This is part of a five part guide all about jeans. This part deals with some of the different types of washes that you can find on jeans. It also talks about rises and waistlines. You will also find the links to my other guide for more information about other jean topics.

For more information about jeans visit my other guides:

All About Jeans: Styles & Fits

All About Jeans: Finding The Fit For Your Shape

All About Jeans: Finishes & Features

Rise & Waistlines

Natural Waist:

Features a waistline that sits on the natural curve of the waist; the indention between the hips and the ribcage.

 Low Rise:

Features a waistline that sits below the natural waist and right below the navel.

       Super/Ultra Low Rise 

Features a waistline that sits far below the natural waistline and a few inches below the navel.

Hipsters/Hip Huggers:

Features a waistline that sits right on top of your hips.

High Rise:

Features a waistline that sits well above your natural waist.

What is rise:

The rise is measured from the crotch line of pants to the top hem, over the fly. Make sure when deciding on low rise or low waist jeans that the rise isn't too long for you or you may end up with a saggy bottom. Most low waist jeans feature a rise of 8" or shorter depending on how low they sit on the waist. Low rise jeans often feature smaller zippers to accomodate, they are about 2 to 3 inches.

Why do low rise/waist jeans measure larger than my normal waist measurements?

Low waist jeans have a larger waist measurments because they are meant to sit below the natural waistline. Example: Size 2 normal waist measurements are between 25/26" Hips are around 35" if you go in between these two measurement you will find the right fit for low waist jeans. 27/28" is the ballpark for regular low waist jeans. 29/30" is around the waist measurements for ultra low rise jeans. This example may vary with different jean manufacturers.

Types of Washes

Acid Wash:

This was a biggie in the 80's but it is coming back with a vengence! Features bleached out splotches on any area of the jeans.

Light Wash:

Dark Wash:

Vintage Wash:

This is really a catchall phrase to cover many types of washes that are considered "Retro". This wash usually gives jeans an older, worn look.

Tinted:

Denim that is dipped into diluted dye shade, can be any color.

Whisker Wash:

A wash that features bleached out marks that resemble whiskers. Typically can be found right below pockets but they can also be found just about anywhere on the jeans.