Last Updated on September 23, 2026 by Eve Dawes
The best cross waist jeans to hit refresh on your denim collection
Criss cross waist jeans, also known as crossover waist jeans or asymmetrical jeans, are one of those statement denim trends you can’t have missed. Love them or hate them, they’re a fun and unique way to wear denim and mean you can skip a belt. It took me a while to jump on the crisscross denim trend, as I wasn’t sure how long it’d stick around for and I hadn’t worn jeans for a while. But I’m so glad I finally caved in with a pair of Piral jeans. There are so many jeans brands around that it’s hard to know what to buy, but these hit the trifecta for me: color, cut and price. Which proves you don’t have to pay a fortune to find a cute pair.
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Criss cross waist jeans get their name from the waistband, which overlaps at the front to create an asymmetrical line and a distinctive V shape. They’re one of the most recognizable styles of asymmetric jeans, although not every asymmetric design features a crossover waistband.
Are cross waist jeans still in style 2026
Crossover jeans started popping up around 2017, and their distinctive asymmetrical waistbands are still a way to add an edgy touch to your outfit. From high-rise to low-slung styles, celebrities including Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner have been spotted wearing crossover denim. If you want to try the look without completely changing your usual denim silhouette, look for asymmetrical waist jeans in your favorite cut, whether that’s straight-leg, wide-leg or flared.
While criss cross jeans aren’t the major denim trend they were a few years ago, am I still wearing them? Absolutely! I’ve always been more about finding pieces that reflect my personal style than following every new trend. If something fits well, makes me feel good and works with the rest of my wardrobe, I’m going to keep wearing it, whether it’s trending or not. And I still love how an asymmetrical waistband makes even the simplest jeans-and-a-top outfit feel a little more interesting.
How to style criss cross and asymmetrical jeans
When it comes to styling crisscross denim, it’s all about highlighting the waist detail. Whether that’s with a crop top and blazer, an unbuttoned shirt, a bodysuit or tank, a feminine blouse or a preppy polo neck top, you want the asymmetrical waistband to be visible rather than hidden.
When it comes to footwear, it’ll depend on the cut, whether that’s wide leg and flares with stiletto pumps and boots or slimmer fit jeans with slide sandals, mules or sneakers.
What’s great about this trend is that it’s not just about one cut or one wash. Asymmetric jeans come in various styles, from faded to dark washes and fitted to flared denim. So you can find a style that works best for you. Keep scrolling for my favorite pairs of crisscross jeans, from designer to luxe for less.
Shop the 20 best criss cross waist jeans
For crossover waist wide leg jeans Good American and Piral do some of the better quality versions. If you’re looking for a super affordable pair of asymmetrical jeans to dip your toes into this denim trend A & F have a pair that comes in 11 different colors for under $20! You can’t have failed to hear the name R13. They have one of the more expensive styles that are on the grungier side. Whatever your personal aesthetic and budget, check out these super cute, trending styles.
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