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The 17 Best Pull-On Jeans for Comfy Girl Energy

With picks from Madewell, Free People, and more.

Three women wearing jeans

Byrdie / Kevin Liang

Pull-on jeans are a truly revolutionary innovation, allowing you to look as polished as you do in jeans while offering the comfort and flexibility of leggings or joggers. Though you may be picturing exclusively skinny jeggings, pull-on jeans actually come in all shapes and sizes—from elegant straight-legged styles to edgy slouchy styles. And speaking of flexibility, pull-on jeans aren’t just stretchy: They’re also very versatile and can be styled in so many different ways.

We conducted hours of research on the best pull-on jeans, including testing a few styles ourselves and evaluating them on style, design features, comfort and size range. After consulting with four expert stylists, and considering dozens of options, we landed on these top-rated choices.

Size Range: XS-5XL | Materials: Cotton, recycled cotton, elasterell-p, recycled polyester, elastane | Inseam: 27.5-inch | Washes: 3

Good American knows good jeans, and yes, that extends to the pull-on kind. The brand—co-founded by Khloé Kardashian and Emma Grede—creates butt-enhancing styles like this one in an inclusive size range, which always score points with us. These stretchy pull-ons hug your curves beautifully, and thanks to the extra stretchy fabric, they’re incredibly comfy without losing their shape. As close to perfect as they get.

Size Range: XS-XL (regular, short, long) | Materials: Cotton, recycled cotton, elastane | Inseam: Not listed | Washes: 2

If you’re not looking to spend a fortune on pull-on jeans, then you’ll want to opt for this pair from American Eagle. With an elastic, smoothing waistband, these pants seamlessly glide right on and stay put without any unwanted movement. And to provide the illusion of actual denim, they are bootcut and have smoothing pockets for a finished look.

Size Range: 22-34 | Materials: Organic cotton, cotton, recycled polyester, elastane | Inseam: 31-inch | Washes: 4

You can always count on Frame to create stylish denim that looks amazing and lasts a long time, too. If you’re looking to invest a little more into your pull-on jeans, The Jetset is a sure bet. Available in dark gray, dark blue, black and white, these ones fit like yoga pants—with their soft, stretchy material and soft flare and high rise—but look very much like everyday jeans, so you can dress them up or down depending on the occasion.

Size Range: 12-40 (Regular, petite, short, long) | Materials: Cotton, polyester, rayon, lycra | Inseam: 26.75-29 inches | Washes: 3

It can be hard to find a pair of jeans with the right fit, even when talking about pull-on jeans. Yet Lane Byrant offers plus-sizes up to 40 in addition to four different inseam lengths (regular, petite, short, and tall). Made with a stretchy waistband, these jeans offer the comfortable fit of leggings with the appearance of your favorite pair of denim. You’ll also find a faux fly and two back pockets for those final touches that’ll elevate these jeggings to the next level.

Size Range: 4-26 (petite, short, long) | Materials: Cotton, polyester, viscose, spandex | Inseam: 29-inch | Washes: 14

If you’re petite, or under 5’4”, finding jeans that fit can be a challenge. However, these jeans are available in both petite and short sizes for just the right fit. With a slim fit and an elastic waistband, these five-pocket jeans give you that true denim look while providing the same comfort and feel as your favorite leggings.

Size Range: XS-XL (regular, petite, tall) | Materials: Cotton, polyester, spandex | Inseam: 29, 31, 31.5, or 33.5-inch | Washes: 3

For those with long legs, it’s important that jeans come with a longer inseam to fit your body perfectly. These from Lands’ End have a 33.5-inch inseam on the tall version (but also come in regular, petite, and plus-size proportions). While a lot of pull-on jeans come with faux or no pockets, this style actually offers real pockets in the front and back. With their mid-rise and straight-leg style, these go with just about any outfit you can think up—whether you’re wearing them to work or to run some weekend errands.

Size Range: XS-XXL (regular, short) | Materials: Cotton, polyester, elastane | Inseam: 30.5, 32.5-inch | Washes: 2

If you struggle with jeans being too tight in the hips yet too large in the waist, check out these jeans specifically made for curvy figures. Made from the brand’s stretchiest fabric, this denim is extremely comfortable and hugs you in all the right places. The flare leg plays up any outfit and true pockets and a back yoke seam provide that real denim look as well as accentuate your assets.

Size Range: XS-5XL | Materials: Cotton, recycled cotton, elasterell-P, recycled polyester, elastane | Inseam: 33.5-inch | Washes: 2

If you love when jeans hug your curves just so, you’ll fall head over heels for Good American’s flared pull-ons, which look amazing with a simple top and a pair of heels, and are guaranteed to make you feel your most confident. These come in two washes and are regularly restocked, so don’t panic if your color/size combo of choice isn’t available right now—we promise, these jeans are well worth the wait.

Size Range: XXS-XXL (regular, petite, tall) | Materials: Cotton, recycled cotton | Inseam: Not listed | Washes: 2

Think of these jeans like your new favorite pair of sweatpants. Featuring a drawstring waistband, they offer that same level of comfort and adjustability, yet with a more lived-in, vintage denim thanks to being made from 100% cotton. They also offer four functional pockets and distressed detailing and a rolled up cuff.

Size Range: XS-3X (regular, petite, tall) | Materials: Cotton, polyester, Lycra elastane | Inseam: 32, 34, 37-inch | Washes: 4

You can’t go wrong with a pair of high-rise jeans like these flares from Spanx for formal and casual outfits. Made with the brand's signature shaping technology, this pull-on pair provides enough compression for a smoothing effect without being uncomfortable. In fact, while testing 44 different pair of jeans, these were one of the most comfortable pairs we tried and they made our backside look amazing. For optimal styling, you can wear them with a white shirt or camisole.

Size Range: XS-XXL (regular, petite, plus) | Materials: Tencel™ Lyocell Matte, cotton, elastomultiester, Lycra® elastane | Inseam: 27-inch | Washes: 3

We love the look of these black jeans, which feature a straight cut and are designed to fall at the ankle, lending them a work-friendly look for those days when you need to look professional. These jeans, which also come in two classic blue denim shades, come with shaping technology, are made from incredibly soft fabric, and are produced using more sustainable processes than your average pair. They also feature two handy back pockets.

Size Range: XS-3X | Materials: Cotton, polyester, spandex | Inseam: 29-inch | Washes: 8

On the market for a comfortable pair of jeans? Well, you’ll want to snag these pull-on ones from Hue. With a fitted yet comfy cut, this pair offers the chic style of skinny jeans that can be worn with a loose T-shirt, crop top, or sweatshirt. And when you’re looking for a place for your hands to rest, utilize the back pockets for a laid-back feel and a space to keep your keys and cards. And as the brand’s name suggests, these come in various hues, including black, white, and purple.

Size Range: XS-XXL (regular, short, tall) | Materials: Cotton, polyester, Lycra spandex | Inseam: 25, 27, 30-inch | Washes: 2

These straight-leg pull-on jeans provide the appearance of your favorite five-pocket jeans with the comfort of sweatpants. Although they have a more form-fitting straight up and down cut, the stretchy fabric is designed to move with you for everyday wear, whether going to brunch or for an evening stroll in the park. As for the final touches, find faux front pockets and rivet accents reminiscent of classic denim.

Size Range: XS-3X (regular, tall) | Materials: Polyester, cotton, elastane | Inseam: Not provided | Washes: 5

These wide-leg jeans look so cool in every shade, but we’re especially partial to the dark gray wash. Pair them with a graphic tee or a sleek bodysuit depending on the look you’re going for—these more than lend themselves to versatility. In case you need more reasons to fall for these pants, they’re made from a lightweight, stretchy, quick-drying fabric, feature as many pockets as on regular jeans, and are designed with a wide and supportive waistband for added comfort.

Size Range: XXS-XXL | Materials: Cotton | Inseam: 28.5-inch | Washes: 4

These pants by Rag & Bone are genius: They’re made to look like just a regular pair of jeans, but they’re actually joggers. This means they’re totally comfy enough to laze around in yet stylish enough to dress up for work or play. Unlike other pull-on jeans, these ones trick onlookers into thinking they feature a button, zipper, and five pockets, even though they’re all elastic waistband and soft cotton. We repeat: genius.

Size Range: 0-18 (short, medium, long) | Materials: Cotton, rayon, polyester, spandex | Inseam: 29, 31, 33-inch | Washes: 7

Lee is another legendary denim brand, so of course you can count on them to make a perfect pull-on jean. These mid-rise, slim-fit pants come in all the shades of denim you might expect, and make an amazing everyday staple, thanks to their stretchy, sculpting fabric and five pockets. They’re also on the more affordable end, so if you really love them, you can invest in a couple more pairs to complete your wardrobe.

Size Range: 4-28 (short, medium, long) | Materials: Cotton, polyester, elastane | Inseam: 32-inch (medium) | Washes: 4

Like Lee, Levi’s is a heritage denim brand (nay, THE heritage denim brand) that has branched out into pull-ons for customers looking for more comfort and flexibility. In fact, these are dubbed the “magic jeans” because they feature a smoothing waistband and sculpting tummy panel. Still, the denim is stretchy enough to move with you without losing its shape.

What To Look for in Pull-On Jeans

  • Materials: While traditional jeans are made from 100% cotton for that rigid denim feel, you need some stretch for pull-on jeans. “Look for denim blends with elastane or spandex for flexibility and comfort,” says Ilvina Asliamova, a UK-based personal stylist and fashion consultant. “These materials ensure that your jeans move with you throughout the day, providing a comfortable fit without sacrificing style.” With that said, pull-on jeans can also be made from cotton thanks to an elasticated waistband instead. We’re giving metaphorical bonus points to those pairs that include more sustainable fabrics in their products, such as Repreve, rayon, or TENCEL™ lyocell.
  • Silhouette: “Naturally people associate pull-on jeans with the traditional skinny jegging-type shape,” notes stylist and creative consultant Lauren Glazer. While there’s a great selection of skinny pull-ons out there, Glazer stresses that these are by no means the only silhouette available: Like regular jeans, pull-on jeans come in straight or wide leg, flare, baggy. Celebrity stylist Paolo Casseb especially likes styling wide-leg pull-on jeans. “Pair with a Skims bodysuit or cozy roll neck for day wear and simply throw on an over-the-shoulder tuxedo/smoking jacket or leather bike jacket when leaving the office for an elevated, chic evening look that’s worthy of any fashion buyer sitting front row at London Fashion Week.”
  • Waistband: While shopping for the best pull-on jeans, make sure you find a pair that has an elastic waistband. This will provide you with more flexibility and room to move around. “Jeans with an elastic waistband are my personal favorite,” says Desiree Miranda, New York City-based stylist and personal shopper. “I feel they are overall more comfortable and embody the look of what pull-on jeans should provide. They are classic, cozy, and comfortable while still looking put together.”
FAQ
  • How do I wash pull-on jeans?

    Pull-on jeans are a little less fiddly to wash than 100 percent cotton jeans, but you should still be careful in order to ensure they last and hold their shape over time. “To maintain the quality and shape of your pull-on jeans, following proper washing instructions is essential,” says Asliamova. “Wash them inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, and avoid using harsh detergents or bleach. To prevent shrinking, air dry or tumble dry on low heat.”

  • Should you order your regular size in pull-on jeans?

    The short answer is that, yes, you should default to your regular size when purchasing pull-on jeans. “While pull-on jeans may offer stretch, ordering your regular size for the best fit is generally recommended,” says Asliamova. “However, always refer to the brand's specific sizing chart for guidance and to ensure a comfortable fit.” You may also want to go through the reviews to see if anyone has noted that an item runs small or large.

Why Trust Byrdie

Iris Goldsztajn is a Paris-born, London-based freelance writer with 10 years of experience covering fashion, beauty, wellness and lifestyle for the likes of Brides, InStyle, Marie Claire, British Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Bustle, Refinery29 and many more. As the former associate editor for Her Campus, she was responsible for all style and beauty news coverage. Goldsztajn has been a contributing commerce writer for Byrdie since 2024, writing fashion shopping stories.

For this story, Goldsztajn interviewed four experts to gather more insights about what to keep in mind when buying a pull-on jeans. Those experts include:

  • Ilvina Asliamova, a UK-based personal stylist and fashion consultant
  • Lauren Glazer, a fashion stylist and creative consultant for celebrities, editorial and more
  • Desiree Miranda, a New York City-based stylist and personal shopper
  • Paolo Casseb, a creative director and celebrity stylist who’s worked with Clean Bandit

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough pull-on jeans from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.