Levi’s is the brand of jeans that I just can’t quit. Even though higher-end brands like MOTHER have become another favorite, when it comes to new silhouettes and washes, my mind goes to Levi’s first. You can’t beat their price and sustainable efforts. (They’re one of my favorite brands to make The Mom Edit’s Sustainable Style list.)

Last year, I ventured out and got the now famous “Ribcage” jean.

All About The High-Rise

In my past Levi’s post, (Your Guide To Levi’s 501 Jeans ) I declared my love for the vintage fit of the Levi’s 501 and Wedgie. However, there’s one thing I wish they had: a higher rise. Those cuts don’t really come up to my belly button.

Now, I know this super high-rise is not for everybody. It all depends on your body proportions, the way you like to showcase/cover your body, and your own personal style. Recently, I did a whole personal style study on a friend, and one of the things she was most frustrated with was the rise of her jeans. She was stuck with low-rise jeans, scared of a higher rise. While some of the people I’ve worked with do benefit from a lower rise jean, she actually looked amazing in high-rise. A few days after our session she sent me lots of selfies in the jeans we bought together and proudly said, “You’ve converted me!”.

So unless you’re 100% sure you have a short torso, give a higher-rise a try and see if it works for you. Levi’s Ribcage is a great place to start.

A Complete Guide To Levi’s Ribcage Jeans

Ribcage Ankle Straight l Ribcage Bootcut/Flare l Ribcage Wide-Leg

What’s So Special About Levi’s Ribcage Jeans?

Now if you’re here reading this post, I know you either love Levi’s or — you’re intrigued by the word ‘Ribcage’…so let’s dive into it!

Levi’s Ribcage Jeans Rise: The most important characteristic of Levi’s ribcage jeans is the rise. It’s about 11″ – 12″ depending on size. The average high-rise jean has a rise of 10″, so keep that in mind. I know people that the highest they can go is 9″ because of their short torsos.

Levi’s Ribcage Jeans Fabric Composition: 99% cotton, 1% elastane. I haven’t seen this style in 100% cotton, and I do think the 1% of elastane is needed with this higher rise. It gives you the feeling of real denim, while also allowing a little bit of stretch. Now, if you’re used to very stretchy denim you’ll feel like these have no stretch, but as someone who frequently wears 100% cotton denim, I can feel the difference just 1% of elastane makes.

Levi’s Ribcage Jeans Sizing: It’s best to get them on the tighter side, meaning your true size. Many make the mistake of sizing up and then they get big. They’re still 99% cotton, and they’ll give with wear as I explained here. Not as much as 100% cotton jeans though. Lengthwise, I always expect jeans to be long on me, so I’m used to cropping and leaving a raw-hem as I did with mine.

The Levi’s Ribcage Jeans Styles I’ve Tried

Ribcage Bootcut

Everlane Turtleneck (Rust) l Free People Boots l Rebecca Minkoff Bag (on sale!)

Levi’s Ribcage Bootcut – This is the pair I’ve been wearing since fall. The leg opening of 20″ is right between a bootcut and a full flare. Perfect for those of us who don’t want a dramatic flare. Bootcut jeans are a staple that I think everyone should have in their closet. You may not wear them everyday, but they’re a nice break from skinny jeans. As a petite, I love how they make my legs longer and give me an overall taller appearance.

Levi’s Ribcage Ankle Straight

Sweater l Free People Boots

Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle – This is the most common style, and you can find it in a lot of washes, distressed or not. I’m squeezing myself here just to give you an idea of the fit (muffin top covered by sweater). I got them last summer and have gained weight since — need a size up. Now they’re off to be enjoyed by someone else and at some point, I’ll get a bigger size. It’s supposed to be ankle length…but you know, #petiteproblems so I used to cuff them a bit (which I actually don’t mind).

Levi’s The Ankle Straight vs. Levi’s 501: Check Out That Rise Difference

Tee l Levi’s 501 l Ribcage Bootcut/Flare

I personally prefer a higher rise for my body proportions and my personal style. I have a long torso and short legs, so the high rise balances that out in a way I like. I also love it when my bum looks round and perky. These jeans do that for sure. I still love my 501s though.

Everlane turtleneck (Rust) l Ribcage Bootcut/Flare l Free People Boots l Rebecca Minkoff Bag (on sale)

Would you try this higher rise?

PS. If you see a color difference in the Ribcage Flared it’s because I dyed them darker and warmer, so it would go better with my closet. Blame color analysis for that, haha.

Shop Levi’s Ribcage Jeans

Shop this post and Ribcage Levi’s in all the washes below.

Besos,

Julieta

For more Levi’s, a lot of high-rise jeans, and a real and honest take on body image, style and motherhood, let’s connect on Instagram (@julietatorresd) Social media shouldn’t be for the good things only.