The problem with mid-rise (for me) - YouLookFab Forum

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The problem with mid-rise (for me)

Ginger

Veteran

Along with my collection of ponte/skinny pants, on a whim I ordered some jeans from the same line. (Because they had Talls! Wow!) I am really not a jeans-wearer. I pretty much gave up in college because of fit difficulty, expense, and discomfort. Now I really have very little need for them.

That said, every so often it would be nice to have some. In my community jeans = casual, and sometimes I may seem more dressed-up than everyone else. Especially when it's leggings + short dress instead of jeans + t-shirt.

The try-on was... interesting. These are officially mid-rise jeans. They are way lower than anything I'm usually comfortable wearing. First, because of where they fit on my hip-fluff. Second, and bigger concern, how far they ride down when I sit. I wouldn't wear anything that would show, but they still make me feel so uncomfortable and insecure. I know these don't have the upward back curve that some jeans use to address this issue.

The fit on the skinnies was definitely better. The bootcut clung to my knees and thighs and I could feel them being pulled down on my hips even as I walked. Interestingly, the bootcut are the next bigger size than the skinnies; the site was out of stock in the larger size for the skinnies.

I guess my real question: Is my sensitivity to the sitting issue just mine? Is this normal on women my size/with my fluff, and is it something I can/should get accustomed to? Or should I just find some nice jeggings to wear under my long tunics/short dresses? Price point, time searching, and gas are definitely a consideration for this denim thing. I don't want to re-invent what I wear; it would just be nice if an affordable item like this could provide me some more options.

#1-6 bootcut
#7-12 skinny

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19 replies

Latest reply was from JAileen

Dee

Veteran

I have this problem too. It's because you have a long rise. This can be a problem when you are curvy/pear shaped, as jeans don't come up as high or aren't as fitted in the waist as they would be for someone less curvy and thus begin to slide down when you sit.

I've found that the best solution is jeans with a higher back rise than front. That prevents having too much fabric in the front and doesn't give you the awkward slide when sitting. The other option is straight up high-rise jeans. They basically hit around my belly button, which feels high, but they stay there when I sit, and that's worth it.

Adelfa

Veteran

If you're uncomfortable, definitely don't wear them. As another long rise person, I agree with Dee that a higher rise jean could work. But since you're not a jeans person, you might not want to put in the time to find them. I love your jeggings idea. I've had good luck at American Eagle.

Diana

Veteran

I have a similar problem, plus I HATE high rises. However, I do have and wear many pairs of jeans, so don't despair! As Dee mentions, the trick is to find jeans with a long back rise and a moderate front rise. Personally, I like an 8-9" front rise (this is mid rise on me, any higher and I get crotch folding) and at least 13.5" in back. In my experience, premium brands tend to do this better but you can find moderately priced brands too. I would recommend Lucky brand (I like the Sweet Jean cut, but the Sofia cut is even curvier) and Kut from the Kloth (size down, they are cut quite generously.)

You could try nydj also. I personally don't like them bc the rises are too high and the fabric too stretchy for my taste but if you like those things they could be worth trying.

Eta: forgot you needed talls. Definitely check out lucky in that case, some of their styles go up to 36" inseam! Kuts may be too short but may be ok for a skinny/ankle Jean.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

The dreaded sit-test. I have this problem too. In fact, it's virtually impossible to find jeans that work perfectly in the rise for me. My Lands End slim legs are pretty close (also, multiple lengths and a reasonable price point), and I compensate with long layering tanks. I also agree with Adelfa that it mostly takes time and effort to find the ones that fit right, and you might not be willing to do that for marginal wardrobe item, which is perfectly okay.

Women's Mid Rise Slim Leg Jeans

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6

kkards

Veteran

you may want to try the Gap---they also have tall (at least on line) and they are running 40% off this weekend.

krishnidoux

Veteran

I am so with you on this. No, you should not "get accustomed" to something that is downright uncomfortable and ineffective. You are CORRECT in your assessment that it will ride down when you sit and that it will bother you. Not mentioning make you feel cold.

Allow me to be brutally honest. I have to voice my thoughts here.

What I see on those pics is a beautiful woman with a spectacular shape. I personally work out very hard 5x a week and I would love getting a shape resembling yours. Your waist is high and well defined, your booty is very sexy.

The jeans shown on your pics do not look like they are made to flatter or be useful. Your body's curves are wonderfully attractive, and these pants (especially the ones called bootcut) to me look like an insult to them. I am sorry to put it like this. They cut in the wrong place and most of all look painfully uncomfortable, especially while sitting. Don't listen to marketers who will try to make you believe that you should wear this in order to look good. Your already do, and will most of all with a higher rise which will respect your waistline and respect YOU.

Also consider that denim does stretch to a certain extent after a few wears. If you buy the skinnies, the waist will only expand as you move and very soon they will loose their tightness around your hips and thighs. You'll find you'll need a belt, which will add bulk on a spot where you may not necessarily want bulk, for proportion/fit/convenience reasons.

I hope you will not take it the wrong way for me saying this. I think you should pass these and continue your quest. Very soon, you will find something that will celebrate you rather than trying to make you fit in an inappropriate box.

(From a girl who is also long waisted and made the mistake of buying jeans like this and regretted it).

Liz

Veteran

Also, look for a curvy fit, which will help with the fit at your waist.

You might want to look up frannieb's posts. She had sworn off jeans, but then decided to try them again, found pairs that fit, and never looked back.

You can find higher rise jeans in talls (or, look for the Long lengths) at really affordable price points.

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Oh I see your problem with the sit test. The fit looked pretty good before I saw the pic of you sitting. Yes, I'd have a problem with that too! Tshirt, even longer ones, can ride up when you least expect them to, and can lead to a super embarrassing situation.

I think these jeans need to go back! You've gotten some great directions from others above. I just want to add - don't give up. I know you've said that jeans aren't a must-have for you, but if you do want an effortless winter silhouette (and not layer tights over tights for winters!), finding a pair that works for your shape will definitely ease out your life. I think you *should* try the options other suggest, if it's not too much of a hassle.

Staysfit

Veteran

I have this problem but to a lesser extent with some brands of jeans vs. others. I my not have as long an inseam as you but I do take tall sizes and I have a particularly long rise. If I understand rise properly it is measured from mid crotch to waistline. For me that is somewhere between 14-15 inches. Most people are around 12 inches. I handle this problem by making sure any pair of jeans I purchase has plenty of stretch. I use a belt and tighten it snugly. I wear tops over my waist band and never tuck into my jeans, especially not the backside. I also avoid sitting in chairs that have open backs. :-).

I know looking for jeans is time consuming. My DD is taller and curvier than me and spent a very long time trying to find a decent pair. She finally found some Hudson Brand boot cuts. I would continue the hunt. I have never tried jeggings so I cannot say if they would work any better.

SW Ann

Veteran

I have this problem too, and as a result, wear jeans that are more high waist than mid rise....there were several years there when I couldn't find any but had stocked up before the ultra low rise craze hit big time and that saw me through....Lately, however, there are more high waist jeans available, and even though it is tedious, try many many pairs. You might be surprised to find a few pair that are good looking and feeling. I have just had to be relentless in my search. I have had good luck in the past with jag jeans. Currently, as in the last few months, I'lve found some NYDJ jeans that I like.... A friend of mine has had good luck with, believe it or not, Dress Barn. As Angie says "let no retail stone unturned".
I think you will find them useful and enjoyable when you find the right pair. And buy at least one extra pair when you know you like them.

Stephanie

I feel you! My skinnies are mid rise and I have the same problem with my hip fluff and it just keeps creeping out every time I wear the jeans. I love skinny jeans, but am looking to replace my current pair with a high rise fit because everything stays in and the fit is flattering on my shape. You could try loft-they have tall and high rise options. I think a high rise would be super flattering on you, but like others have said finding good jeans takes work and if you're not crazy about them in the first place, you might not want to bother anyway. Good luck Ginger!!

Ginger

Veteran

Thank you everyone, so much! SO much wisdom here, and the unified voice is incredibly encouraging. Krishnidoux in particular, I assure you that you did not insult me at all! You were very, very encouraging and validating.

Thank you, everyone! I'm very glad to have tried this experiment and gotten feedback from the awesome group here at YLF. I've got a plan now (good jeggings and concurrent but gradual research for jeans), and I've got confidence.

LaPed

Veteran

I don't know what your budget is, but the Karen Kane Zuma jeans seem to work well for those in search of a higher-rise skinny jean. They are also a little cropped, which I think might suit you -- those bootcuts are definitely too long, but even the skinny jeans I think would look fresher and more flattering if they were a couple inches shorter. GL!

anne

Veteran

Ginger,
I just wanted to say that I sympathise. I too have a much bigger bottom than waist, and a long rise, and have this "barely covering my bottom" feeling. I hope the advice you have received is helpful.

I also wanted to say how much I have enjoyed your recent conversations on the forum. I rarely have time to write much on YLF these days, but have enjoyed your analysis and kindness.

Missey

Veteran

Try jeans that are labeled "high rise" and make sure they have plenty of stretch. However, after seeing your photos, you have a gorgeous and amazing figure with a lovely, tiny waist! Sigh. Really lovely. Those jeans are divine on you, but if they don't feel good you will never wear them.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

You've gotten a lot of good advice here. I just wanted to chime in and say you have an amazing, gorgeous figure.
I thought the skinnies looked really great, until the sit-test photo. These aren't quite right for you. I agree with others: you do not need to settle for uncomfortable sitting in your jeans.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Ginger, have you tried the Loft Curvy High Waist jeans? I think they might work great for you, and they come in talls. Their curvy cut is a go-to for me; I tried the high waist cut this summer and it was too high a rise for me since even though I'm fairly tall my height is in my torso and limbs, not my rise.

The Find below is one of them but they carry a few different cuts and colors in the high waist curvy. For talls you'd have to order online, but you might be able to try a pair on in store to determine the waist fit, I don't know.

Curvy High Waist Skinny Ankle Jeans in Dark Rinse Wash

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

You've gotten some great ideas and feedback. This should be a great time to find some better options for you, since higher rises are trending!

I sympathize. I have fit issues with my lower half (but for me, the curves are all on the sides, hips and saddlebags, and very little booty). However, I am quite short-waisted, so mid-rises are my friends, so I'm hanging onto my jeans as long as I can to ride out the high-rise trend. Jeans are not easy! You'll find your solution, I'm sure.

JAileen

Veteran

As others have said, your figure is absolutely gorgeous. Don't buy jeans that annoy you, as in the sit test pictured. I have a long rise, too, and get very annoyed by ill fitting jeans. I bought some curvy Levis at Kohl's and Zappos that seem less awful than most others I've tried.