parisian Vintage and Ragtag. While the idea sounds appealing (which fashion enthusiast wouldn't want to shop whenever possible?), what often goes unnoticed is the high cost of vintage jeans today, the knowledge needed to navigate various eras of sizing and fabric, and the time it requires to sift through clothing racks. Furthermore, there are numerous new jeans styles available that mimic the texture, color, and shape of vintage pieces without the age. To illustrate this point, I took it upon myself to find the best vintage-style jeans, try them on, and wear them around NYC. I turned to brands like Levi's, AG, Agolde, Citizens of Humanity, and others that create denim with a relaxed, lived-in aesthetic. Keep scrolling to explore the six jeans that offer the authentic appearance of a cherished thrift-store gem without the actual age. You'll thank me later.

      **Best Vintage-Looking Jeans at a Glance**

      - Best Overall: Gap Low Rise '90s Loose Jeans ($53)

      - Best Low-Rise Jeans: AG Sandra Jeans ($245)

      - Best Straight-Leg Jeans: Mother The Lil Reifler Jeans ($268)

      - Best Baggy Jeans: Agolde Vintage Loose Jeans ($258)

      - Best Printed Jeans: Citizens of Humanity Anissa Jeans ($298)

      - Best Bootcut Jeans: Levi's 725 Heritage Jeans ($41)

      **Gap Low Rise '90s Loose Jeans**

      (Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)

      **My Review:** Hailey Bieber is a fan of vintage denim. When not in activewear, she often wears loose, low-rise vintage Levi's found through Denim by Orlee. Recently, she has been spotted in Gap's Low Rise '90s Loose Jeans, which she adores. With that in mind, I decided to try them myself to see if they had a vintage appearance and fit well on an average fashion enthusiast like myself. For anyone curious about their worth, the answer is a resounding yes. These jeans feature soft, semi-stretch denim that provides a relaxed fit. I opted for her favorite wash: Dark Blue Indigo. Though the color is darker in reality, I still appreciate them for their authentic fading typical of well-worn jeans.

      **Sizing Tip:** Size down

      **Shop the jeans:**

      **Agolde Vintage Loose Jeans**

      (Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)

      **My Review:** Agolde is known for denim that beautifully captures a worn-in vibe. While many in the fashion world are familiar with styles like the '90s Pinch Waist and Low Slung Baggy, the brand has released a new option for that ultimate vintage feel: the Vintage Loose. True to its name, the Vintage Loose is designed for a relaxed fit. What sets this pair apart is its unconventional approach to the low-rise trend. Although designed to sit low on the waist, the jeans actually have a 12.75-inch rise—typically seen in high-waisted styles. To achieve the ideal oversized, slouchy look, size up.

      **Sizing Tip:** Size up for a low-waisted, baggy fit

      **Shop the jeans:**

      **Mother The Lil Reifler Jeans**

      (Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)

      **My Review:** They say to "buy it in every color when you find something that fits perfectly," and I'm following that advice with these Mother jeans. Created in collaboration with model Paige Reifler, the Lil Reifler style combines elements from the '70s, '80s, and '90s. It features a mid-rise straight-leg silhouette with a subtle kick-style hem that gives it a slight bootcut-like appearance. I first got the Daydreamer, the lightest blue wash, in April. It has a vintage wash and worn look that balances the rigid, non-stretch denim well. More recently, I added the Starry Eyed, a '90s-inspired rich black that appears deep blue due to minor fading. Now I just need to add the medium blue and classic blue washes to complete my collection.

      **Sizing Tip:** Take your true size for a fitted fit; size up for a baggier look

      **Shop the jeans:**

      **AG Sandra Jeans**

      (Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)

      **My Review:** If you haven't noticed, skinny jeans are making a comeback. However, I'm not fully ready to revisit the super-tight styles of the past, so I've looked for vintage-inspired jeans that look slim without a constrict