I’ve Tried Countless Pairs of High-Waist Jeans—These Are the Very Best (2024)

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The standout attribute of these Abercrombie mom jeans (and a lot of the retailer’s denim offerings) is that they're available in an expansive size range. In addition to the five different inseams, ranging from extra short to extra long, many of the designs are also offered in their Curve Love collection, cut specifically for curvy bodies to eliminate any waist gaping. “I love that Abercrombie’s jeans are so versatile,” says Jenn Barthole, a freelance fashion editor and writer who appreciates the inclusive options. “This pair features an additional two inches through the hip for us curvier gals.”

• Size range: 23–37 waist size; five length options
• Rise: High rise
• Style: Mom jeans with stretch
• Wash: Available in five washes

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No matter what the conversation is, skinny jeans still have a spot in our closets. We’re currently into Banana Republic’s version, which is skinny from the hip through the leg before stopping at the ankle. Plus, they’re made from a supportive material that retains its stretch and won’t bag out in the knees.

• Size range: 24–35 waist; also available in petite
• Rise: 11"
• Style: Skinny fit, ankle-length
• Wash: Medium blue

Shop the best high-waisted jeans with these Banana Republic promo codes.

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Levi’s Ribcage styles are focused on the ultra-high rises measuring up to 12 inches. As someone petite who gravitates toward high-waist bottoms (the higher, the better!), I love the brand’s options. Freelance fashion editor and writer Kristina Rutkowski agrees: “You can always count on Levi's for a good pair of high-waist denim.” While the Ribcage fit comes in a straight ankle cut, she cites the wide-leg shape as a versatile one that can be styled for work meetings, dinner out, or a casual weekend no matter the season.

• Size range: 25–32 waist
• Rise: 12" rise
• Style: Full-length wide legs
• Wash: Light denim, mid denim rinse with released hem, black

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You can’t deny the chic appeal of floor-grazing wide-leg jeans. When it starts with a high rise, the voluminous silhouette gives the effect of mile-long legs. This Gap pair is fitted from the waist through the hips, before releasing into full-length relaxed wide legs. “I swear Gap is having a comeback,” says Annabel Darling, a fashion marketing manager and content creator. “I just got these high-rise jeans—they fit true to size, the material feels luxe, and they're super flattering.” For fall, she’s styling them with a silk button-down and heels or, for a more casual look, with a cropped cardigan and sneakers.

• Size range: 24–35 waist; available in short, regular, and long inseams, as well as tall and petite
• Rise: 11"
• Style: Full-length wide leg
• Wash: Black, dark blue

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The Perfect Vintage styles from Madewell also feature regularly in my mix. Although the colors and rinse treatments conceal it well, there’s a hint of stretch for comfort in the midsection and hip regions. They don’t get baggy either; I wear them around five to six times before washing them. This pair is finished with fading and a raw hem.

• Size range: 23–34 waist; also available in petite, plus, and tall
• Rise: 10¾" rise
• Style: Straight with slightly tapered legs
• Wash: Available in four washes

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The name says it all: With an extra-high rise and a design that optically perks up the backside, this pair (also available in a curvy fit) is about the butt. Combined with rigid 100% cotton Japanese denim and a straight leg, it has the appeal of a worn-in vintage find. It’s also available in three different lengths for petite frames or those who want them cropped.

“I’m 5'1", so finding denim that fits me and is also stylish can be quite challenging,” says Delia Carnero Marciani, a jewelry PR director in New York City. “Since discovering this Everlane style, I have purchased multiple washes that I keep in rotation. I have them in the ankle cut, which is the perfect length for my height, and I’m able to dress up with heels, strappy shoes, or boots, and even with sneakers and loafers.”

• Size range: 23–33 waist size; three inseam options
• Rise: 11" rise
• Style: Straight leg
• Wash: Available in four washes

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Los Angeles–based brand Agolde was cited twice during our informal poll and has been a favorite of denim aficionados for a few years now. “These will always be a staple for me,” says Darling. “I constantly reach for all my Agolde jeans, but these specifically have such a forgiving fit and go with everything.” The aptly named “pinched waist” boasts a super-high rise that tucks you in, while the straight legs instantly make every outfit look a little bit cooler. There’s no stretch in these, which gives them a soft lived-in effect the more you wear them.

• Size range: 23–34 waist
• Rise: 12¾"
• Style: Relaxed fit, straight legs, ankle-length
• Wash: Available in nine washes and colors

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Vintage denim is always a covetable thing, and if thrifting seems too overwhelming, check out Re/Done. The brand was founded to upcycle and rework iconic vintage styles and has since grown to include its own throwback-with-a-twist designs, such as this pair of high-rise loose jeans that draws inspiration from the slouchy ones of the ’90s (available in rigid and stretch). “I love these jeans for many reasons, but the fit makes them my favorite pair to throw on and go,” says Mary Glenn McElveen, a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant who wears the perfectly faded Worn Blue color. Designed to hit at the bottom of shoes, “the loose straight-leg fit makes them comfortable and wearable,” she says. “The high rise elongates the legs, and the wash can be dressed up or down.”

• Size range: 23–32
• Rise: 11"
• Style: High waist with relaxed straight legs and full length
• Wash: Light faded worn blue or medium blue

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The premise of Good American denim is offering an assortment that is intended to fit and enhance all body shapes and sizes. I have seen this up close when colleagues tested various cuts (I also own two pairs), and many people comment on two things: how flattering they are and the comfort. This supersoft and stretchy straight-leg style from the Good Curve collection is designed to hug and contour curves, while the signature high-rise waistband is also gap-proof for a smooth fit. In a sleek dark denim, this pair is polished enough to take you from desk to drinks.

• Size range: 00–16 numerical sizing; also available in plus
• Rise: 11.5"
• Style: Straight and lean leg with a slight kick
• Wash: Dark

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If you like the vintage ’90s look but want something not as loose, try these stovepipes. With a slim straight leg and high waist-defining fit, it’s a classic style with endless versatility. “From the moment I found Agolde, it was love,” says Elena Odulak, a fashion content lead at Larroudé shoes. “My go-to this season is its high-rise straight-leg jean in a medium wash. It is the perfect true denim color that goes with everything. I love pairing mine with a denim button-down for a full denim-on-denim look.”

• Size range: 23–32 waist size
• Rise: 11.5"
• Style: Straight stovepipe fit
• Wash: Mid blue and faded blue

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For a flared option, look to Frame, a premium denim brand known for its leggy silhouettes favored by taller women. “For a little splurge and whenever I want to treat myself, my go-to is Frame jeans,” says fashion stylist assistant Ashley Afriyie, who is 5'10". “The quality is great, and they hold up time after time—a true classic. I love the flare style because it is a discreet take on the ’70s bell-bottom vibes.” Contrast seaming and a double two-button waistband lend this crisp yet stretchy pair added interest. Stylist Casey Trudeau is also a fan of this Le High silhouette: “The wide-leg retro silhouette looks amazing and feels so comfortable. The high rise keeps everything in place, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.”

• Size range: 23–34 waist
• Rise: 10½"
• Style: High waist, full-length flare
• Wash: Dark

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Refresh your denim repertoire with a cute cargo style. Side flap pockets adorn the wide-leg shape for an easy take on the utility trend. Plus, this Old Navy pair boasts an extra one-inch to its usual high-rise, for one that covers the belly button and lengthens your frame.

• Size range: 00–30 numerical sizing; also available in tall and petite
• Rise: 10½" that sits above the belly button
• Style: Wide leg, full-length cargo
• Wash: Faded light blue

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When you don’t know what to wear, reach for a goes-with-everything straight-leg jeans in a dark wash. Fashion editor and stylist Gabrielle Porcaro agrees and recommends this Mavi pair: “The stretchiness of the denim makes this high-waist pair comfortable (meaning less digging), even on long days when I go from the office to dinner with friends,” she says, while noting that they are constructed partially with recycled materials.

• Size range: 24–34 waist size; available in three inseams
• Rise: 10"
• Style: Straight leg
• Wash: Faded deep blue, medium blue

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For the upcoming months, we’re eyeing this seasonal update on a classic J.Crew silhouette. Rendered in a sophisticated dark wash with brushed interior for warmth, this ankle-length style will be the ones we rely on when the temps drop. The cut is slim through the hips and thighs with wide legs that aren’t overwhelmingly so, making them great for everyday wear.

• Size range: 23–37 waist; also available in petite and tall
• Rise: 10½"
• Style: Slim wide leg
• Wash: Dark rinse, medium blue

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Welcome to the dark side. Black jeans are a foolproof and adaptable style, since they act as both jeans and an alternative to the classic black pants on more casual office days (and an upgrade to black leggings). Rutwoski agrees and recommends this eco-minded pair from & Other Stories. “I like these because they are sustainably made, crafted from organic and recycled cotton,” she shares of this minimalist straight-leg style with stretch. “Designwise they don't disappoint, either. The slim leg feels modern while the high-waist cut elongates the legs. I pair these with everything from a cardigan with ballet flats for a Parisian vibe to a turtleneck and Chelsea boots for a New York feel.”

• Size range: 24–32 waist
• Rise: High rise
• Style: Straight slim leg
• Wash: Black, plus six other denim washes