Low Rise Jeans: Hate Them? Love Them?
Low rise jeans have been all the rage during the past few years. Thankfully, the trend seems to be cooling off.
While a moderate low rise is fine, the fashion trend of wearing tight, extremely low-slung jeans, has been subjecting innocent citizens to the following unfortunate looks for too many years now:
1. Visible Butt Cracks
Photo credit: tandabat42
Photo credit: Malingering
2. Thong Underwear Peeking
Photo credit: Malingering
3. Giant male underwear peeking
Photo credit: lobstar
4. Muffin Tops
Photo credit: Malingering
5. Hairy Bellies, EWWW
Photo credit: Malingering
I do own several pairs of moderately low rise jeans. I wear them with a belt, so as not to subject others to things they really shouldn’t be subjected to:
Recently, however, I bought a pair of higher-rise jeans, and I must say low-rise jeans do have one big advantage over higher-rise jeans: they don’t put pressure on your tummy after you’ve eaten!
I went to the movies with my higher-rise jeans, and after eating a bag of popcorn (the bag marked as “Small” but that’s small in American standards, which is really quite large), I felt really uncomfortable! I’ve been wearing lower-rise jeans for so long that I forgot how it feels to wear pants that actually cover most of your tummy.
So there. Low rise jeans are not all bad.
Still, I’m grateful that the extremely low-cut version seems to be a thing of the past now. We can all sigh a collective sigh of relief. On to the next stupid fashion trend.
Related Reading:
Most Flattering Jeans
How To Wear Skinny Jeans
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Els Withers responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 10:22 am →
Nice pictures. Clearly you and your camera are the life of every party.
I have no objection in principle to exposed skin, but I find a lot of extreme low-rise jeans just look odd and unattractive–out of harmony, somehow (same for excessively high jeans). Yours are very nice, though.
Stephanie responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 10:29 am →
I’m not exactly a fan of low rise jeans either, but what drove me most nuts was when I had to find maternity jeans for my latest pregnancy. All I could find were low rise. I really didn’t find them as comfortable as the ones that covered the whole belly, even if all that cloth over the belly looks pretty ugly.
But then I had my C-section and OUCH! Don’t wear low rise maternity jeans home after a C-section. The wide elastic at the top just exactly went over the C-section scar. Let’s just say that was uncomfortable.
Cath Lawson responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 10:32 am →
Hi Vered – I like moderately low rise but very low rise is gross. My favourites are Seven For All Mankind, although plenty places like Topshop have jeans that are just as good – well almost (if you come to the UK, you should check out Topshop – it’s a bargain).
That picture is awesome. Is it close to where you live, or somewhere you were visiting?
wisegirl responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 10:38 am →
i love low rise jeans. when worn with the right top, they can do wonders to your figure but i, like u wear them with a belt:)
Kim Woodbridge responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 10:48 am →
I wish people would wear clothes that flatter their figure rather than wearing what’s in style. Some people don’t look that good in jeans – that’s fine – but there are plenty of clothes they do look good in.
I like low rise jeans but not super low ones. I just think they are more comfortable. And comfort is my primary criteria for clothes. I don’t like it though when I bend over and feel like they are falling off.
Hayden Tompkins responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 10:55 am →
Well, they were in style because they look AMAZING on the right people. {cough}
MomGrind responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 10:58 am →
@ Els Withers: I agree that both extremely low rise jeans and high rise jeans tend to be unflattering.
@ Stephanie: That sounds painful!
@ Cath Lawson: It’s in Carmel, in Northern California. We spent the weekend there. I plan to write about it in a different post.
@ wisegirl: Wearing them with a belt makes a big difference.
@ Kim Woodbridge: Comfort IS important. I didn’t think so in my early twenties, but now I do.
@Hayden Tompkins: Thanks.
BUT note, these are not super low rise and I always, ALWAYS wear them with a belt.
MommyNamedApril responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 11:01 am →
Girl, you are too damned cute for your own good!!!
I wish I could wear low rise jeans! When the trend came into fashion I was at my heaviest and um… not shaped for that style. Since having kids I’ve lost the weight, but gained a serious baby pooch… also, not meant for that style! One day though, if we hit the lottery and the moons align, maybe… just maybe… I’ll get a mommy makeover and reclaim my stomach
If only to not have to buy pants two sizes larger than the rest of my body requires :-/
Seriously, you’re damned cute
Short Shorts And Other Fashion Mistakes - Blogger For Hire responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 11:06 am →
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Lori Hoeck responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 11:08 am →
I must be too old for low-cut jeans. The waist still seems like the place for the tops of pants and for the belt. Despite my conceptual aversion (to the pants, not the people
I do think they would be more comfortable.
Mom Jeans - Blogger For Hire responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 11:08 am →
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How To Buy Clothes Online - Blogger For Hire responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 11:09 am →
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zoe responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 11:16 am →
I’m a fan of the low rise jeans, but not the super low rise jeans. No crack should be showing. I don’t think I could wear a style of jean that went all the way to my waist, that’s just not comfortable.
I’m also glad that t-shirt manufacturers started making tees a bit longer. There were a few years when it was difficult to find a woman’s or girlie style tee that was long enough to meet with my jeans. It doesn’t seem to be a big problem anymore, but there for a while I was beginning to feel like I must have an abnormally long torso.
Barbara Swafford responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 12:00 pm →
Hi Vered,
I love these posts of yours. You’re like the fashion police – Or the cyber “What Not To Wear” pro.
You wear the low rise nicely, but the others, well…. I think they need a makeover.
Blogger Dad responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 12:16 pm →
Yes, if there’s one thing us guys hate, it’s female butt cracks. Highly offensive.
Funny post.
Memarie Lane responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 12:23 pm →
I like the low rise also because I’m very high waisted, so they even out my figure. When I wear the older high rise jeans I look like Steve Urkel.
Betsy Wuebker responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 1:15 pm →
Huh. Back in the day when they FIRST came out (the Paleozoic late 60′s early 70′s for you whippersnappers), they were called “hiphuggers.” And wearing a wide belt was de rigueur. Now. I’m a firm believer that, when it comes to fashion trends, if you wore it the FIRST time it came out, you’ve got no business in it the second or subsequent times it recycles. Especially if your ass ( is ass profane?, sorry if you have to edit ) has migrated forward into your stomach, as it tends to do once you reach ahem…a certain age. Please, just say no to crack.
Patricia responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 1:17 pm →
I understand that high to the waist pants and slacks are returning…I just got a pair of jeans that actually feel comfortable Not my Daughters Jeans…I have no feeling in abdominal area and these hold me more upright and do not chaff – what a relief…..no hope for me with the low rise pants – just broadens the beam.
I wish people would become less dependent on the fashion and work more on what looks great on them – then we would feel like a reflection of our best selves – Such as the picture of Vered – a lovely refection of her best self on a visit outside…lovely to enjoy.
Adrenalynn responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 1:22 pm →
I’m an ultra-low rise jeans kinda girl. but I’m very careful to keep my butt crack out of sight! I think they flatter my figure the most, as my hips aren’t as wide as I’d like. And I have to say; you look absolutely amazing. Wow.
Jannie responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 1:34 pm →
I’m so glad higher rise jeans are coming back. I used to wear the Fancy-Ass brand years and years ago and have missed them so much. I wonder if those little buckles at the bottoms of jeans are coming back too. (hopefully not.)
But I do look forward to saying good-bye to “coin slots” and “muffin tops.” Yay.
Tess The Bold Life responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 2:01 pm →
Oh my the photos tell all. I bought my granddaughter a pair of low rise jeans and they were too big. So I kept them myself. I have to make sure I’m always wearing a long top with them or someone could snap a unsightly photo of me.
I think the word muffin top says it all cuz thats just what it feels like!
Great photo of you by the way!
JMom responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 2:16 pm →
If I had your figure, I’d wear low rise jeans too
I don’t wear low rise jean because 1. they emphasize my muffin top to the max and 2. Granny panties peeking over is just not attractive. lol!
Tara@Sticky Fingers responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 2:24 pm →
Those guys showing off their underpants, what’s that all about. I don’t get it.
I have a 17 year old nephew he wears he jeans with the pants pulled up high so they’re on show and my 6 year old is all “James, pull your jeans up you look daft”.
That’s my boy!
Lance responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 2:30 pm →
So we have this rule with our daughter when she gets a new pair of jeans – it has to pass the “butt crack” test. She sits down, and if there’s no visible butt crack…they’re keepers. Otherwise, they go back…
RC - Rambling Along... responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 2:43 pm →
Okay, I’m loving Lance’s rule. It sounds like the rule my parents had with us about skirts (they looked for how high a mini-skirt would go when we sat down or bent over – and our mini-skirts were not at all as short as today’s mini-skirt – and that would determine if we were allowed to wear them in public).
Your picture is very nice, Vered.
As for the low-rise fashion, like others have said, I’m not at the weight I feel someone should be to wear that style (not from a magazine standard, but from a decency standard, since the muffin top? So not attractive.). I was not happy when I realized that jeans in my size had moved to that style, or to the high-waisted, unattractive style (in other words, dress in the low-rise or risk being a fashion pariah). I like the moderate low-rise, however, as like you mentioned, they don’t cut in, and with appropriate shirts, they are fashionable and modest.
Dr. J responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 2:44 pm →
LOL!! I’m with you on low cut jeans, although your photo is very nice. Being an advocate of health and fitness, I tend to feel that a fit person will look great in most any clothes, within reason, of course
Bamboo Forest - PunIntended responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 4:13 pm →
It doesn’t even surprise me anymore when I catch a glimpse of someone’s butt crack. I guess that really says something about how prevalent this style has become.
I’m glad to hear it’s starting to fizzle out. If the primary purpose of garments is to cover you up–these don’t get very high grades.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 4:15 pm →
@ MommyNamedApril: Thank you! Re your tummy, it may not be flat, but you are a very beautiful woman, surely you know that?
@ Lori Hoeck: They most definitely are more comfortable, as long as they’re not too low.
@ zoe: It seemed to take a couple of years for clothing manufacturers to start making tops that are low-rise-jeans compatible.
@ Barbara Swafford: Being the Fashion Police is so much fun.
@ Blogger Dad: My husband just gave you a virtual high-five.
@ Memarie Lane: Hehe well, I agree that very high rise can look weird.
@ Betsy Wuebker: Betsy, you are SO funny. I totally forgot about hip huggers. Of course, you’re right – it’s not a new trend at all, just a recycled one.
@ Patricia: “I wish people would become less dependent on the fashion and work more on what looks great on them” – true, but I’m afraid mostly in theory. People do have a need to follow fashion trends, at least to some extent. And, thank you!
@ Adrenalynn: Well, as long as the crack is hidden… I’ll allow that.
@ Jannie: I’ll join your YAY.
@ Tess: “I have to make sure I’m always wearing a long top with them” – a long, or longish top is a must with low rise jeans.
@ Jmom: Hehe @ Granny panties. I think wearing what fits YOU is smart.
@ Tara: I don’t get it either.
@ Lance: I like your test! I do the same when I by myself a pair!
@ RC: I really like women who choose clothes that fit them rather than become fashion slaves. A moderate low rose with a longish top is modern, comfortable and flattering.
@ Dr. J: I agree that a fit body helps, but I also think no one should show too much skin (as in butt cracks and IMHO also a deep cleavage), regardless of how fit they are.
@ Bamboo Forest: I agree! It has sadly become mainstream.
Rowe responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 6:19 pm →
Wow, Vered, you look hot. Since having my daughter, the higher the rise the better – I need something to tuck my muffin top into.
Rowe responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 6:33 pm →
After just viewing your most flattering jeans post, must assure you I am definitely not going any higher than mid-rise. Those mommy jeans, the tapered, faded, pale blue denim ones, very scary. How many times did that look appear throughout the eighties, accompanied by a perm gone frizzy.
The Lawyer Mom responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 8:02 pm →
Girlfriend! Iz you a skinny pixie for realz?
Lowrisers, as you say, “don’t put pressure on your tummy after you’ve eaten!”
Err, I could use all the pressure on my tummy I can get — before or AFTER I’ve eaten.
Could you please, please, send me a bag of carrots?
Kelly@SHE-POWER responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 8:03 pm →
I would never ever wear super low rise jeans as my butt is too big and round. Low rise jeans look best on me as they’re flattering to my butt and make me look a little less curvy. Plus I have the added advantage of being long legged and short waisted, so even low rise jeans are kinda medium rise on me. I do have one pair where I have a butt crack issue, and I try to deal with it appropriately, but I have had my mum try to hike up my jeans before because I was flashing my g-string (thong). She was horrified!
Kelly
Davina responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 9:55 pm →
Hi Vered. Ewww a hairy belly. I’m with you on the higher-rise jeans. If there is a belly there at all (and I fail to see one in your case), I like to give it room to breathe. I won’t wear extra low-rise jeans but now with a bit o’ the muffin top happening, I have to choose a larger waist, or wear longer and looser fitting tops. That’s a fantastic photo of you Vered… how old are you… 25?
J.D. Meier responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 11:11 pm →
I thought the first pic was potty training in action
I still think there’s a distinction between extremely low cut jeans and just forgetting to pull your pants up. Or maybe it’s a lack of suspenders … maybe that’s the next fashion trend?
Marelisa responds:
Posted: July 13th, 2009 at 11:40 pm →
Hi Vered. I’m glad that the higher rise jeans are coming back, mostly because I’ve never felt that the low rise jeans are comfortable. Mostly I stick to classic Levi’s. And really, who wants to be looking at all those people with all that excess flesh exposed? Not I. That’s a great picture of you!
Evelyn Lim responds:
Posted: July 14th, 2009 at 5:25 am →
You certainly have an amazing figure! I wish I can wear low rise jeans. I look awful in them!
Kelly is so daring, with flashing her thongs to her mother!!!
Michelle @ Find Your Balance responds:
Posted: July 14th, 2009 at 6:59 am →
What I’ve noticed is how many women do not wear underwear with their low-rise jeans. It’s too bad that I know this fact, but as you showed…it’s apparent every time they sit down or bend! I’m starting to think I’m in the minority with this habit I have of wearing underwear…every day!
Kathy | Virtual Impax responds:
Posted: July 14th, 2009 at 9:32 am →
Vered – the hairy belly image is a SCREAM!!! And JD- potty training in action!!! TOO FUNNY!!!
Personally – after giving birth to three 10 pounders – I am a HUGE fan of the jeans with the built in tummy control panels. I always assumed that low rise jeans were for “kids” and the higher rise were for us “grown ups”. You rascal – you are living PROOF you don’t have to “dress old” when you become a mom!!!
Carla responds:
Posted: July 14th, 2009 at 9:36 am →
Vered, you look very nice in those jeans, but you are thin which is 90% of it. I could never look that good in low-rise anything! (“Baby got back”)
Rebekah responds:
Posted: July 14th, 2009 at 1:23 pm →
I am a fan of low rise jeans, but like every other woman, they always end up being too low in the back for me. Recently I found a jean that finally gives my backside full coverage! The SoMa jean from indidenim.com are made to be just a tad higher in the back. If you love low rise jeans like I do, I have a feeling you’ll like these.
Squawkfox responds:
Posted: July 14th, 2009 at 5:08 pm →
I just bought a pair of higher rise jeans. I still like my lower rise pairs though. It’s all about underwear diversification.
Stephen responds:
Posted: July 14th, 2009 at 6:36 pm →
Ha, extreme low rise jeans cause people to inflict themselves on others in ways they just shouldn’t
There has to be a happy middle ground eh?
Stephen
MomGrind responds:
Posted: July 14th, 2009 at 7:15 pm →
@ Rowe: I think it’s important to dress in clothes that fit your body. Totally agree on the mom jeans + perm look. Not a good look.
@ The Lawyer Mom: You always make me smile. Here and on your own blog.
@ Kelly: If I were there, I would have done exactly what your mom did.
@ Davina: Sounds like you’re making sure your clothes flatter YOU. This is the best approach and far better than being a fashion victim.
@ J.D. Meier: It’s a terrible picture, isn’t it?
@ Marelisa: “And really, who wants to be looking at all those people with all that excess flesh exposed? Not I.” I agree. It’s just too much, and somehow it has become the norm.
@ Evelyn Lim: Kelly’s story was so funny.
@ Michelle: Yup. That first photo… so gross.
@ Kathy: Well, I work out. Almost every day. And I hate working out.
@ Carla: Oh, please. I saw your pictures. You are gorgeous and toned. A moderate low rise would look great on you.
@ Squawkfox: Hehe @ “underwear diversification.”
@ Stephen: Exactly!
Carla responds:
Posted: July 14th, 2009 at 7:19 pm →
@Vered – Thanks. I guess I have to keep trying on different jeans to see what would work for me. Jeans and shoes are one of the hardest items of clothing to shop for!
Grace @ Sandier Pastures responds:
Posted: July 15th, 2009 at 5:06 am →
But first of all, you don’t have any belly fat so you’ll look good on either. I am not a fan of low rise jeans because I like short shirts and we all know what happens when we sit down wearing low rise jeans and short shirts — unpleasant sight.
Writer Dad responds:
Posted: July 15th, 2009 at 7:18 am →
LOL! I think “muffin top” is pretty much the funniest thing ever. Two words that illustrate SO much. Awesome.
Bonnie | JustPeachyBabyBlog responds:
Posted: July 15th, 2009 at 8:13 am →
LOL. High rise jeans makes me feel bloated. Low rise jeans are dangerous for me, though. I’m always stooping to scoop up CJ or put bandaids on TJ. So, I end up wearing shirts that are too long for me when I’m out with the kids. And I look really dumb.
MommyNamedApril responds:
Posted: July 15th, 2009 at 9:19 am →
Vered, no worries about me in the ego department
MomGrind responds:
Posted: July 15th, 2009 at 10:12 am →
@ Carla: Yes! Keep trying.
@ Grace: I agree: low rise jeans and short tops are not a good combination.
@ Writer Dad: Yup, I thought it was hilarious when I first hear it too.
@ Bonnie: “High rise jeans makes me feel bloated.” EXACTLY.
@ MommyNamedApril: GOOD! I like women who like themselves.
Natural responds:
Posted: July 15th, 2009 at 3:14 pm →
not a big fan of low rise. i like stuff over my hips and a belt, but yours do look good. at least your shirt covers anything that might show.
why is it always the people we don’t want to look at the main ones showing everything they got?
Chris Edgar | Purpose Power Coaching responds:
Posted: July 15th, 2009 at 4:09 pm →
Hi Vered — To be honest, I had no idea that low-rise jeans existed, and even now I am still not sure whether there are any pairs in my closet. I thought the kinds of scenes you showed were happening because people were just wearing jeans that were too large for them. So this post had a lot of educational value for me.
John Hoff - WpBlogHost responds:
Posted: July 15th, 2009 at 5:33 pm →
Definitely a fan of the low rise jeans, but not “saggy” jeans. Before it was baggy saggy, now it seems tight fit and saggy. People look like bums. lol
The way you’re wearing them, perfect.
Now, don’t tell me you tucked in your shirt when you wore your high rise jeans!
MomGrind responds:
Posted: July 15th, 2009 at 9:18 pm →
@ Natural: “at least your shirt covers anything that might show.” – Low rise jeans with a short top are a big “don’t” in my opinion.
@ Chris Edgar: Glad I was able to teach you something new.
@ John Hoff: I guess in theory that’s the “right” way to wear them, but no, I didn’t tuck my top in. I’m a rebel.
janice responds:
Posted: July 16th, 2009 at 8:01 am →
I’ve never worn low rise jeans; when I first wore jeans, they were men’s Levis, decades ago. I’m tall and have a very long back so high rise jeans are more comfy for me. I’m also too old now and too considerate to others to even attempt low rise jeans – your photos reaffirmed my reasons!
I laughed when I read Lance’s comment; we do the same!
PS You’re really bonny and look younger in the photo than in your gravatar.
Dot responds:
Posted: July 17th, 2009 at 3:12 pm →
I wasn’t crazy about this fashion fad the first time it went around, when I was in college. Now it’s hard to find “normal” jeans when you want them. I think the clothing manufacturers like them because (a) they’re so clearly different that anyone not wearing them stands out, (b) you not only have to buy new jeans to fit in, but you should (attention: Mr. Huge Underwear and Ms. Thong) buy the appropriate style of underwear (i.e., bikini, not thong) and top (long enough to cover what the pants don’t, unless you’re gorgeous). So that means you’re buying almost all new clothes, which is great for sales. Which is what fashion fads are all about. It’s the classic look in clothes for me. It’s so much cheaper because it never goes out of style.
Gitte Jensen responds:
Posted: December 2nd, 2009 at 4:10 pm →
I think lowrise jeans is the best since the short T-s. Now I can show off my goodlooking belley which sports – not a sixpack of muscles, but the reult of moderate training. I look good, I like my body why shouldn’t I show it? My boyfriend’s got a flat belly too, masculine but not hairy, same goes for him. Yeah – and my boobs look good too, and no plastic there Hide yopur ugly flabby flesh under garments, fine with me, I let you do what you like, give me the same – thanks.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: December 2nd, 2009 at 6:37 pm →
Gitte, you crack me up. Thanks for the laugh. It’s been a long time since I’ve received such an intelligent, eloquent comment on this blog! Enjoy your low rise jeans, your flat tummy and your good looking boobs. I’m sure you’re a wonderful person on the inside too.
julie responds:
Posted: March 19th, 2010 at 4:28 am →
eeeeeeew why on earth would you want to wear lowrise jeans we the public do not want to see your crack or your g string or other things attached to your g string . go for medium not high or low jeans and make sure they suit you.
QuickEasy responds:
Posted: April 10th, 2010 at 5:29 pm →
OK. I’m happy to find some that think the same way I do. Unfortunately I don’t see this low rise craze tapering off and it’s harder and harder to find good fitting jeans. I had to laugh at some of the pics. I just wrote up my thoughts on this insane craze on my own blog. Fortunately, I found some custom fit jeans sites that might save us all.