It’s not a new trend, but it’s as popular as ever. And there’s a reason its stuck around for so long. The high waist trend is one we’re all familiar with. Whether it’s high-rise leggings, high-rise jeans, or high-rise trousers, there is something about the fit that us women love. But what about this trend makes it stand the test of time so much? Let’s look into it.
Where did the high waist trend come from?
For women, high waists first came about in jean designs in the 1940s. Before these, many skirts were high waisted, but in terms of trousers…not so much. Partly because trousers were scarcely seen on women in the first place. But, to give you a brief history, the war changed that.
Without getting too deep into the indicatrices of the war effort (we are a modern fashion brand after all), it’s hard not to recognise how broader history and historical events impacted the fashion world. And in this case, women went from being predominantly in the household, to taking on new roles in farming and factories that the men could not do due to going to war. And, surprise surprise, women were pretty damn good at it!
But this new way of living, meant a new way of dressing. To stay practical, denim became the go to, for its more hardwearing fabric and long-lasting life. And high waists were created to preserve modesty for women whilst working, as much of the farm work and other physical jobs involved bending down, lifting up, and all sorts. So, rather than having what we now call ‘a builders bum’, the high waist was invented. Much more classy!
So, that’s where it started. At least for us women! And it’s stuck around, not so much for the modesty part of things – although that’s a huge plus, because who wants to accidentally reveal more than they intended. But it’s become a staple in style for women’s fashion.
How come the trend is still around?
Nowadays a high waist isn’t just for denim. Yes, high rise jeans are still the most popular style, but you might also notice that most of women’s bottoms are high waisted. Including high waisted leggings and trousers too. So, why did it evolve from just jeans into more? And more importantly, why has it stuck around?
Well, quite frankly, it just works for women’s bodies. As women, we’ve got hips, we’ve got thighs, we’ve got bums… and don’t we just rock them! So, having outfit pieces that work with our bodies is only a good thing. And once we’ve found that, we’re not likely to let it slip us by. Hence why, the high waist trend has clung on. Because it works with our shape, rather than against it.
A high waist is super flattering. It moulds to your silhouette and allows the waistline to rest comfortably and naturally within the curves of your body. Instead to stretching across your hip bones and rest underneath your tummy, like low-rise, high-rise continues up your body to give that super flattering and comfortable contour.
Whilst, yes, low-rise has trended in the 90’s and 00’s, it has never pushed high-rise out of the picture completely. High waisted pieces are something we’ve always returned to and keep in fashion as a society, and it’s because there is just no arguing that it works. It suits every body-type and doesn’t contend with other trends. It’s classy, comfortable and, arguably, the most flattering fit you can find!
