Finding a pair of jeans that fits both your waist and your hips shouldn't feel like a high-stakes math problem. But for anyone with a "curvy" silhouette—which, honestly, just means your hip-to-waist ratio is significant—it usually is. You know the drill. You find a pair that slides over your thighs, only to realize there’s a massive gap at the back of the waistband big enough to store a sandwich. Or, you get the waist to fit, but you're basically cutting off circulation to your legs. Enter the curve love high rise 90s relaxed jean.
It’s a mouthful. It’s also arguably the most talked-about denim cut of the last three years.
Abercrombie & Fitch, a brand that once defined "exclusive" in the worst way possible, basically reinvented itself by listening to the "waist gap" demographic. The Curve Love line isn't just a marketing gimmick; it's a structural change to how denim is cut. They added two inches of extra room through the hip and thigh while keeping the waist measurement the same as their standard fits. That sounds like a small tweak. In reality? It’s the difference between a day spent tugging at your belt loops and a day where you actually forget you're wearing stiff denim.
The "Relaxed" Part of the Curve Love High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean
We need to talk about the 90s aesthetic because it’s easy to get it wrong. In the 1990s, "relaxed" usually meant "baggy and shapeless." If you look at vintage Levi's from 1994, they were often straight-up rectangles. The modern curve love high rise 90s relaxed jean takes the vibe of that era—the slouch, the effortless cool, the heavier weight denim—and applies a 2026 lens to the tailoring.
It’s high rise. Specifically, a 10.5 to 11.5-inch rise depending on your size.
That means it hits right above the belly button for most people. It creates a defined silhouette. It’s not a skinny jean, and thank God for that, because we've all suffered enough. It has a wider leg opening than a straight-leg jean but isn't a full-blown puddle pant. It’s the middle ground. The "Goldilocks" of denim.
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The fabric composition is where things get nerdy. Most of these jeans are 99% cotton and 1% elastane. Some are 100% cotton. If you’re used to leggings, that 1% or 0% stretch can be scary. But here’s the thing: rigid denim holds its shape. It doesn't sag at the butt after three hours of sitting at a desk. Because the Curve Love cut already accounts for your curves, you don't need the fabric to stretch to the point of exhaustion just to get them on.
Why The Waist Gap Is The Real Enemy
Think about the last time you bought "straight size" jeans. You likely had to size up to accommodate your glutes. Then, you had to take them to a tailor to have the waist taken in, or you just wore a belt and dealt with the fabric bunching up uncomfortably under your leather.
The curve love high rise 90s relaxed jean solves this by engineering the "darting" effect into the pattern itself. By adding that extra two inches in the hip, the fabric follows the natural contour of a human body rather than a mannequin.
It’s worth mentioning that "Curve Love" isn't a plus-size range. That’s a common misconception. It’s a fit-profile range. You can be a size 24 or a size 34 and still have a "curve" (a 10-inch or greater difference between your waist and hips). Most denim brands design for a "straight" frame where that difference is closer to 6 or 7 inches. If you’ve ever felt like jeans were "squashing" your hips, you’re likely a Curve Love candidate.
Fabric Weights and Washes
Not all 90s relaxed jeans are created equal. Abercrombie releases these in several different denim weights. The "Vintage" washes tend to be a bit thicker and more rigid. They feel like something you found in a thrift store in 1996, but they’ve been washed a thousand times so they’re soft to the touch.
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Then you have the "Stretch" versions. Personally? Stick to the rigid or low-stretch (1%) options. The 90s look relies on the structure of the denim. If the fabric is too thin or stretchy, it loses that "relaxed" slouch and starts looking like a jegging. Nobody wants a 90s jegging.
Styling Without Looking Like You're Wearing a Costume
The fear with "relaxed" fits is looking like you're drowning in fabric. Since the curve love high rise 90s relaxed jean is voluminous through the leg, you have to play with proportions.
- The "Big Slim" Rule: Pair the wide, relaxed bottom with a tighter, tucked-in top. A bodysuit or a cropped baby tee works perfectly. It anchors the look and reminds the world you actually have a waist under all that denim.
- The Footwear Factor: These jeans usually come in different lengths (Extra Short, Short, Regular, Long, Extra Long). This is vital. If you’re wearing them with chunky loafers or New Balance 550s, you want a slight break at the ankle. If you’re going for heels or pointed boots, you can go longer for a leg-lengthening effect.
- The "Oversized" Trap: If you wear a giant hoodie with relaxed jeans, you will look like a literal square. Unless that’s the vibe—which, hey, go for it—try a structured blazer over a tucked tank top instead. It elevates the "relaxed" part into something you can actually wear to a casual office or a dinner date.
Common Complaints and How to Avoid Them
It’s not all sunshine and perfect fits. People do have issues with these. The most frequent gripe is "waist pinching." Because there is no gap, the waistband is tight. It’s supposed to be. If you’re between sizes, most stylists recommend sizing up in the 90s relaxed fit because the 100% cotton doesn't give.
Another thing: the "Ultra High Rise" vs "High Rise."
The Ultra High Rise is really high. If you have a short torso, it might end up under your ribs. Measure your rise before you hit "add to cart." Take a pair of jeans you already love, lay them flat, and measure from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. If that number is 11 inches and you’re comfortable, the 90s relaxed will feel like home. If that sounds like way too much fabric, look for the "Mid Rise" version of the same cut.
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The Sustainability and Longevity Aspect
We’re moving away from "micro-trends." The skinny jean had a 15-year run. The "mom jean" had its moment. The 90s relaxed fit feels more permanent because it’s actually comfortable. It’s a silhouette that allows for movement.
From a quality standpoint, Abercrombie's denim has improved significantly over the last few years. They aren't luxury Japanese selvedge denim, but they’re a massive step up from fast-fashion alternatives that fall apart after three washes. The seams are reinforced, and the hardware—the buttons and zippers—actually feels substantial.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Pair
Before you drop $90 to $110 on a pair of curve love high rise 90s relaxed jean, do these three things:
- Measure your hip-to-waist ratio. If your hips are 10+ inches larger than your waist, the Curve Love line is for you. If the difference is smaller, the standard 90s Relaxed fit will actually fit you better.
- Check the "Inseam" guide. Abercrombie’s "Short" isn’t just shorter in the leg; it’s sometimes adjusted in the rise too. If you are 5'3" or under, the Short is non-negotiable unless you plan on wearing 4-inch heels.
- Read the fabric composition on the specific wash. "Light Wash" might be 100% cotton, while "Medium Wash" might have 1% elastane. That 1% makes a huge difference in "first-day" comfort.
Don't be afraid of the "relaxed" label. It doesn't mean "unflattering." It just means you finally have room to breathe, sit down, and eat a full meal without needing to unbutton your pants under the table. That alone makes them a better investment than almost any other trend currently sitting in your closet.
Final Thought: Start with a classic mid-blue wash with no distressing. It's the most versatile version of this jean and works across all seasons. Once you confirm the fit works for your specific body type, you can branch out into the ripped knees or the black washes. The "Curve Love" fit is a game-changer for the fit-frustrated, but getting the size right the first time requires a tape measure and a little bit of honesty about your own proportions.
Next, check your closet for a high-quality leather belt. Even with a perfect fit, a structured belt helps "ground" the 90s aesthetic and prevents the high-rise waist from looking too flat against your torso.