It’s not the first trend to make a comeback from the 90s. First, we had the skinny-framed sunglasses, then the mini bag, followed by the velour tracksuit, but the low-rise look takes a little more effort to pull off than other nostalgic trends.
Maybe it’s because we’ve been attached to our high-rise styles for so long that kept our waist cinched in, our midsection covered and made our legs look longer. After being covered for so long, low rise can feel exposing, overwhelming, and daunting (a bit like when we step into the gym at peak time, and every single machine is taken 😰).
But there are many ways to style low rise–and it’s almost guaranteed there’s one for you. You just need to find it.
It all starts with finding the right low waisted pants–whether it’s low rise sweatpants, jeans, cargos or even leggings. And then learning the right pairings to make an effortless low rise outfit (as if you just stepped out of the 90s).
If the comeback of low rise made you say, ‘Never again,’ then at least let us show you how you can style low rise, 2025 style. There are six styling options, and we’re almost certain at least one of them will work for you.
What Are Low Rise Pants?
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First seen on the runway, then a-listers and influencers, and finally, your everyday fashionistas–there’s no doubt you’ve witnessed the low-rise pants trend bubble up over the past couple of years.
Low-rise pants show off the midriff, sitting below the waistline and snuggly on the hips. They were brought into mainstream fashion in the 1990s by Alexander McQueen, who debuted low-rise "bumster" trousers in his 1993 Taxi Driver collection. However, their origins can actually be traced back to 1960s rock ‘n roll. In other words, this isn’t their first comeback.
It hasn’t been the fastest trend to catch on after we’ve become comfortable with keeping our midriffs covered and waists cinched with belts on higher-waisted styles for so long, but now style is changing in a way we can’t ignore.
Low-rise styles can be seen in jeans, sweatpants, and even flare trousers. However, today’s low-rise looks favor a baggy, relaxed aesthetic (rather than fitted).
How To Style Low Rise: 6 Easy Outfits
With high rise dominating the scene for so low, low waist pants bring a more effortless, casual, and cool look.
Think baggier, slouchier, but stylish.
We aren’t saying you need to cut ties with your favorite high-waisted leggings, but nailing your low rise look could add a new dimension to your wardrobe.
Whether you’re heading to the gym for a workout, taking a WFH day and seeking ultimate comfort, or heading out for a matcha latte, we’ve made styling low-rise pants easy for every occasion.
1. Bodysuit & Sweatpants
One of the biggest misconceptions about low-rise styling is that you have to show your midriff. That is absolutely not the case!
Enter the bodysuit: The perfect step into low rise for those who don’t want to expose too much skin.
Plus, if you’ve struggled with high-rise fits that make your legs look super long and your torso too short, pairing a bodysuit with low-rise pants will accentuate your torso length, making your body look much more in proportion. It’s a win-win!
To offset the form-fitting bodysuit, pair with loose or wide-leg sweatpants. (Already have a favorite higher-waisted pair? Simply roll down the waistband or pull them down so they sit lower on your hips to style them low-rise.)
If you want to make more of a statement, choose a high-cut bodysuit that shows off a peak of skin on your hips, between where the bodysuit ends and your waistband starts.
2. Peek-A-Boo Shorts
Ok, we admit it: Many of us aren’t ready to give up our high rise leggings anytime soon–but who said you couldn’t style low rise and high rise simultaneously? The TikTok ‘low rise / gym short hack’ layers high waisted shorts, leggings, or even boxer-style shorts under a pair of low-rise sweatpants–giving you the best of both.
It’s a great way to dip your toe into low slung pants (and makes low rise more accessible for those with a longer torso, helping to make your body look more proportioned by covering more of your midsection than low rise pants alone). It’s also the ideal pump cover for those colder months when you know you’ll get hot mid-workout, but you need something to cover your legs on your drive to the gym and to get you through the warm-up sets.
Our favorite pairing is with a crop top or sports bra. Experiment with matching the color of your top with the joggers or shorts to make an outfit that looks effortlessly on point.
3. Jeans And A Mesh Tee
If you have a pear or hourglass-shaped body and constantly find that jeans either fit on the hips but are baggy around the waist or are too small on the thighs and you can’t pull them up, low-rise jeans are the styling solution you’ve been waiting for. For anyone with wider hips and a smaller waist, low-rise jeans are a style that will fit your hips properly without the worry of your jeans gaping at the back when you sit down.
If you’re more of a straight-up-and-down shape, you can pull off low rise jeans, too, particularly if you have longer legs and shorter torso. Taking your jeans low rise will make your body look more in proportion.
To style low rise jeans, first you want to get the fit right. This varies depending on your body type, and it’s a good idea to try out different low-rise fits to find what works for you. Generally, low-rise jeans are baggy or straight-leg but can also be flared or bootcut.
Secondly, it’s all about the styling. If you’re feeling confident, pair your low rise jeans with a sports bra, and add a mesh graphic tee over the top. Tuck the mesh top into your bra to highlight the waist and hips, and play around with the color of the sports bra underneath.
Or, opt for a tight-fitting tank top that ends just above the belly button to still show off a slither of skin between the top's end and the start of your low-rise jeans.
Finish it with chunky jewelry, a cap, and a tote bag.
4. Take It Cropped
The ultimate low-rise combo that sees you show off your midsection: Pairing your low-slung pants with a crop top isn’t for everyone, but pull it off with confidence, and even Britney would be proud.
Whether you choose a fitted, long-sleeve crop for a sleek, balanced vibe or a wrap-around bandeau for a more playful feel, this combination highlights the waist and elongates the torso (ideal for long-legged girls).
If you’re not feeling confident enough to show off your whole stomach, try this style out with a cropped tank top first that ends somewhere between the bottom of your bra line and the top of your belly button. If you have shorter legs and a longer torso, taking your crop top a little longer can also make your outfit look more proportioned.
Heading out? Add an oversized zip hoodie to turn up the casual, or try popping on a trench coat to dial up the smart. Layering means this combo can be styled for both summer and winter months.
5. Baby Tee Pairing
Lean even further into the Y2K aesthetic by pairing your low-rise pants with a baby tee–the ultimate combo of the JLo and Paris Hiltons of the 90s and 00s.
With a cropped design that ends in line with, or just above, the belly button, this fitted tee allows for just the right amount of skin to show when paired with your low-rise trousers. With enough room to move around (so you don’t have to compromise on comfort) but tight enough to show off your upper body gains in just the right places.
Opt for a graphic baby tee for a fun, retro feel, or stick to solid colors for a minimalist aesthetic.
Discover the Baby Tee Trend.
6. Go Oversized
Cozy season is the ideal opportunity to turn up the comfort on your low-rise outfit, swapping a cropped, midriff-exposing style for something warmer, longer, and baggier.
Think oversized hoodies or baggy tees–the perfect top layer to pair with low rise sweatpants (and the ultimate WFH comfy combo).
That’s not to say you can’t be comfy on the go, too: If you’re heading out, elevate your oversized low-rise outfit through layering.
Try styling a button-up shirt underneath a sweatshirt, making the collar show out the top, and the hem peep out the bottom. Add some contrast and vibrancy to your outfit by experimenting with different colors.
Layering is also a great tactic if you’re in those transitional seasons, where it’s too cold for just a T-shirt, but you might be too warm with a hoodie or sweatshirt on all day. Try wearing a long-sleeved tight top that sits just at belly height underneath the oversized jumper, making you look put together when you do need to remove that outer layer.
FAQs
Why Do Low Rise Pants Look Bad On Me?
There’s no way around it–low rise pants are more suited to those with a short torso and longer legs, rather than those with a longer torso and shorter legs. While the former will find low rise pants flattering, making the legs look longer and the body more in proportion, the latter may find their legs look shorter and the torso even more elongated.
That being said, you can still style low rise pants with the second body type. Try out styling high waisted gym shorts under low waisted sweatpants, or go for the dipped waistband leggings that keep the low rise at the front to elongate your legs, but accentuate your glutes and waist with a low rise back. It’s all about experimenting and finding the low rise style that works for you.
What Are The Best Pants To Style Low Rise?
Low rise pants favor baggy, slouchy styles, rather than fitted, making the best low rise pants jeans, joggers or cargo pants. That being said, low rise styles can also be seen in more fitted styles, from leggings and shorts, even flared trousers. Experiment with different styles and outfit pairs and go with anything that feels right for you.
Is There A Way To Make High Rise Pants Low Rise?
Low rise pants are designed to sit low on the hips, which means they need a looser, wider fit than high rise styles. With leggings and shorts, it is easy to simply roll down the waistband to turn your favorite pair of high rise leggings into low rise (our seamless leggings are the best for this).
With sweatpants or joggers, thanks to the elastic waistband it’s easy to choose how high or low your style your pants. To stop your joggers falling down when styled low rise, opt for pants with a drawcord waist (such as our Phys Ed Graphic Joggers).
When it comes to jeans, adjusting your high rise pants to low rise can be a little more challenging–often requiring a needle, thread and some creative skill! It’s a lot easier (where possible) to purchase actual low rise jeans.
Is There A Way To Style Low Rise Without Showing My Stomach?
Absolutely! If you want to wear a form-fitting outfit that still shows off your shape without revealing your stomach, try styling a bodysuit with low-rise sweatpants. For a comfier, more oversized look, a baggy tshirt or oversized hoodie works well with low rise pants, too.
If you still want to show a bit of midriff, add a pair of high-rise shorts or leggings under your low-rise pants (this makes the ideal outfit for traveling to and from the gym, too).
Style Low Rise Pants With Confidence
The designers have spoken, and TikTok has made it clear: We’re taking things low, and it’s time to start showing off that midsection.
But there are many ways to style low-rise pants: You can go all in and match them with a sports bra that shows off your maximum midriff to make a bold statement or choose a style that shows off less skin, such as pairing a baggy t-shirt or bodysuit with low-rise pants.
It’s time to fully embrace Y2K cosplay–and whether you like it or not, low rise is here to stay (at least for the time being), so you may as well get on board.
The question is: Which low-rise pant styling will you be trying out first?
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