The ideal pair of jeans is one of the most crucial components of a well-rounded wardrobe. There are several factors to think about before you begin your search, such as the size, cut, and wash. High-waist jeans are a timeless classic that transcends eras, cuts, and fashion trends.
The waistband rests low on the body, elongating the legs and drawing attention to your derriere while yet providing plenty of room for comfort after a hearty meal. High-rise jeans also have a way of making up for a lengthy torso by emphasizing your waist. Whether you’re looking for high-waisted skinny jeans or high-waisted wide-leg culotte bottoms, this cut has become a standard in the denim industry.
We did the legwork of finding the most sought-after labels in vogue right now so you don’t have to. Discover nine of our favorite pairings that you can’t live without this autumn and beyond. Choose from EB Denim, AGOLDE, and Madewell, and you’re sure to discover a denim brand you love.
1. AGOLDE Nico High Rise Slim
AGOLDE’s Nico High-Rise Jeans are a classic, and this updated pair has worn knees and frayed cuffs for a style that’s perfect for off-duty days.
These are comfortable and stylish, with a thin fit through the thighs and a classic straight-leg form that was inspired by historic styles from the 1950s and 1960s. They have a very high rise. It’s easy to dress them up or down with ankle boots or strappy sandals.
2. Nudie Jeans Clean Eileen Washed Out Black
Let’s be real: jeans are hard. They’re so ubiquitous, but they can also be so boring. So much of the time, you’re stuck choosing between a pair that’s too big or too small—or worse, one that just doesn’t fit right at all.
But we’ve got good news for you: Nudie Jeans just released an amazing new pair of jeans that will solve all your problems! This pair boast a high waist and wide-leg cut, and they come in a beautiful dull black wash with textured twill throughout to give them the perfect amount of comfort without sacrificing style.
If there’s one thing we know about denim, it’s that not every brand fits everyone equally well—but these definitely do!
3. Paige High Rise Laurel Canyon
Paige’s Laurel Canyon high-rise flare jeans are a great option for petite women who want to wear their jeans with flats. The 32″ inseam makes them the perfect choice for any woman who loves this style but doesn’t have the long legs that go with it.
This pair is cut from vintage denim in a medium blue wash and it has a raw hem that gives it an authentically vintage look. But don’t let its appearance fool you; it’s actually made from soft cotton with plenty of stretch and recovery, so you can wear them all day.
This is a pair you can dress up or down—it’ll work for anything from casual Fridays at work to date night with your best friend.
4. American Eagle Dreamy Drape Ripped Super High-Waisted Baggy Wide-Leg Jean
These jeans are a dream!
They’re soft and lightweight, with a light wash that gives them a vintage feel. They’re high waisted, so they’ll look great with any of your favorite tops. And did we mention how drapey these pants are? They have no stretch, so they hug every curve just right.
If you’re looking for a pair of jeans that will make you feel like you’ve got it all together—while also making it clear to everyone around you that you do—you need these babies in your life.
“I have received so many compliments on these and everyone wants to know where I got them. They are soft and comfortable,” shared one reviewer.
5. Prada Organic Denim Five-Pocket Trousers
It’s no secret that Prada makes some of the best denim out there, and these jeans are no exception. The washed denim is comfortable right out of the box, and the medium-rise waist allows you to wear them with anything from a t-shirt to an oxford.
The five-pocket style is classic, but the contrasting stitching and button fly adds a bit of flair that will make you stand out in a crowd—and look good doing it. Elsewhere, the rounded front pockets are perfect for keeping your keys or phone in place, while the back patch pocket provides enough room for all your cards or cash.
These jeans are perfect for any gal who wants to look good without trying too hard—and who doesn’t? So get yourself a pair today!
6. GRLFRND Karolina High Rise Straight Crop
GRLFRND’s Karolina Straight Crops have a very high rise and a stretchy fabric for maximum mobility and comfort. The highest rise of the brand’s signature jeans, they are comfortable worn either tucked or untucked to show off your waistline.
This design is cut to show off a bit of ankle and has polished embellishments and a vintage vibe from top to bottom. They have a moderate fade and a somewhat worn-in hem in addition to distressing at the knees and upper thigh.
7. Levi’s 70’s High Flare Women’s Jeans
You can’t always wear skinny jeans—sometimes you need a little bit more room in the hips and thighs. Enter Levi’s 70’s High Flare Jeans.
This pair is made with sustainably sourced organically grown cotton and it also features a waist-nipping high rise that’ll slim through the hip and thigh, so you can look great whether you’re at work or out on the town this weekend.
Plus, they come in an array of colors so you can find one that matches your style!
8. Spanx Flare Jeans
We’ve all been there—you’re out on the town, dressed to kill, and feeling confident AF. Then there’s the struggle of getting into your jeans, but luckily Spanx has a solution.
With high-rise coverage and hidden core shaping technology, these jeans are designed to put a new twist on a retro silhouette while still being comfortable and flattering. There’s no button or zipper—just pull them on, and they’re ready to go!
9. Everlane The Way-High Jeans
The Way-High Jean is Everlane’s highest rise to date, emphasizing your natural waist while providing you with long, slender legs. Sitting down isn’t a problem since it’s constructed of stretchy organic cotton fabric.
Denim made at the brand’s LEED-certified manufacturing employs renewable energy and air drying to minimize CO2 emissions by 80%. It’s fashionable and environmentally friendly.
10. PacSun Eco Medium Blue High Waisted Bootcut Jeans
The new PacSun jeans are here, and they’re taking you back to the ’90s.
These high-rise jeans are slim through the hip and thigh for an extra flattering fit and come in a classic medium blue wash that will have everyone asking where you got them. They get updated with a bootcut leg and a subtle flare so your nineties style is on-point—and since they’re made from eco-friendly materials, you can feel good about what you’re wearing too!
According to one reviewer, “I love these jeans so much! They fit perfectly in the waist, but also in the thigh area. By far one of my favorite pairs of jeans ever!”
11. Hudson Jeans High Waist Bootcut
A thin, contoured shape, the Barbara High-Rise Bootcut Jean from Hudson Jeans has a raised waist and a slightly flared leg.
Streamlined and attractive This is the pair you’ve been missing, made from Italian stretch denim that’s silky, sculptural, and holds its form. It’s part of the brand’s increasing line of environmentally friendly fits produced of GOTS-certified organic cotton, GRS-certified recycled elastane, and SCS-certified recycled polyester.
12. AGOLDE Criss Cross Straight
High-rise jeans with a straight shape, an offset rear waistband, and a crisscross button front are a modern spin on cult classic jeans from AGOLDE.
A faint indigo wash is applied to the denim, which is constructed of 100% organic cotton denim. To amp up the cool factor, wear them with a cropped tank or one of the brand’s denim jackets.
13. Zara High-Rise Flared Slim-Fit Z1975 Jeans
These High-Rise Flared Slim-Fit Z1975 jeans from Zara are a must-have if you’re a fan of the brand’s signature flared leg style.
They have a non-stretch denim material and a very high waist, two features that the fashion set adores. Jeans with a slimming medium blue wash with a traditional high rise, stretch fabric, and flared hems with slits.
14. EB Denim Vintage Chain Boyfriend
These jeans are a great option for a change of pace from your current denim rotation. Pair them with a crop top and some new sneakers for a laid-back look we can get behind thanks to the mom-style fit and vintage wash denim with a chain belt design. The high-waist jeans feature a stacked inseam and a loose, comfortable fit across the thighs and knees, making them a favorite among stylish women everywhere.
15. Good American Good Legs Skinny Jeans
In a classic light blue color, these are Good American’s most popular high-rise, narrow-fit stretch jeans. The high waist and gap-proof contoured waistband of the Good Legs ensure that every curve is accentuated.
Stretch jeans from this brand have recovery fabric as standard. Recovery allows your jeans to maintain their original form wash after wash, allowing you to get more use out of them between washings.
16. AFRM Skylar Jean
The Sylar narrow flare leg comes in a raven wash, ultra-stretch denim. Featuring a high height and a sultry flair, this pair will quickly become one of your favorite pieces in your wardrobe.
What to Look for in High-Waisted Jeans
Waist Fit and Length
Finding the perfect pair of high-waisted jeans means knowing exactly where you want the waistband to sit. High-waisted jeans typically sit above the belly button, but the exact placement can vary depending on your torso length and personal preference. Ensure the waist fits snugly without causing discomfort, as a too-tight waistband can dig into your skin, while a too-loose one can lead to constant adjustments.
Leg Style and Silhouette
High-waisted jeans come in various cuts – from the body-hugging skinny to the vintage-inspired flared cut. Depending on your body shape and style preference, you might opt for different leg silhouettes. For instance, a pair of high-waisted, wide-leg jeans can balance out wider shoulders and create an hourglass effect, while skinny jeans highlight the length of your legs, creating a sleek silhouette.
Material Composition
The material composition of your high-waisted jeans will directly influence their comfort, fit, and longevity. A blend of cotton and elastane offers durability and flexibility, perfect for jeans that need to mold to your body. Look out for jeans with about 2% to 4% elastane for optimal stretch, or jeans with a hint of polyester for increased durability.
Attention to Detail
The details of high-waisted jeans can make a significant difference to their overall appeal. Pay attention to elements such as the button placement and style, the width and design of the belt loops, the shape and size of the pockets, and the color and type of the stitching. These elements contribute to the aesthetics and functionality of the jeans and can dramatically impact your satisfaction with your choice.
