Yep, our trusty high-waisted jeans are back and we love them more than ever. Since ‘real life’ has resumed, we’ve pulled out our best jeans from the darkest depths of our wardrobe and haven’t looked back.
As someone who hit her teenage years during the peak of noughties fashion, I grew up believing any jeans that didn’t sit as low as X-tina’s trousers in the Dirrty music video were a complete faux-pas – a style I would never be seen in. But thankfully, with age comes wisdom, and I now shudder at the thought of any pair of jeans that doesn’t at least come up to my navel. High waisted jeans reign supreme for me.
There’s an abundance of good reasons why a pair of high waisted jeans forms the basis of any capsule wardrobe. Their versatility makes them the ultimate trans-seasonal staple, and thanks to the fact that you can dress your jeans up with a blouse and blazer or pair them with a hoodie and pair of trainers over the weekend, they’re the hardest working item in any wardrobe. They’re also much more flattering and confidence-boosting than their low and mid-rise counterparts.
I’m not alone in my adoration. High-waisted jeans have been a sartorial stalwart supporter for influencers and fashion insiders alike for a long time. The success of Levi’s sell-out Ribcage jeans says it all. Today, every denim-stocking brand from L’Agence and Agolde to Arket, & Other Stories and H&M is over-run with high-waisted cuts. Sure, with choice can come confusion. What are the best high-waisted jeans for your style, body shape and budget? Which pairs will retain their shape? Which will make you feel the best? I’ve spent hours searching both designer shopping sites and high street brands and compiled the ultimate edit of the best high waisted jeans for women out there, to offer you all the answers.
Who makes the best high-waisted jeans?
Levi’s remains unbeaten as the creators of some of our favourite denim ever – and their collection of high waisted jeans fit like a dream. If you’ve not got as much money to spend, though, consider ASOS for high-waisted jeans to suit all heights and sizes (their high-rise Ridley jeans are perfect for all occasions), ASOS Design slouchy fit for high-waisted mom jeans or Topshop for tapered styles in a range of washes.
For sustainable high-waisted jeans, consider online clothing store Everlane’s ultra-flattering 90s cheeky straight jeans (which have sculpting on the bum) or any pair from M&S‘ ever-growing collection. Their denim is made from 100% responsibly-sourced cotton, using 86% less water (compared to the industry average for garment finishing, according to Jeanologia) and kinder-to-the-planet chemicals. And these flared high-waisted jeans fit like a dream.
After more denim content? we’ve gone granular about the whole “jeans” thing. Check out more of our jeans edits below…