We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping The 11 Best High-Waisted Jeans of 2024, According to 6 Style Experts Including crowd-favorite brands like Levi's, Abercrombie and Fitch, Old Navy, and more By Courtney Leiva Courtney Leiva Courtney Leiva joined the PEOPLE team as a writer in 2022. Over the past ten years, she has contributed to various shopping, beauty, health, and wellness stories, with commerce content being her specialty. Courtney's commerce content has been published in InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, and more. When she is not writing, you can find her combing through Reddit threads for the scoop on the latest trends, adding new kitchen appliances to her collection, or finding yet an excuse to go to HomeGoods. Courtney graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a concentration in Journalism from Ramapo College of New Jersey. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 21, 2024 03:48PM EDT In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Things to Consider FAQ Take Our Word For It People / David Hattan Whether they're bootcut, wide-leg, or skinny, jeans are a wardrobe essential, and you can never have too many. But aside from just the leg width, rise is a factor to consider when purchasing denim, too: low-rise (which celebrities like Olivia Wilde are fans of), mid-rise, high-rise, and even ultra high-rise. Over the last several years, high-rise jeans have been the most popular jeans given their waist-cinching and leg-elongating capabilities, as well as their ability to help smooth the stomach area and flatter different body types. Celebrity style icon Tan France, for instance, likes his jeans "high-waisted and creased," he told PEOPLE at a recent Citi Shop launch event. So, where to begin shopping? In order to make it easier to find a good pair of high-waisted jeans, we've compiled a list of the best for every budget, size, and length according to fashion stylists and our own extensive research. Our Top Picks Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean at Abercrombie.com (See Price) Jump to Review Levi's Ribcage Straight Ankle Women’s Jeans at Amazon ($72) Jump to Review Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Slim Straight Jeans at Gap.com (See Price) Jump to Review Everlane The Original Curvy Cheeky Jean at Everlane.com ($98) Jump to Review Madewell Petite '90s Straight Jean at Madewell.com (See Price) Jump to Review Gap High Rise True Skinny Jeans at Gap.com (See Price) Jump to Review Levi's '70s High Rise Slim Straight Jeans at Amazon ($76) Jump to Review Agolde 90s Pinch Waist High Rise Jeans at Nordstrom ($228) Jump to Review Denim Forum High Rise Straight Jeans at Aritzia.com (See Price) Jump to Review BDG High-Waisted Cowboy Jean at Urban Outfitters (See Price) Jump to Review Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean Abercrombie & Fitch View On Abercrombie.com With a wide range of washes and five inseams, these high-waisted jeans are an absolute steal at under $100. They fit up to size 37, offer a wide variety of lengths, look vintage with refined detailing, and sit right at the waist, so you won't have to adjust them or worry about them falling down. Christina Stein, a personal style therapist, adds that they fit a variety of body types since they are made from elastane and cotton. “Abercrombie is becoming a fast favorite — the price point is affordable and the denim is a higher quality,” Stein tells PEOPLE. “They also come in multiple sizes that are good for different body types.” Size Range: 23W-37W | Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane | Inseam: Extra Short, Short, Regular, Long, and Extra Long Levi's Ribcage Straight Ankle Women’s Jeans Amazon View On Amazon $72 View On Target $70 View On Target $70 There’s no denying it: A pair of ankle-length jeans are a great fit for anyone, tall or short. That's why these Levi's high-rise jeans are a must-have - they're available in 15 colors and fit up to 24L, so you have plenty of options to choose from. What’s more, these jeans are versatile and mix and match with all kinds of spring essentials; chunky sneakers, strap-y sandals, off-the-shoulder tops, etc. And the cherry on top? Andre Von Boozier, a celebrity wardrobe stylist, says these jeans are stretchy and comfortable: “These jeans have a comfortable, stretchy fit that moves with your body, making them perfect for everyday wear." Size Range: 23-24L | Material: 84% cotton, 15% organically grown cotton, 1% elastane | Inseam: Varies by height (28+ inches) Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Slim Straight Jeans Old Navy View On Gap.com You can always count on Old Navy to carry jeans in a variety of styles and sizes, and this pair is no exception. They are high-waisted and stretchy, and come in 16 sizes and three inseams, so there's a pair for everyone. Even better, these jeans are also comfortable, with one reviewer saying they feel like leggings (yes, really!). Finally, these jeans are incredibly versatile: You can pair them with heels, boots, blazers, or tees for daytime or nighttime looks. Is there anything more you could ask for in a pair? Size Range: 0-30 | Material: 62% cotton, 7% recycled cotton, 30% polyester, 1% spandex | Inseam: 28.5, 30, and 33 inches Everlane The Original Curvy Cheeky Jean Everlane View On Everlane.com $98 With five timeless washes, organic cotton fabric, and some elastane for stretch, these curvy jeans are a PEOPLE team favorite. They go with a variety of items in your wardrobe, so you can wear them off-duty while running errands or on-duty when you're going out for a date night. These jeans are also a favorite of New York-based stylist Monica Diaz. “These jeans stretch to fit you perfectly, so you will always be comfortable wearing them,” Diaz tells PEOPLE. “Team them with a white shirt, blazer, and mid- or high-heel pumps, and you're good to go.” Size Range: 23-35 | Material: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane | Inseam: 28.5 inches (regular), 26.5 inches (ankle) Madewell Petite '90s Straight Jean Madewell View On Madewell.com Light-wash, high-waist jeans (these have a rise of 10.5 inches) like these go with basically everything, which is why stylists like Stein love them. What we love about these petite jeans specifically is that they're designed with short women in mind. “A high-waisted jean like this is one of my favorites, without a doubt,” she tells PEOPLE. “The price point is amazing, and they come in multiple sizes for different body types.” For your next girls' night out, Stein suggests layering these jeans with classic pieces in your closet. "Team these jeans with a white T-shirt, a leather jacket, and white sneakers (or heels) for a little spice." Size Range: 23-33 petite (as well as standard, tall, taller, and plus sizes) | Material: 99% cotton, 1% spandex | Inseam: 32 inches Gap High Rise True Skinny Jeans Gap View On Gap.com There's a reason why these Gap jeans are a top seller: They're high-rise with a slim fit but stretchy enough to fit every body. A dark, medium-indigo wash adds to their appeal, making these jeans a go-to pair for dressy occasions. What’s more, these jeans have a nice weight to them, which makes them durable. And on top of all that, there are three inseams to choose from, so they're perfect for everyone, short or long. Size Range: 24-35 | Material: 81% cotton, 13% recycled materials, 6% stretch | Inseam: Short, regular, and long Beyoncé’s in Her 'Cowboy Carter' Era — Join Her with the Best Cowboy Boots to Buy This Season Levi's '70s High Rise Slim Straight Jeans Levi's View On Amazon $76 View On Zappos $71 View On Levi.com Adding some ‘70s flair to your wardrobe with these Levi's straight-leg jeans is easy — they have all the retro details you love but with a modern touch. Stein also says that these jeans flatter the body because of their perfectly fitted waistline. And due to their durability, these jeans will never fade after washing. “Whenever I need real denim, I always go to Levi's," Stein adds. "These wash well, last a long time, and mold to your body." Size Range: 23-34 | Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane | Inseam: 28-34 inches Agolde 90s Pinch Waist High Rise Jeans Revolve View On Nordstrom $228 View On Shopbop.com $208 View On Net-a-Porter $270 As the saying goes, if you look good, you feel good. And we promise: You’ll look and feel great in these crowd-favorite straight-leg jeans from Agolde. With a relaxed fit, light whiskering, and destroyed details at the cuffs, these jeans provide a stylish and comfortable fit. Rachel Varney, a personality stylist in New York City, says they have the benefit of being versatile with unlimited styling potential. “Pair these jeans with a staple tee and sneakers for a classic look, or dress them up with a silk cami and heels for a sexy night out," she says. Size Range: 23-34 | Material: 100% cotton | Inseam: 29.5 inches Denim Forum High Rise Straight Jeans Aritzia View On Aritzia.com Classic and stylish are a perfect match — and these jeans prove it. There are three inseam lengths available, 17 colors, and multiple sizes, so finding the perfect pair is easy (although tall reviewers note that the inseam isn't as long as they'd like). Plus, Varney says these Aritzia pants have great styling potential, and can be worn with a variety of outfits. “With their classic fit, these jeans are easy to style,” she says. “[They] have a high rise and a slight crop at the ankle, so you can wear them with heels or with sneakers.” Size Range: 23-32 | Material: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane | Inseam: 26, 28, 30 inches | Washes: 19 BDG High-Waisted Cowboy Jean Urban Outfitters View On Urban Outfitters Featuring a high-waisted fit, an ankle length, and a '90s-inspired silhouette, these jeans will instantly update your spring wardrobe. You can wear them with just about anything you have in your closet; tees, a blazer, cardigans, or a cropped top. The best part is that they are affordable — under $60, according to wardrobe stylist Jazmine Motley-Maddox. “Lots of people sleep on this brand, but it is by far one of the best for any budget,” she tells PEOPLE. “The relaxed fit is perfect for dressing up for date night with a cropped top and heels, or down for casual outings and errands with a T-shirt and sneakers.” Size Range: 24-34 | Material: 100% cotton | Inseam: 29 inches Dr. Denim Wide Leg Jeans Revolve View On Revolve $85 In case you need a pair of wide-leg jeans with a high-rise fit, these ones from Dr. Denim are perfect. Besides their wide leg and light fading, they are made with 100 percent cotton fabric, so they are always comfortable to wear. With nine sizes and a classic wash, these jeans go with everything from sneakers to sandals to heels, says wardrobe stylist Elisabeth Kassab. “With a classic light blue wash, these will be your go-to pair of denim all year round,” she tells PEOPLE. “They are so universal and will be in your closet forever.” Size Range: 23-34 | Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane | Inseam: 28-34 inches | Washes: 1 Things to Consider When Buying High-Waisted Jeans Torso Length You should take your torso length into account before purchasing high-waisted jeans, as everyone's torso length varies. To measure your torso, you can use measuring tape. However, you can also find your length by using your hands. “Place your left hand under your chest and your right hand above,” personal stylist Soneca Guadara suggests. “If your belly button is covered, you have a short torso, if it is visible, you have a long torso.” Comfort “High-waisted jeans always should feel comfortable when worn,” says Guadara. “Slimming your stomach and emphasizing your curves makes them a great option, but make sure they are stretchy and fit well.” In other words, if your jeans are leaving indentations in your skin or feel painful to wear at any point in time, they're not the pair for you. Wash As comfort and key are important, considering wash is also crucial, especially if you want to wear jeans on different occasions. When it comes to washes, consider this advice: Lighter washes are generally more more casual-cool, while darker washes work better for more dressy occasions. Of course, whatever wash makes you feel your best is most important. Frequently Asked Questions Which type of high-waisted jeans are the best? According to personal stylist Alena Le Blanc, the best high-waisted jeans offer compression without being too tight. “100 percent cotton denim can sometimes be uncomfortable, so try styles with 1 percent elastane (or spandex) to give your tummy a flattering shape while remaining comfortable,” she tells PEOPLE. What is raw denim? Le Blanc says raw denim is more durable than other types because it's not treated or washed before it's pressed. As a result, you'll get sharp, structured dark denim that breaks in over time. Are expensive high-waisted jeans worth it? A good pair of jeans can last for years, just like a good jacket, so you shouldn't be afraid to invest in a pair that you'll wear often, says Le Blanc. “Investing in a classic style that feels good, looks great, and does not bag out over time is well worth it,” she adds. Take Our Word For It Courtney Leiva is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as The Daily Beast, Buzzfeed, HuffPost, InStyle, and more. To write this article, Courtney interviewed several fashion stylists to learn what to look for when shopping for high-waisted jeans. She also examined various high-waisted jean styles and details, analyzing fit, functionality, and styling options for each. Meet Our Experts Christina Stein is a personal stylist and image consultant. Rachel Varney is a personal shopper and stylist based in New York City. Elisabeth Kassab, also known as StylistCheck, is a personal shopper specializing in street style looks, personal shopping, brand campaigns, and capsule wardrobes. Monica Diaz is a sustainable fashion consultant who has been featured on TLC.com, eHow, New York Post, and more. Alena Le Blanc is a personal stylist and founder of Le Blanc Label. Soneca Guadara is a fashion expert, style writer, and celebrity stylist.