Level Up Your Wardrobe With the Best Jeans for Women Over 50, According to Stylists

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Nothing works harder in your wardrobe than a pair of jeans. Dress them up with comfy heels and a blazer, or go for an athleisure look with the best walking shoes and a sweatshirt. However you style it, denim is a durable, functional fabric worth adding to your closet. The best jeans for women over 50 may look different than your go-to pairs of the past—or maybe they look exactly the same! Thankfully, there’s something on our list for everyone.

Meet the experts: Jessica Sockel, Stitch Fix stylist; Roz Kaur, stylist

“When looking for the best jeans for women over 50, we recommend prioritizing fit and comfort, while honing in on a silhouette that you feel confident in,” says Jessica Sockel, Stitch Fix stylist. She loves “denim that has a bit of stretch to ensure they move with your body and provide enough comfort for everyday wear. I often tell my clients who are over 50 to aim for a mid-rise or high-rise pair, which gives the perfect blend of structure and comfort.”

But that’s not to say that those 50+ need to steer clear of any style in particular. “True style is ageless, and women over 50 should continue to hone their personal style while investing in staple pieces for their closet. Sockel says, “In addition to the perfect pair of well-fitted denim, this can include items like a polished blazer, basic tees, blouses, and quality sweaters.”

Our top picks

Ahead, find the best jeans for women over 50 to add to your closet, including the best black jeans, bootcut, skinny, and wide-leg options.

Marilyn Straight Jeans

A favorite of Roz Kaur, stylist, these jeans were made with Lift Tuck technology, per the brand, to flatten in the front and flatter curves in the back. “I recommend the NYDJ Marilyn Straight-Leg Jeans,” says Kaur. “These are known for their comfortable fit and flattering silhouette. The Lift Tuck Technology helps smooth and shape, making them a great choice for women over 50.”

Missy Instantly Slims Classic Relaxed Fit Monroe Straight Leg Jean

Looking for an affordable option that’s also super comfortable? These highly-rated pair by Lee have quite the following with, over 22,000 ratings and nearly five stars. Available in eight washes and a slew of sizes, there’s something here for everyone. “These jeans fit beautifully. Well made. I like to wear them with a heel to dress them up, or a ballet flag to dress down,” one Amazon shopper wrote.

Ellie Straight Leg Jean

“These classics are a must-have addition to your denim collection and will go with items you already have in your wardrobe rotation! Perfect for year-round wear, this under-$100 pair doesn’t break the bank and offers a neutral wash and classic fit that will never go out of style,” Sockel says.

Ab Solution Itty Bitty Boot Cut Jeans

“Great for petite women, this pair has a mid-rise waist, a fitted look, and a bootcut leg opening for a slightly ‘70s-inspired aesthetic that pairs well with a variety of tops, tees, and tanks,” Sockel says. Petite, regular, and tall sizes are available via Amazon, and regular and petite sizing is available via Stitch Fix.

Lana High Waist Wide Leg Jeans

“These are a great choice for women with a curvy figure, given the high-rise fit and loose pant legs (plus 1% Spandex to provide just the right amount of stretch). We love a wide-leg pant when you’re looking for a more comfortable and less restrictive fit,” Sockel says.

Ella High Rise Straight Jean

Looking for high-rise straight-leg jeans? These are stylist-recommended, thanks to a bit of stretch and a lot of style. “These are my top straight-leg choice of jeans for women over 50 since they have stretch and provide a high rise,” says Sockel. “The solid mid-wash color makes them a great choice for everyday wear.”

315 Shaping Bootcut Jean

Kaur recommends Levi’s 315 bootcut jeans. “They offer a classic style with a slight flare at the hem, providing balance and versatility for mature women,” she says.

‘Ab’Solution Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans

Though these are an indigo iteration of a black pair that Kaur likes, she says these jeans in black “offer a slimming effect and a timeless black color, perfect for versatile styling.” Available in petite and regular lengths, and sizing 00-18 (similar to a 14), these are a great option.

Marilyn Stretch Straight Jeans

“Consider the Not Your Daughter’s Jeans Marilyn Straight-Leg Jeans in white,” Kaur says. “The same great fit as their blue jeans, these will elevate your wardrobe with a crisp and clean look.” These high-rise jeans are perfect for a summer soirée or for those daring to try a winter white.

Rae Ankle Straight Leg Organic Cotton Jeans

Ética jeans are a favorite of mine for a reason. Buttery soft to the touch, you’d never believe how much these can withstand. Whether running around after my niece, commuting to work, or simply sitting at my desk all day, the brand continues to impress. I love the straight leg and cropped cut of these, practically ensuring you won’t need to get them hemmed. The black color is perfect for dressier events too.

Imogen Bootcut Jean

“These jeans are ideal for plus-size women due to their comfortable fit and mid-rise waist, which offers support around the midsection without feeling restrictive. The black wash offers versatility in terms of what you can pair with them, and the stretch in the fabrication means you can be your most confident self day or night,” Sockel says.

Mid-Rise Wow Boot-Cut Jeans

Available in short, regular, and long lengths, these classic mid-rise bootcut jeans are recommended by real women over 50 (note: Prevention staff editors’ parents). Designed to sit right below your belly button, these are super-comfy and timeless.

Ami Skinny Jeans

My mom’s absolute favorite jeans, these Not Your Daughter’s Jeans come in a variety of sizes and lengths so you can find your perfect fit. If you’re looking for a pair of skinny jeans over 50, then these are the ones for you. Super comfortable and supportive, these jeans are a great addition to your wardrobe. “These jeans are so comfortable, but at the same time, they feel snug. These are stretchier than my older pair of thicker Ami skinny jeans. I like the improvements,” one NYDJ customer wrote.

The Flip Flop Jean

These come highly recommended by a friend of Prevention who is over 50. She says these jeans are super “comfortable” and that she loves “the color.” Reviewers noted that these even work well for tall people. “Bought a second pair. Fit perfectly and long length for tall people is grand,” one customer wrote.

Brigitte Boyfriend Ankle Jeans

These mid-rise jeans by Paige are a favorite for a reason. Though a bit pricey, if you snag them on sale these jeans are quite the power buy. A more relaxed style like the boyfriend jeans allows for a roomier, more comfortable pair of denim.

Luscious Curvy Bootcut Mid-Rise

With over 48,000 ratings and nearly five stars, it’s safe to say Amazon shoppers are loving these curvy bootcut jeans. We can see why, with multiple lengths (short, regular, long) and sizes (regular, plus, plus short, plus long), and 25 washes and colors to choose from (yes, 25!). “Now these jeans, they are AMAZING! They fit just right and don’t become stretched out as the day progresses. They hug your tush and accentuate what you have and if you weren’t blessed with a bodacious bottom, then they work their magic and make it look like you have a bit of a rump,” one enthusiastic Amazon shopper wrote. “ I love them and will most likely order a few more pairs in the near future. Super comfy A+ jeans here.”

Mid-Rise Sweet Straight Jeans

Another Amazon favorite, these Lucky Brand straight-leg jeans are a great closet addition. Available in various sizes and inseam lengths, these also come in a ton of colors—15 to be exact. With over 3,000 ratings and four stars, shoppers like these jeans. “These fit as described,” wrote one shopper. “Very comfortable and have nice stretch—but not too much that they sag at the end of the day. I like that they are not high-rise. The color is nice. I will buy it again when I need another pair. This brand has not let me down yet. They last years.”

Genevieve—the Disco

Recommended by Kaur, these luxe jeans by Paige offer fashion and function. Cut from the brand’s Transcend Vintage denim, the dark-wash jeans are super stretchy and comfortable. A bit of Spandex and a lot of cotton allow you to move freely in these stunning jeans.

Kick Flare Mercer Jean

Though these have a steep price tag, the brand is a favorite among celebs like Maggie Gyllenhaal (who is collaborating with the brand) and Jill Biden. Featuring a slim-fit style, flat front, mid-rise, and straight leg cut, these are so sleek.

How to choose the best jeans for women over 50

Decide on a silhouette. Sockel says to make sure you choose a style and fabric that moves well with your body to “provide enough comfort for everyday wear. I often tell my clients who are over 50 to aim for a mid-rise or high-rise pair, which gives the perfect blend of structure and comfort.”

Think of the style. “In terms of style, a bootcut or straight-leg silhouette is often the most versatile and looks great on a range of body types. If you’re searching for denim that can be dressed up for a nice dinner or post-work event,” Sockel says, “choose dark washes like indigo or black for a timeless look that can feel elevated when paired with a silk blouse and a chic heel. For everyday jeans, opt for a medium wash, which lends itself nicely to more casual settings.”

Consider the price tag. “Quality matters, so invest in well-made denim that holds its shape and will remain a staple in your closet for years to come,” Sockel says.

How to style jeans over 50

“Since jeans are such a closet essential at every age, it’s a great idea to style your favorite pair with other staples you may already have, especially when you’re not sure what to wear. For an elevated everyday look, we recommend pairing your jeans with classic tops such as tailored blouses, crisp white button-downs, or simple tees, adding layers with blazers, cardigans, or tailored jackets,” Sockel explains. “There are so many variations of this simple style that you can always reference when you’re feeling overwhelmed by your closet.”

Kaur points to the versatility of jeans. “Pair them with classic blouses, tunics, or tailored blazers for a polished look. Accessorize with statement belts and comfortable, stylish footwear like ankle boots or classic loafers.”

Are there any jeans women over 50 should avoid?

“While personal style and comfort should ultimately guide fashion choices, there are some types of jeans that women over 50 may want to consider carefully. Ultra-low-rise jeans can be uncomfortable and may not provide the support many of our clients over 50 say they prefer. We also recommend most of our clients, especially those over 50, avoid excessively distressed or ripped jeans,” Sockel says. “While they can be stylish, they likely won’t last as long as you’d like them to and skew more casual. While these are considerations, fashion choices should ultimately reflect your unique personality and preferences!”

Should women over 50 wear low-rise jeans?

Women can and should wear whatever they feel best in. “Personal style and comfort should be the ultimate deciding factors,” Kaur says. “If you prefer low-rise jeans and feel confident in them, go for it, but consider how they fit your body type and if they provide the comfort and coverage you desire.”

How we chose the best jeans for women over 50

We spoke with Jessica Sockel, Stitch Fix stylist; and Roz Kaur, stylist and mind behind Roz_creativestylist. We also sifted through countless online reviews and user ratings to find the best jeans for women over 50.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

You Might Also Like

• Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss?

• Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50