High-waisted trousers are a trend we don’t expect every man to be instantly on board with. Common sense dictates that anything which involves playing with the body’s natural proportions provides fertile ground for weirdness. No need to fret, though. This look has roots in the 1950s, a decade so stylish it’s currently enjoying its third comeback in menswear.

Yes, decades before low-rise trousers threatened to expose more than a hint of your groin area, men’s high-waisted trousers were riding, well, high: and what’s more, they looked damned good. Since the laid-back heights of 50s fashion their style stock dropped lower than an open fly and a once well-worn piece of kit became looked upon with suspicion, like Crocs or cowboy boots.

The overlord of manufactured pop has a lot of answer for, says Chris Gove, founder of British menswear brand Percival. “The high-waisted trouser hasn’t stopped Simon Cowell from taking over pop music. However baggy and bootcut is not an advisable way for anyone else to wear.”

If you’ve been cowed by Lord Cowell, direct your mind instead to the likes of Marlon Brando and his smartly-cut navel grazers for a way more appealing take on the look. Styled correctly, high-waisted trousers offer a subtle way to show off your sartorial chops. With a tucked shirt, they can also make you look slimmer around the midriff and also elongate a stumpy pair of legs.

“High-waisted trousers’ origins lie in classic tailoring, so when you get the rise and cut right for your body you’ll be flying high,” says Gove. “Couple a pair with a Cuban collar shirt shirt or T-shirt for a nod to the mid-century retro styles which still look so iconic today.”

Not sure how to start getting high? We’ve broken down the ‘fits and brands you need to turn to nail the raised waistband. Just make sure you’re not carb loading when you’re attempting this.