It seems like we’re en route back to the past on a lot of fashion trends, but the Internet’s influencers and beauty editors have made a good case as to why that shouldn’t apply to high waisted jeans. The return of women’s high waisted jeans to the denim market some five odd years ago was followed by a big sigh of relief – high-rise jeans are incredible on so many different fronts, and they work so well with today’s fashion.
However, not all high-rise jeans are the same! They come in all kinds of cuts and colors, so they can fit all kinds of situations and wardrobes. We’ll help you choose the best high waisted jeans for you by giving some explanations about the different sub-categories, as well as by explaining how to choose the cut that will suit your particular features and body shape best. To get you feeling really stylish, we’ll give some details on how to wear high waisted jeans for any occasion!
Your High Waisted Jeans Cheat Sheet: Contents
- What Type of High Waisted Jeans Are You Looking for?
Straight | Skinny | Cropped | Mom | Boyfriend | Flared | Bell-Bottom | Ripped | Vintage | Light-Wash | Dark-Wash | Acid-Wash | Black
- How to Choose the Best High Waisted Jeans for Your Body Shape?
Short Legs | Long Legs | Slim Thighs | Curvy Thighs | Big Booty | Mini Booty | Athletic | Apple Body | Pear Body | Hourglass Body | Rectangular Body
Types of High Waisted Jeans and The Best Ones to Get
High waisted jeans are practically magic. Not only are they super flattering to all figures, since they flatten the tummy and cinch in the waist, but also they are very convenient – they don’t slide down or pull to show an underwear waistband or a crack. High-rise jeans are defined by where they sit on the body; simply put, they sit high on the waist, usually just above the naval though sometimes a few inches above it.
This is in contrast to most average pairs of jeans, which seat right on the center or upper part of the hips, as well as low-rise jeans, which were very popular in the 2000s and that sit very low on the hips. Read on to learn about all the different types of high-rise jeans.
• Straight High Waisted Jeans
Straight-legged women’s high waisted jeans are the simplest, most wearable and most common options you can find these days. They have a straight-legged silhouette that can fit a little tightly around the thighs, but tends to be roomie along the calves. It’s a flattering silhouette that elongates the leg nicely, especially when paired with a pointed-toe flat or pump.
In darker washes, straight-leg high-rise jeans are awesome for the office since their silhouette mimics that of a pair of women’s slacks. In lighter washes they are fun and casual, and particularly awesome to pair with casual sweatshirts or sneakers in light tones.
1. Agolde Riley Straight High Waisted Jeans
We love this simple, light-washed pair from Forward, which you can definitely take from day to night pairing with classy pointy-toe pumps. The color is perfect for wearing in summer, while the fit is professional and elegant, so you can easily wear this pair to work too.
2. Levi’s Wedgie Icon Fit Straight High Waisted Jeans
This distressed, cropped Levi’s pair from Revolve is better for a look with a bit of an edge. It features faded areas for that youthful look, while the color is so versatile for pairing this piece with every item you already own in your wardrobe.
3. Paige Sarah Straight High-Rise Jeans
This pair from Shopbop has a vintage vibe, with a lighter wash and raw hem. The slightly distressed look, the ankle length and the whiskering make these straight high waisted jeans a favorite among millennials.
• Skinny High Waisted Jeans
Once skinny jeans took over the jean market in the mid-2000s there was no turning back, and this category certainly includes high waisted skinny jeans. Skinny jeans are tight-fitting denim pants that are especially tighter and slimmer fitting along the calf, in a look that mimics leggings.
Skinny high waisted jeans can be made of all kinds of materials, but they are frequently made of a blend of cotton and spandex so they can be very stretchy. They are super flattering for just about anyone, although an athletic woman with well-built calves might find it difficult to find a fit, and might opt for straight jeans instead.
They are sometimes confused with straight-leg high waisted jeans, but the main difference is that skinny jeans taper to be even slimmer around the calf and ankle, while straight jeans do not.
Skinny high waisted jeans are fun to wear with boots, since they can slide right in, but truthfully they also look great with any pair of shoes that elongates the leg, including pumps, pointed flats, or slim running shoes. Overly wide shoes, however, can look jarring against the tapered end of the jeans.
1. Levi’s Mile High Skinny Jeans
These dark Levi’s from Revolve are the best high waisted skinny jeans for someone wanting a slimming effect, since they are slightly lighter just above the knees. The cropped silhouette makes this piece ideal for matching with classy pumps for an elegant look.
2. IRO Experience Skinny High-Rise Jeans
If you like a lighter wash, these high-rise jeans from Shopbop are worth a try, especially if you’re over zippers and would like to try a button closure. They are also cropped at the ankle length and feature subtle distressed touches at the hems and the pockets.
3. L’Agence Marguerite Skinny High Waisted Jeans
Also from Shopbop are these classic high-rise skinnies, with smaller pockets that flatter the behind, and a dark vintage wash that is perfect for everyday wear. The look is pretty minimalist and go-with-everything, so getting a pair will be a timeless denim investment.
• High Waisted Cropped Jeans
Once spring comes around, women’s high waisted jeans can become kind of heavy – unless, of course, you opt for a cropped pair! Cropped jeans have a cuff right between the ankle and calf, so they show off a bit more skin at the bottom of the leg.
They might also be known as flood pants, since in case of a (minor) flood the hemline of your jeans won’t get wet – it’ll sit just above the water! Cropped high-rise jeans can come with both a tight fit and a loose fit.
While cropped high-rise skinny jeans might be a very cooling option, we gotta admit they are not the most flattering option for petite women, since their cuff breaks up the leg. Those with long legs or an overall tall frame will find they can wear cropped jeans with ease, while anyone shorter might want to wear them only with heels to counter their minimizing effect. They are generally not work-appropriate, but can be an excellent choice for a night out or for a day of activities!
1. Miu Miu High Waisted Cropped Jeans
The best high waisted jeans for those wanting to try a daring looser fit are these gorgeous Miu Miu ones at Farfetch. They have a chain dangling from below the pocket, and are simply badass.
2. Topshop Editor High-Rise Cropped Jeans
This pair from Nordstrom has more of a straight, vintage fit, in distressed black that is perfect for adding to a grunge-inspired spring season look. Fashion editors will appreciate this pair!
3. J Brand Ruby High-Rise Slim Cropped Jeans
Lastly, we love these frayed-hem cropped skinny jeans from Net-a-Porter! They have a stretchy fit that is quite flattering, and a faded blue wash that is ideal for a casual wardrobe.
• High Waisted Mom Jeans
SNL may have poked fun in 2013, but today mom jeans are alive and well, only worn by the most fashion savvy of young women. Mom jeans are a lot like straight-leg high waisted jeans, but they tend to be a bit roomier near the top, which tends to emphasize the behind.
Mom jeans are not inherently flattering, but they are daring. Anyone can wear them as long as they are paired with other items that exude coolness. Wear them with a pair of combat boots and a dark T-shirt tucked in for an intimidating style.
The key thing is to only wear them with youthful items in order to look cool rather than dated – it’s a very fine line. Since they tend to make the butt and hips look wider and longer, high waisted mom jeans are generally most favored by those who have a slim and straight silhouette, as they do help fake those curves.
1. Levi’s High Waisted Mom Jeans
For true vintage flare, these Levi’s mom jeans at Shopbop are a great choice. They have a distressed hem and slightly cropped cut that will make them cool and comfy during the warmer months.
2. GRLFRND High-Rise Mom Jeans
This pair of high-rise jeans from Revolve is extra slim around the waist, for an even greater curve-emphasizing effect. The denim is very light, and the leg itself is straight until it suddenly tapers at the ankle, which gives ‘80s vibes.
3. Tommy Jeans Cropped High Waisted Mom Jeans
If you lead an active day-to-day life, these cropped Hilfiger mom jeans from Farfetch should suit you well, as they are made from very soft cotton in a looser style.
• High Waisted Boyfriend Jeans
The idea behind the high waisted boyfriend jeans is that they look as though you borrow a guy’s jeans in a rush or on a whim. As a result, they exude cool carelessness.
These days boyfriend jeans are tailored to a woman’s body but just made to have a menswear effect. They are a lot like straight-leg jeans, but just a bit slouchier, and much like mom jeans they also have a vintage effect.
Because boyfriend jeans are a bit careless and slouchy, it can be prudent to style them with extra clean pieces – a crisp button-up shirt tucked in, a pair of oxford shoes or slim flats, and maybe even a pearl necklace. They can suit just about anyone, so don’t be afraid to give them a try!
1. AMO Layla High Waisted Boyfriend Jeans
This cropped pair from Revolve gives a fun, worn-in vibes with rips just over the knee and a very distressed wash, but it also has a very tight fit around the waist to keep the silhouette feminine.
2. Ksubi Crossover High-Rise Boyfriend Jeans
For true casual vibes, these might be the best high waisted boyfriend jeans. They are available at Shopbop, and they have a super slouchy menswear fit, with a ton of rips distributed asymmetrically so they look natural. The fit is bulky and comfortable with a straight leg.
3. Eileen Fisher High Waisted Boyfriend Jeans
The last pair of high-rise boyfriend jeans we recommend trying is this ultra-light organic cotton pair from Nordstrom. They have a hint of a stretch so they are a super comfortable choice for active days.
• Flared High Waisted Jeans
Here and there we are seeing flared jeans popping up as a fashionable albeit non-mainstream option. Flared jeans are the opposite of skinny jeans – they start to get a little wider at the calf, and continue to flare out until the ankle.
Flared high waisted jeans tend to be on the longer side of things, so they are perfect for tall women, although they also work for petite women, since the added length perfectly elongates the leg, assuming the jeans fall below your ankles but don’t drag on the floor.
High-rise flared jeans can be styled to look sleek and modern or their vintage origins can be embraced instead. In darker washes they can be a fabulous office wear choice, assuming your company allows denim.
1. Current/Elliott The Jarvis Flared High Waisted Jeans
If you’re a little nervous yet intrigued about adopting this style, we think this pair from Net-a-Porter might be the best high waisted jeans with a flared cuff for you. The flare itself is subtle, with a slightly distressed light wash that is as unpretentious as it gets.
2. R13 Distressed Flared High Waisted Jeans
These high-rise R13 jeans from Farfetch are similarly wearable, with a slightly more worn-in look for those who really want to embrace the vintage vibe.
3. Ganni Flared High-Rise Jeans
Lastly we have these extra wide, dark-washed Ganni high-rise jeans from Net-a-Porter, with an A-line silhouette that gives some playful skater vibes. The dark black cotton looks so cool with the contrasting seams that perfectly balance the wide silhouette.
• Bell-Bottom High-Rise Jeans
If you’re truly inspired by history, then you should have at least one pair of bell-bottomed high-rise jeans sitting in your closet. Much like flared jeans, these pants also become wider at the calf, but to the extreme. The large flare is reminiscent of the shape of a bell, which explains their name.
To fully embrace the ‘70s vibes, wear them with blocky heels and a slim leather belt – a tucked-in flowy blouse is not optional! A more moderate take on vintage fashions is to wear them with a turtleneck shirt.
However, you can also treat them as the centerpiece of a modern outfit, and wear them with more conservative separates like a white button-up shirt or soft sweater and a pair of black flats or pumps.
1. L’Agence Lorde Bell-Bottom High Waisted Jeans
These bell-bottom jeans from Net-a-Porter will truly make an impact, both because of the gorgeous flared bottoms and also because of how beautifully they seem to round out the behind.
2. Alice + Olivia Bell-Bottom High-Rise Jeans
This distressed Alice + Olivia pair from Shopbop is also one of the best high waisted jeans for ladies curious about the style, as they have a leg-elongating flare, curve-hugging design, and a casual vibe.
3. Rag & Bone Bell-Bottom High-Rise Jeans
Lastly, we really love this pair from Farfetch, which is also on the lighter side of things, making it perfect for the warmer season. They have a small slit along the inner part of the leg, to increase the flare without adding fabric and to keep you feeling cool.
• Ripped High Waisted Jeans
Despite what my mom used to tell me when I was in high school, ripped jeans never went out of style, with high waisted jeans certainly included in that category. Women’s high waisted jeans in all kinds of styles can come a little distressed, with a few rips here and there. The rips are perfect to give some breathability to the garments, especially if you live somewhere that’s hot all year round.
When you purchase ripped high waisted jeans from a great brand you know that while they may look distressed they are also reinforced, and the rips shouldn’t expand – unfortunately the same cannot be said when you distress your jeans at home.
The key to styling ripped high waisted jeans is to keep the rest of your look clean and intact, although that’s not to say you can’t opt for grunge or punk-inspired items. Just make sure your jeans are the only thing covered in holes!
1. Levi’s 501 Ripped High Waisted Jeans
We’ve already recommended some distressed options, but here are few more of the best high waisted jeans embellished with rips! This pair from Revolve is super slim, and cropped just above the ankles. In addition to the rips they also have a light wash that is somewhat distressed, and a more vintage fit along the waist and behind.
2. Moussy Vintage Distressed High Waisted Jeans
If you like a straight leg pair of high rises, check out this vintage pair from Shopbop. They also have a lighter wash and vintage fit, but they are of a full length that can be styled for any season.
3. Ksubi Ripped High Waisted Jeans
Lastly, we’re recommending this bright blue take on ripped high-rise jeans that you can order on Net-a-Porter. These are the kind of vintage-inspired ripped jeans favored by millennial celebs of all shapes and sizes!
• Vintage High Waisted Jeans
What makes high-rise jeans vintage? It’s hard to pinpoint a specific feature, because jeans seem vintage with the help of a few factors. They’ll usually have a lighter wash that looks a bit distressed – either thanks to a rip here or there, or because of the way they are overall light but a bit darker along creases.
It also has to do with the fit that is tight at the waist but looser around the hips, much like mom jeans, although that’s not mandatory.
High waisted vintage jeans are a great casual option. You can style them with other vintage items for a retro look, or pair them with modern separates for a simple fashion-forward casual outfit. Generally, they are not suited for the office, but you can definitely rock them the rest of the time!
1. Madewell Vintage High Waisted Jeans
One of the best high waisted jeans you can try in a vintage style are these light-wash ones from Nordstrom. They have a slightly cropped straight leg, and we are totally in love with the heart embellishment over the back pocket.
2. Current/Elliot The Vintage High-Rise Jeans
If you’d like a cooler pair, try these distressed high waisted vintage jeans from Net-a-Porter. The light wash over the thighs does a beautiful job of elongating the leg while also emphasizing curves, while the large rip and high crop will keep you feeling cool on warm days.
3. Moussy Vintage High Waisted Jeans
If your style leans towards boyish vintage items, these distressed wide-legged high-rise jeans from Shopbop will be your next obsession! They are very light washed, with distressed hems and an opening along the inner part of the calf. They have a very elongating effect perfect for petite women that would like a bit more presence.
• Light-Wash High-Rise Jeans
Light-wash high waisted jeans are the perfect option for spring and summer! They work beautifully with a bright or pastel wardrobe, and are guaranteed to make you just that little bit happier.
As far as shoes go, anything goes, but if you’ve been struggling to rock a pair of lighter heels or some white sneakers you’ll be happy to know that they go super well with light-wash high-rise jeans! A lot of vintage-inspired jeans tend to have a light wash, as it is a lovely style that reminds of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
1. Agolde Jamie Light-Wash High Waisted Jeans
From Net-a-Porter, these might be the best high waisted jeans with a solid light wash. The denim is totally untextured, which is quite unique, and the fit is gorgeous vintage-inspired. The cropped hems are somewhat distressed, which keeps these high-rise jeans from being too twee.
2. Nobody Denim Light-Wash High-Rise Jeans
If you’d rather play around with something even more boho-inspired, check out these wide-cropped high waisted jeans from Moda Operandi. They are as summer as it gets, with an ultra-wide leg that brings to mind culottes and a raw finish.
3. Victoria by Victoria Beckham Cali Light-Wash High-Rise Jeans
Lastly, for a slightly more put-together light denim high-rise option, we love this Victoria Beckham pair that you can order from Net-a-Porter. They are made with a flattering straight-leg silhouette, and have a distinct California feel.
• Dark-Wash Women’s High Waisted Jeans
A pair of dark-wash jeans is a must in every woman’s wardrobe, as they perfectly bridge the gap between casual and professional. High-rise jeans in a dark wash can be particularly great to wear at a more laid-back office, though they also work as a casual option, especially if your sense of style tends to lean towards darker colors as a whole.
Dark-wash high-rise jeans are slimming and elegant. They look just as nice with a blouse and blazer as they do with a metal band T-shirt!
1. GRLFRND Karolina Dark-Wash High Waisted Jeans
Let’s start off with something casual, as these are the best high-waisted jeans we’ve seen in a dark wash that have that vintage vibe. They’re straight-legged and slightly cropped, but they sit high on the waist in a way that evokes a ‘90s silhouette. They are available via Net-a-Porter.
2. Anine Bing Dark-Wash High Waisted Jeans
At Revolve, you can find these gorgeous dark high-rise jeans that give us a slightly more distressed take, perfect for those who have an edgier style.
3. AG The Farrah Dark-Wash High-Rise Jeans
You’ll only have to go as far as your nearest Nordstrom to get the best high waisted jeans for casual Friday at office! They are skinny and well fitted, with vertical lines of a lighter wash to make every figure look long and lean. You’ll feel comfy sitting, standing, or dancing in them all night long thanks to a stretchy fit.
• Acid-Wash High Waisted Jeans
Feel your ‘80s punk fantasy with a pair of acid washed high-rise jeans – or don’t, since acid-wash jeans can actually also be classy rather than extreme.
Acid wash refers to a technique of bleaching denim with chlorine, which gives a unique, irregular pattern to the fabric. The technique was especially popular with punks in the ‘80s, but since it has been altered by fashion designers in a variety of ways and has been popular with all kinds of subgroups.
Acid-wash high waisted jeans are best reserved for casual days off or for clubbing – they are not quite upscale enough for anything else. Despite this, they can be a very fun garment to wear! How you will style them totally depends on their cut, but they certainly might inspire you to go find some spiky adornments.
1. Isabel Marant Acid-Wash High Waisted Jeans
Isabel Marant’s take on the ‘80s revival with these high-rise jeans from Forward is hard to resist. These jeans have vertical seams along the front, which give the illusion of tallness, and have that dark and light acid washed effect that is so iconic.
2. IRO Acid-Wash High Waisted Jeans
We’re also fans of this pair of acid washed high-rise jeans from Net-a-Porter, which bucks the stereotype with a subtler take on the acid washing technique. They have pleats at the top, which lend a curve-maximizing silhouette and a cropped straight leg – making them ideal for a narrow, straight frame.
3. GRLFRND Liya Acid-Wash High-Rise Jeans
For something super streamlined and sexy, we’re loving these acid washed skinny high-rise jeans that are sold through Revolve! They hug the figure beautifully and give a lot of length to the frame.
• Black High Waisted Jeans
Black high waisted jeans with a solid, non-distressed wash tend to be the most work-appropriate option, since their fabric doesn’t appear like denim at first glance. On the other hand, a slightly distressed look is awesome if you have an edgier, punk-inspired style.
Black high-rise jeans come in all styles, including skinny, straight, vintage, or cropped, so if you’re sick of all the light-washed styles make sure to give black high-rise jeans a try!
1. Citizens of Humanity Black High Waisted Jeans
For flawless professional wear, rock these skinny black high waisted jeans from Moda Operandi. They are super slim fitting, and ideal to pair with a blazer and some pointed-toe mules for a cool office look.
2. Madewell Skinny Black High Waisted Jeans
If you’d rather keep things a little edgier, these Madewell black skinnies from Nordstrom will be the best high waisted jeans for you! They come with a few rips over the knees and a raw hem, so make sure to wear them with a pair of heavy boots and a dark T-shirt for that rocker look.
3. Mother The Tomcat Black High-Rise Jeans
You can also find high-rise jeans in black that have a vintage vibe, like this pair that can be ordered from Net-a-Porter. They are cropped with a straight-leg style, and are loose around the butt the way every pair of boyfriend jeans should be.
How to Choose the Best High Waisted Jeans for Your Body Shape
Now that you have seen all the types and the best high waisted jeans for women to get, it’s time to explore which style will perfectly flatter your own body shape.
Best High Waisted Jeans for Short Legs
If you have a petite frame with shorter legs, then you can opt for all kinds of high-rise jeans! The high waist, particularly, will work well to make it seem as though your legs are longer by creating the illusion that they continue past where they actually end. This is especially great if you have short legs and an average or long torso, although it might not work as well if you are petite from top to bottom.
The best high-rise jeans for you will be either skinny, straight-legged, or with a subtle flare. Skinny jeans will overall make your legs look slim, which will lengthen them as a result. Straight-legged high-rise jeans will have a similar effect, but long flared jeans will be the most lengthening, since they tend to fall below the ankle, creating the illusion of longer legs by hiding the foot.
Additionally, the way your jeans have been dyed can also make a difference. Jeans that are washed just a little lighter vertically at the center of the leg will give the illusion that your legs are longer and slimmer.
Avoid high waisted cropped jeans or jeans that start wider at the hips and then get narrow towards the calves, like some mom and boyfriend jeans, as these will cut across your legs and make them seem both shorter and wider.
The shoes you wear with your high-rise jeans will also make a difference! While high heels are an easy choice, any pair of shoes with a pointed toe will have an elongating effect.
Best High Waisted Jeans for Long Legs
The trick to finding high waisted jeans that will fit your frame is to read the numbers and check the inseams, but there are a few cheat codes I can suggest. Overall, flared jeans tend to be longer than skinny and straight-leg high waisted jeans, so you can pull those off the rack first.
You can also choose to embrace cropped jeans (or buy straight jeans and roll them up a bit), since these styles are becoming increasingly popular. Unlike with short girls, you can wear cropped pants without worrying that they’ll make you look smaller! This saves you the hassle of worrying about pants not falling at just the right place on your ankle.
Best High Waisted Jeans for Slim Thighs
It might seem a bit odd to give advice to women with a slimmer figure, since they can do no wrong when it comes to choosing high-rise jeans! All cuts, styles, and washes of high-rise jeans will look good on someone with slim thighs.
However, these days looking thick is in, so women with slimmer legs might find themselves wishing for jeans that will make them look a bit curvier! If that’s what you desire, you will find that vintage-style high waisted jeans will be the best for making your thighs and behind look a little more present.
If you prefer tighter-fitting jeans, opt for straight-leg or skinny jeans with dye patterns that will make your legs look fuller. Horizontal fold lines or a horizontal lighter wash along the upper thighs will make your legs seem thicker in all the right places.
Best High Waisted Jeans for Curvy Thighs
Don’t listen to anyone who says that skinny jeans are not for curvy ladies, because they are oh-so-wrong! If you have legs that are wider at the thighs, consider all high-rise jeans an option for you, as long as they offer some give at the thighs – after all, stiff, all-cotton jeans will not be particularly comfortable.
Skinny jeans that are made of cotton and elastane blend will be particularly comfortable but they will show off your figure beautifully.
If you would like to avoid jeans that will make your thighs look bigger, make sure to avoid vintage or mom-style high waisted jeans – they can make both the bum and the thighs look bigger, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing these days.
You can look for jeans where the wash is slightly lighter vertically along the center of the leg, as this will make the legs look slimmer. Flared high waisted jeans are an option that will balance out the curves at the top of your legs, so you can try those as well.
Best High Waisted Jeans for Big Booty and Hips
If you’ve got a whole lot of booty to work with, then you definitely want to think for a few moments before grabbing a pair of high waisted jeans off the rack. While high-rise jeans will definitely look awesome with your curvy behind, you want to make sure to choose the right ones, as misplaced pockets or awkward sagging can make your bum look misshapen rather than juicy.
When you try on a pair of jeans, make sure that the pockets sit right in the center of your cheeks, rather than too low or too high. You will likely want to avoid pockets with textured embellishments or flaps. Skinny high waisted jeans with some stretch will show things off most nicely of course, but you can actually rock all cuts without fear, just as long as the fit is right at the butt.
Vintage and boyfriend jeans are not strictly off-limits for you, since they can be styled to look super fashionable, but do keep in mind that they won’t be the best choice for showing off your assets, since they tend to make the buttocks look a little larger and longer.
Best High Waisted Jeans for Mini Booty and Narrow Hips
High waisted jeans are the perfect item for rounding out the bum and giving an extra oomph to your curves – or fixing the little issue of a lack of curves, for that matter. High waisted mom jeans are a sure and quick way to create some fullness where there previously was none, since they tend to make both hips and behind look larger in that vintage way.
On the other hand, if you want to stick to a more modern vibe, opt for skinny high-rise jeans that have prominent pockets that sit a little higher up and far apart from each other. The bigger the pockets, the better, and bonus points if they are embellished.
The way your high-rise jeans are dyed or “washed” can also help create the illusion that your figure is curvier. Lighter colors in the center of the buttocks area and over the front of the hips will make it seems as though your bum is rounder and your hips are wider.
Best High Waisted Jeans for Athletic Calves
The size of your calves doesn’t matter when it comes to figuring out if high waisted jeans will suit you, but it does impact which high-rise jeans you will choose.
You will likely want to skip skinny high-rise jeans, since they will only constrict your powerful calves. The same might apply to straight-legged high-rise jeans, which tend to be a little looser around the calves but they are also made of a stiffer fabric that is less flexible or forgiving.
Jeans with a subtle flare will certainly allow your calves room to move around, as will boyfriend jeans! High waisted mom jeans are a bit riskier, since sometimes they taper at the ends – you’ll have to try them on and see how they look.
Best High Waisted Jeans for Apple Body Shape
High-rise jeans can also have an impact on your overall body shape. Women with bodies that are sort of apple-shaped (large or medium sized breasts, less defined waist to hip ratio) can really benefit from high waisted jeans, as they do a great job of cinching in the waist a bit, and lengthening the legs.
However, it’s important to choose a style that won’t be too tight around the mid-section, so make sure you try on jeans for comfort as well as for looks.
It’s generally best to avoid high waisted mom jeans or vintage cuts that bulk up the bum a little too much. Cropped and flared high waisted jeans can be a fabulous choice, as they will give a bit more balance to your frame. Straight jeans and skinny jeans are also a safe bet these days, especially in a high waisted style.
Best High Waisted Jeans for Pear Body Shape
Pear shape refers to a figure with a more petite or narrow torso, a small waist, and larger hips, thighs, and behind. If this is your shape, when it comes to skinny high-waisted jeans, you can absolutely wear them!
Tighter styles of high waisted jeans like skinny and straight-legged can do a fabulous job of bringing in your hips a little bit, while the straight way in which they go down will lengthen your overall silhouette. They will be most flattering if you add some balance on top, so give yourself more of an hourglass shape by tucking a loose or flowy top into your jeans.
Best High Waisted Jeans for Hourglass Body Shape
It’s hard to go wrong with an hourglass silhouette, so of course high-rise jeans are likely to flatter! That being said, much like for those with pear-shaped bodies, some high-rise styles don’t quite work as well.
High waisted mom jeans in particular might overly emphasize your hips and thighs, leading to an extreme hourglass look that is nearly cartoonish. Less extreme takes on vintage high-rise jeans can work well, as can all other styles like straight jeans and skinny jeans.
Best High Waisted Jeans for Rectangular Body Shape
Some women (especially very athletic women) have more of a straight body shape, without a lot of curves and with more powerful legs. For these women, high waisted jeans can help emphasize the waist, which is one way to add femininity to the look.
If you have a more powerful physique, opt for high waisted jeans that will create the illusion of curves. Vintage jeans will add more shape to your hips, for example.
Another option is to look for high-rise jeans that are slightly lighter at the center of the thigh or the butt and hips, as this will create a visual illusion of that area being wider. Straight high-rise jeans are probably best avoided, as they will only emphasize the straight lines of your figure.
How to Wear High Waisted Jeans
There are very few rules to wearing high waisted jeans. These jeans are just so darn versatile and flattering that it’s hard to go wrong. In this guide, I give a few styling suggestions, and I’ll give advice as to how to wear high waisted jeans to suit particular occasions and styles.
• Any top that can be easily tucked in will look great with high waisted jeans!
• Crop tops are very popular these days, and they are by far the easiest to wear with high-rise jeans, either tucked in or left out. Women’s high waisted jeans make crop tops wearable, since they prevent you from having to show too much skin, which is a blessing for many of us.
• You can certainly wear things over your high waisted jeans, but that defeats the purpose of them to a certain extent. It can be a fun outfit shift, however, do wear a long sweater over a high-rise pair of jeans and then remove it to reveal the trousers and whatever cute top you are wearing tucked into them.
• If your office allows denim, then go and find yourself some dark-wash straight-leg or lightly flared high-rise jeans. Wear a button-up or loose blouse tucked into them, and top everything off with a blazer. Sleek flats or pumps will seal the deal.
• For a night out on the tone make sure to be daring! Wear tight-fitting skinny jeans with whatever embellishments you like – distressed or ripped high waisted jeans work well, as do unique washes. Wear a tight top tucked into your high-rise jeans, and make sure to rock lots of jewelry and a pair of sexy high heels; pumps and boots both work well!
• You can rock a preppy daywear look with the help of light washed straight or cropped jeans, paired with tennis shoes and a light sweatshirt or sweater tucked into those high-rise jeans.
• Grunge or punk-inspired looks work very well with dark or distressed mom or boyfriend jeans. Skinny high waisted jeans can also work if you like a more modern look. The shoes really matter here, so opt for dark boots or dark Converse shoes. A dark T-shirt or tank top can be tucked into your pants, and if it’s cold out, be ready with a plaid long-sleeved shirt tied around the waist. If it’s even colder out, then you can drape a leather jacket over everything, which will also up the badass quotient.
• For festival-ready bohemian style, wear lighter wash boyfriend or mom jeans that have a bit of a vintage vibe. Pair them with a light-colored tank top or crop top – bonus points if is embroidered or crocheted! Finish the look off with a pair of strappy sandals or light-colored flats and lots of dangly jewelry!
• Double denim is never a bad idea, and with high-rise jeans it can be especially chic! You can go in two directions here – totally mismatched, with dark-wash jeans and a light-wash button-up top, or aim to match with two items of the same color denim. You can break things up by wearing a denim jacket over a fabric top, or opt for a denim blouse or button-up.
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