When I think of the best flared jeans, an image of Riley Keough in costume as wayward rockstar Daisy Jones calls to mind. The widening silhouette has come a long way since it was a hallmark of ’70s fashion, but every time I’ve ever felt myself gravitating toward the fit, I’ve hesitated at the thought of them looking rather costume-y and outdated. Yet, beneath our very eyes, this retro style has encountered quite a resurgence of late. (Cudos to whoever is managing the PR for flared jeans.)
After a brief hiatus, Bella Hadid ushered flared jeans back into the zeitgeist in all her Western-inspired glory. Her latest public uniform is far from the eclectic and vintage pieces we saw her wear earlier in her career, with the reappearance of flared jeans a watershed signifier of our collective evolving tastes.
On the runway, this was translated into the free spirit and bohemian nature exhibited in Chemena Kamali’s debut collections for Chloé. The message was clear—after years of shapeless straight leg styles, flare jeans have ascended to bring in a period of relaxed yet contoured bottoms.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
So, you can only imagine my surprise when, in early February, flared jeans had a back-to-back outing on two of the most prolific Californians of all time. The first came from Kendrick Lamar, who took to the stage at the 2025 Super Bowl in Celine’s waist-hugging Marco Flare Jeans.
The moment single-handedly revitalised my mutual interest in the fit, but the occurrence was only subsequently bolstered by Meghan Markle wearing a dark indigo pair of flare jeans by Veronica Beard to an Invictus Games event that very same day. Coincidence? I think not.
While she’s typically a trendsetter and not a follower, the appeal of flare jeans even reached Rihanna in the following days when she wore the same Celine style worn by the rapper to a dinner at her favourite Italian restaurant, Santa Monica’s Giorgio Baldi.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
These co-signs can only mean that flared jeans will soon be tricking down into our own wardrobes—but are these endorsements enough to convert a staunch skeptic? After years of ignoring these pieces on the rack, I had very little understanding of the lay of the land. Are flare jeans scratch crisp? Elongated and grazing the London footpath? High-waisted and therefore not the most flattering fit for my petite torso?
Naturally, as an inquisitive fashion editor, I took it upon myself to scour designer boutiques and high street stores for the best flared jeans currently available. After a few timid outings—and numerous compliments from the Who What Wear team—I can confidently say that I’ve been converted to the appeal of flare jeans.
I will say, however, that not all are made equally. Some were quite constricting and needed a bit of TLC to suit my body shape (see: tailoring to adjust to my shorter height). Others felt as soft as leggings but lacked the structure needed to sit nicely around my ankle. Nevertheless, I managed to track down the ‘Goldilocks’ of flared jeans—the styles that were equally fitted as they were expanding at the hem.
Ready to jump on the bandwagon? Ahead, I’ve rounded up and reviewed the six best flared jeans to shop. After dozens of tests and trials, consider the below your comprehensive guide to navigating and buying the style.
The Best Flared Jeans, Tried and Tested By an Editor
1. Mango
Style Notes: I was immediately drawn to the way these Mango flared jeans begun broadening from the knee when I spotted them online. Sometimes flare jeans can begin protruding at the calf or ankle, but I really like the way these gently teetered out. In real life, they flared as promised and I felt they were the perfect high-rise finish, too.
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MANGO
Flare Jeans Mid Rise Rinse Wash
For
- Comes in a size 4 through size 18.
Against
- This style is swelling out swift!
2. Paige
Style Notes: I’ll be the first to admit it—jeans aren’t usually my forte. I’ll typically wear a pleated trouser or pencil skirt over denim. But if I am wearing jeans, they’ll always be a straight leg style. These flared jeans from Paige, however, were the pair to change my mind. I can’t over estimate how comfortable the fabric was on, and even when wearing flats, the flare still looked cute and perfectly tapered to me. This is a pair I can see myself walking 10,000 steps in without breaking a sweat, chafing or becoming uncomfortable.
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Paige
High Rise Laurel Canyon 32″ Bootcut Jean
Available in both a petite and a regular fit and can be shopped from a size 23 to a 34—talk about versatile!
For
- Fabric is incredibly soft, it almost feels like you’re wearing stretch leggings.
Against
- These are super hip hugging, which might feel a little tight to fit.
3. Marks & Spencer
Style Notes: While this M&S style was the most ’70s-looking out of the bunch I tried on, I’ll confess that I wasn’t actually too opposed to the shape after wearing them for a few days. The style is a true wide-leg, which might feel too spacey around the leg for some. The pleat down the middle gave the body a really generous elongated effect, but I was slightly constricted by where the pants fell around my abdomen. They were quite tight, and while I’d usually suggest sizing up to solve that problem, the shape of the flare could prove problematic to tweak. Nevertheless, I’d still recommend them on affordability alone.
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M&S
Mid Rise Flared Jeans
Sitting slightly higher on the hips than a true mid-rise, this iteration features a chic pleat that runs through the middle which creates a nice lengthening effect.
Against
- I found the indigo dye transferred and stained my hands.
4. Reiss
Style Notes: I really enjoyed the fabric of Reiss’s flared jeans. Not only were they soft to the touch, but they really lifted and firmed my bottom—something that French women and I agree is an essential quality of good jeans. This look is a testament to a true Parisian outfit, and I liked the way these flares came to a gradual end, rather than puddling along the ground.
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Reiss
Mid-Rise Flared Jeans in Black
This tapered flare style doesn’t protrude too far out, meaning you can still have that streamlined effect without worrying about the hem bordering into wide-leg territory.
For
- Offered in both a regular and a petite size.
Against
- Despite the jeans offered from size 24 through to 32, the larger styles are often out of stock.
5. Celine
Style Notes: I have a confession to make—I thought I would hate these jeans after seeing them on the rack. First of all, they’re low-waisted, which is a major red flag for me. They’re also distressed on the back, meaning I thought they would slightly drag along the ground. After testing these in person, I have to say the fit and finish instantly quelled all my doubts. Yes, they’re not as tapered to my waist as I like, but they still give generous coverage and don’t expose any pockets of skin that I’d otherwise like hidden. I wished I could’ve worn them home, but for almost £1000, they run a pretty penny. Nevertheless, if I was investing in a pair of popular designer jeans, this would be them.
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This fit-and-flare style is conscious around your thighs but doesn’t feel constricting. It finishes with a distressed hem at the back and a low-rise cut.
For
- Withstanding the eye-watering price, the quality and shape does feel worth every penny.
6. Veronica Beard
Style Notes: Look, I’ll acknowledge that I probably didn’t do these flared jeans a service by trailing them with loafers. But, if you’re investing in a pair, they should be able to fit into your existing shoe capsule wardrobe. There’s really nothing I can fault about Veronica Beard’s flared jeans other than the fact you probably do have to add a bit of height to really showcase them. The fit is super skinny around your thighs, which might dissuade those who like their jeans to be a bit roomier here, but for the quality, they do their job nicely.
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Veronica Beard
Beverly Skinny-Flare Jean
A true hip-sitting shape with a skinny fit through the thighs before it spans out into a soft flare.
For
- These come royal-approved.
Against
- I found the length of these jeans too long for flat shoes, meaning you’ll need a heel or heeled boot to make them work.
Shop Other Editor-Approved Flared Jeans:
Reiss
Mid-Rise Flared Jeans in Mid Blue
I love the softer wash of these Reiss flared jeans.
For
- These are already intentionally distressed at the knees, making them ideal to live in.
Against
- The flare doesn’t project as far as it does in the images as it does in person.
Reformation
Mia High Rise Vintage Bootcut Jeans
Reformation’s jeans are made of a deeply saturated organic indigo denim and contrasting tan thread.
For
- This western-inspired iteration feels quite relevant for 2025.
Against
- The front pocket can feel a little useless thanks to the non-stretch fabric.
RE/DONE
The Riding Jean High-Rise Flared Jeans
Unlike other flares I tried, I love the look of these Re/Done jeans because of the barrel-leg fit through the thighs. Perfectly balanced between shaped and sprawling.
Against
- These come with a five button finish instead of a zip.
& Other Stories
High-Waist Flared Jeans
A thicker belt loop and hem brings a soft twist to these flared jeans
For
- Made of organic and recycled cotton.
Against
- The colour is susceptible to transfer.
MOTHER
The Hustler Flood Fray High-Rise Bootcut Jeans
This shaped pair is slightly cropped and sits high on the waist.
Against
- The frayed hem lends itself best to heeled shoes.
ZARA
Z1975 Flared High-Waist Jeans
Against
- Super high-rise, which might not be the most ideal fit for some.
STELLA MCCARTNEY
Iconic Chain-Embellished High-Rise Flared Jeans
Given Stella McCartney is a scion of flared jeans royalty—just look to that Abbey Road album cover for proof—I’m coveting this regenerative cotton style.
For
- Fits like a true ’70s flare.
Against
- The chain accent might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
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