Sales of jeans have helped to give retailers a boost recently.

It isn’t just any old jeans that we’re buying in our droves, though – think tummy-flattening, bum-lifting, super-smoothing styles, made with stretchy material and clever seaming to make the most of your assets.

There are dozens of ranges to choose from now – from cheap as chips to sky-high prices. Few of us want to spend a fortune on our jeans, but is it worth splashing out a little bit extra to get the best quality, or will a budget pair do the job just as well?

Ali Kirker put the best to the test…

M&S jeans

M&S Collection sculpt and lift high-waist skinny jeans, £35

The claim: ‘Sculpt and lift’ denim moves with you for the ultimate fit, with clever back seaming that lifts and shapes your bottom.

Comfort: They feel great – they’re really stretchy and move with you. You could almost wear them as PJ bottoms.

Look: Too skinny – my legs are like two over-stuffed sausages. And it’s 18 years since I gave birth, but my stomach sticks out from them so much I look like I’m about to go into labour. It’s a horrible sight and I can’t get them off fast enough, although that’s a struggle because they are so darned tight.

Verdict: **
Disappointing. We expect more from M&S.

H&M jeans

H&M shaping skinny regular jeans, £39.99

The claim: With technical stretch that holds and shapes the tummy, thighs and “seat”, while keeping the jeans in shape.

Comfort: They are
super-stretchy and cling like a second skin. They take a bit of getting used to.

Look: Wrong. Just so skinny. I don’t think I have chunky ankles, but they grip all the way down my legs like a vice. And I don’t see much shaping of my “seat”, as H&M claims. Plus my muffin top spills out, a constant reminder of those two creme brulee doughnuts I had in quick succession the other day. Don’t judge me. They’re great.

Verdict: *
Only for skinny-minnies. And why would they need shaping jeans anyway?

Primark jeans

Primark lift and shape jeans, £13

The claim: Lift your backside and create a smoother silhouette. It’s a bold claim
for jeans that are way under £20.

Comfort: Primark’s jeans aren’t as soft as nearly all of the other samples tried. They aren’t as easy to move in, either – they feel much stiffer. But at £13, we can’t expect them to be as soft as silk, can we?

Look: The waist gapes at the back – there’s no snug fit going here. But the legs are a good shape. Not too skinny and not too flared – you’d be in fashion without looking ridiculous.

Verdict: **
Would they last long? But at £13, would you really care if you only got six months out of them?

Debenhams jeans

Debenhams RJR Brooke high-waisted jeans, £40

The claim: Well, here’s a statement. The label actually claims these jeans will flatten my tummy. Will they? Have they ever seen my tummy? It’s a big ask and I’m doubtful.

Comfort: Surprisingly comfortable and easy to get on. They’re made of a super-stretchy material which feels luxurious.

Look: Amazingly, they actually do flatten my tummy. OK, it’s not actually flat. But they shave a bit off, giving me a smoother, slightly more streamlined look. I’m pretty stunned. Maybe I should have another creme brulee doughnut to celebrate.

Verdict: ***
At £40, they aren’t the cheapest choice out there. But if you wear jeans a lot, they’re worth it.

George by Asda jeans

George at Asda Wondersculpt high-waisted jeans, £25

The claim: They’re meant to “hold your body in place for the perfect silhouette”. Perfect, eh? We’ll see.

Comfort: Just getting them on feels like an achievement. By the time I get them to my knees, my face is purple. Once on, even walking feels like a challenge. That must be because they’re holding my body in place. But not in a good way.

Look: They told me I’d have a perfect silhouette. I’m expecting to look like a supermodel. Guess what? I don’t. Too skinny and, although the label says they’re high-waisted, my blubber spills over the top.

Verdict: **
At £25, these were a disappointment.

Next jeans

Next lift slim and shape slim jeans, £45

The claim: Contoured, high-rise waistband, clever seaming lifts your bottom and luxury denim with Lycra flatters and sculpts.

Comfort: They’re made with luxury cotton and they do feel really soft and smooth. That Lycra in there holds you in, too, but not so much you can’t move.

Look: No jeans are going to transform you completely. But these do a pretty good job of doing what they claim. They somehow manage to give me a more curvy effect from the back and side. Plus the higher waistband ensures there’s no muffin-top spillage and my tummy is that wee bit flatter and more smooth.

Verdict: ****
No wonder they sell so well.

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