Okay, I admit it. When it comes to buying denim I can be a bit of a snob. I spent my twenties trying every high-street style I could find, going through endless pairs of Topshop Jonis and Jamies. Once I hit my 30s, I changed tactic and started investing in fewer, more considered (read: expensive) pairs, hoping this was the solution to finding the holy grail of perfect jeans.
I’ve definitely found a few really great go-tos along the way, but like a lot of us I’m still alwayson the lookout for a better pair. While I presumed my high-street denim days were behind me, it was a recent Who What Wear team Slack discussion around everyone’s favourite jeans that had me reluctantly reconsidering.
The verdict was that Marks and Spencer jeans are seriously impressive. And thinking about it, that wasn’t the first time I’d heard this opinion from fashion insiders. Since M&S is our favourite place for other wardrobe basics like underwear and affordable cashmere, I thought it was worth giving the brand’s jeans a try.
After road-testing a number of styles in store and at home, I totally understand the hype. From the ultimate sculpting skinny jeans to stylish wide-legs, you might be surprised to know that M&S’s denim section basically does it all. Of course, we all have our own preference when it comes to the ol’ blues—so I’ve highlighted my two personal favourites below that suited my shape and style best (I’m 5’2 and a size 10, by the way.)
For me, the Mom Jeans were the perfect throw-on and go everyday style, and the Wide-Leg Jeans felt a little smarter and more trend-led. I know I’ll wear these more into the office with a heeled boot, or out to dinner or a date night. The best thing about the entire M&S denim range, though, is that they come in different length options. So, if you’re petite (like me) or taller you can choose from Short, Regular or Long to suit your shape. Most are also available from sizes UK 6-24, which is useful—and if your size is sold out now, the good news is they re-stock regularly. So keep an eye out.
The denim itself is sustainably sourced through the Better Cotton Initiative, which you can find out more about here, and above all, I found all of the jeans to be really, really comfy while still holding their shape—something not even expensive denim brands can seem to crack. With most styles coming in at under £40, it’s hard to argue with the M&S denim superfans. In fact, I just might be one of them now.
Keep scrolling to see and shop my favourite pairs.
Style Notes: These were such a good everyday style. They were perfectly cropped for me in the shorter length, and they come in so many colours. Sizing-wise, they came up quite big, so take your size down.
With seven colour options, the hard part is choosing which colour you want.
I love a lighter wash in summer.
Black denim always looks polished.
White jeans really come into their own in summer.
Now is the perfect time to bring out the indigo denim.
A loafer is the perfect partner to a Mom jean.
Style Notes: I loved this pair. (Although, they could probably do with an iron!) The wide leg felt modern but still totally wearable. They’re true to size and very flattering, hugging the bum despite being baggier in the leg.
Wide-leg styles are very on trend, so these are a win in my eyes.
I still can’t get over how good these look for £30.
Dark indigo denim is the chicest option in 2023.
It’s not just the jeans that have won us over. These are an expensive-looking staple.
This new-in pair are so chic.
If you haven’t fallen for flares yet, you’re about to.
Choose from nine colours and five different lengths.
These come in size 6 – 24. I’ll wear these all year round.
This straight leg pair are super soft and stretchy, so you can ensure they’re comfy enough to wear all day and night.
Bootcut jeans are no longer considered passé.
This boyfriend style is really flattering.
A black skinny jean is so useful for tucking into knee-high boots.
These are basically magic.
Finding flattering white jeans can be tricky—but these seem to tick all the right boxes.
M&S has its fair share of flares; this high-waisted style is a favourite.
Up Next: Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: 21 Expert-Approved Looks You Need to See.