We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Style Clothing Reviews The Best High-Waisted Jeans We've Ever Tested Find jeans that fit like a dream and complement your closet. By Hannah Baker Hannah Baker Hannah is the Senior Home Editor at REAL SIMPLE magazine. She's worked in media for over a decade and previously worked at BRIDES magazine, Rachael Ray in Season magazine, and Reveal magazine. Her other bylines include Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, Shop TODAY, Better Homes & Gardens, Martha Stewart Weddings, and more. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist is a contributing writer for Real Simple. She covers fashion, home, and lifestyle products, including clothing, decor, furniture, and more. Her work has also appeared on MyDomaine, The Spruce, Byrdie, and Verywell. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 19, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Reese Herrington Finding a great pair of high-waisted jeans can take a bit of trial and error. Many of us know all too well the experience of having red marks at the midriff, no give when you sit, and wedgies when all we want is hip-hugging, leg-lengthening, comfortable denim that doesn't need to be unbuttoned at the dinner table. That's why we took things into our own hands. On our search for the best high-waisted jeans, we took a selection of popular pairs in multiple styles—skinny, wide leg, flare, and more—and tested them for several weeks to get a sense of their fit and feel on different body types. We wore, styled, and washed them as we normally would and vetted each one for fit, quality, comfort, durability, and overall value. We then researched and evaluated dozens more, assessing them on the same criteria. For further guidance on picking the perfect pair, we interviewed Holly Shapiro, executive creative director of Splendid, Claire Guité, senior associate denim designer at Pistola, and stylist Audree López. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Madewell The ’90s Straight Jean at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Wide-Leg Jeans for Women at Gap.com Jump to Review Most Comfortable: Spanx Flare Jeans at Amazon $148 Jump to Review Best Wide Leg: Joe's Jeans The Mia High-Rise Wide Leg Jean at Zappos $198 Jump to Review Best A Line: Everlane The Way-High Sailor Jean at Everlane.com $128 Jump to Review Best Flare: Mother The Weekender Fray at Amazon $248 Jump to Review Best Mom: SALE Levi’s Wedgie Straight Fit Jeans at Amazon $80 $45 Jump to Review Best Skinny: Gap High Rise True Skinny Jeans at Gap.com Jump to Review Best Bootcut: Levi's 725 High Rise Bootcut Jeans at Zappos $49 Jump to Review Best Curvy: Good American Always Fits Good Legs Skinny Jeans at Nordstrom $149 Jump to Review Best Overall Madewell The ’90s Straight Jean PHOTO: Madewell View on Amazon $128 at Nordstrom View on Zappos What Stands Out These jeans look classic, feel high quality, and come in a wide range of sizes, lengths, and washes. What Could Be Improved Their rigid fit takes some getting used to. Madewell’s The ’90s Straight Jeans look classic and feel high quality, a perfect pick for anyone looking for high-waisted jeans—and we mean anyone. Those of us of all sizes were pleased with the fit of the jeans, as the rise hit comfortably at our belly button, and the length was perfect for heels, booties, and thick-soled loafers. They could be a smidge shorter for sneakers, but no alterations were needed regardless, even for those who typically have to hem or cuff their jeans. Note that these jeans are a bit baggier in the legs and snug at the waist with little stretch due to the high-quality denim. We found they were more comfortable to move around in than sit for extended periods of time, though we had no problem wearing them for a full day of work and while ice skating, with no pinching, squeezing, or digging in at any point. They even have spacious pockets; we were able to fit a phone, keys, and work badge in the side pockets. Made of 99% cotton, the jeans are thick, sturdy, and ideal for everyday wear. They’re well made, reliable, and firmly hold their shape—no stretching, shrinking, or sagging. They're available in inclusive sizes, four lengths, and several washes, too. Take it from us: This is the kind of pair you can buy now and wear for years. Size Range: 23–33 (petite, standard, tall, taller), 14W–28W (plus) | Rise: 10.5 inches (petite), 11.5 inches (standard), 12 inches (plus, tall, taller) | Inseam: 28 inches (petite), 30 inches (plus), 30.5 inches (standard), 33.5 inches (tall), 36.5 inches (taller) | Material: 99% cotton, 1% spandex Real Simple / Sophia DeVito Real Simple / Sophia DeVito Best Budget Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Wide-Leg Jeans for Women PHOTO: Old Navy View on Gap.com What Stands Out These jeans are stylish and comfortable—a steal at their current price point. What Could Be Improved The more you wear them, the more they stretch out and fade. Old Navy’s Extra High-Waisted Wide-Leg Jeans look and feel more expensive than they are, which makes them great for running errands, going out, and everything in between. They’re made of cotton, lyocell, and spandex, so they feel soft and stretchy. Even so, they’re thick rather than flimsy with enough give that still tucks you in. They fit like a dream the moment we slipped them on, with no break-in period required. They didn’t pinch or dig and were easy to move around in, with the rise hitting just above the belly button. Since these jeans aren't made of that high-quality, rigid denim, they do tend to fade and lose their structure a bit, stretching slightly with every wear. They bounce back to their original shape in the wash, though, and we found that skipping the dryer and hanging them instead extends their lifespan. That said, we don’t expect them to last as long as the stiffer jeans on our list. Even with this tradeoff, the jeans feel like a steal. They're infinitely comfortable, surprisingly chic, and can be replaced without breaking the bank when the day comes to retire them. They come in several sizes, lengths, and washes, offering something for everyone. Size Range: 00–30 (regular), 2–18 (tall) | Rise: Not listed | Inseam: 31 inches (regular), 35 inches (tall) | Material: 69% cotton, 24% lyocell, 6% recycled cotton, 1% spandex Real Simple / Hannah Berg Real Simple / Hannah Berg Most Comfortable Spanx Flare Jeans PHOTO: Spanx $148 at Amazon $148 at Nordstrom $148 at Spanx What Stands Out While the jeans are stretchy and comfortable, they hold their shape like stiffer denims. What Could Be Improved They run long, even when you order the petite length. Spanx’s Flare Jeans are exceptionally comfortable. Crafted from a blend of cotton, polyester, and elastane, they're softer and stretchier than 100% cotton jeans but not quite into jegging territory. They’re also designed without a zipper, so they lay completely flat against the skin, hugging the body in all the right ways. Still, the jeans offer the thick, sturdy feel you want from denim, and they remained comfortably tight throughout the testing period. Even after we’d worn and washed them several times, they looked as good as new. The biggest downside of these jeans is their length. The style runs long: Both our standard- and plus-size testers, who are each 5-foot-4 and typically fit a regular length, found the petite length to be about 3 inches too long (even though it's recommended for people 5-foot-4 and under). Because of this, the jeans dragged on the ground and required alterations. That said, we recommend this pair for taller folks and anyone who plans to wear them with heels or platform shoes. Despite the length issues, the flare silhouette is eye catching and easy to style—we wore them with sweaters, tees, wedges, and sneakers—and they make butts of all sizes look great. Just keep in mind that the pants are lower at the back, so if you're wearing high-waisted underwear, they may show. In addition to their versatility, these jeans really stand out for their comfort. Some of us would even say these are the comfiest jeans we've ever owned. Plus, they come highly recommended by moms looking for compression without restriction. If it weren't for the too-long legs, they would have received a perfect score. Size Range: XS–3X (petite, regular, tall) | Rise: 14.5 inches (petite), 15 inches (regular), 13 inches (tall) | Inseam: 32 inches (petite), 34 inches (regular), 37 inches (tall) | Material: 91% cotton, 7% polyester, 2% elastane Real Simple / Bridget Annear Best Wide Leg Joe's Jeans The Mia High-Rise Wide Leg Jean PHOTO: Joe's Jeans $198 at Zappos View on Joesjeans.com $198 at Saks Fifth Avenue What Stands Out The jeans are so roomy, soft, and lightweight that they almost feel like yoga pants. What Could Be Improved They’re expensive, and the front pockets are pretty much useless. Joe’s Jeans The Mia jeans combine the structured cut of a high-rise waistband with the relaxed fit of a wide-leg jean, and the result is a pair of pants you’ll want to spend all day in. Made of 98% cotton and 2% elastane, they feel sturdy rather than stretchy, but they’re surprisingly soft and lightweight—so unobtrusive they almost feel like yoga pants. We could wear them all day with no issues and sit crosslegged or squat in them. We even wore them to Thanksgiving dinner and experienced zero discomfort when we were bloated after eating. These jeans fit both our standard- and plus-size wearers very well, with the rise reaching just below the belly button on our 5-foot-6 tester and and slightly above the belly button on our 5-foot-2 tester (both of whom have a curvy body type). Each thought the fit was flattering and the length was perfect, with no alterations needed (though with flats or no shoes at all, they do graze the floor on shorter people). They fit perfectly in the waist, too, with no gapping in the back. The back pockets are spacious, but the front ones are pretty fitted and won't hold much. Despite their bold cut, the jeans are easy to wear. They look as good with sneakers and clogs as they do with heels and booties, and thanks to their light weight, they're especially great for warm weather. They also come in several sizes, lengths, washes, and styles—though it takes some digging to find all those options. Our only qualm with these jeans is that they’re expensive, but if they’re in your budget, they’re an excellent buy. They hold up over time, never shrinking, sagging, or fading, and after several weeks of wear, they look the same as the day we got them. Size Range: 23–34 | Rise: 11.5 inches | Inseam: 34 inches | Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane Real Simple / Reese Herrington Real Simple / Reese Herrington Best A Line Everlane The Way-High Sailor Jean PHOTO: Everlane $128 at Everlane.com What Stands Out These jeans strike the right balance between stretch and durability, offering a stylish look and comfortable fit. What Could Be Improved They’re not very long, and their waistband loosens throughout the day. Everlane’s The Way-High Sailor Jeans are easy to dress up or down with their high rise, wide legs, and stylish A-line silhouette. They also have the perfect feel—thick but not heavy, soft but not flimsy, and stretchy but not saggy. Figure hugging and flexible, they were the first jeans we reached for when we knew we’d be moving around a lot. They also proved to be a great pick for sitting, as they never dug into our stomach. Since the jeans are made of 98% cotton, they’re also sturdy—not as sturdy as Levi's or vintage denim, but they do provide a similar look that's comfier and more forgiving. The waistband slightly loosens with wear but regains its shape in the wash, and there's no bunching in the legs or butt. These jeans don’t contain enough elastane to stretch out over time, which is a plus, and the pockets are deep enough to hold a lot without feeling bulky and lay flat when empty. These jeans come in several sizes, washes, and lengths (a 27.5 or 29.5 inseam). On our 5-foot-5 tester, the 27.5-inch inseam sat just above the ankle. Just note that they are very high waisted—when sitting, they reach the ribcage. When the testing period was over, there were no signs of fading or wear and tear, so we're confident they'll hold up to everyday use for a long time. Size Range: 23–33 | Rise: 12 inches | Inseam: 27.5 inches, 29.5 inches | Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane Real Simple / Molly Blanco Real Simple / Molly Blanco Real Simple / Molly Blanco Best Flare Mother The Weekender Fray PHOTO: Mother Denim $248 at Amazon View on Motherdenim.com $126 at Neiman Marcus What Stands Out The jeans are flexible and comfortable, but they hold their shape better than similarly stretchy options. What Could Be Improved They’re pricey—the most expensive jeans on our list. Mother’s The Weekender Fray jeans are some of the best jeans we’ve ever worn. They have a high rise and flared legs, but they don’t run as long as other flare jeans. They’re made of cotton, lyocell, polyester, and elastane, a blend that feels as soft and stretchy as you’d expect. Our tester, who typically has a hard time finding jeans that accommodate her thin build and wide hips, found that these accentuated her hourglass figure and hugged her waist and stomach in a flattering yet flexible way. This turned out perfect for big pasta dinners and were comfy enough to be worn while working from home. At 5-foot-2, the leg length reached just below the ankle. Despite their soft and stretchy feel, these jeans are sturdy and showed no signs of wear during our tests. They didn’t sag or shrink, their wash didn’t fade, and even their frayed hems stayed the same rather than unraveling further. We were able to get four wears out of them before washing, and by then they had only loosened a little at the knee. Other than that, they're fabulous at keeping their shape and make your butt look great. This combination of comfort and durability is rare, which helps justify the premium price point. We found ourselves reaching for them more often than our other jeans and even referred to them as a confidence-boosting pair. If you’re willing to spend money on amazing flare jeans, these truly can’t be topped—just be prepared for the incoming compliments. Size Range: 23–34 | Rise: 10.75 inches | Inseam: 31 inches | Material: 81% cotton, 11% lyocell, 6% polyester, 2% elastane Real Simple / Caitlyn Martyn Real Simple / Caitlyn Martyn Best Mom Levi’s Wedgie Straight Fit Jeans PHOTO: Amazon $45 at Amazon $98 at Nordstrom $70 at Target What Stands Out These jeans are flattering and comfortable, and they come in a dozen sizes and washes. What Could Be Improved They have a button-up closure, and both inseam options are short. Mom jeans have a high rise, relaxed fit, and comfortable feel, and Levi’s Wedgie Straight Fit Women’s Jeans are some of the best around. Made of 99% cotton, the jeans are sturdy and well made, and their cut is irresistible. With their high waist, straight legs, and thoughtfully constructed seams, the jeans hug your body while giving you room to move around. This combination is both flattering and comfortable—the dream, when it comes to jeans. Though Levi’s jeans are known for their rigid feel, these contain 1% elastane—just enough stretch to keep you comfortable. They have five pockets and a button-up closure (though we typically prefer zippers), and they come in a dozen sizes and washes, with two inseam options to choose from (though both are fairly short). While the jeans aren’t inexpensive, their versatility, quality, and durability makes them a great buy. All the Levi’s jeans we’ve tested have held up beautifully over time, and we expect the same from these. Size Range: 23–34 | Rise: 10.9 inches | Inseam: 26 inches, 28 inches | Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane Best Skinny Gap High Rise True Skinny Jeans PHOTO: Gap View on Gap.com What Stands Out They’re stretchy but structured, mimicking our most comfortable jeans in terms of fit, feel, and durability. What Could Be Improved Because they’re stretchy, they may not last as long as stiffer jeans. It’s tough to find comfortable skinny jeans that don’t feel like jeggings, but Gap’s High Rise True Skinny Jeans fit the bill. They’re made of 94% cotton and 6% elastic fibers, mimicking our most comfortable pick in terms of stretch, shape, and durability. That fabric blend feels stretchy without skimping on structure, creating jeans that fit like a glove and hold their shape, even when worn and washed regularly. The jeans have a classic cut, with a high rise, fitted legs, and five pockets. They come in a range of sizes and several versatile washes. They’re designed to fall just below the ankle, with five inseam options to help you find a perfect fit. Because they’re stretchy, the jeans may give out faster than stiffer options, but their price makes this a nonissue: The jeans are inexpensive enough to buy and replace without thinking twice. Plus, if you made them any less stretchy, they wouldn’t be very comfortable. Size Range: 24–35 | Rise: 11 inches | Inseam: 24.5 inches (petite), 26.5 inches (short), 28 inches (regular), 31 inches (long), 33 inches (tall) | Material: 81% cotton, 13% recycled cotton, 4% elasterell, 2% elastane Best Bootcut Levi's 725 High Rise Bootcut Jeans PHOTO: Levi's $49 at Zappos View on Levi.com View on Kohls.com What Stands Out They’re stretchy, stylish, versatile, and less expensive than other Levi’s. What Could Be Improved They’re stretchy, so they don’t feel like the rigid, long-lasting jeans Levi’s is known for. With their high rise and hourglass silhouette, Levi’s 725 High Rise Bootcut Women’s Jeans strike the perfect balance between straight-leg jeans and flare jeans. They’re fitted from waist to knee and slightly flared from knee to ankle. Instead of feeling rigid like other Levi’s, they’re designed to move with you. The jeans contain 60% cotton, 23% viscose, 16% polyester, and 1% elastane—a blend that makes them stretchy rather than stiff. That flexibility makes these jeans easy to move around in, but they’re generally structured and durable—unlikely to sag or stretch with wear. We don’t expect the jeans to last as long as stiffer Levi’s we’ve tested, but their price makes up the difference. And given their figure-hugging fit, we wouldn’t want the jeans any stiffer. The jeans come in a range of sizes, washes, and three inseam lengths—all on the long side. They’re bold, but great for everyday wear; they’re easy to dress down with a pair of white sneakers or dress up with heels. Size Range: 23–34 | Rise: 10.25 inches | Inseam: 30 inches, 32 inches, 34 inches | Material: 60% cotton, 23% ecovero, 16% polyester, 1% elastane Best Curvy Good American Always Fits Good Legs Skinny Jeans PHOTO: Good American $149 at Nordstrom View on Goodamerican.com View on Lyst.com What Stands Out The jeans come in a range of sizes, lengths, and washes, and their stretchy denim ensures a just-right fit. What Could Be Improved They may not last as long as stiff jeans, their rise isn’t ultra-high, and the washes they come in aren’t listed in one place. Good American’s Good Legs Skinny Jeans come in an inclusive size range, with options spanning 00 to 32. They also come in several inseam lengths—short, regular, and long—to ensure a just-right fit. This alone sets the jeans apart from less-inclusive options, but their stretchy fabric blend takes things one step further. Made of 93% cotton, 5% polyester, and 2% elastane, the jeans are designed to hug your body, avoiding the gapping, pinching, and bunching that plagues ill-fitting jeans. They’re stretchy but supportive, promising a second-skin fit without the flimsy feel of jeggings. It's worth noting that their 10.5-inch rise is far from rib hugging, which may disappoint fans of extremely high waistbands. However, the jeans have several other redeeming qualities, including five stretchy pockets, reinforced belt loops, and a thick waistband designed to lay flat. These thoughtful details make the jeans feel worth the buy, even though they’re unlikely to last as long as stiffer options. Size Range: 00–32 | Rise: 10.5 inches | Inseam: 26 inches (short), 29 inches (regular), 35 inches (long) | Material: 93% cotton, 5% polyester, 2% elastane Best Petite Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean PHOTO: Abercrombie & Fitch View on Abercrombie.com What Stands Out They’re available in a range of sizes, washes, and lengths, including short and extra short. What Could Be Improved Stock varies by size, length, and wash, and you need to wash the jeans before wearing them to prevent dye transfer. While some jeans are available in three lengths (petite, regular, tall), Abercrombie & Fitch’s Ultra High Rise ’90s Straight Jeans come in five: extra short, short, regular, long, and extra long. These inseam lengths range from 26.5 to 34.5 inches, giving petite and tall shoppers the chance to find jeans that fit perfectly rather than compromising on a pair that’s just OK. Made of 99% cotton and 1% elastane, the jeans have the rigid feel of classic denim. They’re sturdy with just a little stretch, and they’re priced like some of the most durable jeans we’ve tested. The jeans come in a range of sizes and dozens of washes, with distressed and split-hem styles available, too. Stock varies by size, length, and wash, so if you find something you love, be sure to act fast. To keep the jeans from bleeding, Abercrombie & Fitch recommends washing them inside out before you wear them. After that, they should hold up like many of our other favorites. Size Range: 23–37 | Rise: 11.5 inches | Inseam: 26.5 inches (extra short), 28.5 inches (short). 30.5 inches (regular), 32.5 inches (long), 34.5 inches (extra long) | Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane Best Size Inclusive Universal Standard High Rise Skinny Jeans PHOTO: Universal Standard View on Universalstandard.com What Stands Out The jeans come in 22 sizes, four lengths, and 14 washes, and their high rise varies, depending on the size you choose. What Could Be Improved They’re stretchy, so they may lose their shape over time. Universal Standard is known for its size inclusivity. The brand’s fan-favorite Seine High Rise Skinny Jeans come in sizes 00 to 40, making them more inclusive than any other pair of jeans on our list. They come in four different lengths and over a dozen washes. And they’re stylish, comfortable, and versatile—genuinely great jeans to own. The jeans have a high rise, deep pockets, and the figure-hugging fit of skinny jeans. They’re made of 73% cotton, 23% polyester, and 4% elastane—a stretchy fabric blend that’s unlikely to gap, bunch up, or dig in. This flexibility makes the jeans more comfortable but less durable, and Universal Standard recommends air drying them to extend their lifespan. Though the jeans are high waisted, their rise ranges from 9 inches to 16.5 inches, depending on the size you choose. This attention to detail makes the jeans truly special: Each dimension is tailored to promise a perfect fit in every size and length. Size Range: 00–40 | Rise: 9 inches (00–0), 9.5 inches (2–4), 10 inches (6), 10.5 inches (8), 11 inches (10–12), 11.5 inches (14), 12 inches (16), 12.5 inches (18–20), 13 inches (22), 13.5 inches (24), 14 inches (26–28), 14.5 inches (30), 15 inches (32), 15.5 inches (34–36), 16 inches (38), 16.5 inches (40) | Inseam: 27 inches, 30 inches, 32 inches | Material: 73% cotton, 23% polyester, 4% elastane Best Cropped Gap High Rise Kick Fit Jeans PHOTO: Gap View on Gap.com What Stands Out The cropped cut is loose and lightweight enough for summer use. What Could Be Improved They aren't as practical for the winter While traditional jeans can feel thick and heavy, cropped options, like the Gap's High Rise Kick Fit Jeans, offer a more lightweight feel. True to their name, the jeans have a standard slim fit with a "kick" at the ankle, making them perfect to wear with sandals or sneakers. The wash is subtly distressed, making them look casual yet not too worn in. Whether running errands or going out to dinner, you'll be able to dress this pair up or down depending on the occasion. Made with 98% cotton and 2% elastane, the jeans strike the perfect balance of stretchiness, cradling your curves without being too restricting. They're available in petite, regular, and tall sizes with inseams ranging from 29 inches to 35.5 inches, accommodating individuals of various heights, We also like that the bottoms of the jeans are a bit frayed, offering a more stylish, laid-back appearance. If you're looking for an all-season pair, you may want to look elsewhere, as the cropped cut is less suitable for the winter months. Still, the reasonable price tag makes them a worthy investment for your spring and summer wardrobe. Size Range: 24–35 | Rise: 11 inches | Inseam: 29 inches (extra short), 30 inches (short), 31.5 inches (regular), 33.5 inches (long), 35.5 inches (extra long) | Material: 93% cotton, 5% recycled cotton, 2% elastane Best Boyfriend PacSun Light Indigo Ripped '90s Boyfriend Jeans PHOTO: PacSun $60 at Nordstrom View on Pacsun.com What Stands Out The baggy style and subtle rips make them the perfect laid-back pair. What Could Be Improved They run long in length. Boyfriend jeans prove you don't have to endure tight, suffocating denim for style. Crafted from 100% sustainably sourced cotton, PacSun's '90s Boyfriend Jeans offer the flattering rigidity of true denim that you know and love, with none of the dreaded pinching and digging. The high-waisted jeans are more fitted on the thigh with a slouchier look down the leg, ensuring your butt looks top notch. This bagginess also makes them a bit more breathable than tight skinny jeans, while the stylish rips similarly promote airflow. Due to their light wash and breathability, we think these jeans are the perfect laid-back summer staple. With an 11.75-inch rise, the jeans can be styled with bodysuits or crop tops—and you won't have to worry about your belly showing. We also appreciate the versatile straight leg, which works well with boots, flats, heels, and sneakers. In terms of size variation, the jeans are available in short and regular inseams, though they do tend to run on the longer side. The excess fabric may not be ideal for those of petite stature, but we think the bagginess contributes to the laid-back look. Size Range: 23–34 | Rise: 11.75 inches | Inseam: 31 inches (short), 33 inches (regular) | Material: 100% cotton, Final Verdict With their classic look, comfortable feel, and quality construction, Madewell’s The ’90s Straight Jeans are some of the best high-waisted jeans you can buy. If you’re shopping on a budget, Old Navy’s Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Wide-Leg Jeans are stretchy, comfortable, and stylish. Our Testing Process To find the best high-waisted jeans, we asked 86 people to test 44 pairs of jeans over several weeks. Our testers are diverse: They wear standard and plus sizes, they range in height, they shop at different price points, and when it comes to jeans, their style and fit preferences range widely. Of the 44 pairs of jeans we collectively tested, 14 were high-waisted jeans, and six ended up on our list. During our tests, we subjected the jeans to real-life conditions. We wore each pair at least twice a week, noting how well they fit, how comfortable they felt, and how versatile they were. Could we wear them during daily activities? Could we easily dress them up and down? We washed each pair of jeans at least twice, and we paid attention to how they held up over time. Did they stretch, shrink, fray, fade, or bleed—or did they emerge from our tests looking as good as new? Once we’d vetted jeans for fit, quality, comfort, and durability, we assessed them for overall value. After spending three weeks with them, did we think they were worth the buy? Our favorites range from budget-friendly finds to splurge-worthy picks, showing that jeans at every price point cleared this final hurdle. Real Simple / Bridget Annear How to Shop for High-Waisted Jeans Like a Pro Style High-waisted jeans come in a variety of cuts—just like other jeans. Some of the most popular styles include straight-leg jeans, skinny jeans, flare jeans, bootcut jeans, wide-leg jeans, and A-line jeans. The best places to shop for jeans will offer these and other styles of high-waisted jeans. Straight-leg jeans, skinny jeans, flare jeans, and bootcut jeans are fitted from waistband to knee. They vary from knee to ankle: Straight-leg jeans are the same width, skinny jeans are fitted, flare jeans widen, and bootcut jeans widen slightly. Wide-leg jeans are the same width from waistband to ankle, and A-line jeans gradually widen from waist to ankle. To find high-waisted jeans you like, consider what styles you normally reach for and double-check what the jeans look like on models and customers. “Unlike most clothing, [with] jeans you can’t fake the fit because the material is stiffer,” Shapiro says. Rise When measuring jeans, rise describes the distance from waistband to crotch. All high-waisted jeans have a high rise, but that rise can vary, with most of the rises on our list ranging from 10.25 inches to 15 inches. Guité says the ideal rise ultimately depends on the length of your torso. “A standard high rise should hit right at the belly button,” she says. “An ultra-high rise is going to be around 12 to 13 inches, which will hit at about the ribcage or natural waist.” Inseam Inseam describes the length of your jeans—specifically, the distance from crotch to ankle. According to Guité, a standard full-length inseam is 32 inches and a standard ankle-length inseam is 27 inches. That said, finding the right inseam really depends on your height. Ideally, she says, full-length jeans should graze the floor and cropped jeans should fall right at your ankle. Our top high-waisted jeans come in a range of inseam lengths, from 24.5 inches to 37 inches. Even if you’re not super tall, Guité suggests trying high-rise jeans with a longer inseam, as they will make your legs look longer. You can also measure your own inseam with measuring tape. Guité advises starting right where the bottom of your zipper would hit and measuring straight down the leg. Material and Stretch Denim is often blended from different materials, like cotton, elastane, polyester, and viscose. Blends with more cotton will feel more rigid and durable, López says, and blends with more elastane will feel stretchier and more comfortable, according to Shapiro and Guité. This aligns with what we found in our tests: Jeans with higher percentages of cotton held their shape when worn and washed regularly—shrinking and sagging less than their stretchy counterparts. Jeans with more elastane and viscose felt softer, stretchier, and more comfortable, with some so lightweight and flexible they almost felt like yoga pants. “3% or less of a stretch material feels the most natural,” Shapiro says. “I also prefer denim that is made with some Tencel or modal and not all cotton—they wear best with a little softness.” López generally agrees, recommending jeans made of at least 90% cotton to maximize durability. More High-Waisted Jeans to Consider Denim Forum The Farrah High Rise Wide Leg: These jeans are stylish and sturdy, but they’re also stiff and unforgiving—uncomfortable to wear when sitting or after a big meal. American Eagle AE Stretch Super High-Waisted Ankle Straight Jean: This pair is both comfortable and flattering, with a straight leg style that hits right above the ankle. However, the jeans are made with only 57% cotton, so they may not be as durable as other picks on our list. Real Simple / Jaclyn Mastropasqua Questions You Might Ask What is the difference between high-rise and high-waisted jeans? “High rise just means more than mid rise,” Shapiro says. “High waisted means it hits the waist and clears the belly button, which is the maximum range of high rise.” However, both Shapiro and Guité agree that the two terms basically mean the same thing and are often used interchangeably. Should you size up or down for high-waisted jeans? Great high-waisted jeans fit right—no sizing up or down required. With just a couple exceptions, the jeans on our list run true to size. They fit perfectly the moment you slip them on, without pinching, bunching, or sagging. They maintain their fit, even when worn and washed regularly. How should you style high-waisted jeans? How you style your jeans depends on the style of your jeans, the occasion, and the rest of your wardrobe. “I would suggest styling high-waisted jeans either with a slightly cropped blouse or a longer blouse tucked in,” Guité says. “This will create a nice proportion and lengthen the body. Layering a blazer or denim jacket over that is always a chic look, too.” Take Our Word for It This article was written by Hannah Baker and updated by Lindsey Lanquist, Taylor Rock, senior shopping editor for Real Simple, and Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To find the best high-waisted jeans, we tested 14 pairs over several weeks. We vetted the jeans for fit, quality, comfort, durability, and overall value, and then evaluated dozens more pairs using the same criteria. For expert advice, we tapped stylist Audree López, Claire Guité, senior associate denim designer at Pistola, and Holly Shapiro, executive creative director of Splendid.