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When it comes to tall men's style, the struggle to find pants that look good can feel like a never-ending battle.
And here's the plot twist: it's not just about the length of your pants.
Enter the often overlooked yet formidable foe - pants rise. This little-known factor has the power to either make or break your entire look.
In this article, I dive deep into the world of pants rise. I will attempt to demystify this crucial aspect of trousers fitting, explore the different types of rise, and, most importantly, I reveal the holy grail: the correct pants rise for tall men.
What Is Pants Rise For Tall Men?
Rise is the distance from the middle of the crotch seam (right between your legs) to the top of the waistband.
Simply put, pants rise determines how far up your body your pants sit.
Rise can be measured in three ways.
1. Front Rise Measurement
The front rise is measured from the crotch seam straight up to the front to the top of the waistband.
2. Back Rise Measurement
The back rise is measured from the crotch seam straight up the back of the pants to the top of the waistband. The back rise is usually 4" greater than the front rise measurement.
3. Full Rise Measurement
Full Rise = Front Rise + Back Rise.
3 Types of Pant Rise For Tall Men
Regular Rise Pants
Also known as 'mid-rise' or 'normal rise,' this is the most common type of rise found in off-the-shelf men's pants.
For most guys, today's mid-rise pants (which are shorter than traditional mid-rise pants) will typically end around 2 inches lower than the natural waist.
Low Rise Pants
These abominations are designed to sit dangerously below your natural waistline.
They became popular during the 60s and 70s (think bell bottoms) and have, sadly, made a comeback over the past two decades.
Low Rise pants should never be worn by any man. Ideally, low-rise pants (and anyone found wearing them) should be sealed in concrete and dumped into the North Sea.
High Rise Pants
When it comes to pants, high rise is your knight in shining armor - the only sensible option worth considering for tall guys.
High rise pants harken back to what was traditionally known as regular rise, providing a classic and flattering fit that stands the test of time.
They sit comfortably anywhere from 1 inch above your naval to your naval itself. It's all about finding that sweet spot where your pants rest at your natural waistline.
The Importance of Pants Rise For Tall Men
Off-the-shelf trousers often fall short in the rise department - quite literally - by barely reaching up your natural waist, resulting in an utterly ridiculous appearance.
When it comes to tall men's style, maintaining balanced proportions is the ultimate key.
And this rule extends to your pants, where the rise plays a crucial role.
The correct pants rise is crucial to maintaining the symmetry of your look and preventing it from appearing untidy or disproportionate.
An image showing medium rise pants on the left and high / full rise pants on the right.
Should Tall Men Wear High Rise Pants?
Yes! Tall men should wear high rise pants that sit at the natural waist - the narrowest point of the torso.
If you're struggling to pinpoint your natural waist, it's typically located around your navel or approximately 0.5 inches above it.
This golden rule ensures a harmonious and well-proportioned look that oozes sophistication.
High rise pants that sit correctly at the natural waist (depicted by the hashed line).
Now let's debunk a common misconception that has plagued tall guys for far too long: high rise trousers do not elongate your legs to the point of absurdity.
In fact, just like with the button stance for tall men, high rise pants give you a balanced, harmonious look that visually divides your body at the midpoint.
This balanced aesthetic not only exudes elegance but also ensures a well-proportioned appearance that is both flattering and refined.
Pants Rise and the Dreaded Shirt Gap
If you take away just one thing from this article, let it be this: when you're standing, there should be no visible white shirt (or any color shirt) peeking through between the top button of your blazer or suit jacket and your waistband.
To accomplish this, it's crucial to ensure that your pants are worn at the correct height on your waist. Your trousers should end around 0.5 - 1 inch lower than your waist button.
The image illustrates a pair of trousers worn too low. When the jacket is fastened, a portion of the white shirt underneath becomes visible. The natural waist is indicated by the red line.
An example of low rise trousers exposing the dreaded 'shirt gap.'
The primary objective of this rule is to create a clean, seamless line in your ensemble, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and impeccably polished appearance.
Summary: The Correct Trouser Rise For Tall Guys
Understanding the importance of pants rise for tall men is crucial for achieving a well-proportioned and stylish look.
The correct rise ensures that your pants sit at the right place on your body, creating a balanced silhouette.
Avoid low-rise pants as if they were the fashion equivalent of a plague-ridden medieval village.
Remember, nailing the perfect pants rise is not just about looking good; it's about embracing your tall stature and confidently showcasing your unique style.