Putting aside my shopping-editor expertise and focusing on the fact that I own a lot of jeans, you could assume jeans are my favorite thing to shop for. But no, I hate shopping for jeans. I’m very picky about the fit, wash, and feel. They must be versatile, meaning they must be easy to dress up and down—emphasis on up. I love a cute jeans-and-heel combo, but after months of hearing from my fellow editors that Madewell jeans are the best and that no other denim compares, I decided to test them out.

Come with me as I try on and review my list of editor-approved Madewell jeans. Read all the must-know details, from sizing tips to how to style skinny jeans in 2026. (Yes, skinny jeans are back, and they look ultra-chic with an oversize blazer.) Below, you’ll find the five best Madewell jeans of 2026. Think vintage-inspired straight-leg jeans, baggy and low-rise jeans, chic barrel-leg jeans, comfortable wide-leg pairs, and more. Style them with basics and chic Madewell new arrivals. Trust me—these are the jeans you’ll be reaching for all year long. Scroll on to read my reviews and shop the best Madewell jeans.

The 5 Best Madewell Jeans of 2026

1. The Longline Straight Jean

My review: Fitted around the hips, waist, and thighs, these full-length jeans look and feel like they came straight out of my denim dreams. Dress them down with a boxy white tee and low-top sneakers for a ’90s Kate Moss feel, or pair them with a collarless blazer and pointed-toe boots for a dinner-and-drinks look that is certain to turn heads. Whether you spring for the comfort stretch or rigid fit, the Longline Straight Jean will be a staple in your closet year-round.