Men's high-waist trouser: how to wear it

1 July 2025. Editor · Koen · Menswear Editor

With a high-waist trouser, a tucked-in top usually works best, because the higher waist then stays visible. Combine it, for example, with a knitted polo or shirt and calm shoes. A higher waist can sit comfortably and helps keep a tucked-in top in place. It works especially well with light summer trousers and on men with a long upper body. Below you can read how to choose and combine it.

Knitted polo tucked into a light trouser, a polished summer look for men from Issu & Lloyd

What is a high-waist trouser?

With men's trousers we roughly distinguish three heights. A low rise sits on the hips, a mid rise slightly above, around the navel or just below. A high waist sits on the natural waist, the narrowest point of your upper body. For a long time low trousers were the norm, but the high waist is back, especially in smart trousers. The fit gives a more classic silhouette and can sit comfortably.

Height	Sits at	Effect
Low rise	The hips	Casual, shorter legs
Mid rise	Just below the navel	Neutral, versatile
High waist	The natural waist	Longer legs, classic, polished

The benefits of a higher waist

Longer legs. Because the trouser starts higher, your leg looks longer. That gives a slim, upright silhouette.
Shirt stays tucked in. A high waist keeps a tucked-in shirt or polo better in place, even when you sit or move.
Comfort when sitting. The trouser does not sit on your hips, so it does not slip down or pinch when you sit for a long time.
A polished line. The transition from top to trouser sits at the narrowest point, which looks calm and balanced.

Who suits a high-waist trouser?

Almost everyone, but the effect differs:

Long upper body, shorter legs: the high waist is ideal and brings your proportions into balance.
Slim build: a high waist with a pleat gives volume and structure.
Broader build: a high waist can be very flattering, because the trouser closes above the stomach and not below it. Then choose a trouser with some room around the hip.
Very long legs and a short upper body: choose a mid rise instead, otherwise your upper body looks too short.

The summer high-waist trouser

The Winston in cream is a lightweight high-waist trouser with a slim-straight fit: slim at the hips and straight from the leg down. The back pockets are closed with basting stitches that you can easily open, which gives a sleek back. It is machine washable, which is pleasant in summer. Cream is also the most versatile summer colour for a trouser. It suits navy, white, light blue, brown and grey.

What do you wear with it? Five combinations

With a fine-knit open polo. The Theodore in light grey melange made of lyocell, tucked in. The open collar and the high waist together form a classic, almost Italian summer silhouette.
With a navy piqué polo. The Alistair in navy gives contrast with cream. Tucked in, with brown suede loafers.
With a light blue shirt. The Hamilton shirt in light blue has a rounded hem that stays deep in the trouser. Sleeves rolled up for the day, rolled down with loafers for the evening.
With a brown modal polo. The Montgomery in brown with cream is warm and calm, lovely for a summer evening. With the Montgomery, choose one size larger.
With a knitted polo with quarter zip. For cooler evenings, with the zip half open.

Tuck in: yes or no?

The higher waist is most clearly visible when you tuck in the top. If you let the polo hang loose, the high waist disappears and you only see a long top on a trouser. If you want it more relaxed, only tuck in the front lightly. Do make sure your top is not too long: a polo that falls to halfway down your thigh becomes a wad of fabric in your trouser.

Belt or no belt?

If the trouser has belt loops, wear a belt. Choose a narrow, calm belt in leather, in a colour that matches your shoes. A wide belt with a large buckle interrupts the long line that you actually want to create. If the trouser has no belt loops, the waistband itself is the detail.

Shoes with a high-waist trouser

Loafers: the classic choice. Suede loafers in brown or navy are perfect with cream.
Leather sneakers: for a more modern, relaxed look. Choose white and minimalist.
Espadrilles: for holidays and terraces.

Let the trouser end just at the shoe, without a big fold at the ankle. That keeps the long line intact.

High waist at the office

At the office, a high-waist trouser is an excellent choice, precisely because your shirt or polo stays neatly in the trouser all day. Combine the cream trouser with a light blue shirt and brown loafers for a business summer look, or with a navy polo for a slightly more relaxed office. If you want a layer for the air conditioning, choose a cardigan that is not too long, so the waist stays visible. Also take a look at the Office for Men collection.

Length and hem

A high-waist trouser looks best when the length is exactly right. Choose a hem that just touches the top of your shoe. If you wear loafers without socks, the trouser may even be a centimetre shorter, so your ankle is just visible. That looks summery and keeps the long line from waist to shoe intact.

Common mistakes

A top that is too long worn loose. Then you lose the effect of the high waist.
A trouser that is too long. A pile of fabric at the ankles makes the legs shorter again.
A size that is too tight. A high waist should sit on the waist, not cut into it.

Take a look at all trousers for men or combine with the polos.