What body type should not wear high-rise jeans?

When it comes to jeans, one style that has remained popular for decades is the high-rise jean. Characterized by a waistband that sits at or above the belly button, high-rise jeans elongate the legs and create a smoother, slimmer silhouette. However, they aren’t the most flattering choice for every body type. So who should avoid high-rise jeans?

What are the key characteristics of high-rise jeans?

As mentioned, high-rise jeans have a waistband that sits at or above the belly button, generally anywhere from 10-15 cm above the hips. This creates a higher waist and more coverage in the midsection. Other defining features include:

  • A straight or wide leg cut through the thighs and calves
  • Minimal stretch and structure in the waistband and hips
  • A smoother, straighter fit through the hips and thighs
  • Extra fabric and volume in the upper thigh/hip area

The structured waistband slims the midsection, while the extra fabric through the hips and thighs helps balance curvier body types. This creates an elongated, streamlined silhouette.

What body types do high-rise jeans flatter?

High-rise jeans are best suited for:

  • Rectangular body types – straight hips and waist, less defined curves
  • Pear body types – wider hips, narrow shoulders, defined waist
  • Athletic body types – broad shoulders, muscular legs, minimal curves

For these body types, high-rise jeans provide definition at the waist and elongate the legs. The extra fabric through the hips and thighs helps add curves.

What body types should avoid high-rise jeans?

There are a few body types that may find high-rise jeans unflattering:

  • Hourglass – defined waist, full hips, curvy thighs
  • Apple -full midsection, less defined waist
  • Petite – short stature, shorter torso

Below we’ll explore why high-rise jeans may not be the best choice for these bodies.

Why High-Rise Jeans Aren’t Ideal for Hourglass Figures

Women with a classic hourglass shape tend to have a defined waistline, fuller hips, and curvier thighs. The structured waistband and loose fit of high-rise jeans often don’t complement these curves. Issues may include:

Emphasizing widest part of hips

The waistband of high-rise jeans sits right at the widest part of the hips on hourglass figures. This draws attention to – rather than nips in – the hips. It also reduces the defined waistline.

Too much fabric at hips/thighs

With fuller hips and thighs, there is already curve and volume in these areas. The extra fabric of high-rise jeans adds bulk, making the hips and thighs appear wider.

Gaping at waist

High-rise jeans often have rigid, structured waistbands. For hourglass figures, this creates gaping and a loose fit at the waist. The jeans fail to complement the natural waist definition.

Unflattering leg length

The wide leg cut and extra hip/thigh fabric of high-rise jeans shortens the leg line for curvier hourglass bodies. This effect counteracts the lengthening advantage of the high waist.

To better flatter an hourglass shape, mid-rise jeans with stretch fabric, contoured waistbands, and slimmer leg cuts are more ideal. The stretch hugs curves, the mid-rise highlights the waist, and the slim cut elongates the legs.

Why High-Rise Jeans Aren’t Ideal for Apple Figures

Apple body shapes have more weight and fullness through the midsection, with less defined curves at the hips, waist, and thighs. High-rise jeans tend to accentuate the midsection instead of cinching it in. Drawbacks include:

Adds bulk at midsection

The excess fabric and high coverage of high-rise jeans adds extra volume and layers at the midsection. This emphasizes the tummy area rather than smoothing it.

Creates muffin top effect

The thick waistband combined with a fuller midsection leads to awkward gapping and muffin top bulges. The rigid denim accentuates this effect.

Reduces leg length

Bringing extra fabric volume to the midsection shortens the appearance of the legs for apple figures. The elongating advantage doesn’t outweigh the bulky midsection.

No defined waist

High-rise jeans rely on a defined waistline to achieve their slimming effect. But on apple bodies with less waist definition, the jeans fail to carve out any shape.

Instead, apple body types may want to try mid or low rise jeans with contouring waistbands. This slims the midsection while creating definition. Stretch denim also provides a more flattering fit.

Why High-Rise Jeans Aren’t Ideal for Petite Figures

For petite women with shorter torsos and limbs, high-rise jeans can be counterproductive. Reasons they may not be the best choice include:

Shorten torso further

Petite figures already have a shortened torso. The high coverage of high-rise jeans takes away precious inches, making the torso appear even more compact.

Reduce leg length

Bringing extra fabric near the waist also visually cuts off leg length for women with shorter limbs. This reduces the elongating advantage of high-rise jeans.

Exaggerate small frame

The straight cut and excess fabric of high-rise jeans overwhelm narrow hips and a slim frame. The jeans hide the petite figure rather than flattering it.

Gape at waist

Many petite women have a narrower rib cage. The wide, rigid waistband creates gaping and an ill fit at the waist.

Instead, petite figures may want to try low-rise or mid-rise jeans with narrow waistbands. These will maximize torso length while defining the legs. Stretch denim also fits slimmer frames best.

Conclusion

While high-rise jeans have risen in popularity, they aren’t the most flattering on all body types. Hourglass, apple, and petite figures often find they accentuate problem areas rather than hide them.

Mid-rise and low-rise options with stretch fabric and contoured waists are better for highlighting the waist and elongating the legs on these bodies. The key is choosing jeans that enhance your natural proportions rather than obscuring them.

At the end of the day, wear what makes you feel confident and stylish. But being aware of your body type can help guide you towards the most figure-flattering denim options. Jean shopping will be much more fruitful when you know what flatters your shape.

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