Ninety-eight percent of the time, I enjoy being tall. I enjoy being able to see over most people in crowds, not feeling the need to wear heels, being able to reach any shelf at the grocery store, and not having to hem bridesmaid gowns. One of the few complaints I have about my height is how difficult it is to locate jeans that aren’t ridiculously short on me. Fortunately, I’ve been able to try several pairs over the years to narrow down the nine best jeans for tall women, ranging from flares that can be worn with a heel to cropped silhouettes that appear deliberate (which any tall woman knows can be difficult).
How We Tested the Best Jeans for Tall Women
Good news: it has never been easier to locate pants that suit taller people. For the purposes of this tale, anyone over 5’8″ is considered tall (although the CDC reports that the average woman in America is just under 5’4″). Many manufacturers offer larger lengths at a variety of price points, and some sites, such as Nordstrom, even allow you to explore their extensive inventory by inseam length. “Tall” jeans typically have an inseam of at least 32 inches, with a few lengthier pairs on this list reaching 35 inches.To compile this list, I dug through my denim collection and cherry-picked the pairs that I—as a tall woman myself—would highly recommend to my fellow tall women. I considered a variety of styles and price points, and consulted reviews to ensure other tall shoppers had similar experiences.
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Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise ‘90s Relaxed Jeans
Both Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth (5’9″) and I enjoy Abercrombie & Fitch’s relaxed jeans. Made of 99 percent cotton and 1 percent elastane, they fit true to size but are rather inflexible. They are also quite popular among Abercrombie reviewers, with a 4.7-star rating based on 2,230 reviews. “I own these in two different washes and very often think about getting a third,” Hepworth tells me. “I like that there are so many inseam options, so I could possibly go for the Extra Long if I wanted to wear them with heels, but for everyday wear,I opt for the Long inseam. They feel like a vintage denim in all the best ways, and the leg is just baggy enough to be incredibly comfortable without feeling shlubby. And they’re very flattering from behind.”I opt for the Long inseam. They feel like a vintage denim in all the best ways, and the leg is just baggy enough to be incredibly comfortable without feeling shlubby. And they’re very flattering from behind.”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: US 23 to 37
- Inseam Length: extra short, short, regular, long and extra-long
- Material: 99 percent cotton, 1 percent elastane
2. Hudson Jeans Barbara High-Rise Super-Skinny Jeans
Though I am no longer a fan of thin jeans, I have had a few Hudson pairs throughout the years and they are ideal for taller forms. The 34-inch inseam of this pair covers your entire ankle, and the cotton/polyester/elastane blend is elastic and soft without resembling jeggings. As one satisfied customer comments, “I’m 6’1” and they’re almost too long on me, which never happens. I love it!! The back pocket is quite flattering, the rise is ideal, and this denim has the proper amount of stretch without being overly stretchy.Very comfortable to wear all day long. Highly recommend!” Because the rise is so high, those with waists that are significantly smaller than their hips and butt might be better off going down a size.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: US 23 to 34
- Inseam Length: 34 inches
- Material: 57 percent cotton, 37 percent modal, 4 percent EME, 2 percent Elastane
3. Levi’s 501 ‘90s Jeans
Levi’s 501 jeans have a long history, but Hepworth is particularly fond of the 1990s version for two reasons. “The mid rise hits me in exactly the right spot to be both comfortable and flattering with a range of different tops,” she tells me. “And the length is also perfection for wearing with sandals, flats or sneakers.” She suggests the 32-inch inseam for anyone over 5’9″ looking for a terrific everyday jean, pointing out that the 100% cotton fabrication has outstanding hold and does not bag out in the knees or back. However, she and several other reviewers discovered significant discrepancies in size over different washes. “I’d say the blue washes all fit pretty true to size, I haven’t had issues with those. But the black and white washes required me to go up one or two sizes to get the same fit, especially because the fabric has no stretch.”
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 23 to 34
- Inseam Length: 28, 30 and 32 inches
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
4. Everlane The Way-High Jean
When tall people try to buy pants that are labeled as cropped, they are frequently so cropped that they appear ridiculous. Everlane’s beauties hit at the perfect position on the leg, just above your ankle. The best-selling straight-leg shape is available in three distinct inseam lengths and a variety of classic wash variations. With over 1,050 5-star reviews, you can be confident these beauties will withstand the test of time. According to one 5’10” reviewer, “These jeans have become a wardrobe favorite!” They have a slight stretch and do expand after the first wear, but I would say they fit true to size.”Like all of Everlane’s pieces, they also have an eco-friendly bent: The organic cotton is made using crop rotation, cover crops and organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers or pesticides, which means cleaner water, lower water usage, lower pesticide use, healthier soil and a safer working environment for cotton farmers.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: US23 to 35
- Inseam Length: 25.5, 27.5 and 29.5 inches
- Material: 98 percent organic cotton, 2 percent elastane
5. Warp + Weft NCE Wide-Leg Jeans
Hepworth also praises Warp + Weft for its incredibly comfy jeans, which come in a wide selection of sizes and inseam lengths, including several 33-inch long choices. Her favorite? The wide-leg NCE style. “The high rise is so comfortable and so is the fabric, but they also have a decent amount of structure,” she boasts. “They fall really nicely from the hip and are a particular favorite to wear with pointy-toe shoes, heels or boots.” As of publication, there are a whopping 11 distinct washes to pick from, including white and black, giving you plenty of alternatives to include into your current denim collection.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 00 to 14 and 14W to 24W
- Inseam Length: 33 inches
- Materials: 99 percent cotton, 1 percent elastane
6. Old Navy High-Waist OG Loose Utility Jeans
You really can’t go wrong with relaxed white jeans—no matter the season—and this pair from Old Navy is a total steal at $35. Per Hepworth, “Old Navy is one of my favorite places to buy pants in tall lengths that don’t break the bank, and the quality is way better than what you might expect for the price. I try to look for denim that contains little to no spandex and elastane as I find they hold their shape better in the long term.” As for the ecru wash, she finds it’s much easier to wear all-year-round than a brighter white wash, making these an even smarter investment. Of course, they also come in a range of blues, as well as black, gray and even brown.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: US 2 to 18 (plus US 00 to 30 in regular and US 0 to 18 in petite)
- Inseam Length: 28.5, 30.5 and 32.5 inches
- Material: 94 percent cotton, 5 percent recycled cotton, 1 percent spandex
7. Gap High Rise ‘70s Flare Jeans
Just because we’re tall doesn’t mean we don’t want to wear jeans with a small heel on occasion, you know? These ’70s-inspired Gap flares are some of the longest jeans I’ve ever worn. In fact, with an inseam of 36.5 inches, a number of tall Gap reviewers believe they are excessively lengthy. In terms of reviews, these beauties have received 4.5 stars from nearly 2,300 buyers. One person says, “They are wonderful! I’m 5’11” with really long legs, and the tall are too long, which I adore! I wish they had various colors!” Candace Davison, VP of Editorial Content, is likewise 5’11” and a big supporter of this Gap style. “I’ve tried a bunch of brands, but Gap jeans seem to fit my wider hips and ultra-long legs best. They’re very forgiving, and they have both long and tall fits. The latter is worth calling out, because they don’t just have a longer inseam—the knees and overall fit are adjusted for larger bodies.” Made from 86 percent cotton, 13 percent recycled materials and 1 percent stretch, these flares are ultra-comfortable and super smoothing on any lumps or bumps you’d rather conceal.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: US 24 to 35
- Inseam Legnth: 30, 32 and 36.5 inches
- Material: 86 percent cotton, 7 percent recycled cotton, 6 percent recycled polyester, 1 percent elastane
8. Universal Standard Donna High Rise Curve Straight Leg Jeans
I’ve long admired Universal Standard for its wide size range (all styles are offered in sizes 00 to 40) and selection of timeless wardrobe staples. These straight-leg jeans, made of 90% cotton, 8% polyester, and 2% elastane, are attractive and versatile. One 5’9″ reviewer writes, “I got these since I really struggle to find jeans that cover my bottom, fit at the waist, have room for my thighs, and are the perfect length. I received these high-rise curve jeans in black/gray, and not only did they fit perfectly, but they were also pleasant to wear all day!I appreciate the darker color, but most importantly, I enjoyed the feel and comfort. It’s unique to be able to take a pair of jeans right out of the package, put them on, and zip them up with ease! The stretch was ideal for me, providing give where I needed it without drooping or falling down. “I want more.” Just be aware that reviewers (and Universal Standard) recommend sizing down one size for the best fit. While you can machine wash them on a cold temperature, the manufacturer recommends hanging them to dry to keep their fit and lengthen their life.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: US 00 to 40
- Inseam Length: 27 and 32 inches
- Material: 90 percent cotton, 8 percent polyester, 2 percent elastane
9. Frame Le Jane Jeans
Stephanie Meraz, former Associate Fashion Commerce Editor, is slightly under 5’8″, but due to her long legs, tall lengths generally fit considerably better than regular inseams. And no jeans suit her stems better than the Frame Le Janes. “With a 34-inch inseam, they were designed to give legs for days!” Meraz raves. “While the brand claims that the 100% premium cotton denim is stiff, it will adhere to your shape and mold to you like a second skin—seriously. It’s crafted from the softest substance, which you won’t find in vintage or low-quality denim.She did mention that sizing can be a little hard, and if you’re in between sizes, she suggests going with the smaller of the two. “I’ll be the first to say that Frame jeans are not cheap, and the $288 Le Jane style is no exception. But if you’re looking for a pair of jeans that mix longevity, quality, and premium cotton, these are well worth the investment.”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: US 23 to 34
- Inseam Length: 34 inches
- Material: 100 percent cotton
What to Consider When Buying Jeans for Tall Women
When shopping for jeans, tall women have to think about all the things anyone considers when shopping for jeans, just with the added consideration of inseam length.
- First think about style: Are you in the market for high-waist skinnies? Low-rise baggy jeans? How about on-trend barrel legs?
- From there think about the color and/or wash; what fits in best with your existing wardrobe?
- Finally, take into account how much you want to spend. Sure, there are jeans that’ll set you back literal hundreds of dollars, but there are also more affordable styles from brands like Old Navy and Gap that look just as good and are of great quality.
