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What Is the Rise on Jeans? (Informative Remarks)

When it comes to choosing jeans, one very important feature is known as a “rise”. It is a crucial factor in judging whether a pair of jeans will look good on you, and should be considered when putting together an outfit. Do you know what is the rise on jeans and what types of rise exist? I’ll review them now so you can ensure that you do.

Key Takeaways

  • The rise on jeans is very important in determining whether or not some jeans are good for you.
  • It can be described as the distance between the top of the waistband and the middle of the crotch seam.
  • Low-rise jeans have only 7 to 8 inches from the top of the waistband to the crotch seam. They’re good for casual outfits and are considered the most modern type of jeans. 
  • Mid-rise jeans’ measurements range from 9 to 11 inches. They fit your waistline perfectly and are considered the norm, which is why they’re sometimes called regular or normal-rise jeans.
  • High-rise jeans have their rise within the range of 10 to 13 inches. They used to be very popular in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, but have been fading in popularity ever since. However, they’re still a good choice nowadays for people looking for a more vintage look. 
  • Different jeans suit different purposes and different people. You should try out multiple types of jeans and figure out what looks best on you. 

What Is the Rise On Jeans

Usually, the rise on jeans is defined as the distance between the top of the waistband and the middle of the crotch seam. This distance is usually within the range of 7 to 13 inches, and depending on the specific measurement, the rise categorizes jeans as either low-rise, mid-rise, or high-rise jeans. It’s very important in determining how your waistline is accentuated and if it can make or break your entire outfit.

You can also find out why jeans have rivets.

What are the types of rise?

Low-Rise Jeans

If the distance described as the rise is small, specifically around 7 to 8 inches, then the jeans in question are low-rise jeans. They rest below the waist, even several inches below your bellow button.

Although they’ve existed for a long time, they didn’t really gain any popularity until the 60s and 70s. In the last decades, they’ve had a resurgence in popularity, with some brands like Levi’s having an alternative name for them as “modern rise” jeans.

These types of jeans are generally associated with a more casual style. They’re also not recommended to use for styling at all if your legs are shorter or around the same size as your torso because the proportions will be off and they’ll look weird on you.

Mid-Rise Jeans

With a slightly higher measurement than low-rise jeans, mid-rise jean’s distance usually ranges between 9 and 11 inches. These jeans are made to fit your waistline exactly and are a great option for physical activities.

Their popularity has remained constant for as long as jeans have been a thing. To be specific, jeans were initially designed to be mid-rise, which is why you can sometimes see this type of jeans be referred to as “normal-rise” or “regular-rise”.

Since they fit your waistline perfectly, they’re less likely to fall off during walking or more extensive physical activity, making them a good fit for people that are into fitness.

High-Rise Jeans

Finally, high-rise jeans typically have measurements upwards of 10 inches, but more often specifically 11 and 12 inches. High-rise jeans are my personal favorite for a variety of reasons.

They were popularized in the 70s by runway models and remained a fashion trend through the 80s and 90s. Nowadays, they’re not very popular in the mainstream, but people who like dressing in vintage styles still wear them. Sometimes, they’re referred to as “mom jeans” because of the era in which they were popular.

There are no functional benefits to high-rise jeans, they are mainly worn for their aesthetic. They’re also a good choice if you’re short because they can make you seem taller because of the way they sit. Because of their specific design, they stand out in your outfit when you wear them, so keep that in mind when you plan your wardrobe choice.

You can also read a comparison of jeans and trousers.

Choosing the Right Jeans

You can also read a comparison of jeans and khakis.

It’s important to know exactly what you’re looking for when you’re looking for jeans, as all of them have a different style and purpose.

If you’re going for a more modern look, then you should go for low-rise jeans. However, keep in mind that they are considered an informal choice, and should not be worn in a professional setting because you might be seen as disrespectful.

The safest bet in general is medium-rise jeans because they’re the normal type of jeans that has always been popular. They’re also very good if you’re physically active because they are less likely to fall off if you run.

Lastly, high-rise jeans are a great vintage-style option if you want to experiment more with your outfits. They can also make you look taller and can better accentuate your entire waist, but they very much stand out when you put them in an outfit, so be careful what you style them with.

At the end of the day, however, preference also plays a big part in choosing your jeans. Some people just prefer the modern look of low-rise jeans and pair them with every outfit, even in normal settings.

Others, like myself, are in love with the style of the past and continue to wear high-rise jeans. Like with all other clothes, it’s important to try out multiple things and figure out what suits you best.

You can also read about how you can lighten jeans.

Final Thoughts

If you didn’t know what the rise in jeans is, now you do! But if you did, and were just looking for tips on styling and how to know which jeans are appropriate for the occasion, then I hope I helped you with that too. Be sure to try out all the types of jeans first, then compare how they all look on you and decide which ones are your perfect fit.