Expert consulted: 
If you haven’t heard, jeans are in. Not that they’ve ever gone out of style, but there was a brief moment in recent years where people ditched denim for looser, less restrictive bottoms. But this year, skinny jeans and cigarette silhouettes are making a huge comeback—and now, everyone’s talking about “granny jeans,” or grandma jeans.
What are granny jeans? “They’re a more polished version of your everyday denim—a pair of jeans that your grandma would approve of,” says Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst, Amanda Constantine, otherwise known as our in-house fashion expert at the Good Housekeeping Textiles Lab. “They’re a higher rise style that isn’t oversized but also isn’t body-skimming, with thoughtful details like pleats, cuffs, or an overall tailored look.”
Constantine points out that while the name sounds similar to mom jeans, the styles are vastly different. Unlike granny jeans, mom jeans have “a relaxed, tapered cut that’s roomy in the hips and upper thighs but tapers in towards the ankle,” she says.
Constantine recommended this Ribcage pair from Levi’s—our Textiles Lab pros’ top brand when it comes to denim. (It’s also the classic brand behind Carolyn Bessett Kennedy’s iconic denim looks, which I—and the rest of the internet—is totally obsessed with right now). It’s currently in stock in nine colors, including dark and light washes, in waist sizes 23 through 34.
If you want more of a bootcut or a higher waist, we also like this pair from Mother. The brand’s denim is marked down during Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, which is happening until August 9. Just note that sizes and colors are limited due to the sale event.
And styling granny jeans is ridiculously easy. Granny jeans are more polished, but no matter if you play up the elegance with fitted pieces or dress down with a looser top, it’s almost always going to work. I can almost guarantee that you can pair them with pieces you already have in your closet.
But if you need some inspo, why not try a flowy “granny blouse” (also very popular right now) with a Peter Pan collar? Or, opt for a fitted, cotton cardigan. A striped shirt or a crisp button-down can give you a fresh, classic look. For something fun, try a sleek summer vest (inspired by Jenna Bush Hager’s recent ensemble) or a dressy neck-tie blouse.
Tops to go with your granny jeans
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
