Best High

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Straight-leg, flare, and skinny denim styles every shape can feel confident in this summer.

Let's take a moment to talk about wardrobe staples—the key pieces of clothing you can throw on without thinking and make you feel comfortable and confident in an instant.

This summer, we recommend investing in a pair of high-rise jeans in your trusted silhouette of choice. High-waisted styles are extremely flattering and make any outfit look stylishly put together. Plus, they'll look fantastic with everything from everyday basics like easy tees or button-down shirts to dressier warm-weather tops.

When browsing through high-rise denim, you should be on the lookout for fabric and fit.

Rigid, non-stretch denim is ideal for a structured silhouette that will only get better with wear over time. If you prefer a bit of stretch, you can opt for a cotton-blend fabric with a touch of elastane. Brands like Good American and NYDJ even use built-in compression to enhance your curves in all the right places.

Deciding on a style of denim is 100 percent up to you. Are you most comfortable in a curve-friendly high-rise flare jean or bootcut style? Perhaps a timeless straight-leg or skinny silhouette is more aligned with your summer style. We love pairing high-rise jeans with anything from a minimalist low-top sneaker to a pretty, strappy sandal.

Of course, you can find high-rise jeans in a rainbow of indigos and neutrals. For this roundup specifically, we have summer-friendly light and medium denim washes. It's worth noting that most of the styles we've selected below come in lighter or darker shades, black, and even white denim. Below, our 18 favorite pairs of high-rise denim of all sizes and styles to wear this summer.

Good American is celebrated for its curve-friendly construction. These pull-on flares are made from a sophisticated and soft, stretchy denim that expertly hugs your best assets. We also love this dreamy, perfect wash. Available in sizes XS - 5XL.

Levi's signature ribcage jeans hit inches above the belly button to give the illusion of your longest legs ever. They come in a stiffer, midweight denim that's instantly flattering and gets better with wear over time. Available in sizes 24 - 38.

These bestselling jeans from NYDJ are made from a stretchy cotton blend and with built-in compression to flatter curves. Available in four washes and sizes 00 - 18.

DL1961's signature Hepburn style is a vintage-inspired, super-high-rise jean that's fitted in the waist and tapers out for a stylish wide leg. Available in 17 other washes in sizes 23 - 34.

We couldn't believe the affordable price point on this stylish pair of denim. These have a high-waist that sits just above the belly button and are made from a super-stretchy recycled cotton blend. Available in sizes 00 - 30, as well as tall and petite inseams.

Lee's tried-and-true high-waisted jeans come with a hidden slimming panel for added comfort. They're made from a stretchy cotton blend that's relaxed throughout and cut straight to the ankle. Available in six different washes, sizes 4 - 30W, as well as petite and plus sizing.

Outdoors brand Duer is known for its performance wear, and its denim is built to last. Prepare to live in these comfortable, relaxed-fit jeans made with midweight denim and a bit of stretch. Available in a light and medium wash, as well as sizes 24 - 34.

These super-high-waisted flare jeans from Madewell are extremely flattering. They're made from midweight structured denim with a touch of stretch. The light wash is ideal for warmer months, while the finished hem adds a nice detail. Available in sizes 23 - 33 as well as petite, plus, and tall sizing.

When you get your jeans from LL Bean, you know they're going to be durable. Its signature Double L denim is made from 100 cotton and is prewashed for a touch of softness. Featuring a super-high rise and relaxed fit, these are ideal for your summer adventures and events. Available in sizes 4 - 26, as well as petite and plus.

You read that right: Abercrombie jeans are back and they're fantastic. Its most recent hit is the 90s-inspired straight-leg jean with structured denim that perfectly hugs your curves. It comes in 25 different washes and details like worn-in distressing and asymmetrical fly. Available in sizes 23 - 37 as well as extra short, short, long, and extra long lengths.

Levi's beloved 725 high-waisted bootcut jeans hit comfortably at the waist and and create long lines with a straight silhouette. Unlike the rigid ribcage denim, these are much more forgiving, with a medium amount of stretch. Available in six different washes and sizes 24 - 34.

Wrangler's bestselling high-waisted straight-leg jeans aren't just for Westerners. This style flatters with a straight-leg cut and slightly tapered ankle crop. They're made with 100 percent cotton for a structured, no-stretch look. Available in sizes 24 - 35.

These crop jeans from H&M feature an above-the-belly-button rise, medium-weight denim, and a cropped, raw hem. This flattering style comes in six different washes and is available in sizes 0 - 30.

These stretchy jeans sit comfortably just above the belly button and flatter with an ankle-length cut. Ideal for summer with a pretty embellished flat, white low-top sneaker, or an of-the-moment loafer. Available in four washes and sizes 24 - 32.

Universal Standard's Farrah jeans are fitted with a super-stretch, cotton-blend denim. We love this summery light wash and retro-inspired flare with finished hem detail. Available in three washes and sizes 00 - 40.

The Riley is Agolde's signature denim silhouette featuring a super-high rise, straight leg, and crop at the ankle. We love this fresh wash in a heavier, non-stretch denim for the most flattering fit. Available in sizes 23 - 34.

These super-high-rise jeans from Express are made from rigid, non-stretch denim that is instantly flattering and breaks in over time. Available in sizes 0 - 12, as well as short and long inseams.

These skinny jeans from Silver Jeans Co. are made with a stretchy recycled cotton blend. The waist hits a few inches above the navel with a cropped hem above the ankles for an elongating effect. Available in sizes 24 - 40.

Sara Klausing covers all things fashion and style for Oprah Daily.

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