History of Low Rise Jeans
Measuring a distance of as little as 7-10 cm from crotch to waist, an extreme article of clothing to be sure, is an ultra S. It is no wonder that low-cut jeans have had some bad press throughout its history. Whether or not you approve, history has proven that we do not only recycle waste, we also recycle ideas.
1960’s and 1970’s
The predecessor of low-rise jeans, hip-huggers gained popularity in the 1960s. Hip-huggers were low-cut, tight around the hip and thigh area, flaring out towards the lower leg. This style of jeans was all the rage for both men and women, more so, with the hippy crowd.
1970’s
Still as fashionable as ever and this time with the disco set, the hip-huggers then became known as bell-bottoms.
1980’s and 1990’s
In the 80’s and 90’s however, low-cut jeans fell out of fashion and people started wearing high-waist, straight legged jeans.
Late 1990’s – Present
Alexander McQueen heralded the return to style of low-cut jeans in the 90’s with his scandalous “Bumsters”.
In 2001, Britney Spears started wearing low-rise jeans and was largely credited for causing the craze among boys and girls in their teens and early 20s. Most retails brands geared towards teens carry jeans that are mostly if not only, low-rise.
In the mid to late 90’s, exhibition of underwear and flesh became synonymous with low-waist jeans. Calvin Klein in particular, designed underwear bearing the Calvin Klein name on the band, modeled by celebrity Mark Wahlberg. These kinds of underwear, and later boxer shorts were intended to be worn with loose, low-cut jeans with the band bearing the designer’s name on display.
Nowadays, low-cut jeans are a normal staple in most wardrobes, male or female. There are a wide variety of selections to reflect the variety of people wearing them. They transcend class and age although they are still more controversial than your regular, mid or high rise jeans.
Legal Controversies
Low-rise jeans are not without its share of detractors. In 2004, an effort was made by Senator Derrick Shepherd to prohibit low-cut jeans from being worn due to the popularity of displaying underwear while wearing low-slung jeans. As per HB 1703, those who are caught showing their underwear will pay a fine of $500. In Virginia, a similar attempt was made to fine anyone $50 for displaying their underwear. The bill was rejected in February 2005.
Medical Controversies
Wearing hipsters, especially tight ones daily, is not ideal. According to Dr. Malvinder S. Parmar, in an article from the Canadian Medical Association Journal, wearing low-waist jeans can cause Meralgia paresthetica. This condition occurs when pressure is put on a sensory nerve called lateral cutaneous nerve. It causes pain and paresthesia, a tingling or burning sensation in the thigh area. The condition was identified in three slightly obese women who wore these type of jeans for 6-8 months. After abstaining from low-cut jeans, they were healed in 4-6 weeks.
Since the return of low-rise jeans in the early 90’s, retailers have widened the range of styles and colors to choose from. From skinny to super-flare, white to black and everything in between, hipster, as they are also known, is here to stay.