The Top High-Waisted Jeans We've Ever Put to the Test

Best Overall

We could immediately tell that Madewell’s The ‘90s Straight Jeans would become a staple once we tried them on. Crafted from 99% cotton, the denim is a bit rigid, so they might not be the best choice for sitting all day. However, we found them comfortable enough for a full workday—plus ice skating—without any discomfort. The thick waistband sat perfectly under our shirt, and the hardware was subtle yet comfortable.

Although the absence of stretch may not appeal to those who prefer a more flexible pair of jeans, it significantly enhances their durability. After wearing and washing them consistently for three weeks, they appear and feel exactly as they did when first put on.

They sit comfortably just above the belly button, making them ideal for pairing with comfortable heels, booties, or thick-soled loafers. With 11 different washes available, you'll likely want to add more than one pair to your wardrobe.

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), 3 inches (tall), 36.5 inches (taller) | Material: 99% cotton, 1% spandex

Most Comfortable

After weeks of use, we can confidently say that the Spanx Flare Jeans are among the most comfortable pairs we've ever owned. They were so comfortable that we went ahead and bought the straight-leg version as well.

Crafted from a cotton, polyester, and elastane blend, these jeans offer more softness and stretch than 100% cotton jeans, but without crossing into jegging territory. They provide a comfortable, non-restricting fit while offering just the right amount of compression to conform to your body. Plus, with no zippers or hardware to worry about, they slide on like leggings, so there's no need to deal with buttons digging into your skin.

We paired these jeans with sweaters, tees, wedges, and sneakers, and they looked great every time. They hold up well in the wash too—after full days of wear, they didn't become overly stretched, maintaining their shape just like sturdy denim. Just keep in mind that they do run long; our 5-foot-3 tester found both the regular and petite sizes too long, so alterations may be necessary depending on your height.

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

Best Wide Leg Style

If you’re looking for a pair of wide jeans that strike the perfect balance between too casual and too dressy, The Mia Wide Leg Jeans are the ideal option. They pair effortlessly with sneakers, clogs, heels, booties—you name it—making it easy to achieve any style.

The waist felt snug and comfortable whether we were sitting or moving around, and we had no trouble sitting cross-legged or squatting. Even after indulging at Thanksgiving dinner, we still felt at ease in them. They’re so comfy, we’d liken them to yoga pants. However, the tradeoff for their flexibility is the lack of warmth; the denim is fairly thin, so we wouldn’t recommend them for winter wear. 

These jeans fit both our standard and plus-size testers exceptionally well, especially for those with a larger bottom and a narrower waist. They kept their shape and comfort after washing, with just a few frayed edges. While the price may be on the higher side, a quality pair of jeans is hard to come by, so we believe they’re worth the investment. 

Size Range: 23–34 | Rise: 11.5 inches | Inseam: 34 inches | Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane

Best Straight Leg

The American Eagle Stretch High-Waisted Straight Jeans combine a timeless design with durable craftsmanship, making them a must-have for any closet. Made of 99% cotton and 1% elastane, the denim is robust and of high quality.

They were a bit stiff when we first tried them on, but they loosened up nicely over time, offering just the right amount of comfort without getting too baggy. After wearing them three times, we washed them, and they returned to their original stiffness. The waist didn’t pinch or dig in, and the weight felt just right—not too light, not too heavy. Honestly, these jeans have become a go-to pair for us.

Despite their affordable price, we were impressed by how much thicker and higher-quality they felt compared to other jeans we've tried from Zara and Target. They held their shape through weeks of wear, and washing them brought them back to their original fit.

Our only note concerns the fit—while our shorter tester found them to be a true high rise, our 5-foot-5 tester considered them to be more of a mid-rise, hitting about two inches below her belly button.

Size range: 000-20 (extra short, short, regular, long) | Rise: 11 inches | Inseam: Not specified | Material: 99% cotton, including recycled cotton, and 1% elastane

Final Verdict

With their timeless design, cozy fit, and solid build, Madewell’s The ’90s Straight Jeans stand out as some of the top high-waisted jeans available. If you’re seeking jeans that offer the comfort of leggings with the durability of classic denim, Spanx Flare Jeans provide an excellent option.

Our Testing Process

To identify the best high-waisted jeans, we had 86 people test 44 different pairs over several weeks. Our testers represented a wide range of body types and styles: from standard to plus sizes, varying heights, and different shopping preferences. Out of the 44 jeans tested, 14 were high-waisted, and four made it to our final selection.

During our testing, we wore each pair of jeans at least twice a week, evaluating their fit, comfort, and versatility. Could they handle daily wear? Were they easy to dress up or down? We washed each pair at least twice, observing how they held up over time—did they stretch, shrink, fray, fade, or bleed, or did they remain in top condition?

After thoroughly testing jeans for fit, quality, comfort, and durability, we evaluated them based on overall value. After weeks of wearing them, did we feel they were worth the investment? Our top picks range from affordable options to high-end choices, suitable for any budget.

How to Shop for High-Waisted Jeans Like a Pro

Style

High-waisted jeans come in various cuts, much like other types of jeans. Some of the most popular styles include straight-leg, skinny, flare, bootcut, wide-leg, and A-line jeans.

Straight-leg, skinny, flare, and bootcut jeans are fitted from the waistband to the knee. They differ from knee to ankle: Straight-leg jeans maintain the same width, skinny jeans are slim-fitting, flare jeans expand, and bootcut jeans widen slightly. Wide-leg jeans maintain the same width from waistband to ankle, while A-line jeans gradually flare out from the waist to the ankle.

Rise

In jeans, rise refers to the measurement from the waistband to the crotch. All high-waisted jeans have a high rise, but the exact measurement can vary. The rises on our list range from 10.5 to 15 inches.

A standard high rise typically sits at the belly button, while an ultra-high rise—around 12 to 13 inches—reaches the ribcage or natural waist.

Inseam

Inseam refers to the length of your jeans, specifically the measurement from your crotch to your ankle. Claire Guité, senior associate denim designer at Pistola, notes that a standard full-length inseam is 32 inches, while an ankle-length inseam is 27 inches. However, the right inseam for you depends on your height; Guité recommends full-length jeans to touch the floor and cropped jeans to hit just at the ankle.

Our best high-waisted jeans offer a variety of inseam lengths, ranging from 28 to 37 inches. Even if you're not particularly tall, Guité advises opting for high-rise jeans with a longer inseam to enhance the appearance of longer legs.

If you're unsure about the correct inseam for your body, you can measure your own inseam using a measuring tape.

Material and Stretch

You might think all jeans are made from the same material, but not all denim is created equally. The composition of the fabric plays a key role in its comfort and longevity.

Denim is typically made from a blend of materials such as cotton, elastane, polyester, and viscose. Blends with a higher cotton content tend to be firmer and more durable, while those with more elastane offer extra stretch and comfort.

“Stretch materials that make up 3% or less feel the most natural,” says Holly Shapiro, executive creative director of Splendid. “I also prefer denim that includes some Tencel or modal, not just cotton, as it feels softer and wears better over time.”

Beyond comfort, the material blend affects the durability of jeans. Our testing revealed that jeans with a higher cotton content maintained their shape better after repeated wear and washing.

On the flip side, jeans with more elastane tended to lose their shape more quickly. However, we discovered that frequent washing helped “reset” the fabric, stiffening it up again. For long-lasting wear, López suggests jeans with at least 90% cotton, and all the jeans on our list meet that standard.

More High-Waisted Jeans to Consider

Everlane The Way-High Sailor Jean: These jeans strike a perfect balance between stretch and durability, providing both style and a flattering fit. They were surprisingly comfortable even after long periods of sitting, which is harder to find than you'd expect. However, they aren't particularly long, and their waistband tends to loosen as the day progresses.

Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Wide-Leg Jeans for Women: At an affordable price, these jeans fit flawlessly right from the start, requiring no break-in period. Unfortunately, as we wore them more, they stretched out and began to fade.

Levi's Premium Wedgie Straight Fit Women's Jeans: These jeans were both flattering and comfortable, fitting snugly around our curves while still offering enough mobility. However, there were mixed opinions on the fit—some testers found them too small, while others thought they stretched out with wear.

Questions You Might Ask

What is the difference between high-rise and high-waisted jeans?

“High rise simply refers to a style that sits higher than mid-rise,” explains Shapiro. “High-waisted, on the other hand, refers to jeans that sit at the waist and clear the belly button, marking the highest point of the rise.” Both Shapiro and Guité agree that, in most cases, the terms are used interchangeably and essentially mean the same thing.

Should you size up or down for high-waisted jeans?

The best high-waisted jeans fit just right—no need to size up or down. Most of the jeans on our list run true to size, providing a perfect fit as soon as you put them on, with no pinching, bunching, or sagging.

That being said, you can expect your jeans to loosen a bit over time. If they contain elastane, they may become stretchier with wear. For instance, the American Eagle Stretch High-Waisted Straight Jeans felt a bit stiff initially, but they loosened up and became more flexible the longer we wore them.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a writer for Mytour. She's a fan of high-waisted jeans, particularly those made from rigid, 100% cotton denim. To find the best high-waisted jeans, we tested 14 pairs over several weeks, assessing them for fit, quality, comfort, durability, and overall value, then evaluated many more pairs using the same criteria. For expert insights, we consulted stylist Audree López, Claire Guité, senior associate denim designer at Pistola, and Holly Shapiro, executive creative director of Splendid.