20 Best Flared Jeans to Shop Ahead of Fall, According to Style Experts

With a high-rise, distressed wash, and long side slits, this pair is the perfect love child between classic flares and mom jeans. Pair with minimalist sandals and a tank for effortless summer style (even better with a slicked-back bun, bold blush, and glossy lip for peak vacation vibes whether or not you’re traveling).

• Wash: Available in 16 washes
• Size range: 4–18 (but not in every color)
• Inseam: Varies by size
• Features: High-rise, various washes, distressing

Summer calls for creamy denim. It’s just facts. “This color is easy to pair with neutrals basics, and for fun, I like to add a pop of color, like cherry red,” says Ashley Zhang, founder of her namesake jewelry line. “The crop above the ankle elongates the leg when worn with flats or sandals. My perfect pairing would be a white tee or tank, gold chain, and charm layers, a slim black belt, and bright red flats. The higher waist comfortably holds you in while the jean has a slight stretch for comfort.”

• Wash: Ecru
• Size range: 23–32
• Inseam: 27.25"
• Features: Heavyweight stretch denim, ankle length, 10.75" rise

A fray here, a slouch there. These laid-back flares are the ultimate pick for a comfy fit and feel without defaulting to sweats. “I am currently obsessed with über-relaxed denim—in fact, I may never go back to fitted jeans,” model and entrepreneur Lauren Chan tells Glamour. “The laissez-faire vibe, the ease of styling (just throw on any cropped top), and ohmygod the comfort. They have the exact nonchalance I’m after, come in four colors (light wash, white, patchwork, and distressed), and—as is often the case at Anthropologie—a plethora of sizes, from 23 in denim sizing to 26W in plus-sizing, with standard, petite, and tall options. If you’re someone who loves to hear the dramatic whoosh of a pant as you walk or you’re obsessed with the style of queer icons like Billie Eilish or Reneé Rapp, these are for you.”

• Wash: Four washes (not all available in plus sizes)
• Size range: 23–26W
• Inseam: 30.25"
• Features: Frayed hems, relaxed fit, 11.75" rise

Citizens of Humanity is the label behind tons of denim styles beloved by editors and insiders alike: “I absolutely love flare pants and all of my denim by Citizens of Humanity, but I especially love these flares by the Los Angeles-based brand,” says Angela Tafoya, writer, consultant, and founder of the children’s secondhand boutique NOOMOON. “I’m about 5'7", and for me, the flare hits right above my ankle, which is a crop I personally like because it allows me to pair it with fun shoes. I typically pair them with an oversize white button-down or longer shirt. I’m wearing a 26, and I would say they run pretty true to size.”

• Wash: Comes in four washes
• Size range: 23–34
• Inseam: 32"
• Features: 10.5" rise, soft stretch denim, finished hems

Cropped flares are a classic, leading to its decades-long appeal among It girls with a penchant for timelessness. “My favorite flared jeans are actually the Estella from Citizens of Humanity. Unfortunately, they’re no longer available,” designer Emme Parsons tells Glamour. “They remind me of an iconic photo of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in the ’90s walking her dog. The cropped silhouette with a bit of flare still feels modern and pairs well with tank tops or slim-fit T-shirts. I’m about 5'6" with a long torso and often struggle to find jeans that fit. I tend to look for high-rise jeans, which fit a bit more like a mid-rise cut on my body. I personally love denim with no or very little stretch, which has more of a vintage feel.”

• Wash: Viva Vintage
• Size range: 24–32
• Inseam: 26.5"
• Features: Heavyweight, low-stretch denim, fading and whiskering

First came the return of yoga pants (millennials are very friendly with this term), a.k.a. flare leggings. And then, split hems made an indelible mark, offering the most delightful swish at the ankle and offering an extra-fun peek at footwear, from chunky sandals to platform sneaks. While we’re so here for stretchy athleisure versions of this look, we’re equally keen on it in denim form. And because boho is also back (the Y2K hits keep on coming), the raw frayed hems found on this pair of flares are giving us extra life. Oh, and they come in regular and short lengths!

• Wash: Available in six washes
• Size range: 24–33
• Inseam: Regular 32.5", Short 30.5"
• Features: 10.625" rise, split and frayed hems, slim fit through the legs

Levi’s are fail-safe when you're feeling a vintage vibe but not so much the dig. “I pretty much only wear Levi’s denim and prefer vintage,” says Maile Schmidt, founder and designer of her namesake footwear brand. “For me, the fit is way better when it is a bit loose, and I love how worn-in Levi’s are—no other brand compares!” This pair is also great for shorter heights and won’t drag too much if you’re all-in on the ballet flat or fisherman sandal trend.

• Wash: In Patches Psk St
• Size range: 24–32
• Inseam: 29"
• Features: 10" mid-rise waist, full-length flared legs, low-stretch

Abercrombie is really slaying the denim game. Inclusive sizing is the name of the game, which is particularly applause-worthy for short, curvy girlies. These flares are offered in extra-short, short, regular, long, and extra-long lengths for sizes 23 to 37 (!!!) and two classic denim washes. They have a clean and classic look and are made for all-day wear with plenty of stretch (trust, you won’t be dying to rip these off at the end of the day.)

• Wash: Medium and dark
• Size range: 23–37
• Inseam: Varies by size
• Features: Stretchy, inclusive size range, lots of length options

When going the classic flare jean route, you can’t beat a pair with a snug fit through the waist, hips, and thighs, flaring out into not-too-wide bell-bottoms at the hem. “I love flare denim because they can elevate a look while wearing a pair of jeans,” says fashion stylist and brand consultant Ashley Afriyie. “I love styling my pair with a blazer and platform heels. For a more casual look, you can wear a basic T-shirt during the warmer months or a chic cashmere sweater in the fall and winter months. I always feel confident in them because I’m usually in heels, and that alone triggers confidence and adds a pep in my step.”

• Wash: Comes in four washes
• Size range: 23–37
• Inseam: 33"
• Features: Available in classic, petite, and tall sizes, 10.5" front high-rise

If the idea of denim in the summer has you bursting into flames, breathe easier. There’s a pair you can survive the heat in while getting in on the wider flare jeans trend. “I’m currently styling all my looks around this white pair of jeans from Zara—they’re such a versatile piece to have in your closet,” says A.L.C. brand marketing manager Moira Manimbo. “I find myself gravitating toward them during the week when I’m headed to the office styled with an oversize blazer, as it keeps my look polished and elevated, as well as over the weekend thrown on with a white tee for a monochromatic look when I’m out and about.”

• Wash: Ecru
• Size range: 25–29
• Inseam: Unlisted
• Features: Made with recycled materials, front and back patch pockets, contrast topstitching

If dramatic proportions are a part of your dressing DNA, a wide-leg flare is your fit du jour. “What feels the most modern to me right now is a wide-leg jean that flares at the bottom, so I obviously fell in love with this Triarchy pair,” says freelance editor, artist, and content creator Kerry Pieri. “The high waist is flattering (even for petite sizes), and while I generally gravitate toward denim with little to no stretch, the mid-stretch in these just makes them super comfortable. In the last month, I’ve worn them on flights to and from Italy, and on a flight to Nantucket with layovers, I’ve gotten compliments on them on both trips. They don’t stretch out at all, and they feel like wearing lounge pants, but they look really fresh. Order your size or one size up for some extra comfort.”

• Wash: Off-White
• Size range: 24–32
• Inseam: 30"
• Features: Heavyweight stretch denim, ethically made, 11.5" rise

It’s hard to shake the fear of embracing a new denim silhouette. But if you’re like Tenique Bernard, publicist and founder of her namesake consulting company, you’ll find it’s worth the risk. “The perfect jean does exist! I could wax poetic about this stretch denim pair from Mother for days,” she tells Glamour. “I was worried about the flare because I’m a millennial who held on to my skinny jeans for too long. These pair well with a shorter heel and work perfectly with flats.”

• Wash: Deep End
• Size range: 23–32
• Inseam: 31"
• Features: 9.5" rise, stretchy, classic five-pocket styling

I always tend toward more polished denim, be it a trouser-style silhouette or a mid-rise straight-leg sans distressing. Flares aren’t typically my comfort zone, not only because of a graffiti-accented, ultra-low-rise pair that’s burned into my memory from middle school, but because I feel like they accentuate my athletic legs in a way that I don’t prefer. However, I’m here for a subtler bell shape in the form of a high-rise wide-leg jean, which I found in this structured pair from La Ligne. They’re non-stretch, which I always gravitate toward for more structure and polish, and are a perfect weight (when it’s not scorching) that doesn’t feel so inflexible that I can’t breathe. Now, they are rather long, and I stand at a mere 5'4". Nevertheless, I’m embracing the pooled-hem look with chunkier sandals this season and also enjoy them with heels for dinner dates with my girlfriends or hubby.

• Wash: Walter
• Size range: 23–34
• Inseam: 32.2"
• Features: Heavyweight, non-stretch denim, button closure and zip fly, 11.5" high-rise

Not all flares are created equal. You’ll want to get into palazzos if you love an ultra-roomy silhouette with a swishy, loose fit while making a statement all at once. “The drama of a flare jean!” exclaims Linda Cui Zhang, women's associate fashion director at Nordstrom. “A palazzo, mega-flare style is my answer to wearing denim in the heat. The style has an airy movement and brings a relaxed, free-spirited attitude to my summer wardrobe styling. This pair’s flare starts at the waist and creates a long feminine silhouette when worn with a ruffled blouse and a block heel sandal.”

• Wash: Faded wash
• Size range: 23–34
• Inseam: 29" inseam
• Features: 12" front rise; 16" back rise, raw hems

Whether you regularly subscribe to a nostalgic aesthetic or lean into retro impulses here and there, this stretchy pair of flare jeans is an iconic option for under $100. “They are super flattering, hug the body, elongate the legs, and lift the butt,” Cory Sargeant, founder of Sargeant PR, tells Glamour of the fit. “The material is a little stretchy and light, making them super comfortable, but they’re sturdy enough that they don’t stretch out too much. They fit true to size. I always get compliments when I wear them.”

• Wash: Dark denim, light denim, black
• Size range: 24–31
• Inseam: 32"
• Features: 11" rise, true flare, stretchy

For ’70s vibes with plenty of stretch, look to this pair of flares from Gap. These are the ones if you love a high-rise but need more stretch to feel unrestricted (meaning you can fully dig into a tasty charcuterie spread without feeling like you need to release your top button after a few nibbles). Picture them with a white baby tee, basket bag, and flats á la French-style icons like Françoise Hardy and Jane Birkin—c’est chic!

• Wash: Available in four washes
• Size range: 24–35
• Inseam: Petite 30", Short 31", Regular 32", Long 34.5" (88 cm), Tall 36.5" (93 cm)
• Features: Comes in regular, petite, and tall sizes and short, long, and petite lengths, patch pockets, stretchy

These low-rise flares are spot-on if you’re seeking a dark wash that isn’t too dark, coming in two lengths for an ideal fit. With contrast stitching, slim-fit legs, and classic flared hems, they’re the ultimate cowgirl-core style whether or not you pair them with the coordinating vest top (though we really hope you do). Finish the look with western boots and a scarf tied around your neck—giddyup!

• Wash: Available in three washes
• Size range: 24–34
• Inseam: 32" or 34"
• Features: Slim fit, slit hems, 9 3/8" front rise, offered in two lengths

Okay, so the thing with flares is, when wearing flats, they often drag on the ground. But, sometimes, we want that well-worn look! And these super-stretchy jeans with a high rise and mini kick flare come pre-distressed, so no worries about “ruining” a new pair. Don’t worry about these stretching out either—recovery is the secret sauce, so they’ll fit like a glove with every wear.

• Wash: Blue Tides
• Size range: 000–20 in short, regular, and tall lengths
• Inseam: Varies by size
• Features: Mini kick flare, skinny fit through legs, stretchy, distressed hems, 10.25" rise, designed to meet a higher set of sustainability standards