I'm more like a size 13, which makes things difficult when most jeans are even sized. These jeans are a weee bit on the big side, but I think a 12 would pinch a bit, so I would rather use a belt, and dry them a few times. However, I would consider these higher than "mid-rise" - they sit quite a bit higher than my Gap mid-rise jeans do. They don't sit too far below the belly button, which bugs me, they look like they sit quite a bit lower in the picture. They also do not "hug" like they do in the picture, the more like hang. I'm hoping drying can fix this. I don't plan on returning them, because they are comfortable, just hoping they snug up after a drying or two. Just be warned that these in no way are snug or really mid-rise. Still quality jeans, however.