While some might tie low-rise jeans to the '90s, they were actually popularized by '60s and '70s rock icons like Jim Morrison and Mick Jagger, as well as young hippies and rockers in England who were embracing the concept of a counter-culture—back then they were called 'hip huggers', a term which I personally think we should bring back. In 1996, Alexander McQueen debuted the bumster: pants with particularly low waistlines, a subtle "V" dip, and a bit of butt cleavage exposed, which caused quite the stir back in the mid-to-late 90s.
The low-rise jean was initially the product of people wanting to go against the grain of trends—and still remains a slightly controversial, forever fluctuating trend today. The controversy remains for both practical and cultural reasons: the occasional reveal of underwear when one sits or bends, and the low-rise silhouette's ties to the promotion of thinness in the early 2000s. Now, with denim brands becoming more conscious and inclusive of different sizes and shapes, the trend, while some wholeheartedly reject it for style preference reasons, persists as much less controversial.
Today, Coveteur editors have an affinity towards a low waistline. Ahead, we breakdown the best low-rise jeans and our personal favorite pairs for your shopping pleasure.
The Best Low Rise Jeans For Women
"A low-rise, baggy jean hates to see my coming, and AGOLDE is my tried and-true favorite. For me, the wash matters most—and this one (after months of searching) is perfect. The color is versatile year-round and suits any occasion, which is why I reach for these jeans more than any other." - Natasha Sheridan, Social Creative Lead
"As a low-rise loyalist, I love the Saige from rag & bone. They hit low on the hips in that perfectly effortless, early-2000s way—but with a modern straight leg that makes them feel current. The Lightweight Rigid fabric is exactly what I want in a low-rise jean: structured enough to drape the right way, but still softening with every wear. When I first put them on, they had that crisp, vintage rigid feel (which I love), and after a couple wears they started molding to my shape without losing that cool, lived-in slouch." - Kala Herh, Social Strategy Lead
Rag & Bone Saige Relaxed Straight Jeans
Rag & Bone
Size Range: 23-34
Color Options: 6 Washes
"Reformation's Cary jeans come in a seemingly endless array of washes and I can make a strong case for stocking up. As a tall girl, I always appreciate when jeans are full length on me—especially when they're long enough to cover my shoes a little, which this pair does. The material feels rigid at first but softens over time, truly moving and shaping to your body. They are perfectly low-waisted and feature a perfect wide-leg." - Bianca Asare, Associate Editor
Reformation Cary Low Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Reformation
Size Range: 23-34
Color Options: 18 Washes
"In this case, my favorite low-rise jeans aren't actually low-rise at all. While technically high-rise, sizing up resulted in the DL1961 Karmine jeans sitting perfectly low on my hips. They quickly became my go-to pair because they're perfectly oversized, are the easiest to throw on and pair, and have been proven to be so versatile in terms of dressing up and dressing down. It material is tough but it's not rough—it still feels soft and comfortable. I've also received so many compliments on these being the perfect slightly baggy low-rise jeans. Moral of the story: any pants can be low-rise if you want them to be." - Bianca Asare, Associate Editor
"These EB denim jeans are the perfect low rise, bootcut fit. The wash feels well-worn and they aren't so skinny that they feel like a skinny jean (although they do hug the right places). I love the subtle boot cut to help elongate the legs and add a 90s feel to them. I'll either do a super baggy low-rise jean or these when I want to feel a little more pulled together." - Ella O'Keeffe, Senior Fashion Editor
