A Brief History of Low-Rise Jeans
Low-rise jeans didn’t just fall out of the sky in 2025—they’ve been causing chaos for decades. The silhouette first popped off in the late ‘60s and ‘70s during the counterculture era, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that it truly became the look. Think Britney Spears on TRL, Paris Hilton in paparazzi shots, or Christina Aguilera in her “Dirrty” era—low-rise jeans were everywhere, hugging hips and making headlines.
This era was unapologetically bold. The waistlines dropped, the thongs peeked out, and midriffs were basically mandatory. The jeans were tight, bedazzled, and often paired with baby tees or rhinestone belts. Designers like Alexander McQueen (with his iconic “bumster” trousers) played a big role in pushing the rise even lower, setting the tone for a more provocative style.
By the 2010s, the high-rise revolution came through and low-rise jeans got pushed out—called “unflattering” and “impractical.” But fashion never stays still. As we hit the 2020s, the pendulum swung again. Gen Z, raised on internet nostalgia and fearless self-expression, started reclaiming Y2K style—and with it, low-rise denim.
Now, low-rise jeans aren’t just a trend—they’re a full-circle fashion moment. And this time, they come with a twist: more inclusivity, more attitude, and way less concern about the male gaze.
