hip-hugger

IPA/ˈhɪp hʌɡə(r)/
IPA/ˈhɪp hʌɡər/

hip-hugger — adjective

1. describes trousers, jeans, or shorts that are designed to sit low on the hips ra

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

describes trousers, jeans, or shorts that are designed to sit low on the hips rather than at the natural waistline

Example

Mei-Lin found a stylish pair of hip-hugger jeans at the second-hand shop.

collocation: hip-hugger jeans

The hip-hugger trousers from the 1990s are back in fashion this summer.

past tense + time reference: back in fashion

Common collocations
  • hip-hugger jeans
  • hip-hugger pants
  • hip-hugger shorts
  • hip-hugger trousers
  • pair of hip-hugger jeans
Synonyms
  • low-rise

    more common and general term; low-rise pants sit below the navel but usually not as far down as hip-huggers

  • low-waisted

    describes the same general cut, but sounds slightly more formal or dated

Antonyms
  • high-waisted

    describes pants that rise to or above the natural waistline

Grammar Patterns

hip-hugger + noun

Usage Note

Almost always placed before a noun describing an item of clothing (jeans, pants, shorts, trousers). The noun form 'hip-huggers' (plural) can refer to the pants themselves without a following noun.

Common Mistakes

She bought a hip-hugger skirt.
She bought a pair of hip-hugger jeans.
'hip-hugger' is used for pants, shorts, and trousers, not for skirts or dresses.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All three terms describe pants that sit below the natural waistline, but they differ in how low the style goes and how closely the garment fits. 'Low-rise' is the broadest term — it covers any waistline below the navel, from just below it to the top of the hips. 'Hip-hugger' is more specific: the waistband sits right on the hip bones, often with a snug fit and a curved yoke. 'Low-waisted' is a general descriptive synonym that overlaps with both but sounds slightly more formal or dated — think 1970s fashion magazines. In everyday conversation, 'low-rise jeans' is the neutral choice; 'hip-hugger jeans' adds the idea of a tighter hip fit; 'low-waisted' is used when the writer wants to avoid fashion jargon.

low-rise ↗low-waistedhip-hugger ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • pair of hip-hugger jeans
  • hip-hugger style

Etymology

EnglishEnglish

A compound of 'hip' (the bony part on each side of the body below the waist) and 'hugger' (something that fits closely or embraces). The term appeared in the 1960s when fashion designers created pants that sat low on the hips and curved snugly around the pelvic area. It became widely popular during the 1970s disco era and again in the early 2000s.