Some of us cannot get on board with the revival of low-rise jeans and find the utmost comfort in the hug of a high-rise pair. Welcome to your digital safe space; a place where we don't judge you for sticking to your fashion guns. Like you, I'm very content with denim that sits comfortably at or above the belly button (not the hip bone!), which is why we created this list of the 21 best high-waisted jeans for women in 2024. We've done the digging for you, and narrowed down to the very best high-waisted jeans out there.
Featuring classic Levi's and size-inclusive denim from brands like Good American, plus on-trend silhouettes from Agolde and Abercrombie & Fitch and affordable jeans from Topshop, this list has a style for every body type and budget. Whether you're looking for a skinny jean that is curve-friendly, or you wanna shake things up with a super sparkly pair, we've included plenty of vintage-inspired options, timeless straight-leg jeans, baggy denim, budget-friendly bootcut options, and even... wait for it... cargo jeans. So, if you're looking to try a new style, or just wanna replace some old fave silhouettes, we've made a list of the best high-waisted jeans for you. Anyway, happy shopping!
Our top picks for the best high-waisted jeans for women of 2024:
Best Skinny
Pros
- Available in sizes 00-32 plus
- Reinforced belt loops
- It has a dark denim wash
Cons
- Some reviews say they run short
| Silhouette: | Skinny |
| Inseam: | 29" |
| Fabric: | 81.5% Cotton, 5% Re-Cycled Cotton, 4.5% Elasterel-P, 5% Re-Cycled Polyester, 4% Elastane |
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 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
Pros
- All-over monogram laser print.
- It has a vintage vibe in a straight silhouette
- It is available in two washes
Cons
- Not avail in extended sizing
| Silhouette: | Straight leg |
| Fabric: | 100% Cotton |
If you've ever been drawn to designer jeans with a cool logo all-over, prepare to be obsessed! This pair is a straight-leg silhouette that'll literally never go out of style—so consider 'em a worthwhile investment! Plus, Daily Paper jeans are 100% cotton!
Notable 5-star review:
Hi, hello! It's Belle and here's my review. I've been over the moon with the idea of a vintage-style all over monogram jean but they're practically impossible to come by! This 100% cotton version is sooo chic and feels just right for 2024!
Best Split Hem
Pros
- Available in 5 different lengths
- Inclusive sizing from 23-37
- 20 washes to choose from
Cons
- Reviewers recommend sizing up
| Silhouette: | High-waisted slim fit |
| Fabric: | 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane |
A pair of split jeans will instantly make your legs look a million miles long. Plus, a split hem will help highlight another crucial aspect of your 'fit—your shoes!
Notable 5-star review:
I love these jeans. I’m usually a size 4 or 27 in bottoms, but am a 26 is curve love. These jeans fit perfectly everywhere! The waist, the length, the thigh. Just great! And the color is too. Love!
Best Raw Hem
Pros
- Machine washable
- Reviewers say the fit is great
- Excellent quality and long-lasting
- '70s inspired look
Cons
- On the pricier side
- Reviewers recommend sizing down
| Silhouette: | Slim fit through flared legs. |
| Inseam: | 31" inseam |
| Fabric: | Cotton/polyester/spandex. |
The Weekender Frayed Flare jeans from Mother offers a fun chance to wear a vintage-inspired style with a cool raw hem detail. They're available in sizes 24-32, and if you're a fan of darker wash jeans, both options cater to that blue-black denim look you're after.
Notable 5-star review:
I bought a pair of Mother The Weekenders last winter and they became my favorite pair of jeans. I wanted another pair in a darker wash, and these are it. They are so comfortable and flattering. They do have stretch, so size down if in between. I am 5'8" (long torso), and they are just long enough with flats. I always wear 25 in Mother denim. These are true to size for me!
Best Cropped
Pros
- 5 pocket design
- Responsibly made
- Composed of stretch cotton
Cons
- Two reviewers mentioned that it has an awkward length
| Silhouette: | Slim throughout with a slight kick above the ankle. |
| Inseam: | Petite 23.75" (60 cm), Short 24.75" (63 cm), Regular 26.25" (67 cm), Long 28.25" (72 cm), Tall 30.25" (77 cm). |
| Fabric: | 86% Cotton, 13% Recycled Materials, 1% Stretch. |
Let's face it: Cropped jeans are essential for showing off your new sandals, but they can sometimes feel dated. Howeverrrr! Gap is breathing new life into the classic silhouette with these babies, thanks to the slight flare at the ankles and the faded, vintage-inspired wash and slight whiskering!
Notable 5-star review:
These jeans are amazing! I am short with a small waist and a big booty and thighs. These fit PERFECTLY, the high waist feels amazing, and no gap at the back! I am typically a 6 or an 8 in most pants and jeans, and a small in shirts and dresses. I got the 28 short!
Best Embellished
Pros
- Avail in plus
- Luxe all-over rhinestones
- A dressier denim option
Cons
- Some reviews say they run long
| Silhouette: | Wide leg |
| Inseam: | 33" inseam |
| Fabric: | 79% cotton, 20% recycled cotton, 1% elastane |
Who says denim has to be boring? Add a little razzle-dazzle to your wardrobe with these rhinestone-covered, wide-leg jeans.
Notable 5-star review:
These pants are just picture-perfect fun. The crystals are high quality and wearing these makes me smile. They fit perfectly just like all GOOD AMERICAN jeans do!! I get compliments everywhere- even in the street.
Best White Denim
Pros
- Available in 4 different lengths
- True to size
- No side seams
- Perfectly placed pockets
Cons
- Front button may be stiff
| Silhouette: | Wide leg |
| Inseam: | Standard- 26" inseam |
| Fabric: | 99% cotton, 1% elastane |
Oversized wide-leg jeans, made from high-quality, form-fitting material, in a crisp white wash? Yes, please!
Notable 5-star review:
This is my 12th pair of Colette cropped. I would never wear white but Anthro does such a great job!
Best Cargo
Pros
- Five-pocket style; cargo leg flap and zip pockets
- Button/zip fly; belt loops
- Cool girl aesthetic
Cons
- May be long on the petite
- Dry clean
| Sillhouette: | Baggy low rise |
| Inseam: | 34.5" inseam |
| Fabric: | Cotton/elastane Lining: Cotton |
Cargo jeans will forever be the coolest. And when it's a baggy pair, you're taking your style to new levels. And I mean, come on—everyone needs extra pockets to subtly carry all the things!
My review:
These jeans I love! I like my jeans baggy with a lot of pockets, and this is the one. The color is awesome, deep rich navy blue, the high waist is perfect and the pockets I just love to put keys, phone, and other items in avoiding a purse.
Best Wide-Leg
Pros
- Smoothing technology
- Reinforced belt loops
- Clean hem
- Crystal detailing
Cons
- May be stiff
| Silhouette: | Mid-rise Relaxed fit |
| Inseam: | 34” |
| Fabric: | 79% Cotton, 20% Recycled Cotton, 1% Lycra |
Found: Cool yet comfy wide-leg jeans, designed to effortlessly take you from day to night and available in three different washes for under $55. You're welcome!
My review:
It's rare to find good quality denim for under $100 these days, much less under $60! So to say these are a steal would be an understatement. The ultra-high waistband and stretchy fabric are great bonuses.
Best for Comfort
Pros
- Available in 5 color ways
- Available up to size 40
- Hidden stretch
Cons
- Must size down if waist is smaller than 10
| Silhouette: | High waist crop |
| Fabric: | 90% Cotton 8% Polyester 2% Elastane |
T
One review literally compared these jeans to pajama-like comfort—need we say more?
Notable 5-star review:
I own four pairs of the Donna jeans in multiple colors. They feel like they were made EXACTLY for my body! I am an hourglass shape and always have issues with jeans fitting the butt/thigh or gapping at the waist. I could never have both areas fit comfortably until I found these jeans. They are the holy grail for hourglass shapes. They also hold their shape extremely well throughout the day and never sag.
Best Light Wash
Pros
- Doesn't gap at the waist
- Great for tall folks
- Relaxed fit
Cons
- Some reviews say they run large
| Silhouette | Straight leg |
| Inseam | 30 inches |
| Fabric: | Cotton |
If most jeans are too short for you, add these Agolde straight-leg ones to your cart. They're long enough for tall girls and won't gap at the waist or constrict your thighs, according to reviewers.
Notable 5-star review:
These are the jeans I have been searching my whole life for. I have a curvy body with a narrow waist. Every pair of jeans either fits through the hip and upper thigh but gaps horribly on my waist or fits my waist and is suffocatingly tight across my hips and thighs. These pants somehow don't do either. The waist is a perfect fit and the legs are wide enough for a perfectly snug fit across my hips and legs ... These are the "it jeans." I will be buying more AGOLDE in the future after this amazing purchase.
Best Ultra High-Rise
Pros
- Reinforced belt loop
- Gap-proof waistband
- Extended size range
Cons
- Pretty heavy material
| Silhouette | Bootcut |
| Inseam | 33.5 inches |
| Fabric | Comfortable (classic denim feel with a little of extra stretch) |
I trust Good American with my life—or at least my jeans—at this point, because each style is thoughtfully designed and available in so many different sizes, so finding the perfect pair, has never been easier. And these bootcut ones with an ultra-high rise and a medium dark blue wash are no exception!
Notable 5-star review:
I have been looking for a pair of jeans that fit for a very long time. I’m so glad I stumbled on to these! The fit is perfect and not too tight around the waist ... I would definitely recommend.
Best Boot Cut
Pros
- 5 genius pockets
- Supersoft strech
- Modern bootcut leg
Cons
- May be snug
| Silhouette: | Bootcut |
| Inseam: | 32" |
| Fabric: | 60.0% cotton, 16.0% polyester, 23.0% Ecovero, 1.0% LYCRA® |
If you're looking for that ultra-high-rise fit, go ahead and add these vintage-inspired Levi's to your cart. You won't be disappointed, I promise!
Notable 5-star review:
Took a random chance on these jeans and I love them! They have just enough stretch and structure, but unlike other jeans, do not lose their shape after wearing them for a few hours. They are very flattering and I always get compliments on them. I tried a lot of different brands of jeans over the past few months from numerous stores, and these are by far my favorite!!
Best '90s-Inspired
Pros
- True to size
- Organic cotton
- Gorge dark wash
- Versatile
Cons
- Not available in extended sizing
| Silhouette: | High Waist Straight Leg |
| Inseam: | 29 1/2" inseam |
| Fabric: | 100% organic cotton |
While skinny jeans have had us in a chokehold since the mid-aughts, try this much-cooler version from AGOLDE to unleash your inner bombshell. The '90s-inspired dark blue wash feels mega polished making these slim straight jeans feel oh-so-stylish.
Notable 5-star review:
Very cute jeans. They give your outfits a different, fashionable 90's style (with a twist) than you would get with most pairs of jeans. Very high-waisted and flattering to the body if you like that fit. The cuts are also really nicely done and of great quality. There are very cool cuts near the top of the jeans that I did not even notice until I ordered. Makes the jeans so much more unique and I do not feel like they'll rip! The high buttons are also very easy to button which I appreciate because some jeans are so stiff that you can't even button them (especially when there are like 5 buttons). 10/10 would recommend :)
Best Coated
Pros
- Responsibly made as part of Gap's water-saving program
- Available in regular, tall, and petite lengths
- Look at that shiiine, babay
Cons
- Low stretch, vintage fit might be uncomfortable for some people
| Silhouette | Straight leg |
| Inseam | Short: 26 inches; Regular: 27.5 inches; Long: 29.5 inches |
| Fabric | Non-stretch |
One trend you've gotta try this season? Silver pants! They're so chic and surprisingly easy to style—all you need is a plain white tee. (Just check out the review below if you don't believe me!).
Notable 5-star review:
Ordered these pants on a whim and have already worn them three times, three different ways. Pretty comfy and have some stretch to them. I am 5'7" and got the regular length, which comes around ankle length for me.
Best Sustainable Pair
Pros
- Made from premium non-stretch Japanese denim
- Available in three different lengths
- Everlane lasts forever!
Cons
- May run large
| Silhouette: | Straight leg |
| Inseam: | 26.5" Inseam 28.5" Inseam 30.5" Inseam |
| Fabric: | Rigid: 100% organic cotton |
Hundreds of reviews say these jeans are that girl. Made of 100% cotton at just $110, these Japanese denim jeans feel mega luxurious without the luxury pricetag. Plus, the factory that makes Everlane denim "uses renewable energy and air drying to reduce its CO2 emissions by 80 percent," according to the brand's website. So yeah, these black jeans do good in more ways than one.
Notable 5-star review:
I'm so excited to have found these jeans! They feel and fit just like jeans did before all that stretch was added. They hold you in but don't look or feel tight. The heavier fabric is flattering to the form. Bravo!
Best Maternity
Pros
- May stretch out
- Comfortable for growing bump
- Highly-rated
- Cool, frayed hem
Cons
- Buttons may be uncomfortable
| Silhouette: | Straight crop |
| Fabric: | 92% cotton, 8% elastomultiester |
If you've been searching for a pair of jeans that look and feel like your pre-preg favorite denim, look no further! This pair from Hatch has hundreds of reviews, many of which rave about how soft and comfy they are, not to mention the fact that they actually look like traditional jeans.
Notable 5-star review:
The denim is so soft and a great weight for spring/summer/fall. I love how these have actual pockets and functional front button, makes they feel and function like my normal jeans. I’m 5’3 and they hit at the right spot on my ankle. They do stretch out a bit with wear, which gives them a slight boyfriend fit, which also means they’ll fit well into my third trimester. I found a big size gap between the 25 and 26 (I couldn’t button the 25 but the 26 had extra room). I went with the 26 which I’m happy with because they’re more comfortable and I’ll be able to grow into them. The structured side panel helps to keep them up, so I find that I’m pulling them up less frequently than my other maternity jeans.
Best Baggy
Pros
- Also available in plus
- A relaxed vibe
- Looks great paired with a fitted top
Cons
- May run small
| Silhouette: | Mid rise with flare |
| Inseam: | 31-in inseam |
| Fabric: | 77% Cotton, 23% Polyester |
The look of a good pair of baggy jeans is effortless and immediately cool. We're totally obsessed with the way this pair from Levi's has a slouchy wide leg and fits like a vintage high-rise. It's going to be your new go-to for a casual jeans and a tee look.
Notable 5-star review:
I dreamed of being cool and having baggie jeans that fit me in junior high, but sadly, this was never my fate. If they fit my waist, they were way too short. BUT- these are ADORABLE and can be dressed up or down. Oh, and comfortable? Absolutely. In essence, casual denim trousers.
Best Straight Leg
Pros
- Available up to size 26.
- Available in 38 color ways and styles.
- Sooo comfy!
Cons
- May be a shorter length on taller people.
| Silhouette: | Straight leg |
| Inseam: | 32" |
| Fabric: | 82% Cotton, 16% TENCEL Lyocell, 2% LYCRA Elastane |
One thing about NYDJ's is they are insanely comfortable while still looking super polished. These feel impossibly soft, and even when you first get them they already feel broken in!
Notable 5-star review:
OMG! These jeans are perfection. I’ve been searching for a pair of comfortable and flattering jeans for the last few years and I finally found them. These fit like they were made for me. One of the biggest problems I have with pants in general is the gap in the back waistline. Not with these!!!! I am obsessed!
Best Black Denim
Pros
- Designed to hold their shape in between washes
- High recovery denim that provides maximum comfort and support
- Available in plus sizes
Cons
- Run small
| Silhouette | Straight leg |
| Inseam | 27.5 inches |
| Fabric | Super stretchy |
Everyone should have a trusty pair of black jeans in their closet (think: a casual Friday version of the LBD). This classic straight-leg pair from Good American features high stretch, sculpting and smoothing fabric. And, of course, sizes galore!
Notable 5-star review:
Good American Should Be Called GREAT American. These jeans were unbelievable. I tested them for 2 days and they still had a tight and new fit. I have a hard time with jeans since I work in an office and these jeans did not disappoint. No baggy-ness and I like that I can wear them with heels or sneakers.
Best Distressed
Pros
- Mid-weight, non-stretch denim
- Super comfy
- Gives an edgy look
Cons
- Run large
- One review says they don't wash well
| Silhouette | Straight leg |
| Inseam | 28.75 inches |
| Fabric | Non-stretch |
Not crazy about jeans that look like your puppy got ahold of them? Me neither. These ones from Agolde are distressed without being over-the-top (so your grandma won't ask if you "really paid for jeans with holes in them" the next time you see her).
Notable 5-star review:
Every pair of jean I've tried led me to these. These are incredible. I'm tall with an athletic figure. These jeans are super high rise, comfortable and the perfect length for me. Highly recommend.
What brand is best for high-waisted jeans?
It all depends on your priorities and preferences, but there are definitely a few standouts: Good American for size-inclusive options, Levi’s for vintage denim that’ll last ya forever, Agolde for on-trend silhouettes, and Abercrombie & Fitch for affordable must-haves.
Should I size up in high-waisted jeans?
Okay, we know you’re probably sick of high-waisted jeans that are too big around the waist but somehow squeeze the life out of your thighs (or vice versa). That’s why we searched high and low for jeans that are thoughtfully constructed with a wide variety of body shapes and sizes in mind. Soooo, the answer is no! You really shouldn’t have to size up—just look out for options on this list that don’t gap at the waist or fit looser around the thighs, depending on your body type. And, as always, read plenty of reviews before adding to your cart!
How to choose the best high-waisted jeans:
Let’s not beat around the bush here—shopping for jeans is notoriously difficult, and finding the perfect high-waisted pair that fits your personal style and accentuates your shape is no exception. Luckily, most popular denim brands are well aware of this and include detailed descriptions of each pair. Here's exactly what to look for:
Consider your jean priorities
Do you care more about wearing jeans that are super soft, or finding ones that fit like a glove? Maybe you just want a trendy silhouette to pair with your go-to date night top? Whether it's a tailored fit, comfort, or style, you should first determine what exactly you're looking for.
Then, shop accordingly
If ya just really want a pair of jeans that fit well, choose a brand that offers plenty of sizes like Good American, or a style that's specifically designed for your body type (like these from Everlane).
If comfort is your number one concern, look for jeans made from soft, lightweight, and supportive fabrics like cotton and elastane blends. Stick to loose-fitting styles—or ones that feature a stretch comfort waistband—and avoid vintage denim that tends to be stiff/rigid.
On the contrary, if you'd rather make a ~fashion statement~ with your denim, we recommend choosing an oversized option like these cargo jeans from Mango for an effortlessly cool look. Or, if that's not your vibe, try an unexpected hemline like these split ones by EB Denim!
Hanna Flanagan is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, sharing her recommendations for everything from denim and eye creams to coffee mugs and silk sheets. Before joining Cosmopolitan, she wrote fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content at People (so, yes, she’s basically a professional product tester at this point). Follow her on Instagram for photos of Timothée Chalamet and #OOTD mirror pics.
