Highwaisted

Highwaisted is an adjective describing garments designed with a high rise, meaning the waistband sits above the wearer's natural waist. In practice, high-waisted items sit at or above the natural waistline, often near the midsection, and are used across pants, skirts, shorts, and underwear. This contrasts with mid-rise and low-rise designs, which sit closer to the hips or lower.

Design and function: High-waisted garments extend the torso visually, elongate the legs, and can create a cinched waist silhouette. They often incorporate tailoring details such as darts, pleats, or fitted waistbands, and may provide more coverage in the midsection.

History and use: The high rise has appeared in various periods of fashion. In Western dress, high-waisted skirts and trousers were common in the mid-20th century, contributing to tailored, hourglass silhouettes. The look has experienced revivals through the late 20th century and into the 2010s, with styles such as high-waisted jeans and mom jeans becoming mainstream again. High-waisted designs have also appeared in menswear at different eras and remain present in contemporary blends.

Variants and fabrics: High-waisted versions exist across denim, cotton, wool, and synthetic fabrics, with fits ranging from relaxed to tightly tailored. They are used for formal wear as well as casual outfits, chosen to balance proportions, accommodate different torso lengths, and offer a secure fit.