These expert-approved jeans for mature women will upgrade your fall denim collection

Jeans are a universally flattering wardrobe staple that looks equally fabulous at any age. But over time, your perfect pair of jeans has likely evolved a bit from the tattered denim of your past.

Whether you’re in your fabulous 50s, your sensational 60s or your serene 70s, there are a few things to consider before embarking on a jeans shopping trip. Need some help getting started? We talked to a few pros to get their tips and tricks and asked them to share a few pairs of jeans to spark inspiration.

What to consider | What styles to look for | Best jeans, according to experts | How we chose | Meet the experts

What to consider while shopping for jeans

Over time, your body goes through many changes, so it’s smart to check in with yourself and consider what your body needs now in a pair of jeans versus what you may have purchased in the past. Here are a few tips from the pros we polled.

Prioritize fit and comfort

“Whether you’ve gained weight, are battling hormonal changes, etc. you can dress your bodies with love. Look for jeans that are versatile, comfortable and meet your specific needs! They are out there,” fashion stylist and TV host Cindy Conroy tells us.

“Look for styles with a bit of stretch to allow for ease of movement and adaptability to body changes. The fit of the jeans should hug the body but should not be too restrictive,” wardrobe coach and personal shopper Lisa Emelo says.

Search for certain features

“Women over 50 often seek jeans that offer more support and coverage without sacrificing style. These features include a contoured waistband, stretch denim, and cuts that accommodate fuller hips and thighs while offering a tailored look,” Linda Peavy, the founder of Cultured Curves, says.

Shop for your shape

“Depending on your body type, you must always look for a good pair of jeans that can accentuate both your bum and legs. For example, baggier jeans tend to make shorter women look just that, short. On the other hand, if you are on the shorter side, slim or straight-cut jeans will accentuate your legs much better than a pair of baggy jeans,” celebrity stylist Estelle Aporongao says.

Look for timeless styles

“A great pair of jeans that would fit the criteria for timelessness would have no tears or rips, a solid wash (whether it be dark or light) and a proper taper at the bottom that should cut right at the ankle. To avoid any jeans that may bunch a little too much at the bottom, check the inseam length,” Aporongao says.

The best style, fabric and color to look for while shopping for jeans

There’s not one jean style that works best for everyone, but there are a few general rules you can follow while shopping for denim.

Find the right fabric

“Opt for jeans made from soft, flexible fabrics that move with you throughout the day. Avoid overly tight or stiff materials that can be restrictive,” Peavy says. She recommends jeans with 1% to 4% of both spandex and lycra to provide the right amount of stretch and shape. Emelo says fabric is also important because women over 50 often experience skin sensitivity.

The right rise matters

“Mid to high-rise jeans provide better coverage and are generally more comfortable, especially around the waist. The higher waist also helps elongate the leg line,” Emelo says.

Cue the proper color

“Dark washes are the most slimming, versatile and classic, making them a great choice for creating polished looks. Medium washes are also a good option for a more casual yet refined appearance,” Emelo says.

Find your perfect cut

“High-rise bootcut jeans and cropped bootcut jeans that balance out wider hips are the most universally flattering cuts for women over 50,” Emelo says.

Best jeans for mature women, according to experts

An affordable option: High-Waisted Wow Flare Jeans

Sizes: 0-30 | Number of Washes: 5 | Number of Lengths: 3

“My clients rave about how comfortable these jeans feel with just the right amount of stretch and support. They are fitted through the hips and thighs yet soft and comfortable with a flare at the bottom that is just enough to balance out the hips but not too exaggerated to look overly trendy,” Emelo says.

Oh-so breathable: Gap High Rise Kick Fit Jeans

Sizes: 24-35 | Number of Washes: 3 | Number of Lengths: 3

Searching for a cropped jean that you can dress up or down all year long? Look no further.

“My clients love these jeans because they are comfortable since they are made of mostly cotton with enough stretch to hug the hips and thighs but they carry a ton of support. They are high waisted and fitted through the hip and thigh with a slight flare at the bottom to balance off the hips,” Emelo says.

Universally flattering: Levi’s 314 Shaping Straight Women’s Jeans

Sizes: 24-34 | Number of Washes: 10 | Number of Lengths: 4

Emelo says, “These jeans lengthen your legs, hug your curves and are comfortable since they are made of mostly cotton. But they have been specially designed with a lightweight, yet compressive front panel that smooths and supports the tummy area, a feature that is particularly helpful for women who have menopausal weight gain around their midsection.”

Trendy trousers: Eloquii Washed Black Jeans

Sizes: 14-32 | Number of Washes: 2 | Number of Lengths: 1

Peavy is a fan of this plus size brand and its trouser jean in particular.

“These jeans feature a high rise and slightly wide legs for a more professional look,” she says.

A timeless look: L.L. Bean Women’s 207 Vintage Jeans

Sizes: 2-18 | Number of Washes: 2 | Number of Lengths: 4

“This medium-dark wash jean features a very classic cut that flatters most body shapes. It’s one of those very timeless pieces that should be included in all wardrobes,” Aporongao says.

Built-in shapewear: 1822 Denim Fit & Lift High Waist Flare Jeans

Sizes: 24-33 | Number of Washes: 4 | Number of Lengths: 1

Per Conroy, this flared pair of jeans fits “like a dream.”

“Thanks to built-in shapewear technology, they softly mold to the contours of your body. The stretchy flare flatters every shape and the dark wash creates a slimming effect,” she says.

Unique waistline design: AE Strigid Highest Waist Crossover Baggy Straight Jean

Sizes: 000-20 | Number of Washes: 3 | Number of Lengths: 3

Conroy likens crossover button jeans to “the Willy Wonka of denim.”

“They’re a little out there, but for 50+ women it’s a chic way to dress your changing body. With 100% breathable cotton denim, you get much needed airflow to stay cool as pre-menopause or menopause systems attack,” she says.

Stretchy and stylish: Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Mom Jean

Sizes: 23-37 | Number of Washes: 4 | Number of Lengths: 5

Emelo’s clients rave about this straight leg style.

“They are comfortable and supportive in the midsection because they have a mix of cotton with a touch of elastane, allowing for a bit of stretch, but they do not lose shape while wearing them,” she notes.

“Fun and fresh”: Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Mid Rise Barrel Jean

Sizes: 24-34 | Number of Washes: 3 | Number of Lengths: 3

Tired of the same old denim styles? Conroy recommends giving barrel jeans a try.

“It’s volume play in such an unexpected way that’s flattering for women. At the intersection of art and denim, barrel jeans are relaxed at the waist and hips, allowing women over 50 to celebrate their changing bodies, see beauty in them and realize they can wear fun and fresh outfits,” she says.

“Stylish, but practical”: Good American Good Legs Straight Jeans

Sizes: 00-32 | Number of Washes: 1 | Number of Lengths: 1

Sick of basic blue? Conroy recommends thinking outside the box with a pair of inky black jeans.

She says that “this vintage-inspired straight fit jeans with flat tummy tech are the cherry on top.” Conroy continues, “They’re stylish, but practical.”

Form-fitting: Free People CRVY High-Rise Vintage Straight Jeans

Sizes: 24-35 | Number of Washes: 3 | Number of Lengths: 1

“This form-fitting jean hugs all the right places and perfectly accentuates those with a little curve. They feature a beautiful light wash and have a nicely tapered cut at the bottom,” Aporongao says.

Embrace the classics: NYDJ Barbara Bootcut Jeans

Sizes: 00-18 | Number of Washes: 2 | Number of Lengths: 4

Peavy tells us NYDJ is known for its “premium denim designed to fit and flatter mature women.”

“Their jeans offer a higher rise, slimming panels, and stretchable fabrics that provide comfort and style,” she notes.

This pair is available in regular, petite, tall and plus sizes and feature Lift Tuck Technology with a slimming panel.

Show off the shoes: Chico’s Girlfriend Fray Hem Ankle Jeans

Sizes: 0-20 | Number of Washes: 1 | Number of Lengths: 2

Peavy listed this brand’s built-in shaping technology as one reason its jeans are ideal for mature women.

“Their jeans are known for their comfort, versatility and stylish designs,” she says. “These jeans consist of stretchy fabric with their So Slimming Hidden Fit technology that slims and smooths the tummy.”

For high-rise lovers: Levi’s Ribcage Wide Leg Women’s Jeans

Sizes: 23-34 | Number of Washes: 9 | Number of Lengths: 3

“Levi’s jeans are particularly popular among women over 50 for their classic cuts and comfortable fit. With a super high 12-inch rise, these jeans slim hips, define waists and lengthen legs.” Peavy says.

Show off those shoes: Mother The Hustler High Rise Flare Leg Ankle Jeans

Sizes: 23-34 | Number of Washes: 6 | Number of Lengths: 1

If you wear your jeans all the time, splurging on a pair is always a solid idea. Emelo enjoys this pair since they offer plenty of “comfort and support” but are made of a “softer, more quality fabric” than some other brands.

How we chose these products

Shop TODAY tapped four fashion and styling pros to better understand what unique needs mature women have while shopping for jeans. The experts also shared several product suggestions that are suitable for women of all body types and every budget.

Meet the experts

• Estelle Aporongao is a wardrobe stylist based in Los Angeles. Throughout her career, she has dabbled in different styling services, including e-commerce styling, product styling, brand/image consultations and more. She has worked with Hulu, Disney+, Netflix Studios, Universal Pictures and many more companies.
• Cindy Conroy is a fashion stylist and TV host based in New York and Toronto. Her work and commentary has appeared in InStyle, People, E! News, Teen Vogue, Elle US, Forbes, TIME, The Cut, Cosmopolitan and many other outlets. She has worked with celebrity clients, including Christina Milian.
• Linda Peavy is the founder of Cultured Curves, a website dedicated to fashion and beauty for curvy women over 50. Peavy has a passion for body positivity and believes that sophisticated beauty and fashion is achievable regardless of size or age.
• Lisa Emelo is a certified wardrobe coach and personal shopper who does a mix of client workshops, webinars and one-on-one style sessions. Her work spans from photo shoots and corporate styling events to editorial magazines and fashion shows.