Pants and Shorts Explained: How Rise, Leg Shape and Waistbands Affect Fit
Finding your perfect pair: what rise means, how leg shape and length change the look, and the waistband details that make linen pants so easy to wear.
In this guide
Two pairs of pants in the same size can feel like entirely different stories. That's because the way pants fit comes down to four lovely details: the rise, the leg shape, the length and the waistband. Here we gently walk through each one, how pants should fit, and how to find your perfect pair of linen pants or shorts.
What does rise mean on pants?
The rise is the distance from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband, and it decides where your pants will sit:
| Rise | Where it sits |
|---|---|
| Low rise | Below the natural waist, closer to the hips |
| Mid rise | Between the hips and the natural waist, usually around the belly button |
| High rise / high waisted | At or above the natural waist |
How to measure rise
Lay a pair of pants you already love flat. Measure from the crotch seam straight up to the top of the front waistband: that's the front rise. Compare it with the pair you're considering, and you'll have a lovely sense of where they'll sit.
High waisted vs mid rise pants
High waisted pants sit at the natural waist and look so polished with a tucked-in top or a cropped knit. Mid rise pants sit a little lower and feel more relaxed, and are effortless with longer tops and camis worn loose. Neither is right or wrong; it's all about comfort, and how you love to wear them.
Types of pants for women: leg shapes
- Wide leg pants are roomy from hip to hem. A straight wide leg falls in a clean, elegant column, like our RIKA, IVY or OLI pants. A flowy wide leg sways softly as you walk, like our LETTY pants.
- Straight leg pants, like our OLI pants, keep the same width from knee to hem.
- Pencil pants are slimmer through the leg for a sharp, refined silhouette, like our EMER pants.
- Tapered pants narrow gently towards the ankle.
- Culottes are wide, cropped pants that can look almost like a skirt.
In linen, wide-leg shapes are especially loved. That extra room lets the air drift around your legs, which is a large part of why wide leg pants for women are so popular through the Australian summer.
Cropped vs full length pants
Cropped pants finish above the ankle, revealing a little skin. They're sweet with sandals, sneakers and ballet flats, and cropped linen pants (or linen crop pants) are a warm-weather favourite. Full length pants reach the ankle or the top of the foot, and look beautifully elegant with heels or flatforms that add a little height.
Discover cropped pants and full length pants.
Waistband styles
- Fully elasticated waistband: pull-on and easy, with the most give. Our LETTY pants have an easy elasticated waistband.
- Flat front with an elastic back: a smooth, tailored look at the front with comfort at the back. Our EMER and RIKA pants have an elastic back waistband, and RIKA and OLI close with a front zip.
- Side zip: keeps the front clean and smooth, as on IVY pants and GAIA shorts.
- Drawstring: adjustable, relaxed and easy to wear.
How should pants fit?
At the waist
The waistband should sit comfortably where it's designed to, without gaping at the back or pressing in when you sit. You should be able to slide a finger inside it with ease. An elastic back waistband offers a little extra softness here.
Through the hips and seat
The fabric should skim without pulling. Little horizontal creases across the front or seat usually mean the pants are too snug, while fabric that pools beneath the seat can mean they're too generous.
Through the leg
Wide-leg pants should fall freely from the hip. Pencil and slimmer styles should follow the leg without straining at the thigh or knee.
At the ankle
Cropped pants should finish clearly above the ankle so they look intentional. Full length pants should reach the ankle or top of the foot. Think about the shoes you reach for most, as heels and flats change how long pants look.
Linen pants for women: what to know
Linen pants are breathable, cool and wonderfully comfortable, made for warm days. A few little things are unique to linen:
- Pure linen has no natural stretch, so relaxed shapes and elastic waistbands bring extra ease.
- Linen creases, especially across the lap after sitting. That relaxed, lived-in look is part of its charm.
- Linen grows softer with every wash and wear.
- Details like French seams, as on EMER, RIKA, OLI and LETTY, give a clean, beautiful finish inside and out.
Our European linen pants are made for warm Australian days. Browse all linen pants, made from 100% European linen, many from EUROPEAN FLAX® certified linen. Read more in our guide What Is Linen?.
Linen shorts for women: how should shorts fit?
Shorts follow the same gentle rules: the waist should sit comfortably, and the fabric should skim the hips without pulling. Leg shape matters too. A-line shorts widen softly from the hip to the hem, leaving a little room to move. Our GAIA Linen Shorts are A-line, with a side invisible zip, side pockets, an elastic back waistband and a slightly angled hem. Pair them with the ROSA or BEA cami, or our best-selling TINA top, for an effortless summer set.
Shopping by colour? Discover black pants, white pants and beige pants. Prefer a dress for the warmer days? Our guide to dress styles explains every length and silhouette.
Discover linen shorts and matching sets.
Pants fit FAQs
How should pants fit at the waist?
Comfortably, without gaping at the back or pressing in when you sit. You should be able to slide a finger inside the waistband.
What does rise mean on pants?
Rise is the distance from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. It decides whether pants sit low, at mid rise or at the natural waist.
What's the difference between high waisted and mid rise?
High waisted pants sit at or above the natural waist. Mid rise pants sit a little lower, around the belly button.
How long should wide leg pants be?
Full length wide-leg pants usually reach the ankle or the top of the foot, while cropped styles finish above the ankle. Choose with your favourite shoes in mind.
Are linen pants good for summer?
Yes. Linen is breathable and feels cool, and wide-leg shapes let the air move freely.
What types of pants are there for women?
The main leg shapes are wide leg, straight leg, pencil, tapered and culotte, in cropped or full lengths, with rises from low to high.
