Finding the perfect pair of jeans can be a daunting task, especially for those who are hovering between sizes. In an ambitious experiment, a fashion editor took on the ultimate denim challenge, trying on 100 pairs of high-street jeans to find the perfect fit.

The journey was not without its challenges. After six hours of trying on jeans, the editor emerged with a bleeding finger, a cracked nail, and a desire to lie down in a darkened room. Despite the ordeal, the experience left her feeling highly qualified to offer insights into what high-street jeans are really like.

“WHAT could possibly go wrong?” I asked myself when I decided to try 100 pairs of high-street jeans.

Around six hours later, I had my answer. It turns out that slipping into that many pairs is no mean feat. Not only did it take an eternity, but I came out with a bleeding finger, a cracked nail and the desire to immediately lie down in a darkened room.

We all know how tricky it can be to find that perfect pair. It can seem like an impossible task, especially when – like me – you’re hovering between sizes 14 and 16. And despite all those tips and quizzes that promise to decipher exactly which sizes and styles will suit you, sometimes the best thing to do is take a deep breath and try on as many pairs as possible.

My experiment might have been exhausting, but it has left me feeling highly qualified to give a good overall view of what high-street jeans are REALLY like.

My research took in a fair few mishaps – broken zips, jeans that barely went past my thighs – and a lot of huffing and puffing. But I’m happy to say I’ve found ten top pairs, in a variety of shapes and prices.

Take a look at how I got on when I tried and tested 100 pairs of size 14 jeans…

River Island, Turn-Up, $46

I WAS excited to try on a pair of turn-up jeans, with them being one of the key styles of the season. This pair from River Island came out on top – they fitted nicely around my waist and were a good length on my 5ft 4in frame.

“A dark-wash denim is one of the most flattering, too, as it doesn’t draw attention to areas you might not be as comfortable with.”

More brands such as River Island now offer different lengths in jeans, including petite, regular and long.

I also tried their barrel-leg style and they nearly made my top ten, too.

Levi’s at Amazon, Crop, was $91.59, now $50

I HAD my doubts that these would do up – I opted for a 32-in waist, the equivalent to a size 14. This was the only pair I tried that had buttons instead of a zip. And if jeans don’t fit correctly, buttons can look wonky.

Luckily these fastened fairly easily and were one of the tighter pairs out of the top ten. But remember that jeans “give” and they looked great on – especially for a lighter wash denim.

“Levi’s are stocked on Amazon and this pair, which normally cost more than $90, are retailing on the site for just $50.”

Bargain.

Sainsbury’s Tu, Relaxed Flare, $24

I’M a sucker for supermarket jeans and these didn’t disappoint. Both the quality and the price are great, so it was no surprise that this pair from Tu at Sainsbury’s made it into the top ten.

Flares are a really flattering style, skimming over your hips and bum before flaring at the bottom to give an hourglass shape.

I also love the additional pocket details on the front and – added bonus – this pair comes with a matching waistcoat which, as a co-ord, is going viral and proving very in-demand.

For $24, you really can’t go wrong.

Marks & Spencer, Carrot, $29.50

M&S sells ten pairs of jeans every minute and its range has expanded over the years. It now offers a wide variety of styles. Having tried on a few pairs, including some of its very wide Palazzo trousers (which would have been a contender if they weren’t a little too tight), this carrot style came out on top.

Slightly similar to the popular barrel style, just not as wide, these are perfect for those who want to step on board a trend but in a more understated way.

M&S is also a great example of a brand with a wide size range, going up to a 32 and coming in a variety of lengths.

Wrangler, Cowboy, $100

NO one does cowboy-style jeans quite like the American denim brand Wrangler. The fabric on this pair was super-soft and I loved how they looked on, too.

I also really like the panelling down the front of the jeans, which gives some extra detail.

At $100, they are the most expensive of the bunch, but if you find a pair of jeans that you love, then they might just be worth the higher price point. But I need to point out that this pair was an anomaly – the others I tried on from Wrangler were some of the worst-fitting of the bunch, even though they were all the same size.

Tesco F&F, Slim Ankle Grazer, $22.50

ONE of my favourites is F&F’s wide-leg, light wash jeans, so I was excited to see how much I liked this particular style. While skinny jeans may be trying to make a comeback and I was firmly on the train last time, I think a straight leg is about as far as I will go right now.

This is the perfect pair to throw on at the weekend, with a simple T-shirt and some trainers. And with the length of these being ankle-grazing, they are also great for those who are more petite.

JD Williams, Bootcut, $42

MARKETED as a wide-leg option, they looked more of a bootcut shape on me. And that’s a style I wouldn’t ever opt for. However, when trying them on I found them to be super stretchy and very comfortable.

In fact, I tried on three styles from the online retailer and all were really easy to wear, so I’m awarding top marks for consistency. And while a bootcut isn’t my preferred style, actually trying them on has opened my eyes to the fact that this cut does suit my figure. It’s one I should be more open to trying in future.

Primark, Straight, $16

SOME of my best, longest-lasting jeans from over the years have come from Primark. But, in recent years, I’ve struggled with the fit around my waist. This pair of straight-leg jeans were a big success though. In fact, they might even be my overall favourite. They hugged in all the right places, felt comfortable and looked a lot more expensive than a $16 pair typically should.

Getting a pair of jeans for under $20 is a steal and I know from experience how good and long-lasting the quality is.

Mango, Wide Leg, $35.99

IN the past, I always had to size up in Mango jeans and would probably avoid the store altogether if I was in the market for new ones. So I was very pleasantly surprised by this pair. Wide-leg styles tend to suit me as they balance my proportions nicely.

Not only were these super-comfortable, but the grey shade gave them a more expensive look than the $35.99 price tag suggests. They made me look taller, too. A word of warning: While this pair was a hit, another from Mango in exactly the same size didn’t even zip up.

Next, Relaxed Boyfriend, $34

I’M usually one for a high-waisted fit when it comes to jeans. I like them to completely cover my stomach and keep everything in place. So I was surprised to find I liked this pair of mid-rise denims so much. The relaxed fit makes them easy to put on and, if anything, they came higher up on my body than I expected.

The boyfriend element of this pair is true, too. This is probably the style my other half would wear. Maybe we should start sharing jeans.

Abby’s Verdict

THE thought of trying on all these jeans filled me with slight dread. Would I fit in any of them? Would any styles actually suit me? Would the whole ordeal leave me with a crisis of confidence?

Thankfully, a lot more of the jeans than expected looked really good. Yes, some left my belly hanging out, but somehow that didn’t faze me. Every single pair I tried on were meant to be the same size. They were not. Once you realise it’s not actually you that’s “big” when the jeans don’t fit, shopping for denim becomes a whole lot easier.

In Conclusion

The denim challenge was a journey filled with surprises and revelations. It highlighted the importance of trying on multiple pairs to find the perfect fit and style. The fashion editor’s experience underscores the fact that finding the right jeans can be a daunting task, but with patience and persistence, it is possible to find a pair that flatters and fits perfectly.

As the fashion industry continues to evolve, consumers are increasingly seeking out affordable and stylish options. High-street brands are stepping up to the plate, offering a wide range of styles and sizes to cater to diverse body types and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a classic dark wash or a trendy wide-leg style, there is something for everyone in the world of high-street jeans.