I Tried The 'Comfy' High Street Jeans Everyone Loves - I Can't Stop Wearing Them

Graziadaily

20-05-2025

Arket, Drawstring Denim Trousers
Abercrombie & Fitch, Low Rise Baggy Jeans
Zara, High-Waist Drawstring Jeans
Gap, UltraSoft Easy Horseshoe Jeans
& Other Stories, Wide-Leg Drawstring Jeans
ME+EM, Supersoft Denim Track Pant
7 For All Mankind, Tess Straight Jeans
Damson Madder, Felix Jeans
COS, Barrel-Leg Drawstring Denim Trousers
Rag & Bone, Ultra Featherweight Phoebe straight-leg jeans
Anthropologie, Pilcro High-Rise Cargo Jogger Jeans
Free People, We The Free Easy Peasy Pull-On Jeans
New Look, Drawstring Waist Soft Denim Trousers
Just like your favourite white T-shirt and worn out Adidas trainers, the best jeans for women are a wardrobe essential and the focal point of most easy outfit combinations. They're classic, versatile and hardworking. But while there's a variety of denim silhouettes to pick from, if your favourite straight-leg jeans are beginning to feel too stuffy in the heat, the good news is that the denim canvas is undergoing some experimentation for 2025. First came pleated jeans, then Kendall Jenner co-signed turn-up jeans, and the latest denim obsession we've noticed cropping up on and off the internet? Drawstring jeans.
Sophia Geiss wearing COS drawstring denim trousers ©Getty Images/Jeremy Moeller
Just in time for summer, denim has eased up its rigid act for a new genre-busting hybrid that teeters the line between relaxed and polished with ease. Leaning heavily into loungewear designs, drawstring jeans are similar to your usual baggy pairs with a generally slouchy silhouette crafted from denim. But it's the simple adjustable tie-detail around the waist that really sets these jeans apart from your trusty old yet constricting blues. A summer essential, if we ever saw one.
Gabriella Hearst SS25 ©Getty Images/Peter White
While the trend has had legs since last summer, for SS25, it's officially got the tastemakers' set of approval. Case in point, the runway sightings at Gabriela Hearst's boho chic runway as well as Isabel Marant and Rachel Comey's luxe takes on the trend. Off the catwalk, the street style set paired drawstring denim with other wardrobe staples for relaxed off-duty looks. But the real proof in the pudding is their appearance on the streets of London, with many of the capital's best-dressed women hopping on the trend: from influencers in COS' famed wide leg denim trousers to Grazia editor Lauren Cunningham waxing lyrical about her belt-detail wide-leg Levi's.
Comfort factor aside, drawstring jeans are also unique, trendy, and offered in an assortment of silhouettes, types and washes. If you're after a classic, Arket's Drawstring Denim Trousers are crafted from a softer cotton weave for a roomy straight-fit that's perfect for pairing with a white summer top (might we suggest, Peachy Den's Deba Top) and suede sandals.
Arket, Drawstring Denim Trousers
A classic pair of straight-leg jeans is the cornerstone in any well dressed woman's roster, and Arket's is as comfortable as it gets. Made from slightly rigid denim, this drawstring pair will only get softer with every wear. The mid-rise waist is easy to style while the straight fit offers a streamlined silhouette that'll work well with everything from tank tops to button-downs. Pros Available in blue, black and white washes
The relaxed fit is universally flattering Cons Length might be too short for taller women Fit: Straight Sizes: XXS-L Material: 100% cotton Inseam length: 29.5" Level of stretch: Rigid with slight stretch
Abercrombie & Fitch's Low Rise Baggy jeans are an influencer-favourite; if the baggy fit is not for you, we're also eyeing the trendier horseshoe and printed iterations at Gap and Damson Madder.
As comfortable as your favourite joggers but miles ahead in polish and elegance, drawstring jeans are the easiest way to look put-together this summer. From baggy designs to take your from the airport to the hotel pool with ease to sleeker styles that'll work well with button-downs for the office, scroll ahead to shop our picks of the best drawstring jeans for 2025.
Abercrombie & Fitch, Low Rise Baggy Jeans
Abercrombie & Fitch has long excelled at offering trendy styles in a wide range of sizes, making it our first port of call for inclusive and stylish jeans. This low-rise baggy pair boasts a contemporary aesthetic with its drawstring tie waist and medium blue wash. Designed to be your new everyday pair, the jeans are also available in a curve love version for plus size bodies. Pros Available in short, regular and long lengths
The baggy fit is flattering while also creating the illusion of longer legs Cons Only available in one denim wash Fit: Baggy Sizes: 23-37 waist sizes (USA) Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane Inseam length: 29.25", 31.21", 33.25" Level of stretch: Slight built-in stretch
Zara, High-Waist Drawstring Jeans
As relaxed and carefree as it gets, these high-waisted drawstring jeans from Zara come with seam detailing down the front and a hint of a barrel leg silhouette. The dark wash also adds a polished finish to the simple pair. Partner them with your best dark wash denim jacket for a casual take on double denim this summer. Pros The seam detailling adds a unique look
The baggy silhoutte allows for ease of movement and looks flattering Cons Only available in a dark denim wash Fit: Baggy Sizes: XS-XXL Material: 100% cotton Inseam length: 32" Level of stretch: Rigid denim
Gap, UltraSoft Easy Horseshoe Jeans
The cowboy aesthetic continues to reign spurs, and consequently so do horseshoe jeans. These soft mid-rise jeans from Gap are cut for a subtly flared-out shape with an elasticated waist and seam detailing at the knee. Pair them with your best white T-shirt and elevated flip flops to see you through the rest of summer. Pros Available in blue and pink washes
The elasticated waist is incredibly comfortable for hot summer days Cons The barrel-leg silhouette can prove trickier to style Fit: Barrel-leg Sizes: XS-XL Material: 55% cotton, 40% lyocell, 5% recycled cotton Level of stretch: No stretch
& Other Stories, Wide-Leg Drawstring Jeans
While & Other Stories is best known for its spring dresses and sleek knitwear, its denim offering is certainly not to be overlooked. Case in point, this wide-leg pair is sleek and versatile thanks to its indigo blue wash and billowy fit. If you're looking for an elegant look, pair it with the matching kimono style wrap shirt or with a striped shirt and blazer to work. Pros Made from a denim that's not too rigid but also not too stretchy
Versatile enough to wear day-to-day, as well as to more formal occasions Cons Only available in a dark wash Fit: Wide-leg Sizes: 32-46 clothing sizes Material: 100% cotton Inseam length: 29" Level of stretch: Slight stretch
Levis, XL Straight Jeans
Beloved by Grazia editors, trust Levi's to deliver a versatile spin on the trend. Available in seven colourways and four leg lengths, this straight-leg pair is ideal for every sartorial taste and body type. While the exaggerated straight-cut leans into Y2K, the tie-belt detail adds to the laid-back look. Style with everything from a sleek T-shirt or a crisp white shirt to a floral jumper. Pros Available in seven washes, including black, brown and grey
Available in multiple lengths Cons Rigid denim may take a few wears to break in Fit: Straight Sizes: 23-32 waist sizes Material: 100% cotton Inseam length: 29", 31", 33", 35" Level of stretch: Non-stretch
ME+EM, Supersoft Denim Track Pant
The quintessential blue jeans get a loungewear makeover courtesy of Kate Middleton's favourite high-street brand ME+EM. With a wide-leg silhouette, ultra-soft cotton-blend construction and worn-in feel, this comfortable drawstring pair has all the makings of jeans you'll be wearing forever. Plus, they're on sale so there's really no excuse to miss out on these. Pros Incredibly comortable thanks to the cotton-blend denim
Fits loose at the legs Cons The ultrasoft construction can sag after a few washes Fit: Wide-leg Sizes: 24-32 waist sizes Material: 100% cotton Inseam length: 31.2" Level of stretch: Rigid with slight stretch
7 For All Mankind, Tess Straight Jeans
Price: £210
If you're looking for an investment pair to add to your roster, 7 For All Mankind has long been a fashion-insider staple for quality denim. Made from a lyocell-blend which promises a stretchy and comfortable fit, they're shaped to a slouchy straight fit and come with pleated details as well as a contrasting white drawstring at the waist. Ticking off every trend box for SS25, they're the perfect piece to incorporate into your daily rotation. Pros Lyocell construction makes these the stretchiest jeans you've ever owned
Pleated details add a unique touch Cons Shorter body types may require hem alterations Fit: Subtle wide-leg Sizes: XS-XL Material: 100% lyocell Inseam length: 34" Level of stretch: Stretchy denim
Damson Madder, Felix Jeans
Trust Damson Madder to put a feminine spin on jeans with this all-over bow-print style. Expertly cut for a barrel-leg fit and ethically crafted from recycled cotton, these jeans are the whole outfit. Wear with a pared-back top and side sandals or lean into the dainty aesthetic with ballet flats and a white boho blouse. Pros Also available in a blue striped iteration
Statement print adds a unique look Cons The striking style isn't ideal for formal events Fit: Barrel-leg Sizes: 6-20 clothing sizes Material: 75% cotton, 25% recycled cotton Inseam length: 26" Level of stretch: Rigid with slight stretch
COS, Barrel-Leg Drawstring Denim Trousers
Crafted from organic cotton-blend denim in an ever-stylish barrel-leg silhouette, these drawstring jeans prove COS' expertise in offering good denim. Designed with comfort in mind, they feature off-centre seams for a voluminous shape and an elasticated waist while the dark blue wash adds a refined finish. Trust us, your spring-to-autumn transition will be easier in this relaxed pair. Pros Available in dark and light blue washes
Consciously crafted from organic cotton Cons Length might be too cropped for taller women Fit: Barrel-leg Sizes: 32-44 clothing sizes Material: 62% organic cotton, 38% Tencel lyocell Inseam length: 25.7" Level of stretch: Subtle stretch
Rag & Bone, Ultra Featherweight Phoebe straight-leg jeans
Rag & Bone's sweatpants jeans boast a cult TikTok following, so of course, the brand knows its way around comfortable denim. The straight-leg Phoebe jeans offer a bit more structure than sweatpants usually do and come with a flattering mid-rise fit. Complete with an embroidered logo at the back and a whiskered and faded live-in finish, they're a designer favourite. Pros The lived-in finish is perfect for an everyday look
Creates a leg lengthening silhouette that's universally flattering Cons Only one leg length which may not be suitable for petite women Fit: Straight-leg Sizes: 6-16 UK sizes Material: 60% cotton, 40% lyocell Inseam length: 30" Level of stretch: Rigid with slight stretch
Anthropologie, Pilcro High-Rise Cargo Jogger Jeans
Price: £130
Double down on the streetwear edge with this cargo take on the drawstring denim trend. With an elasticated waist and hem completed with multiple functional pockets, this high-rise pair is rendered in a striking grey hue that'll work so well with your faded band tees and tank tops for a weekend look. Pros Workwear inspired funtional pockets add a cool look and are practical
Baggy fit allows for comfortable movement Cons The utility look limits these jeans to casual occassions Fit: Relaxed, jogger silhouette Sizes: XS-XL Material: 100% cotton Inseam length: 27" Level of stretch: Rigid with slight stretch
Free People, We The Free Easy Peasy Pull-On Jeans
Price: £88
Not only are white jeans ideal for the summer due to their ability to reflect the sunlight and keep you cool, they also look a little more dressed up than regular blue denim. These Free People jeans have all the trappings of a pair you'll wear forever: from the mid-rise slouchy fit to the pill-on deign with a corded drawstring and roomy patch pockets. Simply add a graphic T-shirt and colourful suede trainers for immaculate summer vibes. Pros Available in five washes
Roomy fit is comfortable for hotter days Cons Only one length might not be suitable for all body types Fit: Baggy Sizes: XS-XL Material: 100% cotton Inseam length: 25.5" Level of stretch: Slight stretch
New Look, Drawstring Waist Soft Denim Trousers
Price: £26.99
With a clean-cut tapered design and elasticated waist, New Look's drawstring trousers are perhaps one of the most comfortable on the high street. If the flattering fit isn't enough to convince you, the fact that they come with an appealing £26.99 price-tag sure will. Roll up the hems if you're wearing them with flats to create a trendy cuffed style. Pros Available in two washes
Lightweight and breathable construction is perfect for summer Cons Length is slightly too long for petites Fit: Tapered-fit Sizes: 6-18 UK sizes Material: 100% cotton Level of stretch: Subtle stretch
Main image credits: ©LTK/kathleen.post ©Grazia/Lauren Cunningham
Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commerce writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet's most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.