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I recently had one of those light bulb moments, one I want to share with you as it’s a simple easy way that will revolutionize the way we buy jeans. Have you ever wondered what your rise measure is?
Both men and women have a “unique rise measurement“. The reason it’s unique is that it’s personal to our body shape and size. This is why finding the perfect pair of jeans tends to be tricky, trying to find a unique pair of jeans to fit our unique body seems like a one-in-a-million shot. You wouldn’t go hiking without a map would you, with this in mind your “unique rise measurement” is your map or key to finding great-fitting jeans.
MEASURING YOUR UNIQUE RISE MEASUREMENT:
HOW TO MEASURE YOUR UNIQUE RISE from Sam Remer on Vimeo.
Before shopping for jeans either online or in-store you need to do a bit of homework.
We all have a unique rise measurement and the key to successful shopping for jeans is knowing this magic number. (You will need to be wearing jeans for this bit.)
a: Take a tape measure and measure the distance from the crotch seam of your jeans upwards to your belly button. Write down this number as this is the highest rise you can wear comfortably for your unique body shape.
b: Then measure from the crotch seam up to two fingers below your belly button. This will give you the measurement of your most comfortable rise you should wear for your body shape.
c: The last measurement is for the lowest rise you can wear, so measure from the crotch seam up to three fingers below your belly button.
By doing this you will have a clear idea of how high and low the rise of a jean needs to be for you to wear comfortably.
BREAKING DOWN A UNIQUE RISE MEASUREMENT
For example, my highest rise measurement is 9 inches and my lowest is 7.5 inches, I’m short-waisted and I know that an 8-inch rise is the most comfortable for my unique body shape but I can go up to a 9-inch rise if I wish.
SHOPPING ONLINE:
If you’re shopping online for jeans, most good denim websites will offer the rise measurement of the style you are viewing ( if they don’t drop the customer services an email or call asking for this information) or categorize the jean into the following:
- Low rise = under 7.5 inches
- Mid rise = 8-9 inches plus
- High rise = 10 inches plus and above
*approximate measurements as all brands work to a different sizing ratio, however, your unique rise will stay the same.
SHOPPING IN-STORE
Before you set off on your denim expedition, be sure to have your unique rise measurement with you at all times. Arm yourself with a tape measure and the knowledge of the rise measurement you are seeking, anything lower than your comfortable rise or lowest rise walk away from. You are making your unique selection by knowing exactly what rise your body shape needs.
Or if you prefer to use a ribbon with your measurements marked out so you can easily whip it out when you see a pair of jeans you may want to check the rise or use it as a ready-reckoner when you’re trying on jeans.
If you don’t have a tape measure print out one here
Knowing your unique rise measurement will give you confidence and a clearer idea of the jean that will work with your body shape, eliminating very quickly the wrong styles.
We would love to hear how you got on when you use the unique rise measurement when buying your next pair of jeans...
Click for more denim hacks or advice on how to buy jeans that fit
34 Comments on REVOLUTIONIZE THE WAY YOU BUY JEANS BY KNOWING YOUR UNIQUE RISE MEASUREMENT
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I just had a tummy tuck due to excess weight loss. All of my jeans now have extra fabric around the crotch area. I’m having trouble finding jeans that will fit over my hips, but not be too big in the waist and crotch. What do you recommend? I’m a size 16/18 and am 5’4. What does the excess fabric in the crotch area mean fit wise?
Hi Dawn, Excess fabric around the crotch area means the rise is too high. I would suggest you measure your rise now you have had a tummy tuck and use this as your guide as to where you would like your jeans to sit, on or below the tummy button. Good American jeans are a great brand for curvy body shapes that have a smaller waist vs bigger hips. They do a style called Always Fit’s which is a new type of jean that features a one-size-fits-four design that adapts to your body’s changes, which will give you a great fit all over. I would definitely check out this brand. If you need more assistance why not book a Virtual Jeans Fitting Session with me. Best Sam x
It makes sense now. I’m plus sized and all legs. Petite plus size bottoms fit better in the rise but are too short for my 32 inch inseam. My bellybutton,top of my hip and waist are within an inch or two of each other. It also explains why zips always seemed so long to me.I can wear longer cropped shirts as regular tops as they hit me mid hip.
Mid rise is high rise on me. 2000s low (not ultra low) rise hit me around my belly button. Are there any non curvy plus size sub-8 in rise jeans/pants out there now?
Hi Sarah, it fascinates me how we are all so different in body-shape! I’m happy to help, please could you send me a photo of yourself in jeans ( you don’t have to have your head in the pic )
So I can see your belly button going down, so I can see your shape. Send it to sam@ilovejeans.com please.
Thank you makes so much sense!!!
Thank you, Ivana, for your comment. If you need more personal advice we are now offering Zoom Denim Fits. They work really well as it teaches how to shop for jeans online and in store ( if we ever go shopping again) based on your own body shape, size and budget. More info check out here: https://ilovejeans.com/denim-stylist/book-a-zoom-personal-denim-consultation/
The problem I have is finding jeans that have a 13″ rise. Any recommendations? Unfortunately, most brands will give you other measurements, but the front rise.
Thanks for the lesson.
Hey Mary, Thanks for your comment. I can see why you’re struggling to find a 13″ rise as some denim brands go as high as 12″. It really depends what your size is as the rise of jeans gets higher as the size gets bigger. So if you were a plus size you may find this easier than if you are petite. Check out these jeans for 13″ rise or near enough – Levis High Loose Super high rise: 13.125″. Levis 720 high rise super skinny plus size High rise: 12.5″. Everlane way high jean Rise: 12 1/8”. I hope this helps, let me know how you get on.
High rise jeans sit at or above the belly button. The waist is usually about 2 fingers above. A rise that sits at my true waist is most comfortable to me because it’s where I naturally bend (no digging in). I have a truly high waisted pair of jeans that sit at my true waist and they have a 13” rise!!!
To me, mid rise is 10-11”, high rise is 11-13” and anything under 10” is low rise.
Thanks so much for your comment! That just proves my point that we all have a different front rise measurement so it’s important to know what yours is when buying jeans. It’s like buying shoes without knowing your size! Please tell me which brand/ style of jean you wear that has a 13 inch rise? Would you like to review your jeans & earn $20 voucher?
Excellent article! I had to share! 🙂
Thank you for reading xx
Hi Michelle,
The measurements 7,8, or 9.5 inches are the height of the front rise of the jean and where they sit on your tummy. Everyone has a unique rise whatever your size or shape. So when you have your jeans on measure from the crotch seam of your jeans up to your belly button. This is your unique rise measurement. Now if your’e not comfortable wearing your jeans sitting on your bellybutton then ( not many people are) then put 2 fingers under your bb and measure from there down to your crotch seam. This will give you a comfortable measurement for where your jeans should sit on your waist. Use this measurement when your shopping for jeans as a ready reckoner so you don’t have to try piles of jeans on.
Hope this helps!
Need more advice then please email me. x
Hello, I’d love to try this out as I’m currently looking for a good pair of jeans 🙂
But what are you referencing when you mention the measurements of 7, 8 or 9.5 inches and above?
Sam, I really love the way that you broke this article down. It is not so technical that you can’t understanding it.
Thanks Jessica!
Great advise. Simple and straight to the point. Really like the picture showing high and low rise. Brings the whole article together
Thanks Tom, feel free to repost this page onto your blog! Sam x
GREAT ADVICE! Thank you again for your expertise. Wish I had known these things years ago, but luckily I came across your site.
Thanks for your comment, it’s appreciated
thanks keep visiting!