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: "I love these jeans! Perfect fit. I bought these because I’m just 5 ft. tall and the crop jeans fit me without having to have them shortened! That’s a big plus for me. They look great with sneakers or sandals. I wear them to work with a blazer. The look is perfection."
Made from 100% cotton, these H&M jeans are perfect for those who want more comfortable and softer denim instead of a rigid pair.
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!"
Slim through the hips and extra roomy at the thighs and ankles, these are the perfect easy yet elevated pair of jeans.
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."
Switch things up from your black and blue denim with this chocolate-brown pair from Reformation.
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.
Instead of pairing a button-down with wide-leg trousers, opt for floor-length jeans like this pair from Favorite Daughter.
We understand that not all of you may have given up skinny jeans, and that's okay. Wear what makes you feel comfortable! Frame has a variety of mid-rise skinny styles to choose from.
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.
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