These Are the High-Waisted Jeans Hundreds of Reviewers Gave 5 Stars (Gasp!) (2024)

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 hip bone!), which is why we created this list of the 21 best high-waisted jeans for women in 2024.

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. We included plenty of vintage-inspired options, timeless straight-leg jeans, baggy denim, budget-friendly bootcut options, and even... wait for it... skinny jeans. Yes, Gen Z TikTokers, you read that right. #JudgementFreeZone. Whether you're looking to try a new style, or just wanna replace some old fav 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 Straight Leg

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 Coated

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

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 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

Sure, these babies are on the pricier side. But they've got such a classic, straight-leg silhouette that'll literally never go out of style—so consider 'em a worthwhile investment! Plus, Nudie's 100 percent cotton jeans, produced without extra treatments or washes, are designed to last.

Notable 5-star review:

Great fit, quality, price, and overall shopping experience. I've been looking for a pair of affordable, sustainably-made, tall jeans for a while now and was so happy when I found this brand and model of jeans. I have worn them every single day since my purchase, and they just get more comfy and better looking with every wear. I love them!

Best Ultra High-Rise

I kind of 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 Raw Hem

The Sweet Flare jeans from Lucky offer a fun chance to wear a vintage-inspired style with a cool raw hem detail. They're available in sizes 28-35, and if you're not digging the edgy hem, the flare style comes in a ton of different varieties and washes so you can find one that speaks to you.

Notable 5-star review:

They are low-waist with great pockets that are actually big enough to put stuff in, the denim is comfortable and not too stiff, and the flares are perfect for wearing boots with. Highly recommend. In fact, I bought two pairs because I like them so much!with. Highly recommend. In fact, I bought two pairs because I like them so much!

Best Cropped

Let's face it: Cropped jeans are essential for showing off your new sandals, but they can sometimes feel dated. Howeverrrr! GRLFRND 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.

Notable 5-star review:

Usually a 28 in Girlfriend denim but found the last pair I ordered were larger than normal so I went a 27 with these. They're a little snug but will be perfect in a couple of wears. Perfect colour and just what I was after to replace an old pair of GRLFRND denim from years ago. 100 percent cotton is unbeatable. So pleased I ordered them.

Best Embellished

Who says denim has to be boring? Add a little razzle-dazzle to your wardrobe with these rhinestone-covered, boot-cut jeans.

My review:

I absolutely love these jeans. I bought them to wear for casual holiday outfits and they were super comfortable. The material is thick and the jeans are very good quality. I am 5’7 and ordered a size 29.

Best Cargo

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 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:

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.

Best Split Hem

A pair of split jeans is in instant way to 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 was looking for a pair of jeans that didn't hit me right at the ankle and these are the perfect pair. I am 5'7" so sometimes find it hard to find jeans that are long enough and these fit like a glove!

Best '90s-Inspired

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 Black Denim

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 White Denim

Oversized wide-leg jeans, made from high-quality, form fitting material, in a crisp white wash? Yes, please!

Notable 5-star review:

These pants are so cute!!! Everything from the fit to the fabric and overall style is great!! I ordered the 27T as I’m 5’10”. They aren’t see-through which I love! Highly recommend these for your spring and summer wardrobe!

Best Wide-Leg

Found: Cool yet comfy wide-leg jeans, designed to effortlessly take you from day to night, 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 Curves

A pair of jeans with hourglass shapes entirely in mind. Oh, and 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

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

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 Maternity

If you've been searching for a pair of jeans that look and feel like your pre-preg favorite denim pair- 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

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 fit like a vintage high-rise. It's going to be your new go-to for a cas 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.

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 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 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!