Best jeans for women over 60 - and there's no need to compromise on style

There is no age limit on denim, and the best jeans for women over 60 are most definitely a wardrobe staple. Jeans can be styled with everything from basics to tailoring, and whether you’re on the hunt for a trend-ticking pair or a classic jean, there are plenty of options available right now.

No matter what your age, shopping for jeans is up there as one of the trickier style tasks. Finding the perfect pair to add to your capsule wardrobe can be an absolute game-changer when it comes to choosing outfits and giving your look a freshen up. Denim acts a bit like a building block for your day-to-day style and can be matched up with everything from the best cotton t-shirts to a crisp shirt for an effortlessly chic ensemble.

So where should you start and what makes the best jeans for women over 60? According to jeans queen Donna Ida Thornton, whose self-named brand Donna Ida has been dressing denim lovers of all ages, body shape is the most important thing to consider.

“Women should look for jeans which suit their body shape and style - it should not be about your age,” says Donna. “Instead think of which jeans will be best with your individual shape. Jeans are really specialist so a style, which may look amazing on your friend, may not suit you.”

“Women should look for jeans which suit their body shape and style - it should not be about your age,” says Donna. “Instead think of which jeans will be best with your individual shape. Jeans are really specialist so a style, which may look amazing on your friend, may not suit you.”

While we get that you may want to avoid the latest denim trends 2024 as you may have worn some of these looks the first time around, the good news is that denim is evolving constantly and simpler, timeless silhouettes are still very much loved. With softer fabrications, flattering cuts and a range of washes, you can look chic in jeans, whatever your age. Don't think about this exercise as avoiding avoiding certain styles, but more about finding those jeans that make you feel great.

9 best jeans for women over 60

“The most universally flattering jean cuts tend to be flared and bootleg," says Josephine Lalwan, creator of fashion blog Chic At Any Age. “These streamline the silhouette, balance curves and make the choice of footwear easier. As my figure is pear-shaped, I look good in bootcut jeans.”

These bootcut jeans from Gap come in two darker washes of denim, and also contain 2% elastane to add a bit of all-important stretch and 5% recycled materials for a nod to the brands move towards greater sustainability. It is also made with the Washwell production process, decreasing the use of water consumption.

The mid-rise waist means they sit mid-way between your hips and belly button, so add some structure around the midsection, but are ideal if you don't want full sculpting support across your middle, the type that high waisted styles deliver.

Picking the best jeans for your body type, make sure the back pockets are also not positioned too low, which Josephine explains can create “the optical illusion of a lower and wider bottom area.”

The price is good too, ensuring this capsule wardrobe essential won’t break the bank, but will help you look your best, whatever the occasion.

The best straight leg jeans have to be the original 501s from Levi, which were first produced back in 1873 and have remained a peak style piece ever since. The straight leg, especially when teamed with a high-rise waist, is super flattering. They're not as tight on the legs as skinny jeans, but still have a slim line structure, meaning they work well for most occasions, from casual weekend walks to drinks with friends in the evening. With a Quiet Luxury jeans feel, thanks to their classic silhouette and rigid, elastane free denim, it's good to remember that the darker the colour of your jean, the smarter they'll feel.

While these don’t contain any stretch, the rigid original denim does mean they feel secure and offer a structured contour to midriffs and bums, offering extra lift and shaping. As they have no elastane it's important to note that they will have less give (although like most denim they will give a little over time) so if you want something a little more 'relaxed' you may prefer a pair of jeans with additional stretch.

Not sure how to style straight-leg jeans? These versatile jeans can be dressed up or down and look especially smart teamed with a simple t-shirt and fitted blazer, perfect if you're wondering how can jeans be business casual.

If you’ve been debating skinny vs straight jeans, then this pair is a great compromise. They still hug your top half, but are slimmer around the calf, creating a much smarter feel, perfect for smart casual outfit ideas. Available in 10 different washes washes, the darker options are ideal for a more polished feel. They also come in a brilliant range of inclusive sizes and four leg lengths.

Donna Ida suggests a slim or skinny jean is a must because it’s a style the suits the majority of women and can be worn in a multitude of ways, all year round.

"Team with knee-high boots in winter and swap for cute ballet pumps or loafers in summer," she suggests.

If you’re not sure how to style jeans like this or are conscious of your bottom half, the key is to choose longer-line tops. Team them with a slim sweater or t-shirt with a trench coat or longer blazer for a chic look. For more casual looks an oversized shirt with loafers, as a summer outfit idea, will work brilliantly with this style.

Want to show off your curves? Opt for fitted tops, or a relaxed knit that you can half tuck in at the waist, and try adding one of the best designer belts to create a focal point.

We get it, seeing those trends come back around can be panic inducing, but the one exception we have to re-embracing old trends is flares. We don't mean bell bottoms, but wide-leg jeans are everywhere right now and are set to remain top denim commodity throughout 2024.

These ones are fabulous thanks to the high waist, which will contour curves, making them one of Donna Ida’s most popular styles right now.

“We call our Minnie Flare a ‘magic’ jean because everyone from Vogue Williams to Trinny Woodhall adores this super soft style,” says Donna. “It is very comfortable and has waist cinches to accentuate the waist,” and makes for one of the best jeans for women over 60.

Not sure how to style flared jeans for 2024? When you have volume below, the key is to keep everything on top slimmer, so tuck in a pretty blouse or t-shirt for a streamlined look. You can then throw on a tailored blazer or gilet to add polish and extra warmth. The perfect style for a night out, these flares would look great with a block heel and something sequined on top.

Josephine says not to dismiss straight-to-market brands when it comes to finding the best jeans for women over 60.

“Marks & Spencer in particular have a good range of jeans as you can choose different leg lengths short, regular and long,” she says.

One of the best British clothing brands, M&S has an edit of 'Magic Shaping' jeans that use clever technology to contour midriffs and perk up bums for a streamlined and sculpted finish. They also come with a gap-proof waistband, which is great if you are an hourglass figure with a small waist and bigger bottom and find this a particular issue when shopping for jeans.

The black jeans from the Magic Shaping range are perfect for a minimalist capsule wardrobe as they will literally go with everything. The dark colour and simple straight shape mean that they will work for dressier occasions, teamed with a pretty blouse and a low heel. Not sure what to wear with black jeans for day? A bright knit adds a pop of colour or perhaps keep it simple with a white shirt and your best leather jacket. They’re also available in white, grey, light and dark indigo, providing you with lots of options - you might want to stock up on them all.

You can browse the latest M&S discount codes to save money on your next purchase, too.

The best jeans for curvy women are ones that enhance your curves, however, cropped wide leg jeans like these are great for all shapes. The wider leg skims over thighs, stopping at the ankle for a slimming effect.

To create an hourglass silhouette, tuck or half-tuck in a top to highlight your waist. This will also help to balance out the wider hem at the bottom of the jeans. While the cropped nature of this pair of jeans lends itself to wearing with sandals and ballet pumps, an ankle boot, that is high enough that it slips under the jeans hem, will also work come the colder months. It’s really all about proportions, so don't be afraid to try looks on and have a play with existing items in your wardrobe.

Regardless of your shape or size, Josephine suggests trying on jeans at home is often easier than in the store.

“Try on your jeans with the shoes or boots that you intend to wear them with to make sure the length is correct,” she says. “Make sure you also have a good full-length mirror available to view all angles. Check the waist fits well not too loose or too tight and that the pockets are well placed.”

You can also try sitting down in the jeans to ensure comfort and even take snaps of how you've styled them to remind you of your favourite looks on busy mornings.

If you’re looking for the most slimming jeans, Josephine says that high waisted are the way to go.

“High rise or styles that sit on the waist are more suitable as we age. They help elongate the leg and contour your waist,” she says.

A high waist mixed with a leg-lengthening flare, as with these H&M jeans, means you’ve got the best high waisted jeans around, regardless of your age. Available in a variety of washes, the pink pair taps into the fashion colour trends 2024 and are perfect for adding a little pastel brightness to your wardrobe.

Not sure how to style high waisted jeans like these? The key is to tuck in your top half or choose a slimmer-fitting top to counteract the volume on the bottom. A simple t-shirt worn with a blazer or shacket is a good choice. Finish off with a stylish loafer or a block heel.

If we told you there was a pair of jeans that would always fit you regardless of your changing body shape, would you believe us? Well, that’s exactly what the Always Fit range from American clothing brand, Good American does. This pair of jeans features a clever design that ensures they fit up to 4 sizes, adapting to your body’s changes, and guaranteeing the perfect fit every time. That’s what makes these some of the best designer jeans to invest in.

Bootcut is just one of the silhouettes that will work with most things in your wardrobe, delivering a subtle flare at the bottom, they offer balance to your shape, particularly for larger busts or broader shoulders. If you need help with how to style bootcut jeans, it depends on the look you’re going for, but generally, keep the top half more fitted to balance out the gently flared hem. For a more polished look, try dressing bootcut jeans up with a well-tailored, shorter-length blazer and heels for an evening out.

If you find traditional denim jeans uncomfortable to wear, these pull-on denim leggings are a great alternative to the best jeans for women over 60. Made from a soft cotton blend, there are no buttons, so you get a smooth front - ideal for teaming with more fitted tops or knits and the stretch offers plenty of comfort.

A longer-line top, jumper or blazer will work best with these jeans, as they can be very figure hugging. Although as the fabric used is thicker than generic leggings, you can wear shorter tops with ease, without worrying about VPLs or opacity levels, especially as they have a faux waistband, rather than just elastic showing, meaning at a glance they could pass for skinny jeans.

Working out what shoes to wear with leggings like these can be tricky as well, however, ballet pumps, trainers, ankle boots and even the best knee-high boots all look great with this style, proving that they’re super versatile.

How to choose your jeans

Don’t rush when it comes to buying your denim. Its always worth shopping around and trying on different styles, to find the perfect fit for you. No matter what your age, jeans are a very personal thing and if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the huge choice available right now, it’s worth considering the below -

• Think about your body shape – A great starting point while shopping for any new investment item is to think about your body shape first. Finding the best jeans for your body type will mean they fit better and look great too. Hour glass figures and pear shapes will look good in high waisted styles that accentuate your waist, while apple shapes that naturally carry weight around their middle might prefer a skinny or slim leg style to show off their pins. If you have a straighter body type, you can wear most jeans with ease but a straight leg fit will look particularly good on you.
• Think about fabrics – Think about how comfortable you want to be in your jeans. Stretchier denim will cling to curves and show off your shape better while being much softer to move around in. You’ll find stretchier jeans much comfy to wear all day without being too restrictive. If you’d prefer something a little more structured and traditional, a heavier and and more rigid denim will work better and will create a sharper silhouette.
• Consider the colour – Darker wash jeans are always more forgiving on curvier thighs and bums, so if you’re feeling a little self-conscious, it might be better to opt for navy and black jeans. Lighter washes and even white jeans outfits may seem daunting but are more wearable than you might expect and have a softer and more relaxed vibe that work particularly well for summer. Don’t be put off from trying something a little different – always try on and see. You might just discover a colour or shape that you really love.

Should a woman over 60 wear skinny jeans?

“Yes, absolutely!” says Donna. “If you feel comfortable in skinny jeans, they can look very chic. A pair of dark blue, black or dark grey jeans are the most flattering and versatile in your wardrobe.”

She says that the best skinny jeans will be made with a good weight of denim so that they’re not too thick or too thin. Added stretch is also essential, so you can feel comfortable.

Josephine says the key to choosing any jean shape is to try them on and move around in them.

“Always be mindful of your lifestyle when shopping for jeans,” she says. “Think about sitting, leaning over and bending down when trying them on.”

Should a woman over 60 wear wide leg jeans?

We are firm believers that women of all ages can wear what they like. If you feel great in something, wear it! Wide leg jeans may seem a little daunting, and have a younger feel, but there’s no reason why older women can’t try out this trend. It’s all down to clever styling to keep them looking chic and flattering. Team your wider leg denim with fitted tops to avoid looking swamped in fabric, and try giving them a smarter spin with a tailored blazer or crisp shirt. Classic accessories like printed pumps and oversized tote bags will help to add a polished spin too.

How should jeans be worn after 60?

“Jeans are such a wardrobe staple they can be worn in so many different ways and they always look effortlessly cool and modern,” says Donna.

“A classic way would be with a classic white tee, blazer or trench coat and fresh white trainers.”

As well as finding the best jeans for your shape, Donna suggests just trying different styles to help create various looks.

“A flare or a cropped style can work really well for a relaxed everyday look,” she says. “For evening, think about switching up your look with a heel and add a blouse with plenty of detail finished off with statement accessories.”

What's the best way to wash your jeans?

Once you have found your new jeans, keep your denim looking its best for longer by taking extra care while washing. Before you pop them in the machine, ensure your jeans are fastened and the zip is done up to help keep their shape while getting rinsed. Always turn them inside out to protect colour and fibres too. High temperatures can cause your jeans to shrink, so aim for cooler water and pop your machine on delicate setting to prevent any harm to the fabric. When it comes to drying jeans, hang them up and leave them to dry – never put them in a tumble dryer as this can cause shrinkage and damage.

Josephine Lalwan

Josephine has always worked in fashion firstly as a press officer at Browns and Jaeger, then as an Image consultant. Josephine started her blog fourteen years ago at the age of 60, with an aim to inspire women of all ages to create a stylish wardrobe. Josephine continues to create stylish content, splitting her time between the UK and France.