I Asked, You Answered - High Waisted Denim!
Raise your hand if you’ve had a life-long struggle finding that perfectly fitting pair of jeans. Hi, same!
A child of the 90s and early aughts, a simple explanation is that low-rise jeans were king growing up. This style never worked for anyone, and it wasn’t until the “rise” of high-waisted pants in recent years that I realized I could look good in denim! I should have listened to my mom and stuck to the classic boot cut Gap mom jeans you see me in here:
Do I not look like Kim Kardashian c. 2019 in this photo? This was 2002, in Catalina.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Over the past several years I’ve cycled out my True Religion and 7 for all Mankind in favor of more forgiving styles from Good American and Levi’s. But here I am now, needing a bit of a wardrobe refresh (and jeans that are professional enough for a corporate office). I reached out to the good people of Instagram to see what recommendations were out there for chic, simple, sustainable denim brands. I got so many wonderful suggestions!
In order of most recommended, here are some great resources for modern, flattering denim pants:
Everlane - committed to ethical factories and transparency, people love Everlane for its good quality at solid price points. I’ve not yet tried the denim but have a pair of the $50 Work Pant, which I purchased on the recommendation of a friend of mine who’s a working mom - I could wear them every day of the week! They feel very Audrey Hepburn.
Reformation - I’ve been getting targeted ads for Reformation for ages (always spooky) but never bothered to look into the company, apart from noticing how cute the dresses are. But upon hearing so many good things about their jeans yesterday, I learned that the company is committed to sustainability, and the jeans are beautiful and well constructed.
Madewell - Madewell is another brand that’s been on my radar, but what I didn’t realize is that it’s a brand based around denim/jeans. They have lots of solid, quality styles (including high-waisted!).
Levi’s - Levi’s have been my go-to brand in recent years because they’re decently made, inexpensive, and make a great stretchy, mid-rise waist skinny jean. They’re also committed to sustainability and will be offering an expanding line of repurposed vintage Levi’s, according to their website.
Vintage - … which brings me to the next category - vintage! In this modern world, it can feel daunting to try on pants out in public (or is that just me projecting my online shopping addiction?). That being said, I’m going to make a greater effort to visit local craft and vintage fairs, and to find consignment stores I love. I was sent a great tip for a place in Berkeley called Slash Denim and can’t wait to check it out! The ultimate goal is that I come out of there looking like my mom did in high school. I also love Stonehouse - one of a kind vintage and upcycled finds (that you can shop for online!).
Agolde - based in Los Angeles, this clothing company is increasingly focusing on eco-friendly fashion and more sustainable methods of production.
Imogene & Willie - This small company based in Nashville is one of the last of its kind - they craft their handmade jeans in the USA with care.
Elizabeth Suzann - I wasn’t previously familiar with this really fun Nashville-based brand. The materials are sourced and made sustainably and ethically. And, the high-waisted linen pants look like a dream!
Zara - While not a wholly sustainable fashion brand just yet, they make great, simple jeans, and just committed to using 100% sustainable materials by 2025!
If you’re looking for a reasonable pair of pants and sustainability is not a top priority, here are some hot contenders:
Topshop - I have some really cute pieces from Topshop that I wear and wear and wear - I haven’t tried their jeans, but they have great styles.
American Eagle - Let’s be honest - don’t we all have that one store where we’ve shopped our entire life, where the clothes will always fit us perfectly? For some of my Insta friends, that store is AE.
Pilcro (at Anthropologie) - This premium denim brand has several high waisted options. I couldn’t find any information on their commitment to sustainability or the environment so I’ve put them on this list.
BDG (at Urban Outfitters) - I can attest to the fact that BDG’s denim is soft, comfy, and practical - all at a reasonable price point (having had a pair of their high rise black jeans I’d purchased on sale back in the day, which were unfortunately just too big).
H&M - another great place to find cute and inexpensive denim, I’m including it on the less-sustainable list because while the company has committed to greater transparency, and full sustainability by 2030, that’s a full decade from now!
Drop a comment below to let me know if you have any other suggestions I’ve missed. Happy denim shopping, friends!
PS - I love this pair of Good American “Good Legs” jeans, it’s one of my favorites because of that high waistband:
