In the ever-evolving world of menswear, trends can shift dramatically from one season to the next. Take trucker jackets, for instance—they might dominate one year only to be replaced by something entirely different the next. However, there’s one trend that has stood the test of time: high-rise trousers.
Describing high-rise pants as just a trend is somewhat misleading. Historically, high-waisted pants have been a staple in Western fashion for much longer than they’ve been out of style. In fact, it’s only in the last few decades that they fell out of favor. Recently, though, we’ve seen a resurgence, and high-rise trousers are once again making waves in the fashion world.
So, what makes high-rise pants so special? What’s their aesthetic appeal? Why do classic style experts frequently recommend them? And how do we even define “high-rise” in the first place?
Keep reading to discover how simply switching to high-rise trousers can elevate nearly any outfit you choose to wear.
High-Rise Pants
For those who might not be familiar, the term “rise” refers to the distance between the crotch seam and the waistline of a pair of pants. High-rise pants are designed to sit at the narrowest part of your natural waist, which is typically around or above your belly button.
At first glance, this style might feel a bit unusual, especially if you’re used to lower-rise options. However, embracing high-rise trousers comes with several aesthetic benefits that can enhance your overall look.
The Decline of High-Rise Pants in Modern Fashion
In the 2000s, two major developments transformed how men’s pants were perceived and fitted.
First, there was a surge in the popularity of lower-rise jeans, particularly slim and skinny styles. These designs became widely available in nearly every retail store, leading many men to favor a fit that sat lower on the hips.
Second, the introduction of Thom Browne’s “shrunken fit” suits had a significant impact as well. This trend encouraged a different approach to tailoring, influencing other suit brands to adopt similar styles. Together, these changes shifted the focus away from high-rise pants, making them less common in men’s fashion.
Both of these trends heavily promoted slim-fitting pants that sat lower on the waist. Some people argue that many clothing companies embraced this trend because low-rise pants use less fabric, which helps save on production costs.
However, it’s also clear that consumers genuinely preferred this style. They not only liked the fit of their favorite low-rise jeans but also wanted similar cuts in their tailored clothing, like suit trousers. This shift in preference played a significant role in pushing high-rise pants to the background of men’s fashion.
Classic menswear enthusiasts rejected this shift away from high-rise pants from the very beginning. They valued the traditional styles and fit that high-rise trousers offered. However, in recent years, more mainstream consumers have started to recognize the advantages of high-rise pants. As this appreciation grows, clothing companies are also beginning to respond by reintroducing high-rise options into their collections. This change reflects a renewed interest in classic styles that many people are finding both stylish and comfortable.
Why People Like To Wear High-Rise Pants?
In fashion, people often talk about “proportions,” especially when discussing how clothes fit and look on the body. When it comes to high-rise pants, the goal is to enhance your overall appearance.
High-rise trousers create the illusion of longer legs because the fabric extends up past the navel. While this can make your torso appear slightly shorter, adding another layer—like a sport coat, barn jacket, or cardigan—can easily balance the look. In fact, many people don’t even see the shorter torso as a problem at all. Instead, the overall effect of high-rise pants can be quite flattering, making you look taller and more proportionate.
Classic high-rise pants are designed to sit around your belly button. For trousers that lean more toward tailored styles, pleats can be a great addition. They not only add visual interest but also give the fabric a little more room to move, making the overall look more dynamic.
The best high-rise pants usually have a fuller cut. They work well in various fits, from straight to wide and loose. While slimmer options can also look good, many people prefer the more relaxed styles. You can choose to have them cuffed or uncuffed, but some believe uncuffed styles really enhance that elongated appearance.
High-rise jeans are another excellent choice for elevating casual outfits for the same reasons. Plus, the higher placement of the back pockets on high-rise jeans tends to create a more flattering shape for your backside, giving you a polished look even in a laid-back setting.
In the world of suiting, high-rise pants are essential for achieving a polished and cohesive fit.
One common issue with the low-rise suit pants that became popular in the late 2000s and 2010s is that, when paired with jackets that button higher, the white of your shirt can show through. This can disrupt the sleek, clean look you want.
High-rise suit pants eliminate this problem entirely. Ideally, the waistline of your suit pants should sit right around the same level as the buttoning point of the jacket. This creates a lower jacket fit, which results in a smooth, uninterrupted silhouette. The outcome is a consistent and refined appearance that enhances your overall profile.
High-rise pants offer the fantastic benefit of being flattering for nearly every body type.
If you’re tall and slim, high-rise trousers can highlight your long legs and create a sleek look. For those who are shorter, the higher fit can create the illusion of longer legs, making you appear taller.
Even if you carry a bit more weight, properly fitted high-rise, drapey-trousers can enhance your silhouette. Unlike low-rise pants, which can often lead to a “muffin top” effect for those with a bit of a belly, high-rise pants help solve this issue. By raising the waistline a few inches and choosing a wider leg, your stomach can sit comfortably at the waist of the pants. This results in a much neater and tidier appearance overall.
Get High-Rise Pants
Fortunately, mainstream menswear is currently experiencing a resurgence of high-rise styles. Just a few years ago, people who preferred high-waisted pants often had to rely on vintage finds, custom options, or a limited selection from lesser-known brands.
Now, many clothing companies are producing high-rise pants, signaling a return to this classic fit. Whether this trend will stick around is uncertain, especially since many average consumers have spent the last two decades being influenced by low-rise styles. However, for those who appreciate the timeless qualities of classic menswear, there are plenty of stylish options available right now.
To help you get started, here are a few recommended pairs of high-rise pants to consider.
Classic Double-Pleated Chino Pant
If you’re looking for a high-rise option that feels a bit more modern, consider these pleated chinos from J.Crew. They have a mid-to-high rise that provides a comfortable fit, making them a great choice even if you’re not used to high-waisted styles yet.
These chinos are made from soft, 100% cotton, which means they’re both easy to wear and easy to style with various outfits. Plus, they come at a reasonable price, making them a budget-friendly addition to your wardrobe. Overall, they strike a perfect balance between comfort and contemporary fashion.
Corduroy High Rise Trousers by Spier and Mackay
Spier and Mackay is known for offering quality classic menswear staples at reasonable prices, and their high-rise corduroys are a perfect example of this. One standout feature of these pants is the side tabs instead of the usual belt loops, which gives them a cleaner and more sophisticated appearance.
These corduroys also come with classic single reverse pleats and a comfortably high rise, making them an excellent choice for fall and winter styling. Additionally, they are available in a wide range of attractive colors, allowing you to easily find a pair that suits your personal style. Overall, these corduroys combine elegance and practicality for a timeless look.