‘Has the ship sailed for me?’ The dilemma Gen X and Millennials face as low-rise pants return

For those of us who lived through the early ’00s, fashion is in a confronting era, with many of the hallmark trends of two decades ago – from lace-trimmed camisoles to boho to capri pants – firmly back in the zeitgeist.

But, undoubtedly, the most divisive and daunting of these comeback kids is the low-rise pant. Yes, the waistbands that terrorised our hips (and, often, pelvic regions) are back, and Millennials and Gen Xers don’t know how to feel about it.

Chrissy Teigen captured this uncertainty in a recent Instagram video, asking her followers, “Has the low-rise ship sailed for me?”

“I am late on this, but... I am a high-rise girl, but I’m liking low now. Is that cool? I’m 40, don’t forget, I’m 40,” she wondered out loud as she toyed with a pair of black trousers.

Moving the pants to sit high on the waist, she said, “Is this me?” before sliding them down to her hips and asking, “Or is this me?”

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It’s the dilemma many of us now face as we contemplate revisiting a trend from our teens and 20s.

Are we really doing this again? Can low-rise pants even feel “grown-up”? Can we shake off the haunting memories and learn to love them all these years later?

We took our questions to personal stylist Melissa Murgana, aka @MelissaGotStyle, who readily admits she “was witness to and wore” the trend the first time around.

“I still have my low-rise, butt-crack-hitting Bettina Liano jeans and Sass and Bide denim shorts,” the Melbourne-based stylist tells nine.com.au.

From conversations she’s had with clients, Murgana believes the hesitation over revisiting lower waistbands all these years later is twofold.

She says for many women, the physical changes that come with growing up, be they from having children, bloating or conditions like endometriosis, are part of it: “[Some] clients don’t have the confidence to carry off a low rise, as it doesn’t offer the tummy support they feel they need this time around.”

The other factor is comfort, which Murgana says is now the “number one thing” people want from their clothing, especially post-COVID.

“Often a low rise needs more adjusting, and clients simply aren’t willing to compromise comfort for that or any fashion trend.”

If you’re still feeling game, read on for Murgana’s tips for styling a low-rise pant in 2026.

What’s different this time

According to the stylist, we’re taking a more mindful approach to the look when compared to its 2000s halcyon days.

“[People] are far more conscious than back then in terms of how they spend their money, the versatility [they] are looking for in the pieces they buy and wear, and tendency for comfort to be a key non-negotiable in purchasing,” she says.

“I think many see low rise as not comfy [and] requiring too much fuss, and are thinking about moving in them and feel they’ve been there, done that.”

When it comes to styling the look for 2026, Murgana suggests keeping proportions in mind, noting a lot of the low-slung trousers available now are relaxed and have a slouchier fit that sits off the hips.

“[So] thinking about balancing the relaxation with something less relaxed in fit achieves a modern look and feel,” she says, using the example of teaming a fitted baby tee with low-rise pants.

Making it feel ‘grown up’

Murgana says in our 30s, 40s and beyond, career and motherhood tend to be at the forefront of our lives, and we want our wardrobes to reflect this – which might explain why low-rise pants feel at odds with these life stages.

There’s also the mindset shift of moving from one wardrobe silhouette to something different.

“A low rise may involve more thought in terms of what tops to go with, or what footwear, so they put it into the too hard basket and stick with a rise they are more comfortable with,” she says.

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“To feel grown up, maybe try styling with a collared jacket or trench coat, a piece that’s more classic to balance the trend element.”

Similarly, Murgana says low-slung styles can “absolutely” work for the office and work environments.

“You could look at a wide leg, tapered or a barrel leg shape silhouette that provides a hint of volume to feel more polished for the workplace,” she says.

Then, of course, there’s the issue of the midriff. Baring your bellybutton was all well and good at those 2004 high school house parties, but the office is a different story, so your selection of top is key.

“A hip-height button-down cardigan, shirting or a knitted polo are smart suggestions to master the longer proportion required,” Murgana says.

“Think about adding some structure to the work outfits, like teaming [your pants] with a blazer or boxy tote.”

Don’t overlook your footwear, either. Murgana suggests a pointed slingback, either flat or with a heel, or a structured loafer or boot as the best way to make your trousers feel more office-appropriate.

Is that the end of high-rise, then?

Can’t bear the thought of life without your beloved high-rise pants? Murgana is here to reassure you the style isn’t going anywhere. (All together now: phew.)

“Plenty of women feel supported in a more high rise [pant], so it’s more than a trend now as it’s being hanging around for more than a season or two,” she says.

“High rise is now a mainstream characteristic of clothing, and the majority of brands carry it, so women feel like it’s an adopted movement nowadays.”

Murgana says the more important considerations when pant shopping are your shape, torso length, comfort level, personal style and what you feel good in, rather than what’s trendy.

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Also, don’t always believe what the label says: not all low- or high-rises are made equal.

“I’ll often say to clients that you can’t always look at the description of a garment as a guide,” she continues.

“Often they will reference ‘mid-rise’ or ‘high-rise’, and that’s often not a truthful reflection ... because they will sit differently on every body.

“It’s often up to interpretation, as there a ‘mild high rise’ and ‘super high rise’, so use the zip and crotch length as a visual, more than what the tag says.”