I can't start this story without discussing the absolute hold that American Eagle had on me during high school. When I was shopping for jeans and basic tops, it was one of the first stores I would stop at on my beloved mall trips. I can distinctly remember the layout of my local store and the fact that there was always a great soundtrack playing. This was during a time before Shazam existed, so when I heard a song I liked, I'd immediately stop to jot down some of the lyrics so I could search for it online when I got home. But I digress. With all of this in mind, it delighted me to check in with AE after all these years and see that those nostalgic vibes still exist and that the denim selection is just as cool as ever. Hello, '90s- and Y2K-inspired styles.
I had the pleasure of browsing American Eagle to see what the brand's most popular jeans styles are at the moment. From fun flares to baggy options and classic high-waisted jeans, there is something for every personal style. Lara Knight—AE's vice president of design, men's and women's bottoms and outerwear—was kind enough to share top denim picks along with some insight into each design. Ahead, shop five of the coolest AE jeans styles of the season.
"As the number one jeans brand in America, we are proud to say that this is the most flattering mom jean you can buy! It's a reimagined classic that offers the perfect fit and pocket placement, which is everything in a mom jean. Our styles are inspired by the classic '80s fit, but we've taken a modern-day approach with comfort stretch fabrics, new designs to the waistband, and a non-stretch front. One of our favorites in this style is the highest rise that nips you in with a soft, stretchy waistband and provides room in the hips yet is slim through the leg in both our curvy and reg fits."
Here's how to pull off Madelyn Cline's exact distressed-denim look above.
Crossover jeans are having a major moment.
I love a great pair of faded black jeans.
I could live in these classic high-waisted jeans.
This pair hits right at the ankle.
"This is our favorite new Y2K-fashion fit. We loved it so much that we've designed a cool low-rise option with a loose, relaxed leg and longer inseam for more attitude."
Here's to an effortless pair of distressed jeans.
This denim has the perfect amount of slouch.
These look great worn as is or cuffed.
White jeans are a must-have come spring and summer.
Try this cool waist fold for a bit of added flair.
"We are loving this late '90s, early Y2K fit, which is super laid-back, loose, and easy. The lightweight, drapey fabric gives her just the right amount of ease in the top of body. The leg shape is super casual with just a slight puddle at the hem. The style pairs perfectly with a tiny top and chunky sneakers."
I lost count of how many times the reviews called these jeans "cute."
This high-waisted pair has a classic feel.
The black low-rise versions have a cool edge.
I'm super into the two-toned-denim trend.
One reviewer said they've "been wishing for jeans like these for years!"
"No matter what is currently trending, our beloved AE classic jegging will always be one of our most flattering, soft, and ridiculously comfortable fits—it's the perfect wardrobe staple. We offer many different stretch fabrics in the style to provide maximum comfort. Our Next Level stretch is designed to be worn all day; our Dream stretch (bi-stretch) provides effortless, nonrestrictive movement and the perfect lift; and the Luxe stretch is our softest stretch yet. We've perfected our fit (especially those back pockets) and give her different options, from curvy to reg and low-rises to high and super-high rises."
This classic high-waisted pair goes great with just about any top imaginable.
I love a light wash, especially in the warmer months.
This black pair has medium stretch with a low rise.
With a 4.5-star rating, these are a brand favorite.
I love a super-high rise to pair with cool cropped tops or sweaters.
"This is one of our favorite fashion styles right now. We took a throwback fit and made it modern in Next Level fabrics. We're giving her that Y2K vibe with our low-rise, and if she is looking for vintage washes and '70s details, we offer the ultimate Festival Flare in our widest leg in a range of washes with fun details."
One reviewer said they've "been wishing for jeans like these for years!"
I am obsessed with the contrasting denim.
There's nothing like a great pair of cropped jeans.
