Women's high rise blue jeans – and high waisted pants in general – took a hiatus from the hips of hip trendsetters for the last few decades. In fact, since the mid-nineties, low-rise and even ultra low-rise jeans have commanded denim fashion, a style which – for many women – has been a trend that didn't easily translate from the runway to the real world.
Super sexy, low-rise cuts aren't always flattering or appropriate; the style can work against women with fuller figures or certain body types, and ultra low-rise at the office isn't such a good idea.
A Retro Alternative to Low Rise Jeans
This season, the low-rise trend finds a little competition from a retro shape known as the high rise cut. But they're not new.
Women's High Rise Blue Jeans Are Back in Style
Farah Faucet and Charlie's Angels (the originals) rocked the high-rise, wide-leg jeans in the late '70s and early 80s, and Vogue even declared low-rise styles déclassé in May 2002. Tom Ford and several other designers made a move toward high waisted pants by showing a trouser with a higher waist, wider legs, and dropped crotch in spring of that year for their fall collections. And in 2003, contemporary fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker declared to Vogue magazine that she doesn't consider low-rise styles to be age-appropriate for a woman like herself.
Despite the earlier shift toward higher waisted styles from fashion idols, it has taken a few years for the trend to catch on in the streets and on the bottoms of women everywhere. SJP and Tom Ford will be happy to see that the public (and retailers) have finally embraced sophisticated high rise styles.
Designer Options for High Rise Jeans (Finally!)
Designer denim brands have responded to the high waisted movement by spinning out a variety of styles, including wide-leg, flare, trouser, straight, and slightly tapered high-rise jeans. Some of our favorite high waisted designer jeans with the best selection include: James Jeans, Desert Blue, Earnest Sewn, Joe's Jeans, Citizens of Humanity, Hudson Jeans, Serfontaine, and 7 for All Mankind.
Pros & Cons of Women's High Rise Blue Jeans
High rise styles look great on most women and give the illusion of height by lengthening the leg; wider leg styles of high-rise denim are most universally flattering and do the best job of creating a long, lean silhouette. Here are some troubleshooting tips for high rise jeans on different body types and for different occasions:
High Waisted Denim Accentuates an Hour-Glass Figure
Because high rise jeans cinch the narrowest part of your torso, they play up curves. This makes them ideal for naturally curvy women who want to accentuate what they've got, as well as for more boyish figures who want to create the illusion of an hour-glass figure. Take this one step further by looking for high-rise styles that feature thick waistbands or belts.
High Rise Jeans for Women with Wide Hips
If you have wide hips, look for high waisted denim with larger rear pockets or flap pockets, and details like sailor-inspired buttons or small pockets in the front – these features will break up a wide expanse of denim that could otherwise make you look even wider through the hips and flatten your bottom.
High Rise Jeans for Women with a Round Bum
If you want to minimize the roundness of your toosh, choose high rise denim with minimal details on the rear.
Once you've invested in a basic pair of high rise indigo blue jeans, experiment with different washes like shades of gray (the new neutral) or black for dressy outfits, or retro cornflower blue for casual looks.
High Rise Jeans at Work
High waisted jeans – particularly wide and trouser cuts in dark washes – are a perfect fit for the office. Look polished and professionally casual by pairing a dark rinse high-rise wide leg or trouser jean with a tucked-in white shirt and a cropped jacket. Throw on a few cuff bangles and a thick belt with platform pumps and get down to business! Here's a tip: wear a shirt with a built-in bodysuit so it stays tucked in.
High Rise Jeans at Night
Dip into the transparency fashion trend by wearing a sheer blouse over a metallic camisole tucked into dark high rise jeans with a pair of metallic platform pumps, and party!
Wanna Know More?
For more information about choosing a high rise or low rise cut of jeans, check out: Long vs. Short Waisted - What Rise Works Best on Your Torso? on True Life, the blog for True Jeans, a denim retailer that uses software to determine what brands and styles of jeans will fit your body best.
