M&S jeans review | the best styles, fit, tips and sizing advice for midlife women

Marks & Spencer is having a real fashion moment again, they are back in the limelight and firmly on the 'first stop' list when you want affordable pieces that look polished and last. From elevated basics to trend-led style, M&S has quietly become the go-to destination for stylish, wearable clothes that work in real life (and real wardrobes).

​In midlife we want flattering fits, good fabrics, sensible sizing and prices that don’t make you want to run away, all without sacrificing style. Which is why M&S jeans in particular have become such a reliable choice, whether you’re after a classic straight leg, a modern wide leg, or that elusive perfect pair you can dress up or down on repeat.  They come in a vast range of sizes from 6 to 24 and leg lengths extra short, short/petite, regular and long, plus lots of different styles and colours.

With puppy life a bit chaotic right now, I decided I needed a winter denim refresh but it wasn't going to be possible to do a long (and time-consuming) try-on instore so I placed an online order and I am sharing a review of my favourite and recommended M&S jeans with you here. 

All jeans styled throughout with a white t-shirt also from Marks & Spencer.  

These are the M&S wide leg smart jeans that I had tailored to a crop length (more details below).

The flattering straight leg

My first pair in this M&S jeans review is the Magic Sienna Straight Leg, and I can see why they’re popular. For me the denim felt quite heavy and a little on the thick side (I tend to prefer a lighter denim), but the structure is the good,  they’re designed to hold you in and flatter. You get a smoothing, supportive 'magic feel through the tummy area, a high-rise fit that helps define the waist, and a straight leg that skims rather than clings, making them really wearable with trainers, loafers or a heel. I ordered a 12 Short and the length was spot on, no alterations needed, they were a neat ankle-grazing length but I could also turn them up for a cropped spring look.

Verdict: not for me but a really well fitting, flattering pair of jeans.

M&S jeans try-on - these are the magic straight leg jeans

The boyfriend ankle length

Next up, was the Boyfriend Mid Rise Ankle Length, I ordered the 12 Regular and these instantly felt comfortable when I pulled them on.  They are perfect for relaxed days and I'd style them with flat pumps or trainers for running errands, coffee with friends or a day at home.  The denim feels very soft, and I like the casual stitched turn-up.  I am tempted to keep these but I wonder if the short length might be better for me, I had to turn them over again to get the right length and that makes them slightly bulky.  M&S has updated this style and the leg is a wider cut than my older pair of M&S boyfriend jeans, which I actually think makes them feel more current and a bit more flattering through the leg.

Verdict: definitely ones I'd keep and wear, just need to decide on leg length.

M&S boyfriend jeans

The wide leg cropped jean

I always get a bit nervous about white jeans. But the Wide High Rise Cropped in Soft White (I went for a 10 Regular) I really love. I did wonder if they were a little snug on my tummy but the 12 was definitely too big.  Then a friend saw my Instagram reel and said she has the same pair and they do relax on wearing so I'm going to stick with the 10.  They feel structured but soft and comfortable and I love the soft white - they come in lots of different denim shades - and the unfinished raw hem gives them a modern, easy vibe.  I often cut my own jeans to get the right length!

I have a very similar pair from the very expense Frame, they are ecru and I am always a bit nervous about wearing them and getting a stain (I paid so much for them) but these M&S ones feel like a much more affordable everyday option.  I'd style up (with ballet pumps or loafers) and a blouse and blazer, or down with trainers and a sweatshirt.

What is the 'right' cropped length?

​There isn’t one rule, but the most flattering cropped wide-leg length for most of us is:

• Just above the ankle bone (or skimming the ankle bone) so you get that clean ankle flash!
• You don’t want them cutting off at the widest part of the calf (that can shorten the leg visually) and look very dated.
• The sweet spot is usually 1–2 cm above the ankle bone which is enough to look intentional, but not so high it feels like they’ve shrunk in the wash.

If you’re wearing trainers, a slightly longer crop (closer to the ankle bone) can look more balanced but with sandals or a heel, you can often go a touch higher and it still looks sleek.

Verdict: keep and sizing is about right.

M&S wide leg cropped jeans in soft white

A snugger fit but the fabric does give so don't size up!

The love them or hate them barrel leg jeans!

And then… barrel leg jeans. Love them or hate them, they’re everywhere right now and showing no signs of disappearing but I’m still not sure, I do have a subtle barrel leg style (with elasticated back from Baukjen that I love).  

I tried on two pairs from the M&S barrel leg styles, first was the Barrel Mid Rise Full Length (10 Short) in Soft White, they fitted well and the leg length was about right, they sat nicely on my ankles, but are quite roomy and more of an emphasised shape through the thigh, with an extra panelling detail, I think they'd need to be styled very simply with a fitted knit, or a tucked in t-shirt. 

Verdict: not for me, I felt they were too much of a barrel shape.

The second pair are the more 'classic' Barrel High Rise Full Length (10 Short) and I preferred the more subtle shape, but unfortunately the 10 were too small, despite advice on these saying size down if you are between sizes.  I suspect the 12 might be too big.  I did really like the colour and weight of the denim though and the length was good, 

Verdict: too small in the 10, might try on a 12 on if I am in store!

The barrel leg jeans from M&S in soft white - nice but not quite right for me!

The mom jean

I also tried the Mom High Rise Ankle Length and I really wanted these to work, they felt great on, but despite trying both the 12 (too big) and the 10 (too small) I had to give up!

I can see why they’re a bestseller however, the denim is soft and comfortable, the high rise feels supportive, and the leg shape is relaxed without being extreme. If you’re tempted with the barrel trend but don’t want anything too high fashion, these are a much subtler alternative.

Verdict: didn't keep these for photos but I'd recommend trying them on, I like them but was between sizes.

The ever popular wide leg jean

One M&S denim style I can absolutely recommend (because I already own them in several washes) is the High Waisted Smart Wide Leg.

These are a real hero pair in my wardrobe and still a favourite. I’ve even bought the short length and had them tailored into a cropped version for an easy but smart spring/summer look and then kept the regular length for a more dressed-up look.

I have them in dark blue and black, and I especially love the full-length pair with heels and a smart jacket for lunches, dinners and any occasion where I want to look polished but still feel comfortable.  I did try them in white last year but they were too big in the 12 and too small in the 10 so I guess the different colour denim changed the fit.

The denim is on the stiffer, more structured side (not a soft slouchy jean), but that’s why they work so well: they hold their shape, and don’t go baggy after an hour. I find the size 12 is slightly generous on me, but in this style that’s actually a plus they skim rather than cling, and the structure keeps them looking smart all day.

Verdict: still my favourite style from M&S.

M&S smart wide leg jeans in indigo, regular length worn with heels

Overall M&S jeans really are a fabulous option if you want affordable, stylish denim that offers everything from timeless, classic shapes to the more trend-led cuts.

The only thing I’d say is that sizing can be a bit hit or miss, so don’t be put off if you need to order a couple of sizes or try on quite a few pairs, it’s completely normal, and the number on the label really doesn’t matter. Focus on how they feel and how they sit on your waist, tummy and hips, because when the fit is right you’ll know.

It’s also worth remembering that different washes and colours often fit differently, even in the same style so darker shades (especially black) can sometimes feel tighter, while lighter washes may have a softer, more relaxed feel.

Try a few, move around in them, sit down, and pick the pair you’ll actually reach for on a normal day. Hang them up and see if you do reach for them, if you don't after about a week, then return them!

Love from
Michelle xx


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And two denim shirts - left is the utility shirt (I sized down to an 8 - usually a 10) and then denim tie detail shirt which is a lovely fit and flare shape!