I mentioned in this year’s trends post that lower rise bottoms are coming through as a nod to late ‘90s fashion. They are achieved by wearing bottoms with lower rises, or by wearing slouchy higher rises with waistbands that rest on the hip bone. High and very high rises are strong, but mid rises and low rises are once again gaining momentum. It’s the first time that multiple lengths of rise are on-trend.
My guess is that we will all find our desired rise length — lower or higher — at retail and at thrift stores from now on. Take your pick! It’s good news because there is something for everyone.
Here are some examples of the lower rises hitting retail at the moment.
Low rises are generally 8 inches in the front rise. Mid-rise lengths are between 8.5 to 11 inches. High rises are typically 11 inches and higher. Of course, rise lengths are relative. What is low, mid, and high rise for one person, is not for another.
Mid and ‘not too high’ higher rises are the most popular with my clientele. They like their waistbands a little below the waist, or on their natural waist. Because body types vary, this can mean anything from a 9 to 13 inch front rise measurement. In short, we tend to enjoy a similar waistband position on pants and jeans, but it takes a range of rise lengths to hit the sweet spot.
Personally, I enjoy wearing low, mid and high rises. That said, I am relatively short in the rise, so low rises aren’t that low, and mid rises are higher on me than most. I enjoy a 9 to 10 inch rise best, which is on the high side on me, but mid rise for many. I also don’t mind an 8 or 8.5 inch rise, and will wear an 11 to 13 inch rise that has more of a dropped crotch point.
Over to you. Which are your favourite rise measurements? After many seasons of higher rises, how do you feel about the increased availability of lower rises?
