Women Over 50 Reveal Their Go-To Jeans: A Guide to Timeless Style
The eternal debate over the perfect jean cut continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts. While some swear by the enduring appeal of skinny jeans, others are embracing looser silhouettes like barrel and boyfriend cuts. Following Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance, even boot cuts are making a stylish comeback. One thing is certain: with so many options available, there is undoubtedly a pair of jeans to suit every preference and body type. We reached out to women over 50 to learn about their favorite denim choices, and their responses were both insightful and inspiring. Their recommendations span a wide range of brands and styles, including popular picks from Madewell, Levi's, Wrangler, Old Navy, and more. The key takeaway, as always, is to wear jeans that make you look and feel your absolute best. Below, we have compiled their top suggestions to help you explore what women over 50 are buying and perhaps find a new pair for yourself. There is nothing quite like a fresh pair of jeans to elevate your outfit, even on the most casual days at home.
1. Levi's: The Classic Straight Leg Jeans
Straight leg jeans appear to be the most favored style among women over age 50. On the HuffPost Women Facebook page, Becky Rice Harrison shared that her preferred jeans are a pair of 10-year-old, relaxed-fit, straight leg Levi's. In response, we discovered these classic 501 jeans with a nostalgic '90s twist. Harrison attributes their durability to washing them in cold water and air drying. This style seamlessly blends timeless elegance with modern flair, featuring a mid-rise and casual fit that flatters all body types without feeling restrictive. Crafted from a lightweight and breathable cotton-blend material, these jeans offer just the right amount of substance without being cumbersome. They are available in three distinct washes and sizes ranging from 23 to 34, with 30- and 32-inch inseam options.
2. Madewell: The Laid-Back Dean Easy Straight Jeans
When it comes to denim, Madewell is a brand that consistently delivers excellence. Facebook user Patrice Rigassio is a devoted fan of the brand's Dean easy straight jeans, describing them as a super relaxed pair that exudes effortless cool on everyone. These jeans boast a low, slouchy rise and are made from rigid denim that molds perfectly to your body after a brief break-in period. You will find yourself reaching for them season after season. They come in four different washes and are offered in standard, petite, and tall silhouettes, with sizes from 23 to 33.
3. Lee: The Iconic Riders Jeans
Facebook user Robbie Baird is a staunch advocate for her Lee Riders jeans. "I have been wearing this brand for over 12 years. I have experimented with other brands and styles, but these are the only ones that truly fit my body type and allow me to move comfortably," she explained. The Riders style is available in several cuts, including the classic straight leg featured here. These jeans are distinguished by the brand's renowned triple stitching, reinforced pockets, and bold logo. You can choose from a variety of washes in sizes 24 to 35. Composed of 99% cotton with a small percentage of elastane, they provide a flexible and accommodating fit.
4. Old Navy: Affordable Boot Cut Jeans
These easy, casual boot cut jeans from Old Navy have the potential to become your everyday staple. Although Teri Coppola Harling is only 49, she enthusiastically shared her admiration for these jeans. They are offered in regular, tall, and petite silhouettes, with short, regular, and long inseam options in sizes 00 to 30. With seven colors to choose from, all of which are versatile for year-round wear, these jeans feature a comfortable mid-rise waistline. Made from a soft, stretchy cotton blended with 30% polyester, they look far more expensive than their price tag suggests.
5. Levi's: Trendy Straight Leg Ribcage Jeans
"I practically live in my straight leg Levi's," said Facebook user Angela Fulcher. These highly popular ribcage jeans offer the perfect high-waisted, straight leg silhouette, designed to be slimming and elongating, even for those with petite frames. They are as flattering as they are comfortable and surprisingly chic. Available in a wide range of washes, sizes 23 to 34, and three different inseam lengths, these jeans are crafted from a cotton fabrication that includes a 15% polyester blend.
6. Old Navy: Retro-Inspired Flare Jeans
Facebook user Andrea Wood Groth is a fan of flares and mentioned that Old Navy bell bottoms are among her current favorites. These stylish high-waisted jeans come in regular, tall, and petite silhouettes, enhancing their appeal. After all, no one wants to hem a bell bottom and risk losing the distinctive flare! Made from cotton blended with a generous amount of stretch for extra comfort, they are available in four washes and sizes ranging from 00 to 30.
7. Wrangler: Western-Inspired Boot Cut Jeans
Recommended by Facebook user Amy Roe, these Wrangler boot cut jeans feature a cool Western aesthetic that transitions seamlessly from a rodeo to a brunch outing. They have a high-rise waistline and a boot cut that is currently back in vogue. Constructed from soft, comfortable cotton with just the right amount of stretch and shape retention, they come in three washes and four lengths in sizes 25 to 34.
8. NYDJ: Long-Lasting Boot Cut Jeans
"I still have NYDJ bootcut jeans that I purchased during the pandemic, and I wear them all the time," said Facebook user Joan Armstrong. The brand offers a variety of styles and cuts, but these slim boot cut jeans particularly stand out. Available in regular, plus, and petite sizing, as well as various lengths and colors, these jeans are surprisingly timeless. They feature a slimming panel and supportive design to enhance your physique, made from a special cooling fabric that moves with you and prevents overheating. Sizes range from 00 to 18.
9. Amazon: Extra-Comfortable Lee Ultra Lux Boot Cut Jeans
Several women, including Joyce Miller, recommended the Lee Ultra Lux jeans, with Miller noting they are her new favorite boot cut style. As one of Lee's best-selling designs, these jeans are available in sizes 0 to 18 and three different lengths. They feature a mid-rise waist with the brand's "Flex Motion" technology and extra stretchy denim that looks as good as it feels. The silhouette appears structured while the fabric conforms to your body without constriction. There are nine different washes to choose from.
10. Amazon: Stretchy Straight-Leg Democracy Jeans
According to Facebook user Shelley Hanna, "Democracy brand jeans are great." She adds, "I prefer straight leg or skinny fits that do not come up to my ribs. I have a short and somewhat athletic body type." These straight-leg jeans offer just the right amount of stretch and are made with a unique, form-fitting construction that hugs the body perfectly without feeling tight. The fabric is 54% cotton, blended with polyester and rayon. They are available in 12 different colors and sizes 2 to 16, in standard or short sizing.
11. Lucky Brand: High-Rise Zoe Jeans with a Vintage Wash
Recommended by Facebook user Anne Quin-harkin, who appreciates a good pair of stretchy jeans, Lucky Brand's Zoe jeans feature a high-rise and straight leg design. They are comfortable, move with your body, and include classic five-pocket detailing. Available in four different inseam lengths and sizes 24 to 35, they offer both style and functionality.
12. American Eagle: Skinny Jeans with a Kick Flare
Facebook user Carolyn Simms brought these American Eagle jeans to our attention, and for good reason. They combine the body-hugging silhouette of a skinny jean with a subtle kick flare to add a touch of flair. Available in three washes, they are made from the brand's softest and stretchiest denim fabric, ensuring they maintain their shape over time. While availability may be limited depending on color and size, these unique jeans are definitely worth considering for those seeking something different.
