If there’s one thing we can count on, it’s fashion’s love affair with nostalgia. Enter: low-rise jeans. The Y2K revival has officially taken over, and with it, the return of one of the most polarising denim trends of all time. Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, and early 2000s Victoria Beckham walked so that Tyla, Bella Hadid, and Jennie could strut their low-rise denim looks today.

But the question remains — are low-rise jeans really for everyone? Or is this just another trend that looks great on Pinterest mood boards but is an absolute nightmare to pull off in real life? Let’s break it down.

We’ve all seen the signs. Denim brands like Diesel and Acne Studios are bringing back dangerously low-slung waistlines, Gen Z’s favourite fashion influencers like Alex Consani and Jihoon Kim are embracing the trend on TikTok, and celebrities are stepping out in pants so low it’s a miracle they stay up at all. The early 2000s are back, and this time, they’re here to stay.

The rise of Y2K fashion (think–micro mini skirts, butterfly clips, and bedazzled everything) has fueled the resurgence of low-rise jeans. What once belonged to the pop princesses of the 2000s has now been reinterpreted for a new generation. From baggy and relaxed to flared and ultra-fitted, low-rise jeans have evolved beyond their former Mean Girls-era exclusivity and into something a little more diverse.

But while some are welcoming the comeback with open arms (or open waistbands), others are still scarred from this fashion dilemma of the past. So, where do we stand?

Let’s start with this — I love denim. The versatility, the ruggedness, and the fact that it somehow works with anything and everything, from baby tees to crewnecks. But finding the right pair of jeans? Now that’s a struggle that I’m sure we can all relate to.

As a girl with very wide hips, shopping for a pair of jeans can be quite a challenge. The perfect pair needs to sit just right on the hips, accommodate the waist, have the right wash, and of course, flatter my shape. It’s a miracle if I find one that checks all the boxes at first go. And let’s be real, most of us have had that soul-crushing experience of trying on what looks like the perfect pair, only to realise they refuse to go past the thighs.

Then, I discovered the beauty she is, that is low-rise jeans. And not just any low-rise jeans — low-rise baggy jeans. Game-changer. No more worrying about my waist-to-hip ratio. No more jumping up and down in the fitting room to squeeze into something that just refuses to go up past my hips. Just effortless, slouchy coolness. And as a street-style dancer, I can’t stress enough how much I appreciate the freedom of movement they offer. Look good, feel good, and dance good — you feel me?

But I won’t lie. Low-rise jeans aren’t always the easiest thing to wear. Some days, I feel like an off-duty model. On other days, I feel like I should’ve thrown on a belt or I might just end up flashing. It’s a fine line between effortlessly cool and “girl help, my pants are falling off”.

Let’s talk extremes. Diesel recently sent ultra-low waist jeans down the Milan Fashion Week 2025 runway, and by ultra-low, I mean basically buttcrack-exposing. Think low-rise, but make it dangerously close to becoming a wardrobe malfunction.

It’s bold, it’s daring, and it definitely makes a statement. But is it practical? Probably not. Especially if you’re simply meaning to get past a 9 to 5, and having to sit for long, and I mean long hours in the office.

While I respect fashion as a form of self-expression, I personally draw the line at flashing my crack to the world. That said, if you have the confidence to rock them, go for it. Because at the end of the day, fashion should be about wearing what makes you feel good — not about following what’s “acceptable”.

The Gen Z population has officially adopted the low-rise jeans trend, and fashion A-Listers like Hailey Bieber and Emily Ratajkowski are leading the pack. But let’s not forget the controversy that will, and has come up with this trend. Who knew a pair of jeans (that potentially shows off your crack) could be so contentious? Well… think again. 

The early 2000s were notorious for unrealistic body standards and thin-worship. Naturally, some now fear that the return of low-rise jeans signals a return to that toxic era. Who can forget the “heroin chic” look that dominated the runways, or the relentless pressure to have a flat stomach at all costs? Back then, if you didn’t have hipbones sharp enough to “cut glass”, you’d have to sit this trend out.

However, today’s revival feels a little different. It’s not about conforming to one body type. It’s about reclaiming the trend in a way that feels empowering and inclusive. This time around, low-rise jeans aren’t just for the ultra-thin. They’re being donned by a variety of body shapes, proving that it’s all about how you wear them.

If you’re thinking of giving this trend a shot but aren’t sure how to make it work, here are some foolproof ways to style low-rise jeans:

1. The classic white tank

2. Boho chic

3. Denim-on-denim

4. Model-off-duty

5. Island gal

Truthfully, if you’re someone who’s self-conscious about your midsection, this trend might feel pretty daunting at first. And that’s completely valid.

For my curvier girlies, low-rise denim can be a hit or miss. Some love how it accentuates the hips, while others feel exposed and uncomfortable. But if that isn’t the beauty of fashion, in that we get to empower our choices and dress as we please. Fashion should never be about forcing yourself into something just because it’s trendy. 

Body positivity and confidence play a huge role here. If low-rise jeans make you feel good, wear them. If they don’t, skip the trend and move on to something that does. The idea that certain trends are for everyone is a myth. Perhaps, the trend isn’t for you and that’s okay.

At the end of the day, fashion is meant to be fun and experimental. Trends come and go at the speed of doom-scrolling on TikTok, and there’s absolutely no rule saying you have to hop on every single one. 

Ultimately, the most important thing is that you feel good in what you wear. Because confidence, at the end of the day, is your best accessory. Remember, dress to express, not impress!