Are high-waisted jeans still in style?

You see high-waisted jeans everywhere, but fashion moves fast. You worry that the moment you buy a new pair, the trend will be over, leaving you looking dated.

Yes, high-waisted jeans are absolutely still in style. They have become a modern wardrobe staple because they are versatile and flatter so many different body types and personal styles.

In my two decades of making jeans, I’ve seen trends come and go, from ultra-low rise to the tightest skinny jeans. But the high-waisted fit has real staying power. It’s more than just a fleeting trend; it’s a foundational silhouette.

Designers like Dean, who I work with, consistently include high-rise styles in their collections. They know that a well-designed high-waisted jean can define the waist, elongate the legs, and serve as the perfect base for countless outfits.

The demand we see in our factory confirms this every day. This style isn’t going anywhere; it’s just evolving.

What do Gen Z wear instead of skinny jeans?

You’ve heard that Gen Z has declared skinny jeans “over.” This leaves you wondering what the younger generation is actually wearing and what styles are considered cool right now.

Instead of skinny jeans, Gen Z prefers looser, more comfortable fits. The most popular styles include baggy, straight-leg, wide-leg, and cargo jeans, often in a high-rise or mid-rise silhouette.

The shift away from skinny jeans is something I’ve seen directly in the orders we receive at my factory. Brands that target a younger audience are requesting completely different cuts now.

This change is driven by two main factors: comfort and nostalgia. Gen Z values clothing that allows for movement and doesn’t feel restrictive.

They also draw heavy inspiration from 90s and Y2K fashion, eras when looser denim reigned supreme. This has brought back a whole range of fits that are now dominating the market.

We are producing more wide-leg and classic straight-leg jeans than ever before. It’s a fundamental change in what people consider a “basic” pair of jeans.

Key Gen Z Jean Styles

Baggy Jeans: These have a very relaxed fit through the hip and thigh, with a wide leg opening. They’re all about a casual, comfortable vibe.

Straight-Leg Jeans: A timeless classic, this style is fitted through the hip and then falls straight down to the ankle. It’s more tailored than baggy but still relaxed.

Wide-Leg Jeans: These are fitted at the waist and hips and then flare out dramatically, creating a statement silhouette.

Cargo & Carpenter Jeans: Utilitarian styles with extra pockets and loops are hugely popular, blending workwear aesthetics with everyday fashion.

What body type should wear high-waisted jeans?

You love the look of high-waisted jeans on others, but you’re not sure they will work for your body. You’re worried they might highlight areas you’d rather not draw attention to.

High-waisted jeans are incredibly versatile and flatter almost every body type. They are especially effective at defining the waist, creating the illusion of longer legs, and offering comfortable midsection coverage.

One of the reasons high-waisted jeans have become a staple is their almost universal appeal. The magic is in how they reshape proportions. By sitting at the natural waist, the narrowest part of the torso for many, they create a beautiful silhouette.

In my work, I’ve learned that the combination of a high rise with the right leg cut is the key. It’s not just about the waist height; it’s about the whole garment. A designer like Dean knows this instinctively.

He can pick a high-rise wide-leg for a pear shape to balance proportions or a high-rise straight-leg for a petite frame to add height. They really are a secret weapon for making you look and feel great.

How High-Waisted Jeans Flatter Different Shapes

For Curvy or Hourglass Shapes: They cinch in at the natural waist, highlighting your curves beautifully.

For Straight or Athletic Shapes: They create the illusion of a more defined waist, adding curves to a linear frame.

For Petite Shapes: They draw the eye upward and create a longer leg line, making you appear taller.

For Apple or Rounder Shapes: They provide excellent support and coverage for the tummy area, creating a smooth, streamlined look.

Are high-waisted jeans in style in 2025?

You want to buy a great pair of jeans that will last. You need to know if the high-waisted style has enough longevity to still be fashionable next year and beyond.

Yes, high-waisted jeans will absolutely remain in style in 2025. They have transitioned from a passing trend to a modern classic, though the most popular leg shapes will continue to evolve.

I can tell you with certainty that high-waisted styles are here to stay. In the manufacturing world, we work far in advance. We are already discussing and developing samples for the 2025 collections with major brands, and high-rise fits are central to their plans. They have become a foundational block for designers, much like a classic t-shirt or trench coat.

What will change are the specific silhouettes. The extreme skinny high-rise is less of a focus now. Instead, the momentum is with more relaxed shapes. The future is about combining that flattering high waist with a comfortable, modern leg shape.

Think of it less as a trend and more as a permanent, essential part of the denim landscape. The specific wash, details, and leg opening may change, but the high waist provides a timeless anchor.

Do I look better in low or high-rise jeans?

With the return of Y2K fashion, low-rise jeans are popping up again. Now you’re caught between two very different styles and don’t know which one is right for you.

High-rise jeans are generally more flattering for most people because they define the waist and make legs look longer. Low-rise jeans sit on the hips, a look that works best for longer torsos.

Low-rise jeans sit on the hips, a look that works best for longer torsos.

The choice between high and low rise is all about personal preference and body proportions. There isn’t a single right answer, but each style creates a very different effect.

High-rise jeans provide structure and create a classic silhouette by visually lifting everything up. They are often seen as more forgiving and easier to style. Low-rise jeans offer a much more casual, relaxed, and edgier vibe that is tied to the early 2000s.

They can be tricky to wear because they can visually shorten the legs and widen the hips. My best advice is always to forget the trends for a moment and focus on what makes you feel the most comfortable and confident. Try on both styles with your favorite tops and see how you feel.

Feature	High-Rise Jeans	Low-Rise Jeans
Waist Definition	Excellent; cinches at the natural waist.	None; sits on the hips.
Leg Appearance	Elongates the legs, making you appear taller.	Can make legs appear shorter.
Coverage	Offers full coverage and support for the tummy.	Minimal coverage, can lead to a “muffin top.”
Best For	Most body types, especially petite or curvy.	Long torsos, straight or athletic figures.
Overall Vibe	Polished, classic, and put-together.	Casual, edgy, and nostalgic (Y2K).

Conclusion

High-waisted jeans are a timeless staple, not a fleeting trend. They flatter many figures and will remain in style, making them a smart and fashionable choice for your wardrobe.