The low-rise jeans of the early 2000s are back, and for many, that brings a feeling of dread. You remember them being difficult to wear and notoriously unforgiving.

Low-waist jeans, also known as low-rise, are cut to sit on your hips rather than your natural waist. Typically, the waistband falls about two to three inches below the navel, creating a distinct, body-conscious silhouette.

For over two decades in this business, I’ve seen the rise and fall and rise again of this style. The controversy around it is almost always a misunderstanding of one simple thing: the fit in the crotch.

Someone left a comment online that explained it perfectly. They said if your pants are uncomfortable, you're either wearing them at the wrong height or in the wrong size. It’s not the rise's fault. It’s a technical problem. As a manufacturer, I know this is true.

A well-designed low-rise jean should sit comfortably on the hips without causing any problems. The entire design is a game of inches, and getting them right is the key.

What body type should wear low-waisted jeans?

You see the low-rise trend and immediately think it's only for a specific, super-slim body type. This makes you feel like the style is completely off-limits for you.

Low-waisted jeans are most easily worn by people with longer torsos and straighter, "rectangle" body shapes. The low waistband helps balance a long torso and doesn't conflict with prominent curves at the hip.

From a pattern-making standpoint, this makes complete sense. The key factor isn't your weight or overall shape as much as it is your proportions, specifically your torso length.

If you have a long torso, a low-rise jean simply looks balanced. The space between the waistband and your chest is still ample. If you have a short torso, a low rise can visually shorten it even more, which some people don't like.

However, it's not a strict rule. Confidence is the main ingredient. I’ve seen people of all shapes and sizes look amazing in low-rise jeans because they owned the look. The goal for a designer like Dean isn't to restrict a style to one body type, but to create variations that make it accessible to more people.

Dive Deeper: It's About Proportions, Not Size

Your Proportions	How Low-Rise Jeans Will Likely Fit	Style Tip
Long Torso	Creates a balanced, harmonious look. The low waistband helps break up the long line of the upper body.	This style is made for you. You can pair it with cropped or tucked-in tops without issue.
Balanced Torso	A classic fit. The jeans will sit naturally on the hips without dramatically altering your proportions.	This is a safe bet. Experiment with different top lengths to see what feels best.
Short Torso	Can make your upper body look shorter and your legs appear longer.	To avoid feeling "cut off," try pairing them with a top that isn't cropped. A top that ends at the waistband can create a smoother line.

How to tell if jeans are low waisted?

You're shopping, and the labels are confusing. "Mid-rise" from one brand fits like a "low-rise" from another, leaving you unsure of what you're actually buying.

To know for sure, you need to check the "front rise" measurement. This is the distance from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. A true low-rise jean typically has a front rise of 7-8 inches.

This is where we get into the technical side of things, and where that insight I mentioned is so important. That person was right: all pants should have a comfortable fitt in the crotch].

The rise measurement tells you how much space the pattern allows for. But your body dictates where that waistband actually needs to sit for the crotch to be comfortable. If a jean has an 8-inch rise, but you pull it up to where a 10-inch rise would sit, of course it's going to be uncomfortable.

You have to let the jean sit where it was designed to sit. When we produce a run of jeans for a brand, the designer specifies the rise down to the quarter-inch. It's the foundational measurement that dictates the entire fit and feel of the garment.

Dive Deeper: The Rise Measurement Guide

• Low-Rise: Generally measures 7 to 8 inches. The waistband is designed to sit squarely on your hips.
• Mid-Rise: Generally measures 9 to 10 inches. This is the most common rise, designed to sit just below the navel.
• High-Rise: Generally measures 11 inches or more. This style is designed to sit at or above your natural waist, near the navel.

Remember, these are just guidelines. Your personal torso length will determine where each of these actually lands on your body. The ultimate test is to put them on and ensure the crotch area is comfortable and seated correctly, not pulled up too high or sagging too low.

What jeans not to wear after 40?

You hit a certain age and start hearing you should "dress your age." This can make you feel insecure about your favorite styles, wondering if you need to give them up.

There are no jeans you "should not" wear after 40. This is an outdated fashion rule. The most important factors at any age are fit, comfort, and confidence. Wear the jeans that make you feel good.

In my 20 years of making jeans, I can tell you this with absolute certainty: age is irrelevant. Style is personal. What does change for many people over time are their bodies and their lifestyles.

A style that was comfortable and practical at 20 might not be at 40, and that's okay. People often gravitate toward jeans with more stretch for comfort, a slightly higher rise that feels more secure, and classic, darker washes that are more versatile.

They might move away from heavy distressing or ultra-trendy cuts. But this is a shift in personal preference, not a rule handed down from on high. The best advice is to ignore the age-based rules and focus on what fits the body and life you have right now.

Dive Deeper: Shifting Priorities, Not Rules

Instead of thinking about what to remove from your wardrobe, think about what to look for.

• Focus on Fabric: As we get older, comfort becomes key. Look for premium denim with a small percentage of high-quality stretch (like Lycra or elastane). This provides flexibility and helps the jeans retain their shape all day long.
• Perfect the Rise: While you can wear any rise you want, many people find a mid-rise (9-10 inches) to be the sweet spot for comfort and versatility as their bodies change. It provides good coverage without being restrictive.
• Invest in a Classic Cut: Trends come and go, but a classic straight-leg or a slim-fit jean in a dark indigo or black wash is timeless. It's a reliable foundation you can build any outfit around, at any age. It’s a smart, lasting investment.

Conclusion

Low-waist jeans are defined by their short rise measurement. Fit is about matching a jean's proportions to your own, and style has no age limit; wear what fits you well.