I Swore Off Ripped Jeans. These 10 Relaxed Pairs Changed My Mind

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For the past year (maybe two?) I said goodbye to my ripped jeans. I mean…they’re technically still sitting in my closet but I haven’t broken them out in a bit. I was allll about the sleek look of non-ripped denim, but after Shana’s Nordstrom Anni try-on? The Levi’s totally changed my mind.

Now, I’m still not going for something totally destroyed. A slight rip or two, though…I’m on board. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m loving looser denim more and more – and with it, a more relaxed look overall. Ripped jeans make cute tops and sweaters feel less precious, and I’m always here for that, too.

The Relaxed, Lightly Ripped Jeans I’m Loving For This Fall

I’m going for more of a medium-light(ish) wash – something that feels worn-in and a little bit vintage. Although, my love for Abercrombie’s jeans runs strong, so I still want to try out this pair. But that’s as dark of a wash as I want to go for the relaxed look I’m reaching for this fall. Okay, on to the top ten ripped jeans I’m eyeing.

Collage of five relaxed ripped jeans for fall 2026

top left | bottom left | top right | middle | bottom right


1. Re/Done Loosie High Waist Wide Leg Jeans

Model wearing Re/Done Loosie high waist wide leg jeans in dark cool-tone wash with knee rips

Where To Buy: Nordstrom | Re/Done

GAHHH I LOVE THESE. They’re on the slightly darker side, but the cool-tone, worn wash is speaking to me (heavily). Picturing it with one of Re/Done’s cool vintage-inspired tees, too.


2. Levi’s Low Loose Jeans

Model wearing Levi's Low Loose jeans in medium wash with slouchy fit and light distressing

Where To Buy: Nordstrom | Levi’s | Free People | Macy’s

I don’t typically reach for lower-rise jeans, but I want to try these in a size up so they sit all slouchy on my hips. Perfect, perfect wash too.


3. Good American High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

Model wearing Good American high-rise wide-leg jeans in light wash with ripped knees

Where To Buy: Anthro | Good American

These have cool surfer-girl vibes in my mind, haha. But for fall – picture them with ballet flats and a slouchy cashmere sweater oooo.


4. Levi’s 501® ’90s Straight Leg Jeans

Model wearing Levi's 501 '90s straight leg jeans in faded medium wash with rips

Where To Buy: Nordstrom | Revolve | Zappos

I’ll never be over straight-leg jeans despite my love for the looser denim trends. Truthfully, they make my booty look the best, and I’m not gonna complain about that. AH-mazing wash (maaaybe my favorite wash of all?).

Side Note: love it styled with that fitted, casual pinstripe blazer.


5. Gap Factory Low Slung Destructed Relaxed Straight Jeans

Model wearing Gap Factory low slung destructed relaxed straight jeans in retro medium wash

Where To Buy: Gap Factory

Okaaaay, Gap Factory. These look way more expensive than they are (under $55!). That retro wash is great, and they come in short, regular and long inseams.


6. Reformation Cary Low Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans

Model wearing Reformation Cary low rise slouchy wide leg jeans in light wash with distressing

Where To Buy: Reformation

I know they look kinda like flares in the picture, but they’re wide-leg. Definitely on the lighter end of washes I’m going for, but still has that worn feel to it that I love.


7. Abercrombie Curve Love High Rise ’90s Relaxed Jean

Model wearing Abercrombie Curve Love high rise 90s relaxed jeans in medium-dark wash with knee rips

Where To Buy: Abercrombie

I could sing praises over Abercrombie jeans. They’re incredibly reliable for my short, curvy frame, and I’ve worn/washed mine a million times without any quality issues. Whenever there’s a sale happening, I run straight to the denim for budget-friendly pairs.


8. PAIGE Arellia Skimmer High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

Model wearing PAIGE Arellia Skimmer high-rise wide-leg jeans with raw hem and light distressing

Where To Buy: Anthro | Nordstrom | Paige

I feel like these would hug curves in the best way (look at Nordstrom’s pics to see what I mean). They’re higher-waist, slightly hug around the booty, but then have that relaxed fit the rest of the way down. Love the raw hem, too.


9. Favorite Daughter The Tommy Low Slung Straight

Model wearing Favorite Daughter The Tommy low slung straight jeans in medium wash with rips

Where To Buy: Favorite Daughter | Saks

Had to throw in another straight-leg option. Despite the rips, they still feel super sleek and dress-up-worthy.


10. AG Adria Ripped Low Rise Baggy Wide Leg Jeans

Model wearing AG Adria ripped low rise baggy wide leg jeans in light wash

Where To Buy: Nordstrom | AG

These are another version of the AG Adria jeans Shana tried on during the NSale that we loved, but with a lighter wash and one little rip.


What other denim trends are you guys reaching for this fall?

-Danielle

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