When it comes to jeans, it’s always a question of how low you should go. Given how widespread the trouser style truly is—you’d honestly be hard pressed to find a well-edited wardrobe that doesn’t feature at least one pair—it sometimes feels like the options are endless. But whether you love them or hate them, low-rise jeans are certainly gaining momentum, and the silhouette’s adherents certainly make a compelling case for why you should invest in a pair.
A staple of the early 2000s where hip-bone-baring pants were at an all-time high, low-rise jeans were relegated to the annals of Y2K fashion for the better half of the decade before being resuscitated by legions of off-duty supermodels, nascent Gen Z style icons and even everyday shoppers who can’t help but seek bottoms that cut off before the small of their backs. And who can blame them? When you have poster girls like global pop sensation Katseye in that viral Gap denim, Olivia Dean in heeled boots and an oversized Bottega Veneta bag or Hailey Bieber in softly-slung and slouchy iterations, a persuasive argument in favour of the divisive style is to be had.
Speaking to Leighanne Jones, the senior creative director at leading bohemian retailer and certified denim destination Free People, she explains to me that the appeal of low-rise jeans lies in the fact that they’re “a classic style marked by an untraditional twist”. Through “unexpected proportions”, as Jones puts it, the style offers a fresh and directional take on denim that’s unexpected, a little cooler and far more effortless.
It’s these exact qualities that resonate with so many Who What Wear UK editors, with a number of my chicest colleagues gravitating towards the shape. As someone who is slightly trepidatious about denim at the best of times, let alone feeling comfortable in a low-rise, I sought out their expert recommendations for the best styles to shop, given the plethora of enviable options available has piqued my interest.
One of the things I noticed most from this exercise is just how universal low-rise jeans could be. I initially had written off the style, thinking they would only resonate with Blumarine Barbies, Hypebeasts or E-Girls. However, with the spectrum of my co-worker’s personal styles being quite broad, I simply adored how they’ve taken the crop in stride and tailored it to their own sense of dress, be it more classic and minimalistic or ornate and maximalist.
This is something Jones resonates with, too. “Feeling comfortable in your [low-rise jeans] is all about styling,” she notes. “This season, it's about outfitting around your denim, playing with proportions, exploring volume and fresh fabrications,” she continues.
With this renaissance only heating up, it’s time to acquaint yourself with the best low-rise jeans available. Hand-picked from our own wardrobe, along with a few additional styles of note, uncover the pieces that’ve earned our endorsements, hips and all.
The 6 Best Low-Rise Jeans for Women in 2026
- The Best Overall Low-Rise Jeans: Reformation Elora Super Stretch Low Rise Bootcut Jeans, £178
- The Best Low-Rise Bootcut Jeans: Juicy Couture Vintage Wash Low Rise Flared Embroidered Jeans, £95
- The Best Low-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans: Agolde Low Curve Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, £330
- The Best Low-Rise Baggy Jeans: Free People We The Free Tennessee Low-Rise Boyfriend Jeans, £118
1. Reformation Elora Super Stretch Low Rise Bootcut Jeans
Style Notes: "As a dedicated denim wearer, I've tried on hundreds of jeans in my time. But I've mostly steered clear of low-waist styles. Growing up in the '90s, my idea of low-waist was the very dramatic low-slung version, but it's clear that the 2026 styles are far more wearable.
"As a fan of Reformation's jeans, I tested out their Elora style and was seriously impressed. As ever, they hug my body in all the right places, though at a petite 5'2" they do require some hemming. At first glance, the V-shape dip in the middle made me nervous, but actually, the rise sat over my hip bones with just a little plunge in the middle. The bold seam detailing is another nice touch that sets this pair apart, along with the distinctive waistline and the absence of a waistband for a streamlined effect." — Florrie Alexander, shopping editor
Shop the Jeans:
Fit: Fitted close to the body with curved seams through the leg and a tapered waistline.
Material/s: 74% Regeneratively Grown Cotton, 20% Recycled Cotton, 5% Elastomultiester
Colour: Washed black.
Sizes: 23" - 34"
Pros
- Great fit and touch of stretch in the denim.
Cons
- Long length, require hemming.
2. Free People We The Free Tennessee Low-Rise Boyfriend Jeans
Style Notes: "After plenty of consideration, I came to the realisation a year or so ago that high-rise jeans were never especially flattering on me. That discovery opened the door to trying low-rise styles for the first time, and I haven’t looked back since. So when the brief to test the chicest low-rise denim landed on my desk, I was more than ready.
I opted trial Free People’s We The Free Tennessee Low-Rise Boyfriend Jeans in a light wash.
"With a relaxed, slightly baggy cut, they sit neatly on the hip bone, and in a size 27, sat comfortably, without restriction. I styled them with longer knits and tops, which balanced the lower rise nicely. The hem fell just below my ankles, working well with boots now, though I can see them pairing just as well with strappy sandals or ballet flats in summer." — Natalie Munro, news writer
Shop the Jeans:
Fit: A low-rise, borrowed-from-the-boys shape that boasts extra slouch.
Material/s: 100% Cotton
Colour/s: 8, including light blue, ecru and dark indigo.
Sizes: 24" - 33"
Pros
- Comfortable, relaxed fit, easy for everyday wear.
Cons
- Slightly shorter length—may come up short on taller frames.
3. Agolde Low Curve Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: "As with all denim, low-rise jeans come in many cuts and silhouettes. The Low Curve mid-rise wide-leg jeans are the slouchy type that is slightly baggy, not only due to their longer length, but also their wider leg. For me, low-rise denim looks best when either slender and bootcut—pandering to the Y2K nostalgia many of us have—or like this, worn almost oversized and loose. There’s just something very effortless about them—if you want to feel ‘cool’, wear them with a sneaker (perhaps the Isabel Marant Bekett wedge trainers, if you’re as short as me), and if you want to make them feel chic, opt for a heeled boot, as I have done here.
"I’m usually a size 10 to 12 in trousers, and wearing a 29” pair here. They sit on the hips at the perfect place, just above my underwear. I would say they fit true to size, but if you’re between sizes or, like me, hate anything to nip on your hips, then I would size up an inch and wear with a belt. They are, however, quite long. I’m 5"4', and even with my 2-inch heels, they still drag the floor. So great for tall people! The denim feels thick yet soft, and the zipper is sturdy. Generally, wearing them feels like wearing an expensive, quality pair of jeans, which is exactly what you want when you pay £330." — Rebecca Rhys-Evans, acting deputy editor
Shop the Jeans:
Fit: Fits true to size with a broadening length through the leg and comfortable mid-rise waistband that sits low on the hips.
Material/s: 100% regenerative cotton
Colour/s: 6, including indigo denim and chocolate brown.
Sizes: 23" - 32"
Pros
- Really good depth of colour in the different washes, I love this lighter shade but there’s also black and a mid-wash that are the perfect shades.
- Belt loop sits below the waistband, which is a nice design detail.
Cons
- Very long fit, so not great for those under 5ft 6, unless you wear with heels.
4. Juicy Couture Vintage Wash Low Rise Flared Embroidered Jeans
Style Notes: "Given the fact that I didn't start regularly wearing jeans until a couple of years ago, I'm always sceptical about denim trends. My aversion to denim stems from the fact that finding the right pair always took so long, and after a lifetime of gaping waistbands and trailing hems, I was ready to give up on jeans altogether until the return of 90s and noughties denim profiles piqued my interest again. As a child of the 90s, I was immediately drawn to pared-back, understated Calvin-esque jeans, but like all millennials everywhere, I heard the term 'low rise jeans' and immediately thought of my Y2K icons.
Only one brand could get this right, and Juicy Couture's newly launched denim line scratches the itch I didn't even know I had. Stretchy, figure-hugging, and just the right amount of distressed, these have "It girl" written all over them. After wearing them for hours the comfortable stretch avoids the need to unbutton for jeans for comfort, but be warned. Those used to an ultra-rise will find the transition stark—these pull no punches in just how low they sit on the hips (think Margot Robbie in that Dilara Findikoglu corset and leather trousers). These jeans are not meant for bending over, but there's no denying just how good they look standing up..." —Remy Farrel, fashion editor
Shop the Jeans:
Fit: Like stepping back in time, these Juicy jeans feature a low waistline, flared bottoms, panelled stitching through the leg and, as the pièce de résistance, dimanté studs along the embroidered JC monogram on the back pockets.
Material/s: 99% cotton, 1% elastane
Colour/s: 3; light denim wash, mid wash and vintage wash.
Sizes: 25" - 34"
Pros
- Supersoft cotton that moves with you. Plus, the detailing and finish couldn't be more on trend for the Y2K revival.
Cons
- Ultra low rise at the back too, so don't go without a belt.
5. Asos Low Rise Baggy Jeans
Style Notes: "Listed as low-waist jeans but actually sitting quite high on the body, ASOS’ Low Rise Baggy Jeans are great for those who want to try low-waist jeans without the commitment of actually wearing something particularly low.
"If I’m being honest, I have a mid-rise pair which sit lower than these. This being said, they’re a lovely cut—less wide than the Agolde jeans I tried, they’re more of an everyday silhouette, and would be easier to style. I’m 5"4', and these jeans are the perfect length—I can wear them with and without a heel. I do like a looser fit on the waist, this particular pair are a size 28, but I would buy one size larger for the more comfortable, baggier feel." — Rebecca Rhys-Evans, acting deputy editor
Shop the Jeans:
Fit: With an ultra slouchy shape, these baggy jeans are incredibly loose around the ankle, making it optimal for a variety of shoe pairings.
Material/s: 100% cotton
Colour/s: 7, including acid wash, black and khaki.
Sizes: UK 4 - UK 18
Pros
- Higher waist that is great for those who don’t want to wear anything too low.
- Good length for those that are average height: can wear with a mix of heel heights.
Cons
- Despite listed as low-waist, I’d say they’re more of mid-rise cut.
6. True Religion Joey Low-Rise Flare Jeans
Style Notes: "There’s rarely a Gen Z-approved trend I wouldn’t try. But when I was asked to recommend the True Religion Joey jeans, I was slightly dubious, given their connotations with Paris Hilton's party wardrobe. With a washed, almost distressed blue wash to them, my hopes weren't high when I first tried them on. However, I was more than pleasantly surprised after several wears, and I'm pleased to say they're now a fixture in my wardrobe.
"Sizing up to a UK10, I typically wear a UK8, the stretchy, almost cocooning material clung to my legs like a second skin. With functional back pockets and a button closure, the close fit tapers at the knee into a bootcut finish, grazing the floor as you walk. (Which was a surprise as I’m 5'10", so most jeans are relatively short if not bought in a longer length). Having had them for a few months, I must admit I’ve pulled them out a fair few times, using them to add some edge to neutral colourways and biker boots. Are they my favourite pair? Definitely not. But they honestly fall into my top ten." — Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki, junior fashion editor
Shop the Jeans:
Fit: The fit and flare shape is one of the biggest denim trends for 2026.
Material/s: 76% Cotton, 22% Polyester, 2% Elastane.
Colour: Blue
Sizes: 24" - 32"
Pros
- Multiple colourways.
- Very comfortable.
Cons
- Would be long length-wise on average heights, so would need to be tailored.
Shop More Low-Rise Jeans:
Style Notes: Le (manic) Pixie (dreamgirl) jeans from Frame are a modern spin on French archetypes, made sustainably in Los Angeles.
Material/s: 99% cotton, 1% elastane
Colour/s: Blue
Sizes: 23" - 34"
Style Notes: Renowned for their unwavering commitment to exceptional materials and only-the-essentials design, this Toteme style puts a refined and minimalistic spin on low-rise jeans.
Material/s: 100% organic cotton.
Colour/s: 4; including rinsed blue, black and vintage blue.
Sizes: 23" - 32"
Style Notes: Like something you'd find in Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's wardrobe, these jeans are clean cut and razor sharp .
Material/s: 67% Organically Grown Cotton, 22% TENCEL, 11% Recycled Cotton
Colour/s: 3; including dark blue, light blue and black
Sizes: 23" - 34"
Style Notes: Slouchy but still perfectly tailored, this is a pair that benefits from being paired with considered wardrobe staples like Leset's Margot white t-shirt and Saint Laurent loafers.
Material/s: 100% cotton
Colour/s: Washed blue.
Sizes: 24" - 34"
Style Notes: Designer jeans are one of the best sartorial investments you can make, especially when you have styles like this which are crafted from signature cashmere-blend denim and feature a sleek straight-leg design.
Material/s: 93% cotton, 5.5% cashmere, 1.5% elastane
Colour: Dark blue.
Sizes: 23" - 33"
Style Notes: Levi's are the originator of jeans, but they can also be a disruptor in the category, as displayed by this low and loose pair.
Material/s: 55% Cotton, 45% Lyocell
Colour/s: 6; including blue, black and indigo.
Sizes: 23" - 33"
Style Notes: After wearing these exact jeans around the Who What Wear office, senior shopping editor, Marina Avraam, was influenced to invest in a pair herself, which is always a stellar indication of whether something is chic or not.
Material/s: 100% Cotton
Colour/s: 8; including light blue, indigo wash, ecru and dark indigo.
Sizes: 22" - 34"
Style Notes: Founded by Los Angeles-based best friends Sami Lorking-Tanner and Evangeline Titilas, With Jéan is a brand that's like catnip for cool girls. You can count on this style being spotted everywhere from Fairfax Avenue to London's King's Road.
Material/s: 95% Cotton, 5% Polyester
Colour: Indigo blue
Sizes: XXS - XL
Style Notes: From its East London studio, Dala delivers modern denim that's thoughtfully designed to consider both the wearer and the planet. This style is slim through the thigh and features a straight full-length leg.
Material/s: Made with Italian rigid denim in 100% organic cotton
Colour/s: 2; Light blue and black.
Sizes: 24" - 40" (one of the biggest size ranges available!)
Style Notes: Cosmopolitan European denim house, Jeanerica, looked to archival sailor outfits of the late 1960s, with their patch pockets, flares and wide hemlines, for this low-rise iteration.
Material/s: 61% Recycled Cotton, 21% Viscose, 18% Recycled Polyester, 1% Elastane
Colour/s: 7; including indigo and black.
Sizes: 24" - 33"
What to Look Out for When Buying Low-Rise Jeans?
The most important factor of low-rise jeans is, as the name suggests, where the waistline sits. As some of Who What Wear UK's editors have noted, a lot of jeans they tried on that were labelled low-rise actually finished considerably higher up their abdomen, so it's important that you factor in exactly where you want the jeans to fall before purchasing.
The second thing is sizing. As hinted at, a lot of low-rise jeans can be troublesome when finding the correct size, as they might be slightly bigger (or smaller) than your usual size to counter the fact that they rest quite far down on your hips.
However, the most important element to keep in mind is your comfort level. A lot of low-rise jeans can expose some parts of your mid-section that you don't usually display, so be sure to try on a few pairs and make the right decision that suits your specific tastes and needs.
What Low-Rise Jeans are Trending in 2026?
"This season, we’re especially excited about low-slung silhouettes with bowed legs and a puddled hem, which offer a fresh, directional take on modern denim," explains Jones. We're also seeing a lot of large waistbands come through in 2026, which is a departure from the traditional waistband-less styles popular in the noughties.
How We Tested the Best Low-Rise Jeans
Who What Wear UK editors rigorously tested the best low-rise jeans over the course of several weeks. This process began with looking at sales data and viral styles to determine which popular pieces were worth vetting in the first place, in order to see if they would live up to the hype. They also raided their own wardrobes, as any style that finds its way into a fashion editor's wardrobe is one that has already earned a sought-after stamp of approval. From this, we shortlisted styles and road-tested them for several weeks to see how easily they were to move in and how comfortable to live in. Then, we narrowed this wider selection down to just a handful that whole-heartedly vouch for and reccomend.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.
We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.