Our jeans are popular for a reason! They’re high-quality, comfy, and ready for real life, handling long days effortlessly. Whether it's your favorite straight-leg or classic skinny jeans, they always meet expectations.
But here’s the real fit secret: it’s all about the rise.
When your waistband height hits that sweet spot, the whole silhouette works, and you’re not fussing with it all day.
WHAT RISE REALLY MEANS
Before choosing between mid and high rise, it helps to understand what these terms mean and how they affect the way your jeans fit and feel on your body.
MID RISE JEANS
Mid rise jeans typically sit between your hips and your navel, just below your natural waist. Because it’s not an extreme fit, these jeans will suit you whether you are long- or short-waisted. They’re comfortable, offering coverage without being restrictive.
When you’re considering this rise, be aware that if you have a belly, they can cut into it, accentuating this part of your body. They can also slip down if you have a thicker middle, and they don’t lengthen your legs much.
The front jeans rise measurement is typically between nine and 11 inches, and the back rise 14 to 15.
If you have a petite, slender figure, mid rise jeans can be the perfect fit.
HIGH RISE JEANS
High rise jeans sit above your natural waist, frequently reaching your belly button or higher. They create a long leg line and provide more coverage than their mid rise counterparts do.
However, high rise jeans can be challenging if you’ve got a short waist, especially if you have a big bust. They can also feel restrictive if the denim is rigid, so always check out the material when you’re deciding on our crop flare, slim flare, or barrel leg in this style.
The front rise is usually 11-13 inches, sometimes higher, and the back rise is 16 or 17 inches.
High rise jeans lengthen your legs, snatch your waist, and provide tummy comfort and control. You won’t have to worry about them falling down, and they can be dressed up more easily.
HOW HIGH RISE AND MID RISE JEANS HANDLE MOVEMENT
The real difference in high rise vs mid rise shows up when you bend, sit, and wear your denims for longer periods of time.
SITTING
Choose Krush Kandy mid rise jeans when you want that easy, laid-back feel through your waist. Since they hit a little lower, they don’t press into your upper stomach when you’re sitting down.
High rise jeans extend higher up the waist, providing more coverage, better tummy comfort, and a secure, held-in feel. That added height can feel firm in rigid denim when you sit, but our styles with 2-5% spandex have built-in stretch. They flex with you and stay in place without the need for continual adjusting.
BENDING
When you’re bending, mid rise jeans usually feel easy and unfussy. You can lean, reach, grab your bag, and tie your shoes, all without that dramatic waistband tug moment. They tend to move with you instead of reminding you they’re there.
High rise jeans bring a little more structure to the party. In rigid 100% cotton denim, you might feel that firm, held-in vibe when you bend forward. However, our stretch styles soften that structure, so you still get the coverage without your jeans staging a protest.
LONG WEAR
Mid rise jeans are usually the easygoing choice for everyday life.
Whether you’re lazing about or running around, or doing a little bit of both, they give your midsection space to move and expand naturally throughout the day.
High rise jeans feel more supportive through the waist, making them a great option if you’re on your feet for long stretches. They create a secure, put-together feel that holds steady from morning to night.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT STYLE FOR YOU
Picking between mid rise and high rise is less about trends and more about how your jeans work with your proportions, routine, and personal comfort.
BODY PROPORTIONS
Rise comes down to vertical balance.
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On a shorter torso, mid rise can feel lighter through the waist, while high rise gives more coverage.
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On a longer torso, high rise often feels steady, and mid rise more relaxed.
Your hip-to-waist ratio matters too. If your waist is narrower than your hips, high rise can anchor neatly there. If your shape is straighter, mid rise may feel more even through the waistband.
COMFORT PREFERENCE
Some people love a relaxed, low-pressure waistband. Others prefer a structured, supported feel.
The right choice is the one that fits your waistband and movement.
WARDROBE CONSIDERATIONS
Think about what you reach for most. If you love cropped jackets like our Jet Set Trench Jacket or tucked tops, high rises create a clean line through the waist. If you gravitate toward our longer sweaters and shirts, mid rise keeps proportions easy and natural.
HOW TO MEASURE YOUR RISE
The most accurate way to decide which side you fall on in the high rise vs mid rise debate is to measure.
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On your body, measure from the crotch seam up to your belly button for high rise or a couple of fingers below for mid rise, then note your natural waist and hip measurements.
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On a pair of jeans, lay them flat and measure from the crotch seam to the top of the front and back waistband.
When those numbers match a comfortable anchor point on your body, you’ve found your rise. Now you can compare your information to our size chart to find your perfect pair of jeans!
GETTING THE RIGHT RISE OUT OF YOUR JEANS
Once you understand rise, denim shopping gets way easier.
At Krush Kandy, we’re all about finding that just-right fit for you so that you feel amazing from your first coffee run to wherever the day (or night) takes you.
