Regular readers of the Strategist know that we love a pair of high-waisted, cropped, vintage-looking jeans with a bit of stretch, but finding a style that fits all those criteria can be tricky. Then in September 2019, we discovered these Levi’s, and almost immediately, I bought a pair, as did New York’s deputy editor Alexis Swerdloff. Though the style name (Ribcage) makes them sound intimidatingly rigid, Alexis described them as “stiff without being too constricting,” with “a worn-in-without-trying-too-hard wash.” I said the 12-inch rise was “deliriously high, easily clearing my belly button, but it doesn’t cut me off or feel uncomfortable when I sit.”
Our initial impressions have stood the test of time, and over the last three years, these jeans have developed something of a cult around them. They’ve been recommended to us as a great option for petite women, since the ultrahigh waist gives the illusion of ultra-long legs. They’re approved by cool teens (who even told us that they’re comfortable enough to wear while taking a nap). They’ve certainly remained a favorite of mine. They were the first pair of jeans I grabbed when it was time to return to the office after months of pandemic lolly-gagging, and the forgiving stretch has made the transition back to hard pants far more tolerable.
If you’re looking to ease back into polite society, Prime Day is the best time to pick up the Goldilocksian ideal of our favorite jeans: They’re on sale in a bunch of different washes for $48, just over 30 percent off the list price.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
