If you just cannot get on board with the revival of low-rise jeans, welcome to your digital safe space; a place where we don’t judge you for sticking to your fashion guns. Like, sorry to my girl Paris Hilton, but some of us are very content with denim that sits comfortably at or above the belly button (not the freaking hip bone!), which is why we created this list of the 17 best high-waisted jeans for women in 2022.
Featuring classic Levi’s and Wranglers, size-inclusive options from brands like Good American and Madewell, and on-trend silhouettes from Agolde, this list has a style for every body type and budget. We included plenty of vintage-inspired options, timeless straight-leg jeans, baggy denim, affordable bootcut options, and even…wait for it…skinny jeans. Yes, Gen Z TikTokers, you read that right. #JudgementFreeZone.
Anyway, happy shopping!
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Our picks for the best high-waisted jeans for women of 2022
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 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 Western-inspired bootcut ones have a near-perfect 5-star rating. The sun embroidery above the back right pocket adds an extra special touch.
Notable 5-star review:
I was worried ordering these due to the price but when they arrived I instantly fell in love! I ordered a 24/30 which is my normal size and they fit perfectly, they’re extremely soft and the sun detail is adorable! They have quickly become my favorite pair.
Best Ultra High-Rise
If you haven’t already heard, early 2000s fave Abercrombie has made a comeback since expanding their size range—and for good reason! I mean, just look at the fit of these vintage-inspired straight-leg jeans, which feature built-in stretch for maximum comfort.
Notable 5-star review:
New favorite. These are the best jeans I’ve bought maybe ever. The denim is thick and high-quality. My jeans are usually too loose on the waist, but these are just right. I usually would go for the long size, but the regular size was absolutely long enough for me (5’9”).
Best Raw Hem
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 percent 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 Cropped
These cropped light-wash babies can be dressed up or down, plus they’re soft, lightweight, and comfortable enough for all-day wear. Oh, and did we mention they’re just $80?!
Notable 5-star review:
I didn’t have high expectations, just wanted some cute trendy jeans that wouldn’t break the bank. Now they’re on repeat and my new favorites.
Best Straight-Leg
Here’s the thing: Levi’s 501s will never not be cool. Thanks to an iconic reputation, quality craftsmanship, and a timeless silhouette, they’re still the ultimate pair of jeans.
Notable 5-star review:
Look no further! Dream jeans at last! The denim is thick with a little distressing. Could be dressed up or down. The legs are flattering, the buttons don’t add a belly, and the bum is lifted … I plan on wearing them every day this week!!
Best Distressed
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:
Great jeans. These are the only non skinny jeans I’ll wear. Amazing fit that hugs in all the right places and fits loose in the right way. Love these—will be buying in every wash!
Best Split Hem
If you’re in the market for statement-making jeans that’ll take a basic white tee to the next level, look no further! Oh, and the stylish split hem will make your legs look a million miles long.
Notable 5-star review:
The best jeans I’ve ever owned. All of the details are incredible and the fit is extremely flattering. They are long so you definitely need to wear shoes with height, but looks so great with a heel. I can’t say enough great things about these 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. This pair features Madewell’s signature reinforced front-pocket technology, which creates an extra layer of support.
Notable 5-star review:
BEST JEANS EVER!!!!! It’s literally so hard to find a good pair of jeans, especially being a plus size women. They’re so cute and comfy. I get compliments on them all the time! I got an 18 but should have got a 16, so that’s my bad. But even in a size too big, I can’t stop wearing them! They make every outfit better. I am in love.
Best Black
Proof that the ’70s flared look is even better in a dark wash! These will seamlessly transition from day to night, thanks to the clean hem and a fit that’s better than most designer jeans, according to one reviewer.
Notable 5-star review:
So flattering! I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans and I finally found them!
Best White
Nothing screams “warm weather” like cropped white jeans with a frayed hem! These comfy ones from MOTHER Denim—which fit true to size, according to reviewers—are practically begging for a spot in your summer wardrobe.
Notable 5-star review:
Very stylish and flattering alternative to the skinny white jeans I’ve been wearing forever!! Look great with wedge heels. Nice amount of stretch to them.
Best Wide-Leg
If you’d really rather be in sweatpants, these soft jeans are the next best thing because they’re nice and roomy.
Notable 5-star review:
‘70s perfection! They make my 🍑 look AMAZING! I have always found that wide-leg jeans make my butt look totally flat and shapeless, especially high-rise ones … They are a tad long, but I only intend to wear them with platform and heeled shoes, so the length is actually just right for what I’m looking for (I’m 5’5”, slightly longer legs than torso). The best part is that these do wonders for my butt! They hug your hips and butt just enough to give them shape without interrupting the wide-leg silhouette. Total perfection and I love them!
Best for Curves
Designed specifically for hourglass shapes, these extra high-rise straight-leg jeans are form-fitting through the hips, thighs, AND waist. So basically, the answer to your denim shopping prayers.
Notable 5-star review:
The Best Fitting Jeans I’ve Ever Owned. These jeans are amazing! They are very comfortable. Part of me had given up on ever finding non-stretch denim that I could relax in … They definitely give me the vibes of my actual vintage jeans, but I would choose these every time because there is no waist gap and my bum isn’t being squeezed to death.
Best Light Wash
If most jeans are too short for you, add these Agolde straight-leg ones to your cart. They’re long enough for tall girls, plus they won’t gap at the waist or constrict your thighs.
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 Boot Cut
A good ole ’90s bootcut is trendy….but not too trendy, ya know? These $39 cuties are available in four different washes and feature a comfort-stretch waistband.
Notable 5-star review:
Cute with any shoe! I was a bit nervous these would look weird with ankle boots, lugged Converse, and birkenstocks, but these are the CUTEST theyre not super stretchy but they fit great and look sooo cute.
Best Maternity
Crafted from stretch cotton-blend denim, these light-wash maternity jeans have a jersey panel that’ll sit comfortably over your bump without falling down.
Notable 5-star review:
Will definitely get the most wear out of these jeans, since I can no longer fit my pre-pregnancy size. I like the lower rise with the comfortable belly band. Finally! A versatile Jean that isn’t ripped at the knees, skinny in the legs or flared!! I am 5’3” and are a perfect length to show off shoes or you can cuff them for a slouchy look with boots.
Best Baggy
The slouchy straight-leg is having a major moment this season. This pair will offset your fave bra top beautifully (throw a blazer over top if you’re feeling fancy!).
Notable 5-star review:
Wonderful fit—how loose jeans should fit. Like other reviewers I ended up sticking to the lighter wash because of the slightly thinner denim that drapes better, and I also stuck to my usual size for a slightly less loose look. Banana Republic has somehow designed these jeans to be tighter in the waist and hip (without being too tight) and roomy in the legs so they are a really flattering loose jean.
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 American Eagle 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 flattering 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 you’re curvy).
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 a baggy silhouette like these from Banana Republic for an effortlessly cool look. Or, if that’s not your vibe, try an unexpected hemline like these split ones!
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