Risen Jeans Sizing: Why You Should Consider Sizing Down
If you have put on a pair of Risen jeans and thought “wow, these feel like leggings,” you are not alone! Risen denim is fabulously soft, stretchy, and forgiving, which is great for comfort but hard for you when trying to figure out sizing. In fact, one of the most common questions we get here at Wild Azalea Boutique, is “should I size down in Risen jeans?”
The short answer? Yes! Most of the time, your best bet is to size down.
This is a breakdown of why Risen jeans sizing runs big, how to determine your best fit and what I have found working with thousands of ladies in finding their best fitting jeans. Whether you are curvy, petite, tall or somewhere in between, this helps you shop smarter and feel more confident in your denim!
Table of contents:
- The Stretch Factor: What Makes Risen Jeans Unique
- Why Sizing Down Works for Most Women
- My Personal Experience with Risen Jeans Sizing
- Best Styles to Size Down In
- When You Shouldn’t Size Down
- How to Measure Yourself Accurately
- Risen Jeans Size Chart Breakdown
- Fit Tips for Different Body Types
- Return and Exchange Policy as well as Fit Insurance
- Final Thoughts: Confidence in Every Stitch
The Stretch Factor: What Makes Risen Jeans Unique
Soft Flexible Denim
Risen jeans are made with a high percentage of spandex, generally between 2%-5%, blended with cotton and polyester. This gives it a buttery soft feel and amazing flexibility. They contour your body without pinching or sagging. Curve-Hugging Fit. Rigid denim doesn’t move with you. Risen jeans have stretch and move with you. That means they fit your curves, streamline your shape and move with you. This also means, however, that they can be looser after wearing a few hours especially if you size up. Mid-to-High Rise Sweet Spot. Most styles of Risen jeans sit between mid and high rise which is flattering to the waist and elongates the legs. This placement along with stretch makes them feel roomy. (Another reason why sizing down works better).
Why sizing down works for most women
Stretch Recovery
The stretch recovery of Risen denim is very good which means they don’t lose their shape after being worn. However, if you begin with a size that is too big, the jeans will not “recover” enough to stay snug. The fit of a smaller size ensures a snug all day fit.
Waist Gapping
If you have ever worn jeans that fit your hips but have a gap at the waist, then you know the problem. The stretch of Risen, helps this problem, but sizing down eliminates this annoying waist gap.
Leg Contour
The Risen jeans are designed to contour the leg. If you down size, this adds to the effect making for a trim, sculpted leg especially in the skinny and straight styles.
My experience with Risen jeans sizing
As the owner of Wild Azalea Boutique, I personally wear test every style of Risen before it is stocked at the boutique. I wear an 8 in most brands which translates into a 28 or 29 in denim. But in Risen? I wear a 27 and sometimes, even a 26.
What I’ve learned:
The first time I tried Risen’s High Rise Skinny, I ordered a size 27. They fit great at first, but come midday I was tugging at them.
I decided to go down 1 size – and wow did they fit like a glove. No sagging, no gaping, just flattering, smooth denim.
Now I always tell people to go down a size unless it is rigid (100% cotton) or boyfriend-cut.
Best Styles To Go Down In Size
High Rise Skinny
These are Risen’s bestsellers and most forgiving. With 3% - 5% spandex, they stretch like yoga pants but keep their shape. Go down a size for a sculpted fit.
Try: Risen High Rise Ankle Skinny—this is perfect worn with boots or sneakers.
Cropped Straight Leg
These styles do not allow for more structure, but there is plenty of stretch. Go down a size for a tailored look, but still have comfort.
Try: Risen Cropped Straight—ideal for the petite frames or warm weather.
Flare & Bootcut
Flared styles give balance to the hips and lengthen the leg. Size down for a fit that stays snug in the waist and flares in the right place.
Try: Risen High Rise Flare— a homage to 70’s but with modern stretch.
When You Should Not Go Down A Size
Rigid Denim Styles
If the jeans are 100% cotton, no spandex, DO NOT GO DOWN A SIZE. These styles have no give and will fit tight, especially at the waist. Here’s how it should fit: Order a size larger to feel comfortable in rigid materials.
Boyfriend Cuts
Boyfriend jeans are slouchy. Size down and you might ruin their dignity and feel too tight in the hips. Here’s how to fit it: Order your normal size or size up for slouchy comfort.
Plus Sizes with Some Extra Stretch
Risen’s plus sizing (1X—3X) is for the curvy body. Risen has made it so that stretch is “built-in,” so if you size down you’ll just get tight thighs and pulling at the hips. Here’s how to fit it: Stick with your true size unless it says otherwise in the product description.
HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF CORRECTLY
Waist
Measure the smallest part of your torso, usually just above the navel.
Hips
Measure the widest part of your hips and buttocks—keep tape level.
Inseam
Measure from the crotch to the ankle bone. It will help you decide between cropped ankle and full-length styles.
Rise
Lay you jeans flat and measure from the inseam to the top of the waist band.
SIZING CHART FOR RISEN JEANS
(Size, Waist (in), Hips (in) /0, 24”, 34” /1, 25”, 35”/3, 26”, 36”/5, 27”, 37”/7, 28”, 38”/9, 29”, 39”/11, 30”, 40”/13, 31”, 41”/15, 32”, 42”)
Plus Sizes:
(Size, Waist (in), Hips (in)) 1X, 33–34”, 44–45” 2X, 35–36”, 46–47” 3X, 37–38”, 48–49”)
Fit Tips for Various Body Types
Hourglass
Size down in stretch styles to avoid the problem of too large a waist. High rise is best for you.
Pear
Size down for a snug fit at the waist but check the stretch in the thighs. Flare styles are good for balancing proportions.
Apple
Stick with midrise styles and size down only if the waistband feels secure.
Petite
Size down and choose cropped or ankle styles. Stay away from long in-seams.
Tall
Size down for initial waist fit, but check the inseam length. Flare and Bootcut styles work well.
Plus
Stay with your true size unless the description states “Runs large.” Risen’s plus sizes are very curve friendly and stretchable.
Returns, Exchanges and Fit Insurance
At the Wild Azalea Boutique want to love your jeans: NOT just tolerate them. (1) 30-day return window from receipt. (2) Free exchanges for sizing problems. (3) Fit guarantee on all Risen styles. (4) Personal help in chatting or emails. Pro Tips: Leave the tags on and try on jeans with your everyday shoe or shoes.
FINAL THOUGHTS: CONFIDENCE IN EVERY STITCH.
Risen jeans sizing is not just what it is in numbers but of how you feel when you wear them.













