High-waisted jeans have a lot of benefits: Wearing them draws attention to the waistline, lengthens the leg, and prevents noticeable butt crack — the bane of any low-rise jean wearer’s life — when sitting. However, as attractive as high-waisted jeans are, they do have some drawbacks, especially when worn for extended periods of time. They can dig into your waist and place pressure on your bladder, creating a variety of problems in addition to wedgies. We polled trendy women to find the pairs of high-waisted jeans that are both flattering and comfortable to sit in, and that work for a variety of body types.
Levi’s Women’s Wedgie Straight Jeans
During our quest for the best high-rise jeans, we kept hearing about one pair in particular: Levi’s Wedgie Straight Jeans. Bird creator Jennifer Mankins, Joyce Lee, the head of Madewell’s design team, and Dianna Cohen, the founder of hair-care line Crown Affair, all love them. The jeans, despite their name, don’t really give you a wedgie (at least not in a bad way) —
instead, they have the butt-flattering effect of your favorite vintage-shop find. “They’re famous because they suit you like you want old 501s to fit,” says the designer. So, a great straight leg with a slightly more generous/modern cut. And it has a natural rise that reaches right at your belly button, so it’s up but not too high,” Mankins says. “High-waisted jeans have become super comfortable now that the fabric has stretch — it’s amazing how technology has allowed us to experiment with new denim fits while maintaining an authentic vintage look,” Lee says (who is partial to Madewell jeans first, of course). Cohen’s jeans are a regular favorite for her, even when denim isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of pants: “It’s the only pair I’ve worn frequently at home during quarantine— they’re almost as comfortable as sweatpants, but make you feel more put together if you have a meeting and want to wear actual pants (even if the other participants can’t see them),” she says. “They look just as good on when they’re brand new and tight as they do when they’re worn in and loosen up during the week.”
DL1961 Patti Full Length High Rise Straight Jeans
When it comes to high-rise jeans, strategist writer Chloe Anello says she’s “really gotten into the straight-leg trend.” Specifically, this pair from DL1961, a sustainable denim brand. She describes them as “very comfortable” and “mold to your body after a few wears.” “They’re a little more streamlined than wide-leg or boyfriend jeans, so they look a little more polished, but they still have a lot of give and flexibility.” The jeans have a retro-inspired wash and a button fly to stick with the vintage vibe.
Wrangler Men’s Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jean
Men’s Wranglers Classic Cowboy straight leg jeans will “do the trick,” according to illustrator Pauline de Roussy de Sales, if you’re looking for a pair of stiff jeans that will finally break-in and become perfectly vintage-looking. Former-Strategist senior editor Simone Kitchen’s favorite slim-cut Wranglers have the same ‘70s deadstock denim style as the jeans.
AYR Women’s Riser Jeans
If you’re looking for a high-rise jean with a slimmer leg, try this pair, which designer Mary Young describes as “a match made in heaven” when she tried them on. “The high rise sits perfectly without any gapping at the back and comes in various inseams, which is a big blessing for me, who stands my tallest at 5’2,” Young, who is on the petite side, says of the suit. Despite the fact that they’re more expensive, Young insists they’re worth it: “I’ve been wearing them nonstop for three years and they don’t show it,” she says.
Levi’s Women’s 720 High Rise Super Skinny Jeans
“I’ve been wearing high-waisted pants since high school, and they’re difficult to find,” says Diana McCorry, a journalist. “Every brand seems to suit differently, and some are absolutely abominable, so once I find a good fit, I like to stock up. Levi’s 720s are my personal favourites. There’s just enough stretch to prevent tummy compression but just enough shape to
give you a perfect silhouette when you stand up. They’re still really inexpensive. They come in three different colors.” McCorry always feels compelled to choose between back ease and waist looseness. “I’d rather wear a belt than spend the whole day feeling like I’m in the trash compactor from Star Wars,” she explains. “The 720s are a little loose in the waist, but not so much that a belt is needed, which is nice.”