Drawstring Jeans Are the Latest Anti-Denim Trend Taking Over Wardrobes — Our 17 Comfy Faves

As much as we love denim, the semi-restrictive style isn’t always the most comfortable option around. That’s why we’re thrilled that drawstring jeans are changing that by offering a comfortable way to wear the classic fabric. The smart design is becoming a trend, too — not that anyone has to know you’re wearing them!

As the name suggests, stylish drawstring jeans are denim pants with a drawstring in the waistband, allowing you to loosen and tighten them as you please. Many styles have an elastic waist, but that’s not always the case. To ensure you’re happy to wear them all day long, we chose drawstring jean options with stretch in one area or another. Find some of our favorites from Free People, Rag & Bone, Lands’ End and more, starting at $16.

17 Drawstring Jeans to Add Comfortable Denim to Your Closet

1. Our Favorite: With seven washes to choose from, including blue, black, white and mauve, these $38 drawstring jeans have something for everyone. They still offer functional pockets, and the relaxed fit is flattering across the board.

2. Wonderful Washes: Good luck choosing just one of these 18 washes. These baggy wide-leg jeans don’t have an elastic waist, but the drawstring still allows you to tighten them as you wish.

3. Splurge Worthy: If you want comfortable denim, turn to Rag & Bone. Truth be told, these pull-on drawstring jeans are part of the brand’s Miramar collection, which means they’re made with sweatpant-like material. Read: They’re actually lounge worthy.

4. Barrel Babe: Trying the barrel jean trend is less intimidating when you have an elastic waistband. This high-waisted, baggy option has a denim drawstring, so no one will notice you’re rocking such stretch.

5. Solid Straight-Leg: You can’t go wrong with the classic straight-leg cut, and this Lands’ End pair is doing its job well. This pick is available in light and dark washes; snag both so you have daytime and nighttime covered!

6. Real Relaxed: Grab your favorite fitted top, because it’ll pair well with this Free People option. It marries a mid-rise with a slouchy boyfriend fit for a serious cool-girl look.

7. Cropped Cuties: Capris are back! We suggest grabbing these drawstring denim capris to get in on both trends. The wide-leg silhouette can be paired with sneakers, heels, flats, loafers and beyond.

8. Prominent Pockets: Skip the purse and just use the large patch pockets on these loose drawstring jeans. Both light washes give an easy, just-at-the-beach look.

9. Mid-Rise Must-Have: If you appreciate a flowy silhouette, these dark-wash drawstring jeans will win you over. The mid-rise fit is comfortable, but the relaxed feel from the hip to the ankle completes them.

10. Happy High-Waist: There are so many ways to style a pair of high-waisted jeans, and these stretchy, relaxed ones have everything we need. You might want to wear these with a tucked-in shirt to show off the ruffles on the waistband.

11. Solid Stripes: We just found the jeans of the summer in this light striped option. You still get that denim look with a nautical vibe, thanks to the vertical stripes that also elongate the body.

12. Skinny Style: Your beloved skinny jeans style doesn’t have to go anywhere when you have these slim drawstring pants. You can even cuff the bottom to put a  spotlight on your shoes.

13. Wide Wonder: This 100% cotton option just looks like a classic pair of jeans you’d wear every single day, if you could. They have a wide-leg silhouette and slight crop, so there’s no wrong way to style them.

14. Dark Wash: Justice for dark-wash denim! Available in sizes XS to 3XL, these high-waisted drawstring jeans are just the right amount of relaxed.

15. Shiny Sequin: Who says denim has to be plain? These cropped drawstring jeans feature a healthy dose of sequins around the hem for a fun touch that’s ideal for day and night events.

16. Baggy Beauties: These now-$34 drawstring jeans are super high-rise and baggy, giving them super cool-girl status. Just choose among the four washes, and you’ve added the ultimate comfortable piece to your wardrobe.

17. Short and Sweet: With utility pockets on the front, these cropped drawstring jeans add a little more interest to your outfit. We love the light-wash option, but the dark-wash style is such a pretty blue color. We can’t resist!