Corrine StokoeOne of our very MOST popular Nordstrom Anniversary Sale posts annually is the BEST JEANS guide, so it’s making another comeback! Nordstrom really knocked it out of the park with sooooo much good denim at the Anniversary Sale this year. I really did seriously try on EVERY.SINGLE.PAIR of Nordstrom anniversary sale jeans to help YOU get the very best jeans in the sale, depending on what you’re looking for and your budget!
Your best bet to shopping the 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is online, so it’s a good thing you’re here! Ready? Let’s do this.
When can I shop the sale?
CATALOG: July 6 at noon ET
ICON early access: July 14-17
Ambassador early access: July 15-17
Influencer early access: July 16-17
Open to the public: July 18-August 9
Sale ends: August 9
*each level of access opens at midnight ET (so 9 p.m. PT the night before if you’re west coast!)
Table of Contents
- When can I shop the sale?
- How this guide works!
- Most viral jeans
- Best straight leg jeans
- Best white jeans
- Best ’90s cool mom jeans
- Best mid-rise jeans
- Pricey jeans to pass on…
- Best structured jeans (low-stretch)
- Best barrel jeans
- Best bootcut jeans
- Best black jeans
- Best dark denim
- Best bum-flattering jeans
- Very best overall
- Best brown jeans
- When my predictions are wrong…
- Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks!
How this guide works!
There are so many different categories when it comes to jeans, so I included the best pick for EACH category. Whatever you’re looking for, the anniversary sale has it, and I took the time to try on every pair of jeans to figure out which ones are the most flattering, comfortable, best bang-for-your-buck, won’t give you camel toe, WILL make your booty look good and legs look long, and even finds depending on how much stretch you do (or don’t!) want.
I really employed Essentialism in crafting this guide, so I really focused on jeans that were 4.5 or 5-star (out of 5) and we spend very little time discussing anything where I went “ugh!” because of an uncomfortable, unflattering, camel toe inducing, low rising, not meant for a lady over 30 kind of fit!
My recommendations will most likely be helpful for a woman who’s had babies or needs jeans that flatter the lower-abdominal area.
I tried on each pair of Nordstrom anniversary sale jeans in my normal size and will tell you which are true to size (TTS), or if you need to go up or down a size.
I’m 5’9” and have had 5 c-sections, so I’m definitely not looking for anything low-rise, hip hugger or Britney Spears 1999-esque.
Alright, let’s get started so we can get you all your favorite Nordstrom anniversary sale jeans before they sell out in your size!!
Find your jean in 10 seconds. Know what you like? Here is exactly where to go:
Miss your skinny jeans? The AG Farrah bootcut. (see why)
Wide leg forever? The PAIGE Anessa, my very best overall. (see why)
Straight leg girl? The PAIGE Heritage Stevie. (see why)
Hate a high rise? The rag & bone Peyton, hits right at the hip. (see why)
Doing the barrel trend? The AG Adria. (see why)
A ’90s relaxed vibe? The Pistola Bri. (see why)
White jeans? The PAIGE Leenah, which also comes in blue. (see why)
Black jeans? The PAIGE Laurel Canyon. (see why)
Want jeans that feel like sweatpants? The rag & bone Miramar terry. (see why)
Bum-flattering above all? The Mother Lil’ Weekender and Rascal Hover. (see why)
Most viral jeans
These mega viral sweatpant jeans are part of the sale this year, and they’re so comfy, flattering, and cute. There are pockets on the side, and it has an airbrushed look. They are unbelievably comfortable. These are just absolute solid 5/5!
Best straight leg jeans
These surprised me. They’re very flattering and comfortable. These are some really nice high-waisted straight leg jeans. If you like the straight leg, this is the best pair I’ve tried on!
Best white jeans
I could not be more thrilled that there’s a perfect pair of white jeans this year! These are SO good. They’re a creamy white. 5/5!
P.S. The exact same jean comes in a blue wash called Tinseltown too, $172.99 (reg $259).
Best ’90s cool mom jeans
If you’ve been looking for ’90s cool mom jeans, these are it. It’s definitely more structured, maybe a slight stretch, but mostly structured. They feel like a good solid pair of ’90s mom jeans, but very on trend.
Best mid-rise jeans
These are so comfy, super soft, and just have like a really nice relaxed fit.
Pricey jeans to pass on…
THIS is why I try on all of the jeans: I thought these were going to be great but the button was so awful. These were so hard to get on and get a 3/5 from me. TONS more I tried on that didn’t make the cut, but wanted you to know that’s why this isn’t 100+ jeans long.
Best structured jeans (low-stretch)
These are really nice. If you like a more structured jean that doesn’t have a ton of stretch, just a little bit, these definitely have more of a structured feel. They’re very, very cute, flattering wide-leg jeans. On me, they’re the perfect length (I’m 5’9″). They just barely skim the floor, so even if you’re a little shorter, you could wear them with heels, which is what looks really cute with wide-leg jeans, or a platform shoe. This brand runs a little small, so I’d probably size up to the next size for a more comfortable fit.
Best barrel jeans
These are super cute and flattering. There’s something about the wash and the fit that makes it so nice. It’s supportive through the waist, but then, slimming through the legs somehow, even with this Barrel jean trend. These are excellent. I would give these a 5/5.
Best bootcut jeans
If you’re the kind of girl that’s like, “I miss skinny jeans, bring them back,” this is your pair. They’re comfy, stretchy, and they’re true to size. I still would prefer a tiny bit more length, but if you’re not 5’9″, they might be the perfect length for you!
rag & bone, year after year, makes some of my favorite jeans, and these are super comfortable. If you hate a high rise: they say low rise, but these are more like a mid rise, hitting right at the top of your hip. Very bum flattering, just well made, and super cute. I love it. $185.99 (reg $278).
Best black jeans
If you need a pair of solid black jeans, this is the pair for you. It is so cute, comfy, and flattering. I give these a total 5/5!
Best dark denim
I really like this pair of jeans. If you’re into a very dark, nicer-looking pair of jeans that will just go with a lot of things, this is for you. Also, I feel like this kind of sucks you in and is flattering across the tummy area. I really, really like these jeans. I give these a solid 4.5/5!
Best bum-flattering jeans
These might be the most flattering on your bum jeans. And they’re a little bit of a cropped length and have a raw hem. So as long as you’re okay with that, these are a very cute bum-flattering jeans!
Here’s another pair of those bum huggers, but they don’t have a frayed edge and they’re more of like a straight leg. I really like them. They’re very stretchy and fitted.
Very best overall
THE BEST. These were my number one denim pick in my what will sell out first blog, and they’re my number one in jeans this year! They’re SO soft and comfortable. Literally, the texture and the feel of them is just like a Lululemon buttery soft pant, except obviously thicker, but the softness is absolutely unmatched.
No other brand does it like this brand. This is gonna be the best price that you’ll see them at all year, hands down. Five out of five, 10 out of 10, 11 out of 10, full stars. Just love, love, love!
Best brown jeans
These might be my favorite pair this year. They’re so perfect, and the fit is really flattering and comfortable. Same butter-soft fabric as my #1 pick, these are literally the Anessa in brown, and I’m obsessed.
When my predictions are wrong…
Okay listen, I like these. Last year I predicted they’d be number one when I looked over the entire catalog, and the try-on proved me wrong. This year I was way more spot on, but I’ve definitely been wrong before, and that’s exactly why I try on all of the jeans. These are good and a safe bet, but there are definitely better jeans in the NSale. Fit was TTS. (Almost sold out!)
Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks!
There are sooo many pages of things to scroll through during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and that’s why I did all the dirty work of trying on EVERY SINGLE PAIR OF JEANS so you don’t have to! I’m working hard with my team to bring you even MORE quick guides for the NSale so stick around and keep coming back all throughout the sale for more bestie recs. Happy shopping!!
which DL1961 jean is darker? On line they look too similar to tell. I’d like to order the darker on on your recommendation. Thank you
The DL1961 Florence Instasculpt is the darker wash! 🙂
This is so helpful! Can you share how tall these girls are so I can get a better idea of how the jeans would fit me?
Of course! Jaquie (long dark brown hair) is 5’5, Auna (short dark brown hair) is 5’1, and Jenn (light brown hair) is 5’8. Hope that helps! 🙂 -Kourtney
The Rag & Bone raw hem skinnies are listed both in 4 stars & 2 stars with different reviews but it’s the same link. Can you clarify the difference in jeans?
Oh I’m sorry about that, I can totally see how that would’ve been confusing! Auna who is petite rated them a 2, and we concluded after that MOST petite girls don’t love Rag & Bone. However, Jaquie who is 5’5″ LOVED these and rated them a 5, and I always feel like Rag & Bone fit amazing on me at 5’10”! Hope that helps 🙂
Thank you for this, but did you not try on the AG slim ex-boyfriend jean? did it not make the cut?
Oh no, I did and I really liked them! Not sure how we missed including them in this post, I’ll see if I can dig up those pics and add them in 🙂 But those are a big YES for me!!!
Are the black wit and wisdoms jeans with slimming panels TTS?
Good question! All of the wit & wisdom jeans you should size down 2 sizes!!
I loved that you tried on so many jeans and this post is helpful but I really loved how last year you had other people of different sizes ( especially diff heights) try on the jeans and give their opinions.
Hey Jenna, thanks for your feedback. I know, last year it was fun to be able to show different heights and body types. It was a tremendous amount of extra work though outfitting several different people, which was necessary since I was almost 9 mo pregnant and couldn’t fit into 90% of the clothes! This year, with the things going on in our family (Neil’s brother’s pre-murder-trial hearing etc. and having to travel and plan for that right in the middle of the Anniversary Sale opening week) I knew I wasn’t going to be up for extra work on top of whatever we needed to do to get our content ready for the blog. I hope you can understand and that what I did provide was of value to you! 🙂
Oh my goodness. I am so sorrry and I feel terrible, Corrine! I definitely wasn’t trying to be critical. I thought this was a great post and I appreciate the energy and work you put into this sale (and your blog in general). I just thought last year’s was helpful and fun in a different way. I never even considered how it would be more work. I actually told my husband that I can’t believe how much time you must have spent trying on so much stuff! And, now that you’ve mentioned it, I completely see how it would be so much harder to have more people involved. You did a great job with this and it was valuable to me–and probably tons of other people too. Also, I’m very sorry about your loss and I’m sending lots of love your family’s way.
Oh no please don’t feel terrible!! I just wanted to give an honest and transparent answer so that it didn’t seem like I was blowing off whatever would be most helpful to people. I really do appreciate your kindness and understanding, and even the fact that you’re here as a reader in the first place!!! Can’t tell you how grateful we are for you 🙂
Your jeans guide has been so helpful! I prefer a higher waist jean, so I took a chance on the Wit & Wisdom high-rise jeggings. Per your recommendation, I ordered two sizes down. You were right on the money! The smaller size fits perfectly. They are very flattering and comfortable. I can’t wait to wear them. Thanks again!
Were there any wide leg jeans that you liked? I see that these are all skinnies. Aren’t wide legs a thing again?
I love these!! And what a task you took on!
You look great, especially right after having Harry! I know the #10 pair (Madewell) made your top ten, but weren’t your favorite, but I have to say from the pics they stand out as the most ultra flattering on you!
Thanks for the great recommendations; this is so helpful for next week’s shopping!
Thank you for all the time and effort you put into this Nordstrom favorite Jean hunt! I love all your honest-talk of how things fit! Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is definitely a highlight of the year for me and your hunting down all these best jeans saves me a ton of time! Thanks a bunch! ❤️
I don’t see the brands of jeans in your post. Just the pic and your description, but I don’t see what brand they are. Am I missing something l?
Hi Jill! If you click any of the pink underlined words, it will take you to the correct jeans! 🙂 -Kourtney
Thank you!! Is there anyway you could also link the coral button down you wore in the first photo?! I love the color?
Hi Holly!! Here is the link to Corrine’s top! 🙂 -Kourtney