Rise refers to how high the waistband sits relative to your belly button. High rise falls above the belly button, mid rise falls just below it, and low rise falls approximately 2 inches below it. The right choice comes down to personal preference, riding position, and how much waistband coverage and support you want while riding.

A hi-rise waistband gives more coverage and support through the torso, which helps it stay in place rather than digging in or shifting while you ride. It's especially helpful in the forward-leaning bike position, where a lower waistband is more likely to gap at the lower back or let the waistband compress into the skin above it, creating a visible "muffin-top" look. Hi-rise styles like the Holster are built specifically to solve this.

Mid rise is Terry's standard, unmarked choice across most performance and fitness shorts, so it's the default most riders end up with unless they've specifically sought out a hi-rise style. It isn't marketed as solving a particular problem the way hi-rise is — it's simply the conventional cut, and works well for most riders and riding positions. Low rise is not a distinct, commonly offered option in Terry's current lineup.

Athletic fit sits close to the body for a streamlined, performance-oriented feel. Semi-fitted is contoured to your shape without being tight against it, striking a balance between comfort and a tailored look. Relaxed fit is loose on the body, prioritizing comfort and ease of movement over a close silhouette. Each works well for different riding styles and personal comfort preferences.

Relaxed and semi-fitted styles tend to suit casual, fitness, and everyday riding, including a first jersey or short for newer cyclists, since they're comfortable and easy to wear without a technical look. Athletic and more fitted styles suit road performance riding, where a closer fit, pockets, and a more technical construction support harder or longer efforts. Riding context matters more than any fixed rule, so it's fine to mix fits across your kit based on how you ride each day.

Fit and rise are independent choices that combine to create your overall comfort and silhouette. Fit determines how close the fabric sits against your body, from athletic to relaxed, while rise determines how high the waistband sits on your torso, from low to high. You can mix and match based on your preferences — for example, an athletic fit paired with a hi-rise waistband for a close, supportive fit with extra coverage at the waist.