The 20 Best Black Jeans of 2024

Why We Love It: Straight leg and high-rise with a slight crop at the ankle, these Abercrombie jeans are a classic, versatile, and universally flattering option you can wear with just about anything. A favorite of López, they come in a deep, slightly faded black wash that has that pre-loved, vintage feel yet still clean and sophisticated enough to dress up. “They’re a best seller and crowd favorite because they’re offered in regular and curvy options, plus inseams in extra short, short, regular, long, and extra long,” she says. In addition to five inseams and a Curve Love style—which provides extra room in the hips and thighs to prevent gaping at the waist—each option is offered in a wide range of sizes. Just note that, according to customer reviews, they run slightly small, so you may want to size up.

Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane | Size: 23–37 | Inseam: Extra short–extra long

Why We Love It: A classic bootcut jean will get you plenty of wear, and the inky wash and ever-so-slight flare of this Old Navy pair make them extra versatile, giving you plenty of styling opportunities for casual and business casual looks alike. Unlike stiff and rigid vintage-inspired denim, this mid-rise style is constructed with a bit of stretch for super comfortable wear that hugs curves nicely. They’re offered in inclusive sizing with regular, petite, and tall cuts, plus three inseam lengths under regular to ensure everyone can find their perfect fit. And with a price tag under $40, they’re also a total steal!

Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex | Size: 0–30 regular; 4–18 tall; 2–18 petite | Inseam: 30–36 inches

Why We Love It: These ‘70s-inspired jeans feel more like trousers than they do, well, jeans. Designed with a high waist and a very on-trend full-leg silhouette that’s slightly tapered at the bottom, they nip you in nicely at the waist to create a legs-for-days look without the volume of a wide-leg style. They’re on the pricier end of the denim spectrum, sure, but the mid-weight, non-stretch rigid denim has a truly elevated feel, which we think deems them worthy of the steeper price tag. You can easily pair them with a blazer and cami or a simple white tee, depending on the occasion. Either way, they exude a sense of polished cool you just won’t find with classic blue denim.

Material: Cotton | Size: 24–32 | Inseam: Not listed

Why We Love It: As the name implies, these jeans were designed to make your butt look amazing. Slim fit through the hips and thighs, they’re engineered to lift and hug your curves in all the right places and have a beautiful rigid structure with just a hint of stretch for a comfortable fit. What’s more, they come in two petite inseams—26.5 and 28.5 inches—making it possible for those 5 feet, 5 inches tall and under to find their perfect length, whether they prefer their jeans ankle-grazing or longer.

Material: Cotton, eco-friendly stretch yarn | Size: 23–35 | Inseam: 26.5, 28.5 inches

Why We Love It: Rigid denim isn’t the best for enhancing natural curves, which is why López recommends this style from Madewell, which provides a subtle amount of stretch while still providing that sturdy, vintage denim feel. Designed with hourglass shapes in mind, the straight, ‘90s-inspired silhouette fits snug throughout the hips and thighs and boasts a higher back rise to give the booty some lift. It also features the brand’s Magic Pockets, which help smooth out the tummy area. Curve-hugging abilities aside, this pair is also offered in an inclusive range of sizes and lengths, making them a hit for curvy bodies of all shapes and heights.

Material: Cotton, elastane | Size: 23–33 petite, standard, tall; 14W–28W plus | Inseam: 28–33.5 inches petite–tall; 30 inches plus

Why We Love It: Despite the hype around the ultralow-rise jeans revival, high-waisted denim will always be a popular choice. For one, they can help elongate the legs, and they also hug natural curves and accentuate the waistline, imbuing a snatched appearance. This pair from Citizens of Humanity boasts a trouser-like silhouette for an elevated yet effortless feel, sitting high on the waist with a relaxed wide leg. Constructed with premium, midweight cotton, these have a gorgeous structured shape, and thanks to their saturated black wash, they feel a lot more polished than their blue wash counterparts.

Material: Cotton | Size: 23–34 | Inseam: 33 inches

Why We Love It: A pair of mid-rise, straight-leg jeans is about as classic as it gets and, so long as you take care of them, will last for years. Reformation’s Val is the perfect staple jean, slouching just below the natural waist and fitting snugly on the hips before widening at the thighs and legs. Their clean and minimal silhouette makes them a great everyday pair of dark black jeans that look just as good with sneakers as they do with a kitten heel. Also nice? The 32-inch inseam may fit long on some, but Reformation offers free alternations (and repairs) at participating stores.

Material: Cotton, Tencel | Size: 23–34 | Inseam: 32 inches

Why We Love It: Unlike the rave-ready baggy cargo jeans currently trending among the Gen Z set (don’t worry, those are on this list, too), these wide-leg jeans from Gap have a surprisingly polished feel. Adorned with just one side cargo pocket, they’re a much more pared-down version of classic cargo pants, with a 10-inch low-rise waist that falls closer to mid-rise than most, making them all the more wearable. If you’re looking to tip-toe into either trend, these are a good starting point.

Material: Cotton, elastane | Size: 24–35 regular, 26–33 petite, 27–33 tall | Inseam: 28 inches petite, 29 inches short, 30.5 inches regular, 32.5 inches long, 34.5 inches tall

Why We Love It: One word for these jeans: Sleek. Bootcut jeans—which fit straight before subtly flaring out below the knee—are a classic, universally flattering silhouette, and Favorite Daughter enhances the style with a slimmer fit, an ultra-high-rise waist, and a coated finish that gives them a leather-like look. What’s more, the material has a bit of stretch to really hug and define your natural curves. The result? Jeans that are worthy of a spot in your night-out wardrobe.

Material: Cotton, spandex | Size: 23–34 | Inseam: Not listed

Why We Love It: There’s no denying the hold ‘90s nostalgia has on fashion right now, making this style—a grungier iteration of Levi’s beloved 501s—a must for an easy-to-throw-on pair of boyfriend jeans. “You can’t go wrong with the 501 ‘90s jeans. They’re classic, versatile, and can be casual or dressed up,” says López. Mid-rise with a loose, straight fit and constructed with 100 percent non-stretch cotton, they boast that on-trend vintage bagginess we’re loving right now and will relax and soften more over time (and if you want a slimmer fit, you can just size down). Despite their inherently casual fit, the inky black wash makes them an easy pairing for your white button-downs, too.

Material: Cotton | Size: 23–34 | Inseam: 30, 32 inches

Why We Love It: Denim trends may come and go, but a solid pair of straight-leg jeans is a timeless style that will serve you well. 7 For All Mankind’s Kimmie is designed with a classic mid-rise waist and sleek, jet-black wash for a refined look and feel. They’re made with the brand’s B(air) denim, an ultralightweight and super-stretchy material that makes them comfy enough to wear year-round, including hot and sticky summer days.

Material: Cotton, lyocell, polyester, viscose, spandex | Size: 23–34 | Inseam: 32 inches

Why We Love It: Flares are an iconic denim silhouette that stands the test of time, but in classic blue, they tend to lean a little more retro than modern. But in black? So sleek, and definitely deserving of a spot in your workwear wardrobe. Rolla’s fan-favorite East Coast Flare is made with premium, mid-weight denim with just the right amount of stretch that hugs and holds curves without losing shape. What’s more, it’s designed to specifically flatter the booty, specially angled and shaped in the back to give the derriere a peachy-looking appearance.

Material: Cotton, elastane | Size: 23–34 | Inseam: 32 inches

Why We Love It: Not a fan of structured, non-stretch denim? These stretch jeans from Good American are engineered to define your curves, not hide them. They feature a contoured seam to enhance your shape and a gap-proof waistband to ensure a close, seamless fit. At first glance, the jet-black style looks more like a pair of slim-fit trousers, making them a versatile staple for any wardrobe. Bloomingdale’s Fashion Director Janelle Lloyd counts this style as one of her favorites, noting that the high-rise straight leg looks great with both heels and ballet flats. Reviews mention that this style fits slightly large, however, so you may want to size down if you prefer a slimmer fit.

Material: Cotton, lyocell, elastane | Size: 00–26 | Inseam: 28 inches

Why We Love It: Once a defining style of the early 2010s, skinny jeans are once again making a comeback—despite what Gen Z TikTokers may claim—thanks in part to the revival of indie sleaze fashion. This pair from Mother features a flattering high waist and just the right amount of built-in stretch for that fitted, curve-hugging appeal millennials all know and love. We also appreciate that, unlike some skinny styles that are constricting at the ankle, these have a nice slim fit but still provide a bit of breathing room.

Material: Cotton, elastane | Size: 23–34 | Inseam: 31 inches

Why We Love It: The standard clothing sample size is typically between 0 and 4, which doesn’t always translate well for larger-size offerings. Universal Standard is here to change that, engineering all of its styles off a sample size of 18, ensuring the perfect fit for its entire 00–40 size offering. This high-waisted sailor style nods to the ‘70s without feeling super retro; instead, the style feels sophisticated, crafted from high-stretch denim that hugs and enhances curves.

Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane | Size: 00–40 | Inseam: 30 inches

Why We Love It: Cropped jeans are an easy, throw-on-with-anything style that’s especially great for warmer weather (more ankle, more air!). The subtle flare and raw hem on this pair from Mango add a bit of personality, yet the ultra-dark wash gives them a streamlined look with plenty of styling versatility, making the perfect base for any outfit. More importantly, the ankle length gives you plenty of room to show off your shoes—pair them with your most extravagant boots, heels, and flats.

Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane | Size: 1–22 | Inseam: 26.5 inches

Why We Love It: Slim wide-leg jeans may sound like an oxymoron, but they make for an elegant silhouette that’s easy to move in without looking overly baggy. Take this Frame style, for example, which comes recommended by Nordstrom Associate Fashion Director Linda Cui Zhang. Constructed from soft, stretchy denim with a relaxed fit, these look incredibly polished for how comfortable they are. “The inky dark rinse and longline silhouette make for jeans you can treat like trousers—pair them with a cashmere tee and a low slingback heel for an easy office outfit,” she says. Also nice? The higher rise and wider silhouette have a leg-lengthening effect.

Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane | Size: 24–32 | Inseam: 30 inches

Why We Love It: Another pick from Zhang, these relaxed straight-leg jeans exude that effortless ‘90s cool—baggy without being overly exaggerated, and the sturdy cotton construction with a pre-loved feel we dream of finding on thrift store racks. “This style tops my shopping list. The relaxed leg shape and subtle wash enhance the versatility; I imagine these worn with a linen shirt, flat sandals, and a crochet tote this summer,” she says. With a 29-inch inseam, this style’s length is best suited for those 5 feet, 6 inches and taller, but the slightly tapered shape looks great paired with heels—an easy solution for those 5 feet, 5 inches tall and below.

Material: Cotton | Size: 23–33 | Inseam: 29 inches

Why We Love It: Of all the Y2K trends to resurface in recent years, cargo pants and the ultralow-rise waist are some of the most on the nose. These jeans from Icon Denim LA combine the two, pairing a low-slung waistline with ultra-baggy wide legs, covered in as many pockets as one can dream of—we counted eight! The acid wash distressing is also what makes these stand out, giving their sturdy, rigid denim construction a pre-loved look that feels truly vintage.

Material: Cotton | Size: 23–32 | Inseam: Not listed

Why We Love It: Considering the hold jorts currently have on the fashion scene, we’d be remiss not to include a pair on this list. A celeb-loved yet somewhat controversial trend, they’re much more comfortable (and less skin-baring) than cheeky styles of denim past. This pair from Whistles is a favorite of Lloyd’s for its styling versatility, which is a bit classier than your average vintage cutoffs. “The longline denim shorts trend is an approachable one to try—pair these with an oversized black blazer, tee, and strappy sandals.” Despite the wider fit in the thighs, the 100 percent cotton construction ensures these will have a sturdy, structured—not sloppy—look and feel.

Material: Cotton | Size: 24–34 | Inseam: Not listed