The Low vs. High-Waist Debate
Are you team low-rise or high-rise? While low-rise bottoms may be the trend revived by Gen Z from the Y2K era, many of us still swear by the leg-lengthening, tummy-tucking magic of high-waisted jeans. So let’s settle the debate once and for all: here are 10 reasons why low-rise bottoms rule—and 10 reasons why high-rise still reigns supreme.
1. Shows Off Midriff
The best thing about low-rise bottoms is that they allow you to show off your midriff. This means if you've been working hard on building that six-pack or just want to flaunt your new belly button piercing, you'll definitely want to choose low-rise.
2. Youthful & Trendy
Low-rise bottoms also give off a more youthful, trendy look compared to high-rise. They're the style that's in at the moment, especially with the younger crowd, so you want to age backwards for a day, pick something that hugs your hips and not your waist.
3. Retro Vibe
Another big reason why low-rise bottoms are back is because of the nostalgia and retro feel that comes with them. Those who lived through Y2K (year 2000) fashion the first time around are likely already more than familiar with this trend, and it's no surprise why it was—and still is—so popular.
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4. Lengthens the Torso
If you have a shorter torso and longer legs, you'd probably prefer low-rise to high-rise. After all, with your denim sitting low on your hips, showing that extra stretch of skin can make your torso seem lengthened, whereas high-rise would only crop your abdomen even more.
5. Less Restrictive When Sitting
While high-rise pants might dig into your full stomach after a meal, low-rise bottoms aren't as restrictive, meaning you'll be able to sit (and stand) more comfortably. No more having to unbutton your jeans after dinner!
6. Works with Different Tops
Another great thing about wearing low-rise bottoms? They pair well with various tops! Whether you want to wear a cropped top or a longer tee, they'll all look good with low-rise jeans and skirts, so feel free to show off your midriff or keep it covered.
7. Compliments Various Body Types
You might think that low-rise bottoms only look good on those who have a slimmer, more athletic build, but the truth is, this fit works well on all body types. It just depends on what you're comfortable with wearing!
8. Casual, Laid-Back Vibe
Low-rise bottoms look much more casual and laid-back than high-rise, which can look stuffy and stiff. So if you're going for a more carefree vibe, then you should definitely pick something that sits low on your hips!
9. Highlights the Hips
Speaking of the hips, the reason why low-rise looks so good is because it not only adds length to the torso but also highlights high hip bones. These subtle curves would be hidden if you were to wear high-rise, so it's all about what you want to show off.
10. Easy to Style
Because low-rise bottoms give off a casual, laid-back vibe, this makes them incredibly easy to style; they go well with just about anything, no matter what shirt, jacket, or shoes you decide to wear.
Not convinced that low-rise rules? More of a high-rise fan? We get it—once you're used to high-rise, the fit can be hard to beat. Read on for 10 reasons why high-waisted might still reign supreme to some.
1. Tucks In Tummy
The great thing about high-rise bottoms is that they make sure your tummy is always tucked in. If you feel more comfortable and secure when your midriff isn't revealed too much, then high-waisted pants might still be the better style for you.
2. Accentuates the Bum
Whereas low-rise bottoms might reveal a peek of your underwear, high-rise ones give you extra bum coverage and help you accentuate what you're packing in the back. If you've got a shapely behind, it's probably more flattering to wear something high-waisted.
3. Elongates the Legs
Low-rise bottoms might be better for those who have a shorter torso and longer legs, but high-rise is much more preferred by those who have the opposite: longer torso and shorter legs. Wearing high-waisted pants often gives the illusion of leaner legs that go on for miles, after all.
4. Pairs Great with Crop Tops
If you're a fan of crop tops, then you're in luck: they pair incredibly well with high-waisted bottoms. Plus, if you're trying to draw attention to your waist, then wearing a cropped top with baggy, high-rise pants is the way to go.
5. Highlights the Waist
Speaking of the waist, if you want to highlight your natural curves (and not the hips), then high-rise is the better pick for you. After all, these bottoms sit where your waist dips in, which, again, helps draw more attention to it.
6. Flattering on Most Body Types
While low-rise bottoms might make you self-conscious about your midriff, especially if you don't have that athletic body type that people who wear low-rise often have, high-waisted pants flatter most body types. So, tummy or no tummy, high-rise bottoms will keep you secure.
7. Better for Tucking In Shirts
If you need to wear a shirt that you want to tuck in, it'll be better to pair it with high-waisted bottoms than low-rise ones. With the latter, you probably wouldn't have any room to fold in all that extra fabric, and it would likely easily slip back out, anyway.
8. Greater Coverage
High-waisted bottoms provide much better coverage than low-rise ones, for obvious reasons. Again, whereas with low-rise you might accidentally reveal your underwear, with high-rise it sits far higher, making it impossible for anything to peek out.
9. Greater Comfort
High-waisted bottoms also provide better comfort, given that everything's tucked in and secured. Even if low-rise might be better to wear when you're full after dinner, you'll also constantly need to pull it up if you don't wear a belt with it.
10. Pairs Well with a Variety of Footwear
Depending on the style, low-rise pants might drag on the floor if you don't wear the proper shoes with them. High-waisted pants, on the other hand, come in a variety of lengths and fits, which means anything from slides to platform sneakers pairs well with them.
