Low-rise jeans may be back on trend, but high-waisted jeans are an undisputed classic. They look effortlessly sophisticated, lengthen your legs, and pair perfectly with a tucked or cropped T-shirt. Below, we've rounded up our favorite waist-cinching, belly-button-grazing, high-rise jeans to take you from work to nights out, and everything in between.
High-rise jeans should have a front seam of at least 10 inches and come up past your belly button. (Pictured above: Buck Mason's Jet Set Jean.)
Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider
Our top overall pick are Levi's Wedgie Icon Jeans. They've got just enough stretch to still maintain their shape and a slightly cropped hem you can show off your shoes in. If you're looking for something less structured, associate style editor Gabrielle Chase recommends the AG Kora Wide Leg Jeans. "This is the softest denim I've ever felt. They don't even feel like I'm wearing jeans, they're that comfortable. And their light-and-loose fit is perfect for warm weather," she says.
We also have lots more coverage on jeans for specific body types — see our guides to the best petite jeans and the best plus-size jeans for more picks from authors with firsthand experience at finding the perfect fit.
When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
"I've tested jeans from probably 50 brands over my 9-ish years as a style editor, but there are only a handful of places that I buy my jeans from now," says executive editor Sally Kaplan. "I get a lot of questions from my friends about where they should buy jeans, and Everlane is always the place I send them."
"The black pair of these Way-High jeans are one of my year-round staples. When Everlane named these, they weren't kidding — I'm just over 5 feet tall and the waistband comes up very high on me. That said, the little bit of stretch and give to these pants makes them one of the few high-waisted pairs that are truly comfortable to sit in for long periods of time."
Remi is a former reporter for Business Insider's affiliate commerce team, Insider Reviews. After graduating from Colgate University with a degree in Creative Writing and Political Science, Remi joined Business Insider to help readers find the best products worth buying. Since joining the team in 2018, Remi has reviewed hundreds of products and interviewed founders of industry disruptors, such as direct-to-consumer startups Koio and Absolut Art. She specializes in women's lifestyle, but loves to learn about any and all products that add value and excitement to our everyday lives. Say hello at rrosmarin@businessinsider.com. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.
You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.
Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read preview
Best overallThey’re called “icon jeans” for a reason. A universally flattering slim fit makes these jeans so beloved.
