I tried the best Zara jeans, from Mom fit to Marine jeans - here are my 6 must-have styles

Looking for a denim refresh? The best Zara jeans are some of the trendiest and most affordable on the high street, with countless cuts, colours and types of denim to choose from.

Once you know the best jeans for your body type, there's a wealth of different styles to choose from that will flatter your shape. If you're keen for for a style update, now is the time to try one of the key denim trends 2024 - with over 100 styles of jeans available to shop online, at Zara you're virtually guaranteed to find the perfect pair of jeans, an important building block if you're wondering how to build a capsule wardrobe.

Zara's denim offering has plenty of inspiration for styling up your staple denim, so there's no better time to ensure you have the perfect fitting pair of jeans in your arsenal. The best Zara jeans collection not only provides trend-led designs that will keep you ahead of the curve, but also timeless cuts that you will never tire of.

We sent one fashion editor to try on the best Zara jeans and report back - these are our honest thoughts on which pairs are actually worth investing in, whether you buy full price or in the Zara sale.

The 6 best Zara jeans to invest in

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The best straight leg jeans are a wardrobe staple. One of the most universally flattering fits, these classic beauties pretty much go with anything and everything in your wardrobe.

Zara's offering is available in four different washes that have you covered for any event so if you like the fit of these, you'll probably want to invest in every colour available! Check out our Zara size guide if you're unsure what size to order.

What our tester said:

"At only 5'3", I've previously been wary of jeans and trousers in Zara as they can come up long but this straight leg style falls just below the ankle and with a raw hem, they can easily be cut to the right length. One thing to consider when shopping at Zara is which collection you're buying from, as each has slightly different sizing. This particular pair came from the Basic collection, so I knew to try my regular size.

According to the website this style comes up slightly smaller in the fit, which I found to be true when I tried them on in comparison to other styles. Made of 100% cotton, these straight leg jeans are more rigid than other styles as there's no elastane in the denim. While they're initially stiff, after a few wears this style should mould to your body to create the perfect fit.

The high-waisted style was both flattering and comfortable, while the straight leg was just ever so slightly looser on the thigh, creating the perfect straight line in profile. As someone with slightly heavier thighs, this is often not the case for me so this was another bonus of this particular pair!"

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If you're 5'4" or under and searching for the perfect petite fit denim, cropped jeans are an excellent choice as the shorter hem length should fit true to your stature and negate the need for alterations.

Not petite? You can still wear a pair of cropped jeans as the ankle-skimming style is ideal for showing off your latest footwear purchases, as well as offering instant leg-lengthening properties.

What our tester said:

"Slipping these cropped flares on, I quickly fell in love with the cut. Not only was the fabric super soft and stretchy, meaning they moulded to my body but the slightly cropped style stopped exactly on my ankle bone, my preferred length. Being slightly bottom heavy, the gentle flare helped to balance my shape, creating a flattering silhouette and lengthening my legs.

With a cropped length, this style is also great for framing statement shoes or flashing your favourite ankle boots. If you're wondering can jeans be business casual, you can't go wrong teaming these jeans and a blazer with a pair of cool loafers or trainers for an easy day-to-night look."

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If you're looking for a timeless and flattering cut, why not consider a pair of bootcut jeans? With a very slight flare on the lower leg, this cut helps to balance proportions and works well with a range of footwear. These are a great choice if you're looking for the best jeans for women over 50 since they're both classic and comfortable.

For further leg lengthening properties, look for styles with a high waist that will flatter your figure by drawing the eye up the body. Dark wash jeans are also slimming as they create the illusion of a leaner silhouette - if you're wondering how to style bootcut jeans, this classic cut works with virtually every item in your wardrobe, from printed shirts and high heels for a night out to your best jumpers and trainers for casual days.

What our tester said:

"These bootcut jeans immediately caught my eye as they had a trouser-like appearance, making them more office-appropriate than most jeans. In a darker wash and slightly textured denim, they also feature contrasting deep orange stitching and have been pressed to create a crease down the front of the legs; they also lacked the typical whiskering detail at the hip crease.

When it comes to dark wash jeans, it's important to make sure that you care for them properly to avoid the dye from running.

Part of the Signature Denim collection that falls within the older Zara Woman collection, these had a slightly looser fit than other styles, with a slim leg and more room around the body and upper thigh. While they weren't my favourite pair, they would be a good option for someone who loves jeans but needs a smart pair to wear to the office.

Unlike most jeans, this pair did not have a traditional hem or raw cut favoured by Zara - instead, they were tack-stitched, ready for adjusting to create the perfect slightly cropped length."

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Mom jeans have become a real denim wardrobe staple. With a high waist and a relaxed leg that tapers slightly at the ankle and with a slightly cropped length, this retro-inspired style has certainly found its spot in the modern wardrobe. If you're not quite ready to try 2024's smash hit style - barrel leg jeans - this is a gateway to the shape.

What our tester said:

"Previously, I'd always discounted mom jeans as not quite right for my body shape but trying on this pair from Zara, I've changed my mind. Made of rigid denim, this retro style is surprisingly flattering - it held me in at the waist, creating definition before gently relaxing through the leg which is perfect for those days when you want a slightly looser fit.

While the ankle was just a touch too long when I first put them on, a quick flip of the hem and suddenly they were perfect - pulling in just a touch more at the ankle to create a slightly more exaggerated shape that was even more flattering.

Available in five different washes, including black, I think these might be the best Zara jeans that I tried - I'll definitely be adding a pair to my wardrobe!"

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Zara Marine Straight Jeans have been a surprise hit for the Spanish retailer in 2024, with several washes and colours selling out before restocks throughout the year. Although they are officially listed as a slim straight leg jean shape, they have a visible flare to the cropped leg which gives them a distinctly Seventies vibe.

What our tester said:

"After listening to several friends rave about this style, I was keen to finally try them. Made from a stretchy denim, they slip on easily and I buttoned up the waist comfortably but as I turn to look at them in the mirror, I cannot help but think that the lack of front pockets is not flattering to my figure.

Rather, the plain style makes my hips look broader and the cling of the fabric at the top of my thighs before the cut relaxes only makes serves to make my legs look heavier than they actually are.

Made of a thinner denim, they feel less supportive than some of the other styles that made of more rigid denim - these feel like they are clinging in all of the wrong places. I think this style would look great if you have slimmer hips or have a lean silhouette but for those with more curves, it's best to opt for a different cut."

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One of the major denim trends to emerge in 2024 has been the rise of wide leg jeans, which have become the easiest way to update your autumn capsule wardrobe. If you're wondering how to style wide leg jeans, there are elements to consider and it's important to find the best wide leg jeans that will flatter your body shape.

For example, if you're petite it's best to look for a pair that isn't too wide to avoid being swamped in fabric and keep at least some of your top half fitted to balance the proportions of your lower body. If you do opt for a roomy style on top, look for boxy cropped cuts that finish at the waist and will highlight the area to create a break in the swathes of fabric. If you have fuller thighs, you may want to look for a palazzo style which offers more fabric and will skim your curves. Wide leg jeans are on our list of the best jeans for women over 60, so there's no age limit.

What our tester said:

"I last wore wide leg jeans as a teen in the Noughties so I wasn't sure if this style would be for me! However, after trying this pair on, I'm ready to update my denim wardrobe with a pair.

Made of 100% cotton, these Zara wide leg jeans have a good weight to them which stops them from swishing around my ankles too much and means they keep their shape. Additionally, they are the perfect length for me when worn with a kitten heel, which helps me add a few inches to my petite height!

Rather than flaring from the knee, this pair widens straight from the hips, creating a flattering line skims over lumps and bumps, avoiding clinging at the top of the thigh and gives them a contemporary feel."

How we tested the best Zara jeans

When trying on each pair of jeans, we asked our fashion writer to assess the fit, fabric quality, shape, sizing and length. Jeans are an essential component of a capsule wardrobe, so getting the perfect pair is high on our priority list. They're ideal for planning new season outfits, pairing them with jumpers and boots in the cold weather, but there is no end to how a great pair of jeans can be styled. Regardless of the price tag, you want to be sure that any purchase made is a good one.

How to choose the best Zara jeans for you

There are several factors that come into choosing the right Zara jeans for you. Here is what we recommend considering before purchasing, and what to look out for.

• Your body shape and height: Many Zara jeans don't cater properly to curves or petites. Consider the leg length you will need, as well as the which cut of jeans will work for your particular body type. We recommend that petites opt for cropped styles, and those with curvier figures will probably find most success with flared or bootcut styles.
• Your desired fit: With hundreds of jeans available to shop online at Zara, you need to know the fit you're after. From straight to skinny, Zara has it all. The site gives you the option to filter by cut, so this is the best way to shop efficiently.
• Occasion: Despite the versatility of denim, each occasion requires different styles and washes. If you want to find some new jeans for work, a dark indigo or black pair of jeans will always look smart and sophisticated. Whereas if you're shopping for casual wear, light blue washes have endless fashion appeal. If you're unsure, most Zara jeans come in multiple hues, so you can buy your favourite cut in a couple of different colours so you have something for every event.
• The material: Typical denim is 100% cotton, which is nice and breathable for year-round wear. However, they won't offer much give, so it's important to get the right size. If breathability is your top concern, choose a pair of Zara jeans made from pure cotton. On the other hand, several styles on the Zara site are made with a blend of cotton and elastane. This is what you should be looking out for if you like your denim to have some added stretch and movement.

How to wash Zara jeans

All of the Zara jeans we have tested out can be machine washed, meaning it couldn't be simpler to clean them. For best results, try to only wash your denim a minimum of every 10 wears, spot washing stains where necessary - try rubbing the denim on either side of the mark together to break down the stain first, which will often be enough if your jeans are made of rigid or low elastane denim.

When machine washing your Zara jeans, turn them inside out before washing and opt for a cool washing temperature. This will help to prevent any dyes from running and creating streaks in the wash of the denim.

It's best to air dry rather than tumble dry to avoid changing the shape or size of your Zara jeans. Make sure to give them a good shake and reshape before hanging them up dry.

Best Zara jeans - verdict

Overall, we were very impressed with the Zara jeans offering. Affordable and good quality, there are several pairs here that we would love to have in our collection. However, as is often the case with high street stores, those with curves may need to spend a little more time experimenting with different styles to get the desired fit. But for the price point, trendy styles and quality, we can definitely recommend Zara denim.

FAQs

Are Zara jeans any good?

Overall, the quality of Zara jeans is very good. Many of the styles on offer are 100% cotton, whilst others are typically cotton mixed with elastane to give some extra stretch and create a form fitting silhouette.

Most pairs that we tested felt sturdy and comfortable, and we would happily add a number of these pairs to our own wardrobes. Considering the price point, you are getting a good product for an affordable cost.

Do all Zara jeans run small?

As with most jeans, the fit completely varies depending on the style and the denim composition as well as your own body shape and height but for the most part, Zara jeans sizing is similar to other high street brands.

However, when you're hunting out the best Zara jeans for you, it's also important to remember that Zara's sizing varies slightly between the three ranges of Basic (true to size), Woman (runs slightly larger) and TRF (runs slightly small). With this in mind, it might be helpful to try two sizes if you're unsure of how Zara jeans will fit you.

Unlike many other high street retailers, Zara jeans do not come in multiple lengths - rather, the brand tends to offer a slightly longer length that can be tailored to fit you precisely, either at home or by a professional.

How much do Zara jeans cost and are they worth it?

Zara jeans typically cost just under £30, which is an affordable price for denim. Considering the quality - which we were impressed by - we would say that almost every pair is worth the price tag. The denim used in all of the jeans felt of a high quality and pieces were well made, with neat seams and consistent stitching.

As long as they are well cared for, there is no reason that Zara jeans shouldn't last as long as premium designer denim.