Runway
Nov 25, 2023

If You Never Liked Low-Rise, You're in Luck—This Style Is Set to Be Big

by Sierra Mayhew

Photo:

Acne Studios; Loewe; and Saint Laurent via Imaxtree

Low-rise jeans are probably the longest-running “controversial” fashion trend that I’ve seen in my career. Despite many people still bashing this trend, it continues to live on. I, for one, am quite obsessed with it. But if you’re one of the people who have never been swayed by the allure of low-rise jeans, you can take a deep exhale because a shift in denim aesthetics is on the horizon.

Luxury fashion designers are bidding farewell to the era of hip-hugging styles and welcoming in the rise—quite literally—of high-rise jeans. The fashion forecast indicates that this trend is not merely making a comeback; it's poised to be the focal point of contemporary denim. I picked up on this during Paris Fashion Week, with designers like Loewe, Alaïa, and more heavy hitters making their points with all things high-rise. If you've been yearning for a style that aligns with both comfort and modern flair, consider this your moment. The return of high-rise jeans is the perfect nod to 2010s nostalgia, so let's elevate our style, starting with an all-time-favorite waistline.

Photo:

Acne Studios via Imaxtree

Comfort has never been such a priority, and ACNE Studios sent its rendition of a sweatsuit down the runway. My biggest takeaway from this look, though, was the waistline on these pants. While edgy brands like this used to go for a low-rise moment, this look is as high-rise as can be.

Photo:

Loewe via Imaxtree

Loewe is known for making its statements loud and proud, and nothing says "low-rise is over" like a pair of pants that are THIS high-waisted. Loewe set these pants well above the typical waistline, and that was no mistake. Point taken.

Photo:

Saint Laurent via Imaxtree

If I were going to wear high-waisted pants right now, this is exactly how I would do it. The sheer top makes it feel current, especially when paired with utility pockets. A lot of people never stopped wearing high-rise, and they're in luck. Slip on these pants anytime.