Where on the body one wears their pants is an age-old debate that has seen trends come and go. Currently, low-rise, hip-hugging pants are in style, but higher waisted pants worn at the natural waist are making a comeback. There are pros and cons to each style that relate to comfort, fashion, and proportions. This article will examine the history of pants styles, the benefits and drawbacks of low and high rise pants, and cultural differences regarding where pants should sit on the body.
Quick Answers
What are low rise pants?
Low rise pants sit below the natural waist, usually around the hips. Low rise pants have a low yoke in the front and back that sits just below the belly button. These pants became popular in the 1990s and 2000s but faded as higher rises came back into fashion.
What are high rise pants?
High rise pants sit at or above the natural waistline. This waist height restores the waist to hip proportion and provides more coverage and tummy control. High rise pants were the main style worn throughout the 1900s but gave way to hip huggers in the 60s and beyond.
When did low rise pants become popular?
Low rise pants had moments of popularity in the 60s and 70s but really took off in the 90s and early 2000s. Pop icons like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera made exposed midriffs and low slung trousers an essential look.
Why do some prefer high rise pants?
High rise pants are thought to be more flattering on most body types. Sitting at the natural waist highlights the smallest part of the torso and creates an hourglass silhouette. High rise pants also offer more tummy control.
Why do some prefer low rise pants?
Low rise pants are considered sexy and on trend. Low slung jeans display a hint of skin and accentuate long legs. Low rise pants are ideal for showing off tone and defined abs.
History of Women’s Pants Styles
For most of history, women did not wear pants at all. It wasn’t until the 1800s that women first began experimenting with trousers, and even then it was controversial. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, women’s pants sat at the natural waistline. This provided modest coverage and an overall tailored look.
In the 1920s, wide leg trousers for women became fashionable, but they were still high waisted. The 1930s maintained a high rise but pants became more fitted through the hips and thighs. By the 1940s, pants took on a high waist, wide leg silhouette reminiscent of men’s suiting.
The 1950s saw the waist rise even higher, often above the belly button. This accentuated a tiny waist and full hips, creating an hourglass figure. The 1960s brought the first hints of low slung pants, often coupled with crop tops to show the bare midriff. However, most pants still rested at the natural waist.
The 1970s ushered in a mix of high and low waist pants. Disco fashion favored a high rise while hip huggers also came into play. In the 1980s and early 1990s, pants rode higher on the waist, sitting just above the hips. Mom jeans ruled the era with their tapered legs and zipper fly.
Low rise pants exploded onto the scene in the mid to late 1990s. The supermodel era brought the famous Kate Moss waist, with pants slung obscenely low on the hips. This exposed the stomach and groomed pubic area. Celebrities like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera cemented the look.
Throughout the 2000s, low rise thong jeans and pants got even smaller, with some measuring less than an inch from crotch to waistband. However, by 2010, the high waist pants trend returned and has steadily gained popularity since. Today, high and low rise pants coexist in fashion. Ultimately the choice comes down to comfort and confidence.
History of Men’s Pants Styles
Men first began wearing trousers in the ancient world for horseback riding. Throughout the Middle Ages, men wore snug hose or breeches with tunic tops. Breeches rose above the natural waistline and fastened just under the knee.
In the 1600s, trousers transitioned to having a fly front closure instead of side fastenings. They still maintained a high waist to allow for the draping of frock coat tails. This silhouette persisted through the 1700s.
The early 1800s brought slightly lower waists and more tapered leg silhouettes. Suspenders became popular to hold up these new trouser styles. Though the waistline lowered, it did not drop below the natural waist.
In the late 1800s, men’s pants waists dropped to hip level and remained there through the early 1900s. The baggy, pleated trousers of the 1920s and 30s sat right at the hip bones. Trousers remained high waisted but less baggy through the 1940s and 50s.
The 1960s brought a much lower waist, with pants sitting on the upper hips. This reflected the mods and rockers rebellious fashion. However, more conservative men’s pants stayed near the natural waist. Throughout the 1970s, men’s pants fits alternated between trim and baggy. However, most pants did not drop below hip level.
In the 1980s and 90s, men’s pants crept lower on the hips thanks to the popularity of jeans. Baggy hip hop looks favored a low slung waist. However, pleated trousers for business mirrored the higher rise of previous decades. This dichotomy between hip and natural waist pants for men continues today. Generally, jeans and casualwear promote a low rise while dress pants sit higher.
Pros of Low Rise Pants
Stylish: There’s no denying that low rise pants embody the current fashion trends. Teenagers and celebrities often wear hip huggers to look cool and sexy. Low slung jeans ooze casual confidence. For those who want to emulate the runway or red carpet, low jeans fit the bill.
Revealing: Low rise pants show off more skin, accentuating a toned stomach and groomed abdomen. The exposed midriff has an undeniable sex appeal for many. For those with defined abs or a nipped in waist, the lower waistline shows off assets.
Leg Lengthening: With low rise pants, more leg shows between the hem and waistband. This makes legs appear longer and leaner, ideal for petite figures. Low rise jeans balance out shorter torsos. For long legged people, the extra flash of skin enhances natural height.
Comfort: If low rise pants sit exactly on the hips without gapping or sagging, they can feel very comfortable. At this location, pants don’t squeeze the waist or poke into the navel. Hip huggers may feel less restrictive for many.
Youthful: There’s no question that low slung pants evoke a young, trendy vibe. Teens and those in their early 20s tend to gravitate toward this carefree look. Low rise pants have an element of youthful rebellion and nonconformity.
Cons of Low Rise Pants
Plumbers crack: The most notorious pitfall of low rise pants is plumber’s crack and sagging. With less fabric in back, pants easily slide down and expose butt cleavage and underwear. Constant hiking up and readjusting becomes necessary.
Love handles: Low rise waistbands cut horizontally across the lower abdomen, accentuating muffin tops and love handles. This draws the eye to lumps and bumps rather than slimming the silhouette.
Discomfort: If low rise pants dig into hip bones, they quickly become uncomfortable. Too tight across hips and thighs can restrict movement and pose health risks like poor circulation or nerve pain.
Impractical: From a functionality standpoint, low rise pants don’t make sense. They require constant attention to keep them in place and avoid indecency. Simple tasks like bending over become precarious.
Unflattering: Low slung pants rarely look polished or elegant. Even without revealing too much, they evoke a sloppy, casual look not appropriate for many situations. The proportions tend to look off balance.
Dating: While they reached peak popularity in the early 2000s, low rise pants can now read as dated. The very low rises feel stuck in another era rather than classic. For those looking for a more timeless style, low jeans may not fit the bill.
Pros of High Rise Pants
Coverage: High waisted pants provide more coverage in both the front and back. This eliminates plumber’s crack and the need for constant adjustments. High rise pants move with you without revealing anything untoward.
Smoothing: The extra fabric of high rise pants camouflages muffin tops and love handles. A higher waistband helps hold in the stomach area and slim the silhouette. The look is polished rather than sloppy.
Balance: High waisted bottoms create pleasing visual proportions. Covering the narrowest part of the torso balances out the hips for an hourglass shape. This works for rectangles, triangles, inverted triangles and ruler figures.
Support: For many, a high rise provides actual tummy support and gentle compression. This feels both comfortable and slimming. The extra coverage also keeps you warmer.
Versatility: High waisted pants pair well with a variety of tops from crop tops to blouses to tunics. The proportions work for casual to business wear. From denim to trousers, high rise works across pant styles.
Classic: Unlike low rise pants, high waist silhouettes stand the test of time. Whether it’s vintage inspired fashion or timeless wardrobe essentials, high rise evokes a classic, elegant aesthetic.
Cons of High Rise Pants
Frumpy: If high rise pants cut off at an unflattering length or excessively blouse over the waistband, they can look frumpy. Getting the proportions right is key to avoid looking matronly.
Annoying waistbands: Some complain that high rise waistbands dig in, poke, or bunch uncomfortably. For those with short torsos, the waistline could hit at an awkward spot.
Invisible legs: On the flip side of low rise pants, high waisted bottoms can make legs look shorter. With less visible skin between waist and hem, legs appear cut off rather than long.
Tightness: Getting a pair of high waisted pants to fit well through the waist, hips, and thighs can pose a challenge. Too tight across the stomach creates muffin tops.
Athletic builds: Though not a hard rule, high rise pants may not be as flattering for straight up and down or athletic body types. These frames benefit from a lower waistline.
Dowdy: While vintage inspired, high rise pants run the risk of skewing matronly or dated. That high waist may edge into “mom jean” territory on some figures or in some fits.
Cultural Differences in Pant Styles
There are some interesting cultural divides when it comes to whether women should wear their pants at the hip or waist. Here are a few examples:
United States: American fashion tends to embrace ultra low rises and high rises with not much in between. However, high rises have ruled for the past decade. The natural waistline provides a flattering silhouette beloved by celebrities and everyday women.
Latin America: Throughout South and Central America, stretchy, hip hugging jeans reign supreme among women. Even dress pants for work sit low on the hips rather than at the waist. Low rise pants emphasize sexuality and youth.
Europe: European style favors high waisted pants across the board, be they jeans, trousers, or leggings. High waist elongates the legs and pairs well with cropped tops and blazers. This quintessentially chic look has dominated for years.
Asia: Unlike western fashion’s extremes, Asian style prefers pants that sit at the natural waistline. However, rises may be slightly lower or higher depending on body type. This classic proportion provides coverage and is conservative yet stylish.
Africa: Many traditional African garments for women utilize high waists and wraparound styling. This gracefully flatters fuller figures. Western style clothing also tends to opt for modest high rise pants.
Pants Rise Considerations by Body Type
Choosing between high and low rise pants can depend a lot on your individual body type and proportions. Here are some tips:
Hourglass: With narrow waists that balance bust and hips, hourglass figures look amazing in high rise styles. The waistline showcases tiny middles and accentuates dramatic curves. High rises pair great with crop tops.
Rectangle: To create more shape, rectangles should go for high rise pants in fitted or wide leg styles. This adds definition at the waist and balances out straight hips. Avoid shapeless high rise pants that hide your figure.
Inverted triangle: To highlight slim hips and legs, inverted triangles should opt for low to mid rise pants, especially in sleek fitted silhouettes. This draws the eye downward. High rises can exaggerate broad shoulders.
Triangle: Low rise pants can make triangles look disproportionate by showcasing fuller hips and thighs. Go for mid to high rise pants in tailored cuts to define the waist while slimming legs.
Oval: Oval figures have undefined waists and carry weight evenly. Mid rise pants are ideal, drawing in waists slightly without squeezing. High rises work if not too snug. Low rises accentuate fuller midsections.
Finding the Perfect Rise
These tips can help you find your perfect pant rise:
– Know your measurements and natural waist placement. Finding pants to fit your unique proportions is key.
– Look for pants with stretch in the waistband so they sit comfortably at your ideal height without gapping.
– Get creative mixing high and low rise. You can balance a high waist bottom with a cropped top, for example.
– Try different rises. Even an inch higher or lower can make a difference in coverage and proportion.
– Reject ideas of “flattering” shapes and just go for what feels good and suits your personal style.
– Own the runway looks with ultra high or low rises if they speak to your fashion sense and boldness!
Conclusion
Should you wear pants high or low?
There’s no definitive right or wrong when it comes to pant rise. The ongoing debate comes down to personal preference based on comfort, style, trends, and your unique body type. For coverage and vintage flair, go high. For leggy, sexy coolness, go low. Many switch between high and low rise pants to enjoy the best of both worlds. Whichever rise you choose, opt for waistbands and cuts that flatter your figure. Focus on fit and you can rock high or low pants in a way that makes you look and feel fabulous.