Rise refers to the vertical distance measured along the front of a pair of jeans, from the crotch seam up to the top edge of the waistband. It is one of the main measurements, alongside waist and inseam, that determines how a pair of jeans will actually sit on your body.
Jeans are commonly grouped into low, mid and high rise. A low rise sits below the natural waistline, closer to the hips, a mid rise sits close to or slightly below the natural waist, and a high rise sits at or above it. The right choice depends on personal comfort, the top you plan to wear with the jeans, and how much coverage you want at the waist and lower back when sitting or bending.
Because rise is measured differently by different manufacturers, comparing the exact centimeter or inch figure is more reliable than relying on the low, mid or high label alone. See our rise explained guide and jeans size guide for how to measure and compare rise across brands.
