2 min readWhile it’s hard to resist the comfort of loose mom jeans, there’s a new denim style piquing our interest for spring: cigarette jeans, which offer a more tailored look than the baggy styles that are currently popular.
“The legs are long and slender with a straighter, rather than tapered cut—just like the look of a cigarette,” says Amanda Constantine, home and apparel reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, who used to teach fashion history at The Ohio State University. “They lie somewhere between straight and skinny jeans.”
We’ve noticed a rise in search for cigarette jeans recently (known as stovepipe jeans or pencil jeans), so we predict this fit will be everywhere this spring. “Fashion is a pendulum, swinging from one extreme to the other with variations along the way,” Constantine explains. “During the last six years, we’ve moved from figure-hugging skinny jeans to ultra-wide jeans, and now we may start swinging our way back again.”
If you want to add a pair of cigarette jeans to your rotation but aren’t sure how to wear them, we’ve got you covered. Below, Constantine recommended four modern outfit ideas using styles from Good Housekeeping Institute-tested denim brands, including Levi’s and Madewell.
Casual weekend stripes
Boat shoes are back! Style your new cigarette jeans for weekend errands with this classic pair from Sperry and a striped rugby shirt that makes your outfit feel relaxed, but still put-together. Top it off with accessories like matching metallic socks and a sporty Lululemon baseball cap. The key is to pick accessories that pull colors from your rugby’s stripes for an intentionally coordinated look.
Levi’s Wedgie Slim Fit Women’s Jeans
Sperry AO 1 Eye Boat Shoes
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Nordstrom Allover Sparkle Socks
lululemon Classic Ball Cap
Preppy office attire
Constantine suggests pairing your jeans with a slightly oversized button down, like this versatile option from Quince. To ensure your look is workplace-appropriate, style it with classic loafers from Vionic, a brand that GH analysts love for its comfortable, podiatrist-approved footwear. For a pop of pattern that’ll be sure to earn you tons of compliments, try your hand at the neck scarf trend with this striped under-$20 pick.
Quince Organic Cotton Relaxed Oxford Shirt
Gap Suede Belt
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Madewell Organic Cotton Bandana
Vionic Caitlin Loafer
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Sophisticated date night
Dressing for date nights might seem tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Instead of having to deal with a skirt that you’ll constantly be fussing with, opt for cigarette jeans that look sleek but feel comfortable. For a night out, Constantine recommends pairing your jeans with a simple top and a leather bomber jacket for a warm layer on chilly evenings. Finish off the look with pointed kitten heels from Dream Pairs, the brand behind our pros’ best value comfortable heel.
Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise 90s Straight Jean
FindThy Oversized Faux Leather Jacket
Quince Second Skin Square Neck Long Sleeve Bodysuit
Dream Pairs Slingback Kitten Heels
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JW PEI Lily Shoulder Bag
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Put-together travel day
Want to look a little more polished coming off the airplane? Opt for high-rise jeans with a comfy tee. Constantine suggests styling your denim with our best overall T-shirt from Everlane, a slouchy cardigan for easy layering, and “sneakerina” style shoes that’ll keep you comfy while walking. Don’t forget our top-tested Away carry-on to hold all of your vacation outfits and essentials!
Gap High Rise ’90s Slim Straight Jeans
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Gap 100% Cotton Oversized Fringe Shawl Cardigan
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Away Bigger Carry-On Flex Suitcase
Madison McGee is a commerce editor at Hearst Magazines. For the past year, she has contributed shopping content, gift guides, product testing, and deals coverage across Hearst’s portfolio, which includes Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, House Beautiful, Elle, Town and Country, Esquire, Country Living, Oprah Daily, and more. Prior to joining Hearst, she was a staff writer at BuzzFeed and worked in book publishing. Madison is a graduate of the University of Mississippi’s journalism program, and holds a Masters in Publishing from New York University. When she’s not scouting out the best deals, she can be found reading, cheering on the Baltimore Ravens, or exploring New York City’s indie bookstores.
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.