I was under the impression that high-waisted meant it would be high up on my waist. My normal jeans that aren't advertised as high-waisted sit much higher, above my belly button. These jeans are several inches below my belly button. Plus, they are far too tight and the legs are very long. I'm 5'6 and I buy all of my jeans in size 18. They usually end up falling down halfway through the day so I have to wear a belt. These fit like a pair of small 16s. It's a shame because they looked cute and I really had high hopes. I wouldn't mind them being too tight if the waist was actually high.