Low-Rise, Mid-Rise & High-Rise Pants

The rise on a pair of pants is the amount of material between the crotch and the waistline. This little factor has a big effect on the overall look and style of the pants. There are high, low and mid-rise pant styles for both men and women. Once you understand the difference and what body types and tops are best suited to each style, you can use the choice in rise to your fashion advantage.

Low Rise

A low rise often starts three inches or more below the navel. This is a more contemporary style of pant that started with jeans for the younger generation and then spread like wild-fire into other pant styles for both men and women; it's now seen in everything from suits to trousers to track pants. Men's low-rise bottoms, sometimes called hip-huggers, are most commonly found in the form of jeans, khakis, cargos, draw-string athletic pants and trendy suit styles. Like their male counterparts, women's low-rise jeans or pants start three inches or more below the navel, so if you have any soft flesh it will spill over the waistband. But if you're physically fit and want to try this look, wear your low-rise bottoms with a shirt, blouse or sweater that either tucks in or lands at the hips.

Mid Rise

The mid-rise is appropriately named, as it's not low and not high, but just at the navel or very close to it. This is the most classic and timeless cut of pants. A mid-rise pant looks appropriate on a wide variety of body types. This is the safest style of pant if you're investing in an expensive suit or pants made out of high-priced fabric, such a leather, because it is more likely to suit your shape and stay in style. Guys can layer the mid-rise with a with a tucked-in t-shirt, a belt and a blazer. Women can opt for these pants to pair with a cropped-style blouse that only hits your waist. Anything lower and you'll lose your waistline, anything higher and you'll show too much skin.

High Rise

High-rise pants, also known as long-rise pants, are on the opposite end of the spectrum as the low rise; but like the low-rise cut, this fashion of pant comes in and out of style. This style is perfectly suited to both men and women who are tall with a long torso, but have shorter legs. Men with this body type should seek out high-rise pants and suits. Women who are petite, apple- or pear-shaped can still try a high-rise pant -- especially a tapered trouser style with a cropped top and blazer or belted jacket. With high heels, this creates the illusion of an hourglass shape and added length.

The Great Debate

There are ongoing debates that the rise of your pants should correlate to your age -- the higher in age, the higher the waist-band. With so many fashionable styles for both men and women focusing on the lower-rise, it's ultimately up to your personal comfort level and how confidently you can wear a style generally associated with a younger, fitter crowd. Consider your body type when making this choice, and keep in mind that a style could be in one day -- and out the next.

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