(Shopping)
12 Pairs Of Black, High-Waisted Jeans That Are So Timeless & Versatile
We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.
Denim trends are all over the map right now, ranging from throwback baggy jeans to wide-leg and beyond. Despite the fact that fashion may be cyclical, there are a few styles you can always count on to stay in vogue — like a tried-and-true, classic pair of the best high-waisted black jeans.
While recent declarations from some in Gen Z have signaled the end of the skinny jean’s reign, the popular silhouette will never truly go out of style. That being said, the case has certainly been made for wide-leg jeans as of late, so no matter where you stand on the denim debate, it’ll be easy to find a pair of chic, black, high-waisted jeans in the fit you like best.
When it comes to the rise, however, high-waisted jeans still seem to be the favorite. There really isn’t an end to the number of ways you can style a pair of high-waisted jeans, whether you pair them with a crop top, a bodysuit, or a casual tee tucked into the front.
Obviously, there is no singular definition of what “black jeans” will look like, so as you shop, expect to find a range of interpretations, from pitch-black denim to various faded washes. You’ll even spot some with distressed detailing, exposed front buttons, and paper-bag style waistlines.
Ready to meet your new favorite bottoms? Then keep scrolling to shop 12 of the best black high-rise jeans, all conveniently available on Amazon Fashion.
1The Quintessential High-Rise Skinny Jeans from Levi's
With over 11,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, the 721 skinny-leg jeans are one of the most popular pairs of denim you’ll find from Levi’s. They have the classic, five-pocket silhouette, belt loops, and a zip fly with button closure, and are made of low- to medium-stretch denim. The pictured colorway, “Black Peony”, is from the Water<Less collection, Levi’s eco-friendly take on a more sustainable construction process.
You can also grab this same style but in different versions, like in “Close to the Edge” (black distressed) or “Steady Rock” (faded black).
- Available sizes: 24 Short — 46 Regular
2An Of-The-Moment Balloon-Leg Style
On the other end of the silhouette spectrum, balloon-leg jeans are incredibly popular right now. They’re so named because the legs appear to “balloon” out while tapering at the ankle, which gives them a super-comfortable, relaxed fit. This pair is constructed of heavyweight denim that offers a slight amount of stretch, and is finished with five pockets, a zippered fly, and belt loops.
- Available sizes: 24 — 37
3“Mom Jeans” With Rolled Cuffs & Distressed Detailing
“Mom jeans” have been enjoying the spotlight for some time now, and this distressed pair offers an edgy take with ripped-open, frayed knees. Rolled cuffs lend a casual vibe to the relaxed fit, while a zippered fly, belt loops, and five pockets make these jeans an instant weekend classic, whether worn with strappy heels or easy-going mules.
- Available sizes: 1 — 15
4These Timeless, Straight-Leg Jeans In Rich Black
For a high-waisted cut of truly straight-leg jeans, this rich black pair is a great pick to add to your arsenal. Made of mostly cotton with 2% elastane for added stretch, several Amazon reviewers have actually described these as “the perfect jean.” Design details include an ankle-length silhouette, five pockets, belt loops, and a zippered fly.
- Available sizes: 16— 24 (regular and short); 6—24 plus short
5A Pair Of Bootcut Jeans With A Relaxed Fit
While the label may call these straight-leg jeans, this relaxed pair is decidedly bootcut, thanks to its slightly flared leg. They’re made with all the classic denim stylings — a zippered fly, five pockets, belt loops — and have a comfortable, stretchy fit. Finished in a rich, solid-black wash, these jeans can easily be worn from workday to weekend, depending on how you style them.
- Available sizes: 4 — 18 (short, regular, and long)
6A Pair Of Classic Skinny Jeans In A Slightly Faded Wash
A slightly lighter wash is a great way to make black skinny jeans feel fresh again. These high-rise skinnies have a lightly faded finish at the seams, giving them that cool, worn-in look. The fabric is slightly stretchy but still has a good amount of substance and weight, according to Amazon reviewers. With a zippered fly, button closure, and five pockets, this pair is an easy choice for everyday wear.
- Available sizes: 24 — 32 (short, regular, and long)
7These Tapered Jeans That Come In Petite Sizes, Too
Update your rotation of skinnies with a cool, tapered look that toes the line between skinny and straight. This pair from Gloria Vanderbilt is backed by over 19,500 five-star Amazon reviews, and have been described as just the right amount of stretchy. Like most classic jeans, they’re finished with a zippered fly and five pockets.
- Available sizes: 4 — 24 (petite, short, regular, and long)
8A Pair Of Chic Skinny Jeans With A Button-Up Front
These skinnies rock one of the more subtle denim trends seen in recent years — exposed buttons. While it may seem like a small detail, the button-up fly makes a cool, retro-inspired statement. This pair is designed with an ultra-stretchy fabric that’s made to fit like leggings, and is finished with five pockets and belt loops.
- Available sizes: 1 — 24 Plus
9These Super-Comfy, High-Waisted Denim Leggings
For maximum comfort without sacrificing style, opt for a pair of HUE’s denim leggings. They look like a pair of thin, high-rise skinny jeans, but feel super soft, stretchy, and comfortable when you pull them on (they don’t have a closure). They’re designed with a faux fly and two faux front pockets, as well as functional belt loops and back patch pockets.
- Available sizes: X-Small — 3X
10A Pair Of Black Jeans With A Flared, Bell-Bottom Design
Another vintage-inspired denim trend that’s been making the rounds lately? The modern spin on bellbottoms. These flared jeans are made with comfortable, stretchy denim in a rich black wash, and have a zippered fly and five pockets, as well as a rise that’s meant to hit just below your waist. Style them with pointed-toe boots or chunky sneakers for an of-the-moment take on the look.
- Available sizes: 1 — 13
11These Cropped, Wide-Leg Jeans With An Ultra-High Waist
The wide-leg Ribcage jeans from Levi’s are so named due to their ultra-high-rise fit that, yes, go up to your ribcage. This pair, which comes in a faded wash, has a cropped, ankle-length silhouette, and is made from stiff denim that will soften over time. They’re finished with a concealed button fly, belt loops, and five pockets. If you prefer solid black, you can also go with the wash “Black Sprout.”
- Available sizes: 24 — 44
12These Relaxed Skinnies With A Paperbag Waist
These paperbag-style jeans are another great way to update your wardrobe of basic bottoms. They have an adjustable, self-tie belt and a ruffled, high-rise waist, so be sure to show them off with a crop top or bodysuit. Other details include twice-rolled cuffs, four pockets, a zippered fly, and a relaxed, skinny-leg fit.
- Available sizes: Small — X-Large
13You May Also Like: These High-Rise, Distressed Jean Shorts
High-waisted denim shorts will be essential when the temps start to rise. This pair has a distressed front that toes the line between edgy and subtle and is finished with rolled cuffs, a zippered fly, five pockets, and a rise that’s super high both in front and back. Throw them on over a swimsuit for your next pool day, or style them with an oversized sweater when it gets chilly.
- Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large