An Expert Guide to the Best Jeans Under $100

When it comes to affordable denim, Wrangler’s Cowboy Cut is as good as it gets. Available in slim and regular fits, a range of colors and washes to suit any wardrobe, and nearly every size imaginable, they’ve earned their reputation for a reason.

The broken twill denim is unique to Wrangler and makes these jeans incredibly durable. You can even get a raw version to shrink yourself. As Esquire’s commerce editor Luke Guillory puts it, “Wrangler’s dirt-cheap Cowboy Cut is keeping [America’s] great denim tradition alive.”

Over the years, Levi’s has expanded its lineup to include many of its most popular fits at a variety of price points. Some new 501s made with premium denim will run you $300 or more—but you can still grab the brand’s most timeless pair for well under $100. Fair warning, they are more tapered than they used to be. So much so, that they border on a slim fit if you’ve got an athletic lower body.

501s too slim for you? Try the 505. A dialed fit still keeps things tight in all the right places, but a straight cut from the seat to the floor gives these a more relaxed, modern vibe.

Abercrombie has gone through a few identity crises over the years, but given its current success, we’ve got to applaud the brand’s ability to read the moment. These days, it’s got a seriously wide range of denim—baggy or slim, straight-leg, cargo-style, work-ready dark washes, you name it. There’s truly something for everyone, from your TikTok-obsessed cousin to your old man you’re still trying to wean off Kirkland Signature.

Gap has been a denim mainstay for decades, and thanks to the recent mall-brand renaissance—and a few well-timed commercials—the label is firmly back in the denim conversation. This pair has an easy, universally flattering straight fit, but you can also go slim or baggy if that’s more your speed.

Much like the brand’s famous underwear, Calvin Klein jeans never go out of style. These straight-fit jeans were big in the ’90s, but the cut still feels just right for 2025. The fact that you can score a pair for under $100 is just icing on the cake.

If you keep tabs on the runway circuit, you know that prolific designer Jonathan Anderson loves a good pair of denim. His latest link-up with longtime collaborator Uniqlo delivers just that: a perfect pair of straight-leg jeans, which will only run you 50 bucks.

Much like Levi’s and Wrangler, Lee is a cornerstone of American denim. They, too, have premium options that will run you a few hundred bucks, but you can still snag a pair of 100 percent cotton jeans like these for under $50.

Workwear brands have always known their way around good denim, and Dickies is no exception. These rugged double-kneed jeans from the brand offer a cool, modern fit while still feeling timeless.

American workwear staple Carhartt also makes some excellent jeans. A broken-in pair of its dungarees adds instant character to just about any outfit—and, best of all, they’ll rarely set you back more than 70 bucks.

J.Crew has long been turning out dependable denim. And while the list price on these is $148, I can say with confidence that in all my years covering style, they’re almost always marked down to $100 or less.

Another mall brand that’s undergone a surprisingly successful rebrand in recent years, Banana Republic has a solid lineup of denim that’s usually on sale in one form or another. These straight-leg jeans have a bit of added stretch for all-day comfort, but if you prefer something more rigid, you can spend a few more bucks for 100 percent cotton.

If you don’t know Stan Ray yet, it’s time to get familiar. The workwear brand makes hard-wearing, durable gear that’ll outfit you from head to toe without draining your bank account. The Standard 5 is a loose-fit jean that’ll feel like your favorite pair of sweats after just a few washes. And because the designs are always on point, you won’t be itching to ditch them the next time you switch up your personal style.

Selvedge jeans for just over $100—on sale for $95? Sign us up. These jeans are made from quality cotton with just a hint of stretch, not an absurd amount. This pair looks great with everything from boots to loafers to sneakers.