Every Rise of Jeans Explained 2025 - Low, Medium, High: The Ultimate Guide

Jean rise determines where your jeans sit on your torso—and it's the single most important factor in achieving a flattering fit that makes you feel confident. As someone who's spent over a decade helping women find their perfect denim, I can tell you that understanding rise is absolutely crucial. It affects everything from how your legs appear to how comfortable you feel sitting down. Let me break down exactly what each rise means for your body and style.

What Exactly Is Jean Rise?

Rise refers to the measurement from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. It's not just about where the jeans sit—it fundamentally changes the proportions of your silhouette. I've seen countless clients transform their entire look simply by switching to the right rise for their body.

Here's what I tell every client: your perfect rise depends on your torso length, where you naturally cinch your waist, and crucially, what makes you feel most confident. There's no universal "best" rise—only what works best for you.

Low Rise Jeans (6-8 inches)

Low rise jeans sit below your natural waistline, typically resting on your hip bones. They've made a major comeback in 2024-2025, but with a more wearable approach than the ultra-low styles of the early 2000s.

Who They Suit Best

Low rise works beautifully on women with longer torsos and shorter legs, as it can help balance proportions. If you have a naturally defined waist and feel confident showing a bit of midriff, low rise can be incredibly chic. However, they're not exclusively for one body type—I've styled them successfully on various figures.

Styling Tips

The key to modern low rise is proportion. Pair them with slightly cropped or fitted tops that just skim the waistband. Avoid extremely baggy tops which can overwhelm the silhouette. For a sophisticated look, try a fitted blazer or structured cardigan.

Brand Recommendations:

High Street: Urban Outfitters BDG range, ASOS DESIGN, Pull & Bear
Premium: Ganni, Staud, Paloma Wool
Designer: Jacquemus, Khaite, Saint Laurent

Medium Rise Jeans (8-10 inches)

Medium rise jeans are the ultimate versatile option, sitting at or just below your natural waist. They're my go-to recommendation for clients who want something universally flattering and comfortable for all-day wear.

Why They're So Popular

Medium rise offers the perfect balance—they're comfortable for sitting, walking, and going about your day, whilst still creating a defined waistline. They work with virtually every top style, from crop tops to oversized jumpers.

Styling Versatility

This rise works with everything in your wardrobe. Tuck in blouses for a polished office look, wear with crops for weekend casual, or layer under longline coats for winter sophistication. They're particularly excellent for creating the "French girl" effortless aesthetic.

Brand Recommendations:

High Street: COS, Arket, & Other Stories, Mango
Premium: Totême, AGOLDE, Citizens of Humanity
Designer: Frame, APC, Isabel Marant

High Rise Jeans (10+ inches)

High rise jeans sit at or above your natural waistline, often creating that coveted vintage-inspired silhouette that's dominated fashion for the past few years—and shows no signs of slowing down.

The Magic of High Rise

High rise jeans can create the illusion of longer legs and a more defined waist. They're particularly effective for petite women or anyone wanting to elongate their silhouette. The higher waistband also provides excellent coverage and support.

How to Style Them

High rise jeans are perfect for the "tuck and go" approach—simply tuck in your tops to emphasise the waistline. They work brilliantly with cropped jumpers, fitted tees, and blouses. For a modern twist, try a half-tuck with an oversized shirt.

Brand Recommendations:

High Street: Weekday, Monki, Uniqlo, H&M Premium
Premium: Reformation, Everlane, Whistles, Sézane
Designer: Goldsign, RE/DONE, Lemaire, The Row

Extra High Rise (11+ inches)

Extra high rise jeans sit well above your natural waistline, creating dramatic proportions and a distinctly retro aesthetic. They're having a moment amongst fashion insiders who love their editorial appeal.

When to Choose Extra High Rise

These work particularly well if you have a longer torso and want to create more dramatic proportions. They're also excellent for anyone who loves vintage-inspired styling or wants maximum coverage and comfort around the midsection.

Brand Recommendations:

High Street: Zara TRF, ASOS White label
Premium: Nanushka, Acne Studios, Won Hundred
Designer: Bottega Veneta, Loewe, Dries Van Noten

Finding Your Perfect Rise

Here's my foolproof method: stand sideways in front of a mirror wearing your usual undergarments. Place your hands where you naturally want your jeans to sit—this is likely your ideal rise. Some women prefer the security of higher rises, whilst others feel most confident in lower cuts.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Think practically: if you're constantly sitting at a desk, medium to high rise will be more comfortable. If you're very active, consider how different rises feel when you move. There's no point in owning jeans that make you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable.

Current Trends for 2025

The denim landscape in 2025 is refreshingly inclusive. We're seeing a continued love affair with high rise, but with softer, more relaxed fits. Low rise is back but in a more sophisticated way—think Françoise Hardy rather than early 2000s pop stars. Medium rise remains the steady favourite for its versatility.

What I'm particularly excited about is the focus on fit over trends. More brands are offering multiple rise options in the same style, recognising that great jeans should work with your body, not against it.

Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar.co.uk

Finding the perfect rise is only half the battle—getting the right size in each brand is equally crucial. That's where Tellar.co.uk becomes your secret weapon.

As the UK's leading sizing tool, Tellar instantly matches your body to over 1,500 brands, so you'll never need to decipher another confusing size guide. Here's how it works:

Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or your existing brand size
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand—COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket & more
Always free, no downloads needed—works seamlessly in your browser

Plus, explore the Tellar Fashion Hub—a library packed with free posts from top stylists. Honest, unbiased, independent, and always free style advice, top picks, and brand recommendations.

Essential Reads from Tellar Fashion Hub:

Final Thoughts

Understanding jean rise is transformative for your wardrobe and confidence. Don't be afraid to experiment with different rises—you might discover that a style you previously avoided is actually incredibly flattering on you. Remember, the best jeans are the ones that make you feel authentically yourself, whether that's in confident low rise or elegant high rise.

The beauty of 2025's denim landscape is the abundance of choice. Use this guide as your starting point, but ultimately trust your instincts and choose what makes you feel fabulous. After all, confidence is the best accessory you can wear with any pair of jeans.