We're just a little bit obsessed with British brands here at ELLE UK. And at the very top of our list for elevated staples is Aligne.
Despite launching in 2020 in the middle of lockdown, this label has survived and thrived. And we reckon its because Aligne is filling the chasm that's deepened since fast fashion grew and designer labels became so unattainable. Whatever the everyday woman needs, from tailoring and workwear to comfy dresses and cool jackets that last in your wardrobe, Aligne has got it. Better still, it won't cost a month's rent.
The label is known for its impeccable pattern cutting. Lest we remind you of the Leo waistcoat – longline, with a flattering nipped-in waist – that sold out time and time again. So when we heard a denim line was coming back in May, we were thrilled.
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From the jump, the jeans collection has been fairly priced at £99 per pair. The offering isn't overwhelmingly vast, but it's not so edited that the cuts only suit one style of body. Sizes range from a 24-40 inch waist, which translate to UK sizes 4-22.
We did hold off shouting about this gem of a collection because we wanted to really give these jeans a wash/wear/tear before recommending them to our readers. And now, as you might have guessed, here we are doing just that.
Keep scrolling to see our pick of four incredible pairs of Aligne jeans, starting from just £50, road-tested by ELLE UK editors of different ages, heights and sizes. (Spoiler alert: we all found a pair that fitted perfectly). The new collection of denim launches on 5 August and we anticipate adding a few new pairs to basket then too...
'When Aligne's new denim collection dropped, I was drawn to the Markus like a moth to a flame. Because when the leading horseshoe jeans retail at around £300, it's quite rare to see something of the same quality for anything less.
'By quality I mean that Aligne has truly nailed that directional barrel leg shape. These jeans look designer. They are cut to perfection: curving out from the high waist to create impressive volume and cinching at the ankle to create that sculptural, swooping leg. The two flat seams at each knee reinforce that shape.
'I prefer the dark wash as the denim is heavier for added structure. I also think this indigo hue is easier to dress up for work (think white shirting and a ballet flat) or dinners out with friends (a bandeau top and a cool mule).'
– Abigail Southan, Senior Ecommerce Editor (Fashion & Beauty)
'Buying jeans when you're plus size is a complete minefield. When jeans do and then don’t fit into the same size from the same brand on the same day, it can feel hopeless and a fool’s errand.
'I love Aligne and when browsing sale bits recently, I was surprised at how reasonable the jeans were. Another editor had told me that they were great quality, so I thought I’d give some a try in various sizes. It also helps to know, especially when buying something as hit or miss as denim, how easy Aligne makes returns – honestly, it’s incredible.
'I’ve become used to ordering up to two sizes bigger to guarantee a fit, but with Aligne the jeans were actually true to size. The complete joy of sending some back that were too big when usually I’m sized out of brands, is unrivalled.
'This wide-leg pair (now £50!) was my first foray into Aligne jeans and I absolutely love them. The colour is perfect, that really strong indigo, and the weight of the denim is ideal – it’s heavy enough to fall nicely around the ankles but also light enough that you don’t feel smothered. I love the pleat detailing at the front, it just really elevates the whole look.'
– Rhiannon Evans, Acting Site Director
'At 5'4" I love a leg-lengthening jean, and these flattering flares deliver just that. In soft organic cotton, they have a comfortable amount of stretch while also maintaining a sharp silhouette suitable for smart occasions (or wearing all day at my desk).
'They sit on the waistline and are available in Jet Black (my preference) or a summer-friendly Ocean Blue. With its edited, capsule collection, Aligne makes some of the highest quality jeans I’ve tried on the high street.
'I’ve found this style to have an ideal heel-skimming length when standard length jeans normally come up short on me. They work really well worn with ankle boots or slingbacks for an added (and hidden) boost of height.'
– Esther Coombes, Senior Ecommerce Editor (Luxury)
'Dresses I can do. Skirts I have sussed but finding great denim that works for me and my hourglass, thick-thighed figure has been a life-long journey. Sure, there have been pairs that have served me well but another style in exactly the same size from exactly the same brand just doesn’t work. It’s frustrating and deflating and why I have often gone years without wearing jeans. It’s not that I’ve not wanted to, more than I can’t face trying on countless pairs that just don’t fit right. I’m sure many of you relate.
'This is why I’ve come to love Aligne denim jeans so much. Right now, there are four pairs in my wardrobe (I can’t believe I have four pairs of jeans that fit me and are all from the same brand!) with the latest being the Low Rise Loose Wide-Leg Jeans in a dark grey wash the brand calls Thunder Sky. They're great. For now, with Alaïa thong sandals and a beloved 16Arlington sequin tank top and come autumn with layers of cashmere and sharp-toed boots. Aligne denim is as much for denim lovers as it is denim deniers. Try a pair for yourself and you'll soon see, feel and therefore understand what all the fuss is about.'
– Naomi Pike, Commissioning Editor
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Abigail Southan is our Senior Fashion Ecommerce Editor and has five years' experience as a writer and editor in the industry. Abigail has a BA in History from the University of Bristol and an MA in Fashion Journalism from Central Saint Martins. Abigail currently covers all things style and shopping across titles including Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, Esquire and Red. On a daily basis, she helps readers buy better with how-to-wear guides, first-person product reviews and deep dives into the latest trends. Previously, Abigail has worked for The Sunday Times’ Style and Fabulous magazine as their first ecommerce writer and was a founding editor of Sun Selects. She has also written for Net-a-Porter, I-D, Man About Town, Wonderland and 1 Granary, and has interviewed the likes of Paris Hilton, Dua Lipa and Christopher Bailey. You can follow Abigail on Instagram at @abigailsouthan.
