As soon as the word “premium” started to pop up in the denim category, prices on your most essential pants seemed to skyrocket. You can still find high-quality cheap jeans — you just need to know where to look. And of course, we’ve put together a list for you.
Here are our picks for the best cheap jeans brands on a budget.
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Everyday cheap jeans: Old Navy
If you live to live in your pants, you’ll want to try on the jeans at Old Navy. The brand’s Wow Jeans start at about $35 and are regularly on sale for as low as $24. They’re also comfortable. You could pick up a dark-wash trouser jean to wear to the office and barrel ankle jeans for more relaxed occasions. OldNavy.com also has a range of extended sizes.
Plus-size jeans: SHEIN
SHEIN has a mixed reputation for quality, but most fashionistas will agree: Their clothes are cheap. And the store has a big selection of plus-size jeans. You can buy stretchy, straight-legs, heavily distressed light-washes, and everything in between. Prices range from $10 to $25.
Classic cheap jeans: Levi’s
Jeans, as we know them today, were created by Levi Strauss & Co. in the 1920s, and this line clings to its heritage while also adapting to 21st century fit and style. For $45 to $98, you can pick new styles from the current denim line such as the 505 straight-leg jean with a classic fit.
Or you can use the online Find Your Curve quiz to identify your body type (slight, demi, bold or supreme) using waist and seat approximations and fit issues (gaps in back, waist too tight, not enough coverage).
Date night cheap jeans: Asos
Mom, pop star and “American Idol” judge, J.Lo. seems to do it all, including making cute, cheap jeans. Her Kohl’s line is seemingly priced to always be on sale, including the jeans, which start at around $54 (side-eye), but are often on sale for $38. We like that her jeans fit well, but also are a bit on the trendier side.
Trendy cheap jeans: Forever 21
Want the colored denim, but not interested in J Brand prices? Try the denim at Forever 21. Sized by waist (24-31 and up to size 22 in plus), they’ve got red, teal, hot pink and royal blue for under $30 — including plus sizes.
If you dare go even trendier, they’ve got metallic treatments and leather-like coatings. Plus, the price means that you’ll need to wear them 10 times to reach a reasonable cost per wear.
Tips for shopping cheap jeans
When buying jeans at any price, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Sizes really vary. Some brands are sized like men’s pants (0 to 30) and others are by waist (23 to 34). This can be really confusing from brand to brand, so it’s always important to try on and scrutinize every pair.
- They will stretch out, but they’ll also shrink when washed, so buy the pair that is slightly bigger, but not a whole size up.
- Check the fabric composition. For the sake of fit and comfort, look for at least 2% Spandex.
Note that low-priced jeans may feel like a steal, but they can have a high cost-per-wear if they don’t last long. If your cheaper options appear to be low in quality, it can make sense to increase your budget for denim that’ll stay with you for the long haul.