Mid rise describes a waistband position that sits below the natural waist but above the hip bones, between the two other common categories, high rise and low rise. It is often considered a balanced, versatile option, since it neither covers the midsection as fully as a high rise nor sits as low on the hip as a low rise cut.
Because a mid rise waistband sits close to the belly button or just below it, it tends to be comfortable for a wide range of body shapes and activities, and it works reasonably well both tucked in and left untucked. Many straight, slim and tapered leg jeans are cut with a mid rise by default, making it a common starting point when a specific rise is not stated.
As with all rise categories, exact placement varies between brands, so the same label can sit noticeably higher or lower depending on the manufacturer. See rise explained for a full comparison, and our jeans size guide for how to check your own rise measurement before buying.
