https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:56:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me/page/2#post-1896070 Sat, 03 Mar 2018 21:05:57 +0000 krishnidoux 1896070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread is so interesting on so many levels. I learned a lot of new vocabulary too, including wedgie, short-waisted, short vs long, back vs front rise and "high-rise-lite". But, most importantly, I learned that some people are actually uncomfortable in high-rises and so <i>now</i> I get it why on forums and in discussion I so often heard people diss that style. I happen to be like <b>vildy</b> describes (at 5'3), and on me, low and mid-rises are more difficult. In the pic below I am wearing the "Rachel" (not the hair, but the jeans! <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.yogajeans.ca/product/rachel-skinny-jeans-classic-rise-ankle-dark-grey-r27-1682/">https://www.yogajeans.ca/produ.....-r27-1682/</a>); they boast a "classic" rise at 9 1/4.&nbsp;<br />Now I also get why I suffered in the 2000 decade! Now <b>Andrea</b>, I want those 11 rise jeans! Finally, a pair that would remotely look like deliberately high waisted on me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me/page/2#post-1895965 Sat, 03 Mar 2018 12:51:07 +0000 Bijou 1895965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an interesting thread and has had me tape measuring all my favourite jeans. I love Mother "The Looker" skinny jeans and love both my regular and high rise versions. However both hit me below my belly button and are super comfortable. I also have the AG Jodie flared crops and they sit below my belly button. I would not wear jeans above my natural waist. &nbsp;Anything above my natural waist is not comfortable. I did find when very low rise jeans were fashionable, that some would slide down when sitting and the whole 'plumbers crack' situation occurred. So for me, higher rise jeans are a blessing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me/page/2#post-1895957 Sat, 03 Mar 2018 12:29:53 +0000 cindysmith 1895957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a pair of yeohlee pants with a high rise that would be uncomfortable in anything other than a soft jersey knit with a drawstring waist. I think they're 11 (or 13) in front and 13 (or 15) in the rear. They're obviously designed for someone rather tall, as they drag the floor if I'm in flats; however, the legs are so wide that if I'm wearing heels the fabric gets tangled on them. I generally use them for lounging, or going places where I know they won't get dirty dragging the ground (like mom's house, which hasn't let a speck of dirt hang around in it since around the time Moses parted the sea LOL)</p> <p>I have a pair of fleece lined leggings with an even higher rise that are just ridiculous and I almost can't stand to wear them. Seriously, if I wore a longline bra, there would be overlap. They're like grampa pants on me. Even though the fabric is nice and soft, the elastic waist makes them annoying. I'm not sure who these leggings were designed for, since the legs aren't proportionally as long as the rise. I will wear them to stay warm, but generally only when my other options are in the laundry.</p> <p>On the other hand, I am glad the new mid-rise pants are a little longer in the rise than they used to be. Low rise exposes my plumbers crack, and some of the old mid-rises came close.</p> <p>I know that there are people out there who need a really really high rise, and there are people out there for whom a low rise is more like a mid. I just wish it weren't so hard to find the happy medium sometimes. Like, there's gajillions of different jeans out there, and I have to try on .999 of those gajillion options to find the right one. </p> <p>Glad this thread is giving people a place to vent and also a place to share gratitude. It reminds me that I'm not the only one who has trouble finding pants that fit, so the problem isn't my body--it's the pants </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me/page/2#post-1895922 Sat, 03 Mar 2018 07:03:49 +0000 Joha 1895922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another happy long-rise here. I can finally find jeans in which I can tuck without looking like a walking oversized brick as the long rise is finally hitting the narrowest point of my torso. </p> <p>But if you are looking for fashionable jeans with a low rise - during the sales I noticed that Pepe Jeans is still offering quite a few low-rise jeans like these: <a href="https://www.pepejeans.com/de_de/damen/neue-kollektion/jeans/jeans-venus-straight-fit-low-waist-PL200029RB5000-5?color=2435" rel="nofollow">https://www.pepejeans.com/de_d.....color=2435</a>.<br /> Not sure if these are available in brick and mortar stores in the US but I've seen them all over Europe (and on zalando).<br /> Just checked - they've got an online shop that's delivering almost worldwide. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me/page/2#post-1895912 Sat, 03 Mar 2018 05:28:59 +0000 Greyscale 1895912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And one of the most popular Levi's styles right now is branded as the Wedgie Jean! To capture that 80s look you describe. I actually have a pair, but sized up to be loose, for a different retro look. Unfortunately they're not very flattering unless they're uncomfortably tight. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me/page/2#post-1895902 Sat, 03 Mar 2018 04:58:45 +0000 Echo 1895902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have an extremely long rise, despite being relatively short in stature. I find it quite a relief to find pants with what feels like a "normal" rise for me instead of those that are low enough that they threaten to expose things one might not want them to.&nbsp;</p> <p>I remember the '80's and there were HIGH rises then. Rises that came to my ribs, which is saying quite a lot, as 10" rises don't strike me as "high" at all. Then things went way too far in the other direction threatening to show pubic hair if one did not wax. NEITHER is a good thing for the market to be saturated with. Indeed, regardless of the trends, because different body types exist, there will be people all for whatever rises are available. It is a shame that a certain body type cannot buy ANY pants one season and is inundated the next. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me/page/2#post-1894708 Wed, 28 Feb 2018 03:11:15 +0000 K.M. 1894708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz</b>, lol! The things we did for fashion... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me/page/2#post-1894504 Tue, 27 Feb 2018 16:55:18 +0000 Suz 1894504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting, <b>Marilyn</b> -- thank you! Yes, I agree, they are a good fit. I took a chance on them because CoH jeans are a great fit on me across all the other styles I had tried. Best I've had, other than the Rag and Bone Dres (which are a BF style so quite different.)&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Ginger,</b> that is fascinating -- I'm off to jump down your rabbit hole!</p> <p><b>K.M</b>. -- yes! I wore those jeans/ pants in the 80s too. UGH. <b>SOOOO </b>uncomfortable.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Lyn</b>, a "wedgie" is the feeling you get when your jeans (or undies) get..well, wedged or stuck in your bottom. With higher rises sometimes this crawling up feeling happens and you're always wanting to tug them down. So uncomfortable!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894494 Tue, 27 Feb 2018 16:18:55 +0000 Marilyn 1894494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz</b>.....After your comment about CoH Rockets I put mine on and they hit on my belly button like you....not at my waist as I said.&nbsp; They are new to me.&nbsp; I guess I must have a somewhat long rise for them to hit there on my 5' nothing body.&nbsp; I definitely won't be trying anything higher than 9 3/4" though.&nbsp; I suffered through high rises back in the day but the Rockets have a waist that is big enough not to suffocate me and dig in.&nbsp; I just picked up these ones....wasn't sure if I'd like the shadow stripe but they're kind of fun and work well with navy tops and boots.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894484 Tue, 27 Feb 2018 15:56:33 +0000 K.M. 1894484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz</b> and <b>Angie</b>--the wedgie comment reminds me of jeans that were fashionable in the 80s when I was a teen in Brazil (you know, the land where people love big behinds). Those were designed to give you a wedgie!!!! :O I mean, I don't remember it was uncomfortable (as unintentional wedgies are), but they were supposed to have the seam carving into the middle of your butt cheeks. And you tucked in your oversize t-shirts to emphasize the effect. Tapered legs and sneakers or chunky shoes... those were the days!</p> <p>(On a completely tangential side note, panties and swim bottoms in Brazil are way smaller than here and also somewhat meant to wedge in. I can't stand them anymore. Victoria's Secret released a version of this a while ago called "cheekies" I think, and I recall reading somewhere it was based on suggestions from the many VS Angels hailing from Brazil.) </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894443 Tue, 27 Feb 2018 14:31:27 +0000 Ginger 1894443@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since measurements may be helpful... I am tall-ish, a little long in the torso, but it's all in the rise.&nbsp; I think the minimum front rise for me is about 11"; back needs a couple inches more. My true waist is over 2" above my navel. I need Extra Long jeans from AE because the extra length in the rise is good. Similar to&nbsp;<b>Jenn</b>, low and "mid-rise" don't even *fit* me, let alone comfortably. My hip bones are high and wide, and if the waistband isn't above them, everything slides downward very uncomfortably. The penny dropped for me when trying on some "mid-rise" jeans once. They were labeled 1" Below Waist but were clearly 5" below MY waist. No wonder I didn't like how they fit.</p> <p>I'm always confused when people talk about rib placement in relation to waist. The ribs are not level, nor is it inherently an issue for the waist to be on them. My waist is below my ribs in front, but just on top of the lowest one on the side. This is not a problem.</p> <p>It's fascinating how passionate people are about rise... and also instructive to see how people define "high," "mid," "long," and "short."&nbsp; I think some of it has to do with basic skeletal structure. This is a pretty good summary. (The context is a particular type of workout, but it's helpful because it explains why some stretches/moves are much more difficult for certain people.)&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://forum.t-tapp.com/forum/general/new-channel/79-body-types">https://forum.t-tapp.com/forum.....body-types</a>&nbsp;And it stretches across all heights. One of the key measures is the distance at the side between ribs and hip. I suspect this works a lot into how comfortable a certain rise can be on the individual. So for someone with a 5" difference, a waistband that hits the ribs might seem crazy, but for someone with a 1" difference it may feel fine.</p> <p>So many factors! I'm kind of glad there's not more standardization in jeans. We're all SO different. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894437 Tue, 27 Feb 2018 14:15:35 +0000 Laura 1894437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am 5'3" and short-waisted - whatever height I do have is in my legs. Mid-rise is high-rise on me. So for example, these Pilcro jeans (even in a petite size) went back, because although I was in love with the daisies, the rise was inhibiting my ability to breathe and also created a non-riveting rear view:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/pilcro-embroidered-high-rise-cropped-bootcut-jeans?category=SEARCHRESULTS&amp;color=093">https://www.anthropologie.com/.....gory=SEARC</a></p> <p>While these Pilcro mid-rise jeans (in petite) are a total winner:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/pilcro-mid-rise-slim-boyfriend-jeans9?category=SEARCHRESULTS&amp;color=092"><a href="https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/pilcro-mid-rise-slim-boyfriend-jeans9?category=SEARCHRESULTS&#038;amp" rel="nofollow">https://www.anthropologie.com/.....S&#038;amp</a>;</a></p> <p>Also - the availability of more and more styles of jeans in petites is a godsend!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894423 Tue, 27 Feb 2018 13:38:23 +0000 anne 1894423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am similar to La Ped. 5"4 and an 11 inch rise just hits my belly button and is under my waist. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894386 Tue, 27 Feb 2018 11:10:02 +0000 lyn67 1894386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pardon my ignorance, can I ask what exactly "<b>wedgie</b>" means here?</p> <p>Just for the refference,&nbsp;I've just tried a pair and almost forgot how comfortable the high waisted jeans can be if having a thin&amp;souple fabric.&nbsp; But, I was always a long torso girl (&amp;nowadays&nbsp; having apple tendencies&nbsp; am longer in the&nbsp; rise than on the waist) so probably having&nbsp; opposite detailed proportions to Suz's. I didn't buy them as too casual, and am not too much of a denim person anymore.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894306 Tue, 27 Feb 2018 02:34:44 +0000 Angie 1894306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz,</b> I think it's the way a certain style is cut at the crotch point that gives me the wedgie. But a curved waistband is always good.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894304 Tue, 27 Feb 2018 02:32:05 +0000 jussie 1894304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>11 inches is very high... I have one super high rise pant that high- but they’re silky palazzos so they’re still comfy enough but I think denim would be too much!<br /> I love high rise but not quite that extreme. I’m soooo relieved that low waisted pants are out because they continually slid down, and my fatty deposits burst out over the tops of them... not fun lol.<br /> I never once could wear the low rise tight Grab/Grip jeans with the embellished back pockets, even when I was 18 and on the nightclub scene </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894301 Tue, 27 Feb 2018 02:29:54 +0000 Suz 1894301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, <b>Angie</b>, I am so glad I am not the only one! I thought it was something weird in my anatomy. It doesn't seem to happen to everyone.</p> <p>It was the bane of my existence with jeans and trousers in the 80s, actually. Sizing up never helped. </p> <p>I've learned now, that it has to do with the curve of the back rise...</p> <p>8 and 8.5 are mid rise on me....9 and up I consider high, but I really don't like to go over 10. My current higher rise jeans below.&nbsp; </p> <p>The Rockets hit at my navel and are comfortable.&nbsp;</p> <p>J. Crew says that rise on the Rayner is 11+ and it is definitely my highest rise -- at my actual waist. (It's a bit lower in my size than the size they mention). Higher on me than on that model, for sure. Though it is hard to see in the photo because my top is bloused.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Caras are a bit higher than the Rockets and not always as comfortable.&nbsp;</p> <p>Gah. I looked for photos but they are awful. Will have to take some...</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894292 Tue, 27 Feb 2018 02:17:25 +0000 Angie 1894292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SOOO happy about this thread. Thanks to all who contributed with specific measurements and details. VERY helpful.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am 5ft 6, have a regular length waist, but am short in the rise. A 10 inch front rise is HIGH on me and goes above my navel right to my natural waist. An 8 inch rise is mid-rise on me. A 6 or 7 inch rise is low, and I also find those very comfortable actually. Anything above 10 inches is a lot less comfortable when I sit. It's fine when I walk and stand.&nbsp;</p> <p>Sooo if you are short in the rise AND short in the waist - high rise is not your friend. If you are long in BOTH, you will love the high rises. People like me tend to be okay with "high-rise-lite".</p> </p> <p><b>Suz</b>, YES. Too high rise give me a wedgie &nbsp;- and I can't bear the feeling.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894235 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 22:00:11 +0000 Suz 1894235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, this is fascinating!! Sorry that you are frustrated about the jeans -- and I am with you on an 11 inch rise being challenging. But I'm loving the information I am getting here.&nbsp;</p> <p>So, I'm 5'4" (if I am really standing straight) and I always considered myself to have a short waist and a long rise.&nbsp;</p> <p>My natural waist and my belly button are not in the same place. My natural waist (the thinnest part of the curve) is about 3 inches above my belly button. In other words, my "length" (if you can call it that) is apparently between waist and belly button, and less so between belly button and crotch point.&nbsp;</p> <p>Like <b>Marilyn,</b> I find the fit on the CoH Rocket jeans to be great. But on me, those don't come to my natural waist -- they come to my belly button.&nbsp;</p> <p>When pants go higher than the belly button, i.e. when they go to my actual waist, that is when it gets really dicey. It can be done, with the right fit and fabrication -- but often the proportions look odd, even on relatively short legged, and small busted me. (I mention bust size because for those who are short waisted, a small bust can help to mitigate some of the potential flattery issues in wearing a higher waisted item.) And it can feel weird, as others have said -- hitting the ribcage - ugh! -- especially when you sit.&nbsp;</p> <p>Some so called high rise cuts give me a "wedgie" -- I've learned this happens when the back rise is not generous enough. They don't always give you that measurement.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894223 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 21:20:37 +0000 LaPed 1894223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's a little bit ridiculous that different rises "trend" at all -- higher rises are more exciting to me from a fit perspective than a style perspective. Like Greyscale, I'm 5'4" and an 11" rise doesn't quite reach my navel. The heyday of low-rise skinnies was pretty awful for me (if pants don't come up over your hips, what's to stop them sliding all the way down?!), but it did send me down the rabbit hole of vintage denim shopping... :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894222 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 21:19:50 +0000 Scarlet 1894222@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am also 5'2". I have a pretty long rise, and I bought a 10 inch rise jean from Madewell, which I find to be as extreme as I would go. I suppose bodies are different though.</p> <p>Also, <b>Elpgal</b>, thanks for the reminder to try HM jeans! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894216 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 20:50:38 +0000 elpgal 1894216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah, I sized up to accommodate my thighs and the waist is a little big but I think it is a body shape quirk. These jeans are really lower in the rise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894214 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 20:44:20 +0000 Marilyn 1894214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All high rise jeans are not created equally.&nbsp; You have to determine what is a comfortable higher rise on YOUR BODY.&nbsp; I'm only 5' so many are too high rise for me.&nbsp; But, COH Rocket Jeans have a 9 3/4" rise which is perfect.&nbsp; They hit right at my belly button and actually fit comfortably....this surprised me.&nbsp;&nbsp; I was actually pretty high rise averse prior to trying the Rockets but they made me go "hmmm....maybe I can".&nbsp; 8.5" is a perfect mid-rise for me.&nbsp; I think you just have to try on different brands and rises to see what does and doesn't work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894213 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 20:42:20 +0000 Greenjeans 1894213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with the other long-risers here. &nbsp;Ecstatic about high-rise jeans! &nbsp;(Finally, pants that fit!)</p> <p>For &nbsp;many, many years I have wondered <i>what is wrong with me? &nbsp;</i>because low-rise jeans don't fit. &nbsp;And after years of struggling/tugging/mortification it's a joy to have choices available that aren't obscene. &nbsp;</p> <p>If they don't work for you, don't sweat it! &nbsp;It's not your fault, they're made for a different body type.<i></i> </p> <p>Let's hear it for <b>variety</b> so we can all find something that fits.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894212 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 20:34:57 +0000 Helena 1894212@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amen to what Janet said! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894210 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 20:17:37 +0000 SarahD8 1894210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, <b>elpgal</b>, I'm delighted to hear that the H&amp;M jeans are a true low-rise. I have a LARGE order coming my way from them and you are raising my hopes that they might work.</p> <p>Old Navy makes a low-rise version of their Rockstar Skinny jean but only in VERY limited washes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894179 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 19:12:56 +0000 Kate 1894179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Long rise here. I'm with Jenn in being so grateful to have my butt finally covered. A mid-rise on me gets me perilously close to exposure fore and aft.&nbsp; A 7.5" rise—I'd be arrested. Thank God for the current availability of high rises. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894178 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 19:06:34 +0000 elpgal 1894178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll sit in the corner with you and be grumpy. An 8.5 inch rise is the most I can do, maybe 9 if I never sit. The only low-rise pair I have found in the last year or two is from H&amp;M but they are skinnier.</p> <p><a href="http://m.hm.com/us/product/47147?article=47147-I" rel="nofollow">http://m.hm.com/us/product/47147?article=47147-I</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894067 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 13:32:26 +0000 Vildy 1894067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 5 feet with a rather long rise. A high rise jean makes me a pronounced hourglass and is most comfortable for me.&nbsp; My hips go out somewhat abruptly and then straight down.&nbsp; I feel most comfortable when a jean or pant or panty goes over that top hip socket.&nbsp; I can sometimes wear a midrise but only with a belt because my hips are straight sided and jeans will pull downward.&nbsp; And I realize there are special flat invisible belts for when you don't want to tuck in and don't want a big buckle bump but I just don't bother. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-someone-explain-high-rise-jeans-to-me#post-1894053 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 12:24:25 +0000 Janet 1894053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find it maddening that fashion keeps swinging between extremes (or course, meant to keep us chasing the new and spending our $$), when the truth is that the extremes are generally flattering to few. And yeah, you can usually still find some basic mid-rise in the most simple and classic of cuts, but dang it, some of us want something a little different and modern, that's still flattering and workable for average female bodies! </p>