Against my better judgement, let’s flashback to my early teenage years — AKA the horrible time period in which we all learned about our changing bodies. For me, it was this time when I discovered one of my biggest insecurities: my stomach. I’d try on a pair of jeans or leggings and pull at the waist of the pants to try to hide my lower belly. I’d feel uncomfortable in too-short crop tops, so by no means was I about to jump on the horrible low-rise jeans trend – nor will I jump on the low-rise jeans’ comeback.
I was so grateful when the trend died, replaced by a wave of high-rise jeans that I’ve been rocking ever since I was a young teen. I love how high-rise jeans flatter my figure; they showcase the aspects of my body I’m happy with, and hide the parts I’m not the most fond of. Isn’t that what we should expect from a good pair of pants? Above anything else, comfort – physically and emotionally?
So you can understand my horror when I discovered that low-rise jeans are making a comeback with the rise of Y2K fashion. Lately, models like Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber have been showing them off, and it seems like high-rise jeans have been deemed more unstylish. Whoever set this trend back into motion clearly didn’t consult the opinions of every day woman, because I know I’m not the only one who cringes at the return of the low-rise jeans trend.
You’re probably thinking, where is this annoyance coming from? Well, allow me to explain my anger. The thing about low-rise jeans is that they’re made for girls with flat stomachs. The low hem is meant to show off a perfectly flat stomach and abs. And unfortunately, those who aren’t as skinny as Bella Hadid (which, uh, not many people are) just can’t wear them the same way.
Now, I’m not telling you to stop buying low-rise jeans — if you feel confident in them, that’s all that matters. What I am saying is that the trend isn’t geared for girls like me. I’d never subject myself to putting on a pair of low-rise — or even regular-rise — jeans because it just makes me so self-conscious about the insecurity I’ve had for almost a decade.
And I’m not alone. I asked my fellow Her Campus national writers if they would ever wear low-rise jeans, and 90% of the respondents said they wouldn’t. So, assuming that this roughly represents the opinions of college women, if 90% of people are uncomfortable wearing low rise jeans, why the hell are we bringing them back? Why wouldn’t we instead bring back a trend that anyone can rock, as opposed to one that only 10% of people feel comfortable partaking in?
I also spoke to Naomi* (21), who agrees. “They’re unflattering and accentuate all the parts of my body that I’d rather not show off,” she says. “I prefer high-rise jeans, which make me feel more confident.” Naomi, too, can’t comprehend why low-rise jeans are coming back. “But I know no matter the trend, I’ll never wear them.”
So please, let’s not force the comeback of low-rise jeans. It’s a shame that they’re back in fashion, reminding a number of women of their insecurities. On top of that, they’re an unnecessarily selective trend, which isn’t inclusive of virtually any other body type. Plus they don’t leave much room for creativity. Please don’t let the models that’ve been wearing them lately discourage you — we don’t have to follow their lead.
And to the trendsetters out there, feel free to focus on bringing back other aspects of Y2K fashion — because the fact is, most people would probably rather wear a tie over their tee than wear low-rise jeans.
*Name has been changed.