Our love affair with jeans shows no signs of waning. They take us from casual to work (maybe not if you’re a lawyer) and, with a glam top, through to evening.
Comfortable and not too try-hard, a good pair of jeans is likely the most trusted thing in your wardrobe. We get that Andy Warhol said he wanted to die with his blue jeans on.
But which denim cut is best for you? Read on to discover the hottest, best jean styles in New Zealand for every body type and budget.
Shop 2025’s best jeans NZ
1. Barrel-leg jeans
A horseshoe shape that balloons out off the hip into a curve, then tapers in at the ankle, barrel jeans are supremely comfortable and have the cool-girl factor, so it’s a win-win. They could easily swamp petite figures, so keep what you wear on top fitted. Our favourite pair? The Rollas Gigi Barrel Jeans! A beloved style in our office, here’s how the Woman’s Day team styles them.
Shop the look: The best barrel leg jeans
Rolla’s Gigi Barrel Jeans
Aere Mid-Rise Barrel Leg Jeans
Abrand Jeans 95 Mid Barrel Jean Tara
Ruby Buzz Jean
2. Mom jeans
So-called because they were the preferred jeans of mothers in the ’80s and ’90s, they’re high-waisted, more relaxed through the hips and thighs, have a tapered leg and tend to finish just above the ankle. Even Princess Diana adored them. Ideal if you have a small waist as they’ll highlight it, as well as help flatter wider hips.
Shop the look: The best mom jeans
3. Straight-leg jeans
The absolute classic jeans cut – a straight style typically elongates the leg and won’t swamp smaller frames. If you’re still hankering after a skinny fit but know fashion has moved on, these are a good compromise. You’ll never go wrong in this forever-chic cut. Need more convincing? Very popular on the streets of Paris.
Shop the look: The best straight-leg jeans
4. Wide-leg jeans
Wide legs are nothing new in jeans shapes but are still up there in the cool stakes. They come loose off the hip, like the barrel, but don’t bother coming in again at the ankle, so really embody that “don’t care”, ultra-relaxed look. If you’re after a casual vibe, go all in with them skimming the ground with a trainer. Otherwise a cropped pair to the ankle with a sandal is more polished.
Shop the look: The best wide-leg jeans
Related stories
Native ad body.
Save your strands! The secret hack for damaged hair
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
