5 high street brands that are doing denim *really* well right now

5 high street denim brands: The best budget-friendly jeans

Credit: Courtesy of brands

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5 high street brands that are doing denim *really* well right now

By Lauren Cunningham

3 years ago

All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article

2 min read

Because denim doesn’t have to cost a small fortune.

Finding the perfect pair of jeans is a fine art, and if you’re the type of person who considers them a wardrobe must-have, then you’ve likely found your favourite fit for the causal denim staple.

After all, wearing them day-in-day-out takes some dedication, and we can safely say we come close to being denim pant-wearing professionals. Pairing the blue bottoms with everything from a coordinating denim jacket à la noughties Britney Spears to a simple white T-shiirt and boxy leather jacket, we’re yet to run out of styling options. And now we’re here to tell you that these everyday staples needn’t be expensive.

Double denim at Copenhagen fashion week

Credit: (Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

From M&S to Warehouse, the high street is awash with denim options, with no short supply of shades, shapes or sizes. So we’ve scoured the racks to find which high street denim ranges stand out from the crowd and are worth you creating closet space for.

Where skinny jeans were once heralded as the best style to buy, wide-leg cuts or classic straight-up-and-down shapes are now the ones to watch. And let’s not forget about the great range of colours creeping up the ranks, from basic blue to dynamic black and white.

Let us lead you to the high street labels that do more than just deliver on the denim front, with our five favourite finds below, saving you both time and money.

Boden

Boden is hard to beat when it comes to classic denim, but the brand does like to mix it up with fresh and funky styles. Keeping up with more modern shapes in a fuss-free way, it’s one of the easiest brands to go to for trusted style that’s still easy to wear.

Shop Boden denim

Boden high rise tie waist jeans

Boden high rise tie waist jeans

This tie waist wonder will work for any occasion. 

Shop Boden high rise tie waist jeans, £90

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Boden turn-up jeans

Boden turn-up jeans

Continuing the smart-casual vibe, this dark wash pair is sure to delight in more relaxed work environments. 

Shop Boden turn-up jeans, £95

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Boden high rise wide leg jeans

Boden high rise wide leg jeans

A good pair of white jeans will work wonders in any wardrobe, breaking up the sea of blue and black. 

Shop Boden high rise wide leg jeans, £85

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Whistles

Coming in at a higher price point than the other high street staples in this list, Whistles sits within the more premium high street sector. Offering more formal fits of jeans that work everywhere from the boardroom to the bar, we’d wear Whistles jeans with a heeled boot, strappy sandals and a shirt for a true smart casual look. 

Shop Whistles denim

Whistles high waist cord barrel jeans

Whistles high waist cord barrel jean

The brand doesn’t slack when it comes to statement styles, like this punchy pink pair we can’t get enough of.

Shop Whistles high waist cord barrel jean, £99

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Whistles authentic barrel leg jean

Whistles authentic barrel leg jean

Come summer, cropped styles will be our statement. 

Shop Whistles authentic barrel leg jean, £95

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Whistles authentic slim frayed jean

Whistles authentic slim frayed jean

While skinny styles may not be in favour, slim fit is a similar alternative.

Shop Whistles authentic slim frayed jean, £99

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M&S

While some might discard M&S as a store their mum would shop from, the brand’s basic range is rather fabulous. With jeans made from more sustainably sourced cotton and often recycled dyes, the high street stalwart has added its more planet-friendly practices to its jeans range of both classic cuts and more modern styles.

Shop M&S denim

M&S Sienne straight leg jean with stretch

M&S Sienna straight leg jeans with stretch

For those not sure which style to go for, these are a failsafe find.

Shop M&S Sienna straight leg jeans with stretch, £22.50

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M&S Harper cigarette smart jeans

M&S Harper cigarette smart jeans

A smarter style of jean is perfect for dinners and more casual office environments. 

Shop M&S Harper cigarette smart jeans, £39.50

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M&S Eva bootcut jeans

M&S Eva bootcut jeans

Pairing with boots? Bootcut jeans give the game away. 

Shop M&S Eva bootcut jeans, £22.50

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Topshop

Topshop jeans need little introduction. While we may not be able to try on each and every style in the fitting room on a Saturday morning (we still shed a tear), the brand is still readily designing everything from basic jeans to standout style statements, you just have to look online. With both the standard and the Curve range on offer, it caters to a pretty wide range of sizes too, so can be trusted by a huge number of denim devotees.

Shop Topshop denim at Asos

Topshop Curve Mom jeans in bleach

Topshop Curve mom jeans in bleach

Big and baggy, these jeans are incredibly cool. 

Shop Topshop Curve mom jeans in bleach At Asos, £49

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Topshop hourglass Jamie flare jeans in black

Topshop hourglass Jamie flare jeans in black

Flared jeans are certainly back in fashion, spurring our love for the 70s revival. 

Shop Topshop hourglass Jamie flare jeans in black at Asos, £49

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Topshop baggy jean in washed black

Topshop baggy jean in washed black

Big, baggy jeans are the go-to for Y2k fashion lovers. 

Shop Topshop baggy jean in washed black at Asos, £49

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Warehouse

Warehouse’s denim designs stretch much further than just jeans, with dresses, jumpsuits, jackets and more all available in the failsafe fabric. Black shades seem to be this brand’s go-to, so if you’re after a basic black jean, then we don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Just be sure to wash on cold, lest you be left with a faded denim that always disappoints.

Shop Warehouse denim

Warehouse petite 76s organic cotton wide leg jean

Warehouse petite 76s organic cotton wide leg jean

For those on the shorter side, Warehouse’s petite range is sure to please.

Shop Warehouse petite 76s organic cotton wide leg jean, £41.60

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Warehouse 86s denim authentic mom jeans

Warehouse 86s denim authentic mom jeans

For a cosy, casual fit, look to a mom jean. 

Shop Warehouse 86s denim authentic mom jeans, £39.20

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Warehouse 98s denim high rise skinny jean

Warehouse 98s denim high rise skinny jean

If you are after a skinny jean, there’s no short supply, and this is one of our favourite finds. 

Shop Warehouse 98s denim high rise skinny jean, £39.20

BUY NOW

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands

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