One of the most confusing things about finding a great fitting pair of women's jeans can be selecting the right rise for your body. The rise of a pair of women's jeans is where those jeans sit on your hips and waist. This is measured by the length from the top of the waistband to the center point between the legs of the jeans. Different companies have different names for the variety of rises available in women's jeans ranging from "Ultra Low" to "High" so it's important that you try on a few different styles from each manufacturer in order to figure out which one fits your body best. After you find a pair of jeans that has the right rise and is the right size and get them home it's a smart idea to cut off the tag in the jeans and keep it so that you will know what size you need for that brand when you're shopping in the future. Men's jeans are much simpler to figure out.
It's important to choose a rise that fits your body. If you don't your jeans will end up creating unflattering lines that can make you look shorter and heavier. Wearing a rise that's too low can create a "muffin top" when the waistband of the jeans squeezes skin upwards over the waistband. You also could end up having to wear long tops to cover other figure flaws created by the fit of the jeans. Unlike other fit problems that can be fixed with the help of a tailor the rise of a pair of jeans can't be changed. Because each company that makes women's jeans sizes their jeans differently figuring out what the rise of a pair of women's jeans is can be confusing. Here's a brief overview of the basic women's jean rises:
Low A low or ultra low rise jean has a rise of 5 inches to 8 inches. These jeans sit well below the belly button and usually are on the lower end of the hips. Only a very small percentage of women can wear these and look good, and they are not considered age appropriate for anyone older than their mid-20s. If you do wear low rise jeans don't wear them to formal occasions or to work. Most workplaces have dress codes that prohibit low rise jeans.
Medium A medium rise jean has a rise of 9 inches to 11 inches. These jeans should sit just below your waist. Medium rise jeans are flattering on almost every body type and are age appropriate for most adults. Choosing medium rise jeans is a great way to look stylish and modern while still being comfortable and being able to move comfortably in your jeans.
High A high rise jean has a rise of 12 inches or more and sits above the belly button. High rise women's jeans are also sometimes called "Mom Jeans". High rise jeans are rarely flattering on any figure because they create a bulky shape and don't lie flat across the front which makes the tummy area seem bigger.