YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Doing the math

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Doing the math https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:49:47 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Suz on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math/page/2#post-2304477 Fri, 27 Jan 2023 06:44:58 +0000 Suz 2304477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, I could be totally wrong, Zaeobi. I'm about as good a sewist as I am a mathematician.  Why I became a writer.... Zaeobi on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math/page/2#post-2304472 Fri, 27 Jan 2023 06:22:02 +0000 Zaeobi 2304472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lol @Kyle, same reason I became an English teacher instead! @Suz wait you're saying a side zip makes alterations *easier*? Gosh, I've been sitting on some rust, chocolate & plum pairs of trousers because I thought the opposite to be true - just wait 'til my work wardrobe hears about this, haha! Kyle on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2304233 Thu, 26 Jan 2023 01:17:32 +0000 Kyle 2304233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Understanding this would probably be really beneficial, but it makes my head hurt. My dislike of math is what inspired me to pursue a career in journalism.  Style Fan on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2304205 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 23:28:35 +0000 Style Fan 2304205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ SarahDB, that is right.  The Everlane jeans are higher on my waist than the C of H, but the measurement of the rise is lower.  Complicated. All three pairs of jeans are the same size, but that doesn't mean much.  The Everlane jeans fit differently.  They are not too tight, but they hug the body more. This past year I have ordered many pairs of jeans online and sent most of them back.  Even when the measurements are given, it isn't easy to figure out what will fit me. Suz on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2304193 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 22:26:03 +0000 Suz 2304193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, I was confused by that, too, SarahDB!  It really is insanely complicated. Argh!!!!  As Style Fan has implied, sizing also matters. A loose pair of jeans could have a lower rise and work for someone with a longer rise, because it would hang lower on the body. That same pair of jeans in a smaller size might give a wedgie.  Meanwhile, someone with a shorter rise might need to size down, which she could only do if her waist/ hip measurements allowed it also.  SarahD8 on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2304187 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 22:06:04 +0000 SarahD8 2304187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Style Fan, if I'm reading your post correctly you are saying the jeans with the 1.5" SHORTER rise actually sit HIGHER on your torso? I don't doubt it for a minute, I think it's an indicator of just how complicated fit is. Style Fan on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2304185 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 21:59:47 +0000 Style Fan 2304185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I measured three pairs of my jeans. C of H Annina Jeans Front Rise 12 " Back Rise 14.5 " These jeans are a bit loose on me and sit just at my belly button.  They are very comfortable. C of H Paloma Cords same as the Annina These are also loose and sit at my belly button.  They are very comfortable. I would not want to go down a size in the C of H jeans because that would change the look. Everlane Cheeky Straight Jeans Front Rise 10.5" These fit perfectly but don't have a lot of wiggle room.  They sit above my belly button.   Suz on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2304182 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 21:30:40 +0000 Suz 2304182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Zaeobi, it is possible to adjust the rise but it can be a big job, depending on the type of pant. It is easier if there is a side zip vs. a front zip, I believe. Most off the rack clothes don't have the seam allowance to make it much longer, I suspect.  kkards on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2304077 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 11:40:27 +0000 kkards 2304077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well I like math, but this just made my head ache.   I thought that all the technology was supposed to have entered us into the age of affordable bespoke clothing.    Kate on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2304058 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 06:01:09 +0000 Kate 2304058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For comfort’s sake, I won’t wear pants with a rise lower than 11.5 in., and I prefer 12 inches. When I measured the rise on all the pants I currently wear, 8 of them (the majority), have a 13-1/4 inch rise. Happy me!! During the long dark years when mid-rises ruled with no other options, a 9-inch rise gave me plumber’s crack, and I became adept at backing up to a wall, door, or corner if I needed to bend down. And I had a big wardrobe of belts. I am so grateful we now have options across all rises. Zaeobi on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2304057 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 05:59:42 +0000 Zaeobi 2304057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This thread has also got me wondering whether it's possible to alter the rise on a pair of bottoms? I know it's easy to hem & take in waists (harder to let it out), but what about shortening or lengthening the rise? I have my suspicions it's impossible, but maybe our sewing fabbers can weigh in? Zaeobi on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2304054 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 05:42:37 +0000 Zaeobi 2304054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm 5ft 3.5" (yes, that extra half an inch is important - right on the cusp of petite & regular height!) with a 27-27.5" inseam (PPL). My ideal front rise hits at or just above my belly button, which is 11.5-12" - I need it higher in the back to adequately cover the junk in my trunk - including the spare tyre, lol! But a 12.5" rise starts to creep up towards my ribcage, just as you described. You're right that it's complicated - fabric also affects these things (high-rise jeans can feel like a corset!) so I often make do with belts. DonnaF on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2304017 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 02:04:33 +0000 DonnaF 2304017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am opposite to Suntiger when it comes to back rise. I hardly have a caboose so most jeans and pants are quite wrinkly below the seat on me due to too much length in the back rise. Jaime on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2304012 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 01:51:50 +0000 Jaime 2304012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh my, I have no idea but am pretty sure somewhere around 10" is mid-high on me. I really prefer jeans that are designed to sit lower on your hip (boyfriend style usually) because my hip is more proportionate to my legs than my waist is. Might take out my tape measure later ! Suz on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2304007 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 01:17:50 +0000 Suz 2304007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachylou, oh gosh, I have been thinking of that too....tops!!!  Tanya, I hear you. We are alike in our proportions except you also have a bit more height in your upper torso (that's where you get that extra 1 to 1.5 inch on me that you don't get in your slightly-longer-than my rise, LOL).  I remember we've had this conversation in the past -- early in my time at YLF, we both talked about really loving a 2 inch heel in large part for what it does for our proportions. I also like it for comfort (so that's convenient) although more and more I am wearing flats or low platforms/ flatforms....it works better with higher rise pants than low rise pants on me because the higher rise fools the eye that my legs are normal length!)  I seem to remember also that we both are proportionately shorter in the calf length (and regular length more or less in the thigh) which tends to make legs look a bit shorter.  Tanya on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2304002 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:45:08 +0000 Tanya 2304002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So, I got my tape measure and ended up almost spilling my metaphorical tea. My rise to my natural waist is 13"! I am 5'6" and have long torso/waist/rise (anything on the upper body) - short legs body type.   My legs are about 2" shorter than they proportionally should be for my height, and now I know those 2" went into my rise.  The absolutely shortest rise I am comfortable with is 9.5"-10", which is mid rise on me.   The most comfortable ones are around 12".   And I do have some pants that go a little above my natural waist, 1-2", toreador pant style, and they still don't come super close to my bra band, there is plenty of space on my torso.    rachylou on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2303999 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:18:02 +0000 rachylou 2303999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think I’m in Lisa’s camp here. Another reason I’m a brick and mortar shopper… just easier to me to go in and try pants on… ;) And I still can’t remember what sort of tops go best with low rise… Suz on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2303998 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:16:14 +0000 Suz 2303998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ha, yes Lisa, especially since most of these retailers don't bother to list the rise measurement...or when they do, it's wrong! And anyway, sometimes tape measures are best left in the dark depths of the drawers where they've disappeared, LOL.  Jessikams, I think our bodies are quite similar, too. So I eagerly look at which pants you are wearing in your WIWs!  LJP on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2303989 Tue, 24 Jan 2023 23:34:47 +0000 LJP 2303989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This would require me to locate a tape measure . So I’ll just keep on with my fumbling guessing game method Jessikams on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2303988 Tue, 24 Jan 2023 22:54:26 +0000 Jessikams 2303988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, I think our bodies are similar. I have a long torso, a very long rise, and super short legs (especially in comparison to my talk, short-torso husband!) I have really started to notice that rise is crucial for me in terms of comfort, fit, and appearance. I used to buy Athleta petite leggings etc, but recently they are not fitting and I need to go up a size or two AND get a regular not petite…. All because of the rise, no other fit issues. Suz on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2303985 Tue, 24 Jan 2023 22:45:14 +0000 Suz 2303985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suntiger, I envy anyone with long legs! It sounds as if you do have a longer rise, too.  Anonymous on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2303976 Tue, 24 Jan 2023 21:21:43 +0000 Anonymous 2303976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I measured a few and they're 11-12 inch front, 14-16 back. Cannot go lower in back- full stop. I think my embroidered jeans are 10 inch in front, and that was considered high a few years ago! I'm only 5'3 but all my height is in my legs. Suz on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2303949 Tue, 24 Jan 2023 19:10:32 +0000 Suz 2303949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, how I'd love those extra 3 inches in my legs! I feel like my lower body would be much more proportional then -- i.e. my rise would be proportionate to my overall height.  I retired my last pair of Dres not too long ago because they were actually feeling too low in comparison to my Emersons. Maybe I should have hung onto them for fashion's sense! But for comfort, I'm glad I waved goodbye. The extra half inch (or whatever) makes all the difference.  Anchie, it sounds as if our rises might be similar in the sense that you are a few inches taller than me and your waist rise is commensurately taller.  Joy, it must be so frustrating to find pants that work for you with all the variables you have to address. Elastics are definitely your friends here.  Angie, yes, you have seen me in person so you know how it is! Your own measurements and preferences make perfect sense.  Angie on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2303944 Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:52:46 +0000 Angie 2303944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, YES! It makes perfect sense. And yes - it is COMPLICATED ;)  I've had the pleasure of dressing you, and you have a longer rise. Petite pants are not necessarily your friend. Dead right! Regulars are MUCH better - and you can have the hems shortened. I like you in higher rises too! :) Conversely, I am taller and have a relatively short rise for my 5ft 6 height. I have a regular length waist though. Not short waisted. I am loving 9.5 to 10 inches at the moment = mid to higher rise on me.  11 inches is VERY high rise on me, but I do enjoy them when the fit is perfect. I like 9 inches too. 8 feels low - but not too bad. 8.5 is better. But low rises like 8 often need back waist adjustment because of my sway back. Higher rises DO NOT need waist alteration. I am loving that! I don't enjoy belting my higher rises. I only like belting low rises. Like 8 to 8.5. Slim Cat, if you have the back waist altered to fit on a higher rise like 9 to 9.5 inches, I'm pretty sure the sliding will stop. Anonymous on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2303943 Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:52:05 +0000 Anonymous 2303943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am 5'3" and a20 or higher inseam will hit below my bellybutton.  I gave up looking for anything high rise when " mile high" pants did not come to my navel.  Then I needed an elastic belt to keep them up.   Every bottom must be tried on.  This is difficult with so many stores closing and having to return email orders. anchie on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2303940 Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:44:03 +0000 anchie 2303940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 12 inch is where my navel and natural waist are and that is my preferred high rise. I still have enough space below ribcage to be comfortable even when sitting. 9 inch would be mid rise on me and I would not go any lower than that. I am tall between 5“6‘ and 5“7‘ Janet on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2303938 Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:40:57 +0000 Janet 2303938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What’s interesting to me about your numbers, Suz, is that I have some of the same pants (we both love the old Dre’s and the Emersons), and it sure sounds like those rises hit a similar spot on us. However, I’m 3” taller than you, so the shortness of my torso seems more pronounced! Especially considering I need a long inseam. There are those extra 3” — I need a 33” inseam to get a full-length jean that I can wear with flats. I prefer a 34” inseam to wear with a 1” heel, and longer if I’m going to wear any heels higher than that. Gotta love the variations possible in human bodies! Suz on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2303936 Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:34:36 +0000 Suz 2303936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just from the first 3 replies we can see how complicated it is! Slim cat's my height but her high rise is below my low rise! Carla's wearing a similar rise but her inseams are, ahem, I don't even want to admit how much longer than mine....(on me, a 30" inseam is literally to the ground; if I want to wear flats I need to take it up to 28" or so and for a slight crop, we are talking about 26"...) .And Helena is in between.  Like I said, it's a miracle any of us can buy pants at all. Skirts would be easier! slim cat on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2303933 Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:28:14 +0000 slim cat 2303933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's easier for me - 5'4" with long-ish legs and short waist with some apple tendencies ( and the belly doesn't like any serious pressure on it ). My rises are from 7 1/2" to 8 1/2" and that's it . Anything higher - and it slides down to my hip bones ( very straight shape ).  No boyfriend style for me - it requires some roundness in behind that I don't possess - lol. Straight leg, trouser, bootcut, flare if it's restrained. 8" is ideal rise on my fav pants from 11 years ago - sob, should bought/kept more from those times! Carla on "Doing the math" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/doing-the-math#post-2303931 Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:26:40 +0000 Carla 2303931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ We are similar with regards to rises, but I suspect different in other measurements!   <div> </div><div>I lemminged the Liverpool’s with the 9 inch rise, and they are as low as I would ever want to go!  Must wear with a belt.  11 inches is my sweet spot and where most of my pants measure.  My newest ‘highrise’ jean is a 12, as are my Lulu joggers, and I might actually like the fit better than the 11’s - though when seated the waist meets my under-bust!  </div><div> </div><div>As long as I’ve been paying attention to the matter of rises (about 10 years) I’ve always held out for 10-11 inches, and taken a pass on most pants outside that range.  </div><div> </div><div>I need a 36 inch inseam for PPL.  32 inches are cropped, and 34 are ‘flood’.  True ‘tall’ pants seemed to always be baggy in the seat and crotch.  I don’t know if that is the rise or something else, but it’s similar to your conundrum with petites.  </div>