The low down on the low-rise jeans we’re shopping in 2026

Low-rise jeans have officially re-entered the chat. We knew this was coming. Waistlines have been inching lower for seasons now, and fashion’s ongoing obsession with the Y2K revival means hip-skimming denim is officially back—much to many people’s dismay.

One person who isn’t mad about the return of low-rise jeans is Hailey Bieber. She’s put her own spin on the style in a collaboration with GAP, centred around a pair of ’90s-inspired, hip-hugging, wide-leg jeans. Sadly, they’re not (yet) available to shop in Australia, but with Bieber continuing to prove herself fashion’s ultimate trend oracle, it’s no surprise there are already plenty of similar styles available on home soil.

But before we get to the pieces we’re buying, it’s time for a history lesson. If there are any markers of an era in fashion, it’s denim. The 70s saw mid-rise kick flares, the 80s – super skinny ribcage jeans, the 90s leaned into relaxed, high waisted light washes of good quality denim, and the 00s was devoted to the lowest rise possible. Just ask a young Keira Knightley. Lest we forget what came after… the skin-tight mid-low-rise jean that the ‘jegging’ was born out of. Whatever happens, we’ll say a prayer that jeggings are not a part of the next revival, though at this point we are unable to hold our breath.

If, like me, you are not actually all that mad about low rise jeans and the way they have re-entered the trend cycle (which will naturally be a bit different/more modern than the last time they were on the scene), you’ve likely been browsing the internet for a pair. I have done the work for you, and rounded up our favourites at RUSSH. From classic oversized denim from The Row and Agolde that send us into orbit, to classic styles from the OG’s: SLVRLAKE, Maison Margiela, and Citizens of Humanity. There are favourites from our very own Australian designers, too, including Christopher Esber and Neuw Denim..

If you’re ready to dip your toe into the world of low rise jeans, these are our favourites, below.