There was a time when I thought I would NEVER wear high-waisted jeans. In high school, wearing low-rise jeans with a 1-inch crotch was my naïve way of attempting to look cool; the thought of buttoning pants at your belly button seemed decidedly opposite. Well, folks, the times and trends have obviously changed, and now, high-waisted jeans are Where It’s At.
I came around to wearing them when I went out on a limb and bought a wide-leg pair two years ago. As soon as I put them on, I realized how insanely comfortable a higher waistline could be. Anyway my newfound passion has led to this: Rounding up all the best ones on the internet in all different styles. Happy shopping!
Best Super-Skinny
With 25 reviews and a 4.6-star rating out of 5, this Free People pair is also a steal at way under $ 100?! It’s available in three different washes including light, dark, and black, and also ranges from sizes 24-35.
Notable 5-star review:
These are my first pair of CRVY jeans and dang they’re good. They have just enough stretch to maintain a good denim look (I don’t love jeans that look like leggings) and are tapered well above the ankle with no gap. I ordered a 30, which fits very comfortably throughout. I could probably have sized down to a 29 to get that skin tight look but these will work wonderfully for now.
Best Skinny
This Good American pair has great reviews and is also $ 60 less than the brand’s other best-selling “Good Legs” style. Why you ask? It’s in a different fabric and undergoes a simpler wash process, but has the same exact fit and feel as the $ 159 option. The brand also has a range of sizes, from a 00-24.
Notable 5-star review:
Love my jeans! The quality and construction is superb. They fit like a second skin—totally soft and comfortable. I own two pairs of Good American jeans and highly recommend them.
Best Vintage Look
Wrangler’s jeans just have that old-school look to them (in a good way) and these retro-inspired straight-leg ones have a 4.6 rating out of 5, and are one of the brand’s best-selling pairs. They have a subtle amount of stretch and are available in three washes, a light vintage blue, black, and a VERY light blue.
Notable 5-star review:
So so cute! I sized up from 29 to 30 because I knew they wouldn’t have much stretch and Wranglers run a tiny bit small. Very happy I did, they’re perfect. Fit like a glove and the high waist is super flattering on these crops. Just came back for a second pair.
Best Corduroy Flares
This Rolla’s pair comes in seven other colors like blue, rust, pink, and navy and has a flare that looks killer with boots. Reviewers say it can run slightly small, but it does have some stretch and a whopping 11-inch rise, if you like your waist REALLY high.
Notable 5-star review:
Love love love these pants. Super groovy, and your butt will look amazing. 😉 They run small so definitely size up. I normally am a 26 and I got a 27 and they fit great. Worth every cent!
Best Price
A top-rated pair of high-waisted jeans for just $ 69? Count me IN. This BDG style is one of Urban Outfitters best-selling pairs, and even scored its own “Cosmo Loves” testimonial. It has over 300 reviews, a 4.4-star rating out of 5, and is available in sizes 24-34.
Notable 5-star review:
These jeans fit me so well!! As someone who has trouble finding jeans that don’t leave a gap in the waist, these jeans fit perfectly. They’re made of a durable jean material and stretch with you as you move throughout the day.
Best Raw-Hemmed
The Hepburn jeans from DL1961 are one of the brand’s best-selling high-waisted pairs, and they’re perfect if you’re into cropped styles. They’re available in sizes 23-34, and if you’re not digging the edgy hem, it comes in tons of other varieties and washes so you can find one that speaks to you.
Notable 5-star review:
I am actually obsessed with these Hepburn jeans! They are super high rise, and 100% cotton, so they are really flattering. I love a good alternative to a skinny jean, and these are just right! Look great with any kind of shoe, and will transition into spring perfectly!
Best Straight-Leg
Levi’s “Ribcage” jeans are its highest rise yet at 12! inches! long! If you love a straight leg that fits snug at your waist, you’ll wear these babies every day. I have a pair of these and am so obsessed with the cut, I bought them in another wash—although note that they can run a size small.
Notable 5-star review:
These jeans are exactly what I was hoping for. They’re super flattering to my legs (and butt), the perfect length for wearing stacked or cuffed, a great, hefty but flexible weight, and the wash is perfectly indigo. Couldn’t ask for a better, more classic women’s jean.
Best Stretch
Stretchy jeans are so comfy, but these ones retain their hold and won’t bag out. You’ll feel like it’s hugging every curve without being constricted. This straight pair comes in regular, petite, and plus sizes and in both light and dark washes.
Notable 5-star review:
My NYDJ jeans arrived a week ago and I’ve already worn them twice. They fit like a glove and stretch in all the right places. I love the color, too! I see another pair in my future!!!
Best Glossy Finish
Cigarette jeans are much more eye-catching with a glossy, leather-like finish on them. These gorgeous tan ones have a perfect 5-star rating from customers who say they’re so flattering when you pull them on. They can run a bit small so keep that in mind when picking your size.
Notable 5-star review:
These jeans have a great rise to them and perfect length. I’m 5”2 and 126. I usually wear J brand in a size 26. Bought a size 26 and I do find that they run a little bit smaller. But still look great, love these pair of jeans. ❤️❤️
Best Demi-Boot
Cropped styles are more popular nowadays than longer ones, and these guys hit just above the ankle so you can show off your footwear. The slight flare makes this silhouette so cute and this pair comes in extended sizing as well.
Notable 5-star review:
I tried these on jeans in store on a whim and now am obsessed. Can’t wait to go back and buy them. They are comfortable and the wide crop at the bottom is cute and fashion forward. I found these to be true to size.
Best Striped
If you’re bored of your plain blue denim, get yourself one with a fun pattern like this striped Boyish pair. They have a perfect 5-star rating and the brand is sustainable by using less water and recycling their extra fabric. (These also come in plain blue tones and white if you’re not into the stripes.)
Notable 5-star review:
These jeans are so comfy and make your butt look amazing. Love the color and minor distressed details. Also, they have a nice stretch to them, which I love. Worth every penny.
Best White
Spring and summer months are a great time to splurge on white jeans if you don’t already have ’em. This high-waisted pair has an almost perfect 5-star rating, and according to customers they aren’t see-through. Whew!
Notable 5-star review:
These jeans are so comfortable and so great looking. The fabric is light, but it is not see through. I am short and the cropped style is perfect and needs no hemming. They are a perfect lightweight jean for the summer looking great with sneakers , flats, or espadrilles.
Best Wide-Leg
You can totally dress this style up or down depending on your footwear and top, and the dark wash is so chic. At under $ 100 the price is pretty good too. The lightweight fabric is stretchy, lightweight, and feels oh-so smooth against your skin.
Notable 5-star review:
These jeans are flattering and fit my frame well. The quality is exceptional and so luxurious with the fabric and the color. I also love the chic, sleek, high-quality look these jeans give each and every outfit.
Best Boyfriend
Just because the rise is high doesn’t equal a rigid fit. Case in point? These high-waisted boyfriend jeans. This pair has a relaxed, slightly baggy fit, so order one size down if you want it more snug. You can also wear them cuffed and uncuffed so you have options to work with depending on what looks best with your ‘fit.
Notable 5-star review:
Comfy. Light stretch. Higher waist. I’ve said “Aaaaahhh” every time I slip these jeans on. They are that comfortable. Love the wash. Just a little oversized. I thought I would order one size down to compare, but it was already sold out. I’m keeping these and have been very happy wearing them. Love the softness of Paige jeans!
Best Light Wash
The wash on these gives them a vintage look (they’re available in an even lighter wash too), and the instep cropped hem shows off your killer footwear more easily. They do have subtle stretch, but they retain their shape. Yes, they’re pricey, but this style is definitely an “everyday” kind of jean you’ll wear constantly.
Notable 5-star review:
Honestly, these are the BEST jeans I’ve ever purchased! I loved them so much I bought them in 2 more shades. For reference, I am 5’4 and 118 lbs and the 25 fit perfectly. They are so stretchy and comfortable. The length hits me right at the ankle so I will probably end up cutting them just a bit. Highly recommend!!!
Best Bootcut
This Everlane style is offered in three washes, has a 4.54-star rating out of 5, and more than 250 reviews. You can also choose an ankle or regular length if you like your jeans longer, and the sizes range from 23-33. It’s also called the “cheeky” bootcut for a reason, because your butt is gonna look so nice in these.
Notable 5-star review:
These jeans are a great fit for everyday wear. They’re loose and comfortable without looking sloppy, and look great with a T-shirt, a sweater, or a more formal top for work. The shade is perfect, somewhere between a washed black and gray, making them versatile to pair with a range of shades. It’s my first pair of jeans from Everlane, but it certainly won’t be my last!
*Reviews edited and condensed for clarity.