If you're not interested in something super high-waisted but also don't want a particularly lower option (sorry, low-rise lovers!), mid-rise jeans may become a go-to for you. It's a no-fail option and will never go out of style. There is a variety of silhouettes offered with a mid-rise, from classic straight to trendier barrel jeans. Add a pair to your current wardrobe and you'll be reaching for them more than you think.
To showcase the best mid-rise jeans out there, we scrolled through all of our favorite sites, including Nordstrom and Shopbop, to uncover the standout styles. Below, you'll find a range, including light-wash picks, distressed options, and more. Keep scrolling to shop.
Customer Review: "These pants fit like a glove! They have a lot of stretch and the color is perfect to go with many different outfits. I liked how they weren't so high-rise. I have a hard time with those ones because then the waist never fits. I got so many compliments on them. For reference, I’m 5'4" and 115 lbs and got the 25R."
Madewell makes incredible basics, but the brand is especially known for its denim. This pair fits perfectly right above the hips and has a relaxed and easy fit.
If Who What Wear editors had to pick a favorite denim brand, it would be Agolde. We would classify the brand's '90s jeans as the best overall.
If you're on the taller side, we'd recommend Reformation's jeans.
Yes, Zara's denim selection lives up to the hype. Sometimes, we gravitate toward them over our designer pairs. Plus, they mostly fall under $100!
Out of all of Levi's styles, the 501 is the ultimate classic. The mid-rise and straight silhouettes make for the perfect '90s-inspired look.
Customer Review: "These were exactly what I was looking for. It's hard to find mid-rise these days and I'm just not into high rise. The fit is great, true to size, and very flattering. I love the straight leg and the wash is super versatile dressing it up with a cute top and heels or down with a T-shirt and sneakers."
Customer Review: "The product is described as a 'slouchy jean,' and as such, they are sized for a more generous fit—that is the purpose. I typically purchase a 27 or 26 (snug usually) in J. Crew denim. I purchased these in a 25 and they are fabulous! I will be ordering an additional pair for safekeeping."
If you want affordable mid-rise jeans with a trendy touch, look no further than H&M's tapered jeans. H&M's jeans are usually softer than your average rigid denim, so this one's perfect for those who may have texture sensitivity and want to prioritize comfort.
Customer Review: "I LOVE these jeans, the mid-rise is great, they're extremely flattering, and I will wear them till they come apart at the seams."
If you're able to splurge, Khaite's denim has proved to be worth the investment.
Customer Review: "I never do reviews but these checked all the boxes for me! I had been looking for baggy jeans but never liked the way they fit. I have bigger thighs and a slimmer waist and these for perfect—baggy in the thighs but fit my waist and hips great. I have a 30-inch waist and 42-inch hip and I purchased a size 10. I am considering also getting the 8 for a slightly more fitted look! Great jeans!"
We love a roomy jean, but this slimmer style from J.Crew is pure sophistication. It's sculpted fit elongates the leg, and it's made from new stretchy denim that forms the figure comfortably.
The fashion set is all over barrel jeans recently, so of course, Zara would release its version. It's more understated than others on the market, which tend to have a more dramatic fit.
If you're looking for luxe-like jeans at an under-$100 price point, Mango is your destination. This pair is proof.
Another splurgy-worthy brand for denim has to be Tibi, especially if you prefer a loose and baggy fit.
Customer Review: "I love these jeans, so comfortable and versatile. this is my second pair and my favorite style of Abercrombie jeans. I'm waiting for more washes to become available. It's the perfect amount of baggy, not too loose not too tight the fit is perfect."
We understand that not all of you may have given up slimmer jeans, and that's okay. Wear what makes you feel comfortable! Mother has a variety of mid-rise skinny and straight-leg styles to choose from.
In the denim world, Levi's will always be reliable. This pair fits nicely at a mid-rise level but is roomy and slouchy at the hip and thigh for maximum comfort and ease.
A black pair of denim looks classy, but a washed-gray pair adds an easy level of interest without jumping into another color range.
We've presented a lot of luxe and sophisticated options, so it only makes sense to balance things out with a more casual and affordable option. These are the kinds of jeans you want to run errands in.
We love Agolde's '90s jeans, and the Lana Mid-Rise is another great straight-leg option. It has a slight fray at the bottom and a faded wash that'll look great both casual and dressed up.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since then been updated.
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