The rise of jeans – measured at the waistband from the crotch seam to the knee – plays an important role in how they look. It’s one of the features outlined in jean descriptions, leg opening, and hem width.
A high rise can help elongate your legs if you’re shorter. Just be careful not to get a pair that is too high, which can create the dreaded muffin top.
Height
The height of a pair of jeans refers to how high or low they sit on the waist. A women’s mid rise straight leg jeans are a good choice for all body types because they create a classic, polished look that works with almost any top length.
A low rise is a great fit for people with shorter torsos as it can elongate the legs. But be careful not to choose a pair that’s too low, as this can make your hips appear wider.
For women, it’s important to find jeans that fit the hips and thighs but don’t dig into the belly. It will help prevent the dreaded muffin top that can happen when jeans are too tight or don’t come up far enough on the back of the pants. For this reason, trying on several pairs of jeans is a good idea to see what fits you best. In addition to waist and hip measurements, it may be helpful to consider additional measures such as crotch depth, back rise, and leg length. Additionally, you can find denim in various washes, treatments, and silhouettes to fit your style.
Waist
The waist is arguably the most important feature of any jeans, particularly for women. You want to ensure the pants sit comfortably on your hips without slipping down or pulling up when you bend over or sit down. When choosing a pair, measure around your hips and each thigh to get the best possible fit. Since denim stretches over time, it’s important to try them on for the first few wears to see how they’ll stretch and recover before committing.
The low or high rise is another feature of choosing the right pair. Higher-rise jeans can elongate your legs and look great with tall shoes or boots. Low-rise jeans are best suited for casual or loungewear outfits and offer a relaxed fit that isn’t too tight around the crotch area.
If you’re an apple shape with a fuller stomach and narrower hips, opt for mid-rise jeans to balance your silhouette. Pear shapes can use bootcut or flared jeans to add volume to their bottom half. Those with an athletic shape body can wear skinny jeans that pair well with oversized tops.
Hips
Choosing the right jeans will balance out your silhouette, whether you’re an hourglass shape with a defined waist and wider hips or an athletic-shaped girl with more defined shoulders and a narrower waist. Straight-leg jeans, which are close to the body from the hips to the ankle but appear relaxed across the thigh, are ideal for most body types.
This figure-friendly fit looks good on guys of any height because it elongates the legs. Pair a pair of mid-rise straight-leg jeans with a fitted sweater that you can tuck in or leave untucked to create a slimming effect.
The opposite of slimming is the dreaded “muffin top.” It occurs when the jeans’ waistband digs into your crotch or thighs. It can be caused by several things, including the jeans being too tight or having a band that needs to be higher. If you are dealing with this issue, try a higher-waisted pair or have your jeans tailored to add a few darts in the back rise of the pants. It will eliminate the muffin top and make you feel more comfortable wearing your jeans.
Thighs
Mid-rise straight-leg jeans can be a staple to your year-round wardrobe, especially when paired with boots or ankle booties in cooler weather and sandals in warmer seasons. With slimming appeal, they can work for various body shapes and look particularly flattering on pear-shaped or hourglass figures.
If you’re concerned about a muffin top (when the waistband digs into the hips and thighs), opt for jeans with a contoured waistband or a higher rise. Also, choose a darker wash that will help to emphasize the curves of your legs and hips, while light colors can highlight a slimmer bottom.
When finding the perfect pair of black jeans, comfort and fit should never be compromised. That’s why we love this AG pair that features a subtle rip on one knee and is crafted from soft organic cotton with a hint of stretch. It’s the ideal jeans for pairing everything from classic tees to oversized knits. And the dark wash will look good year-round.
Legs
Sitting between your hips and navel, straight-leg jeans are one of the most figure-friendly fits you can wear. They flatter almost any body type and work well with tops of any length. Consider a cropped pair that elongates your leg line even more if you have long legs.
A mid-rise can add height while keeping your legs slim and toned if you’re on the shorter side. Similarly, high-waisted jeans work best for people below average size because they make their legs look longer.
Choosing the right jeans is challenging because there are many variables to consider. Just remember to keep your measurements in mind and shop at places that can offer tailoring and a variety of washes. Also, look for stretch denim, which will be more comfortable than non-stretch styles. Plus, it will move with you so you can feel your best.