Low rise jeans are back, and we’re not talking about the 1980s. After years of being relegated to only the most trend-forward of fashionistas, low-rise jeans have been making a comeback in recent seasons—and this time, they’re here to stay. While many fashion trends come and go without much discussion or analysis, people seem very conflicted about low-rise jeans—no matter whether they’re really into them or really against them.
Are low-rise jeans really making a comeback?
There has been an increase in the amount of celebrity sightings with low-rise jeans lately. According to a report by The Huffington Post, Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldana, and Hayden Panettiere have all been spotted sporting ‘mom jeans’ this summer. While these actors are part of the Hollywood elite and not your average American, the trend may be happening for more reasons than just fashion.
Modest outfits have become more in demand as a result of the terrorist attacks on Paris earlier this year. In the aftermath there was outcry against wearing anything that showed too much skin out in public, since it might attract unwanted attention or ridicule.
What exactly is low rise jeans?
Low rise jeans refer to a style of denim that is situated lower on the waistline, typically below the belly button. They were famously worn by so many celebrities in the ’80s and ’90s and subsequently made their way into fashion culture at large, which is what makes this particular trend so exciting.
In recent years, however, low rise jeans have been shunned by designers who have favored increasingly high waistlines. Although low rise jeans used to be designed exclusively for younger audiences, today’s offerings are becoming more versatile and thus catered to a wider array of consumers.
Low rise jeans used to be designed exclusively for younger audiences but today’s offerings are becoming more versatile and thus catered to a wider array of consumers.
Why are low rise jeans so controversial?
All anyone can talk about is the return of low-rise jeans. But why are they so controversial? The simple answer is that not everyone likes them. Here’s why: * Lower-waisted pants create the illusion that your stomach is sticking out more than it actually does, meaning all you can see in the mirror are muffin tops and belly buttons.
Let’s talk about how to wear them…
Low-rise jeans come in all different styles, so the type you choose really depends on your body shape. For instance, if you have a smaller waist and wide hips, then a low-rise bootcut jean is perfect. If you are more petite, then it’s best to go for a low-rise skinny jean. There are also different lengths to choose from; if you’re taller and want something that falls over your shoes then try a high-waisted version with some rips for texture.
Millennials are terrified of the return of low-rise jeans and Y2K fashion. But what if they looked different this time around? The 2020s version of Y2K, then, could incorporate what women have enjoyed about the past decade — a wider acceptance of different body types, greater availability of plus-size clothing, more fat representation and activism — along with the undeniably fun maximalism of the 2000s. And of course, a heavy dose of irony. The 2020s is already becoming the decade of the reimagined self-aware, politically active bimbo. Might as well have the jeans to go along with it.
