22 best high-waisted jeans for all body types and budgets, according to style experts
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Every closet needs a great pair of jeans. If you’re looking for a truly timeless style, a pair (or two) of high-waisted jeans will last you season after season.
“Unlike low-rise jeans that come and go with fleeting trends, high-waisted jeans have remained a tried-and-true staple,” says Sarah Tam, chief merchant officer at Rent the Runway. “This universally flattering silhouette complements all body types as it cinches at the smallest part of your waist, enhancing your curves, defining your waistline and creating an illusion of longer legs.”
And the appeal of high-waisted jeans isn’t only about looks. They’re comfortable too. “The higher rise provides coverage and support, allowing you to move around with ease and comfort all day long,” Tam says.
To ensure a great fit, content creator and Gals on the Go podcast host Danielle Carolan suggests opting for a pair that have a small percentage of elastane for stretch and comfort. Or if you’re shopping rigid (meaning, stretch-free) denim, a looser cut around the hips and thighs will help them stay comfortable.
And these days, you’ll find quality denim at all price points. Ahead, find our picks for the best high-waisted jeans to add to your wardrobe — from $50 finds to premium pairs.
Overall best high-waisted jeans
Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High-Rise Loose Jeans
“Anything from the Abercrombie Curve Love line has my stamp of approval,” Carolan says. “The High-Rise Loose Jeans are my personal favorite from the collection, and they fit true to size.” The relaxed fit extends from the waist, to the hips, all the way into the leg, for that extra level of comfort. Meanwhile, the lightweight denim is soft to the touch yet rigid.
GRLFRND Melanie High-Rise Boot Cut Jeans
Carolan also loves the Khaite Danielle jeans, but she wanted to find a more budget-friendly option. “GRLFRND’s Melanie High-Rise Boot Cut denim is a great dupe and gives the same effect,” she says. With a straight fit that finishes in a slight flare, these jeans pair well with a heeled boot.
Citizens of Humanity Horseshoe Jean
Carolan also can’t stop wearing these on-trend Horseshoe Jeans from Citizens of Humanity. “The shape is so unique, and they have a very complementary silhouette,” she says. Wear these with a simple cardigan or white tee so the attention stays on this head-turning design.
Pistola Colleen Jeans
“A classic high-waisted fit, this silhouette strikes a perfect balance between wide and skinny,” Tam says. “This versatile style effortlessly transcends seasons, featuring a slit at the bottom to showcase your impeccable shoe selection.”
Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans
Tam says Levi’s Ribcage jeans epitomize high-waisted style, with one of the highest rises that still delivers comfort: “This pair provides a silhouette that effortlessly elevates any everyday ensemble, whether you opt for a tucked-in top or an oversized sweater.”
& Other Stories Wide Paperbag Denim Trousers
Tam is a fan of a paper bag waist. She recommends the discontinued Wide Leg Jeans by Scotch & Soda, but for a similar look, these blue jeans from & Other Stories feature a tapered leg and a curved waistline.
Best high-waisted jeans under $100
Gap High-Rise ’70s Flare Jeans
After what has felt like a lifetime of skinny jean dominance, flares are back. This figure-enhancing style from Gap has a high waist and is fitted in the hip and thigh. The subtle flare at the ankle is flattering with your favorite pair of heels.
Calvin Klein ’90s Loose Fit Jeans
The classic straight-leg silhouette on these jeans will look good with every top in your wardrobe. The relaxed fit and high waist transitions easily from errands during the day to drinks with friends in the evening.
From $71 at Calvin Klein
From $55 at Amazon
Uniqlo Wide Straight Jeans
Uniqlo’s straight-leg jeans have a casual, baggy fit for everyday wear and feature a wide opening at the leg. Throw on a pair of sneakers and your most comfortable T-shirt and hit the streets while still looking stylish — even if you’re in a rush.
Levi’s Wedgie High-Waist Straight-Leg Jeans
These hip-hugging Levi’s are cropped just above the ankle so you can show off your sneakers, and they have a little bit of stretch to make them easier to pull on. Since this pair looks especially stylish with tank tops, you’ll want to have them on hand for summer.
Abercrombie & Fitch High-Rise Super-Skinny Ankle Jeans
These skinny ankle jeans should be a staple in every wardrobe. Pair them with a crisp white shirt and sneakers or flats for casual weekend outings. The style comes in short, long and extra-long lengths so you can find the right fit no matter how tall you are.
Wrangler Cowboy-Cut Slim Fit Jeans
Wrangler’s take on high-waisted straight-leg jeans is a little different. While the jeans’ thigh is slim and fitted, the opening at the leg is wide enough to fit over a pair of boots — cowboy boots specifically, but any style of your favorite boots will work. And while Wrangler’s heavy-duty denim is made to withstand horseback riding and farm work, rest assured that these jeans will fit right in at work or Sunday brunch.
From $42 at Amazon
$50 at Wrangler
Lee Legendary Mom Jeans
These Lee high-waisted straight-leg jeans are a versatile style — plus they are loose in the hip and thigh. They can be worn with heels to dress them up on date night, but if you’re looking for an everyday jean to wear while running errands or lunch dates, add this pair to your closet.
From $21 at Amazon
$43 at Lee Jeans
Best high-waisted jeans under $250
Everlane The Way-High Jean
Everlane’s highest high-waist jeans sit right above the belly button, spotlighting the natural curve of your waist. A touch of added stretch makes them comfortable to move and sit in. These jeans have a polished quality that looks sharp paired with a blazer or trench coat.
Ksubi Playback Heritage Jeans
A pair of relaxed denim that still gives the tush a lift, these jeans hug in exactly the right place but have a roomy fit throughout the leg. They’re 100% cotton rigid denim and come in a timeless stone-washed blue.
Spanx Seamed-Front Wide-Leg Jeans
Spanx’s high-waisted jeans are built for comfort and tummy control. With no zipper or button, they are stretchy enough to simply pull on. The relaxed wide leg gives you room to move while the flare adds a touch of style.
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jeans
Madewell’s cropped jeans have a defined structure that keeps their shape, and a stylish wide leg that hits just above the ankle. With a touch of stretch in the denim, they don’t feel stiff.
J.Crew Cargo Jeans
For a style that stands out in a crowd, try these. With an extra-wide leg and cargo pockets on each leg, they were inspired by J.Crew styles from the ’90s. While they don’t have any stretch, the relaxed leg sways with you as you walk and would look especially fashionable with a heel.
Agolde Riley High-Rise Straight Crop Jeans
The simple, everyday style of these Agolde cropped jeans makes them the perfect blank canvas for all your favorite outfits. These jeans come in two versions — stretch and non-stretch — and feature a distressed hem.
Joe’s The Margot Jeans
These jeans are elegant in their simplicity. For the ultimate effortless outfit, pair them with a structured, solid-color T-shirt. Thanks to the classic style, however, you can easily enhance them with a flashy heel or an embellished blouse.
J.Crew Classic Straight Jeans
You’ll probably find yourself reaching for these classic J.Crew jeans again and again. The timeless straight-leg silhouette hits right at the ankle and accentuates the length of your legs.
Paige Anessa High-Waist Wide-Leg Jeans
Featuring a faded, vintage-looking wash and a raw hem, these Paige jeans might look rigid, but according to the brand, they are comfortably soft and stretchy. The cropped wide leg has a slight flare that hits above the ankle.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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