Here’s How Your Jeans Should Fit
Follow these rules to make sure you get jeans that fit.
It’s not uncommon at all for men to struggle to find jeans that fit. Many guys will even deliberately buy jeans that are too big, because they don’t want to be constricted and worry that tighter jeans won’t be comfortable.
But wearing oversized jeans makes you look larger and fatter than you actually are. The true shape of your body is concealed under excess fabric. And you needn’t worry about well-fitted jeans being uncomfortable – if your jeans fit properly, they should be perfectly comfortable. If your jeans feel uncomfortably tight, that means they’re too small. On the other hand, if you need a belt to hold your jeans up, or your legs get lost in the fabric, they’re too big. Follow these rules to make sure you get jeans that fit.
Jeans Should Fit Snugly at the Waist
Whether you’re shopping for fancy embroidered jeans, distressed jeans, selvedge denim jeans, or just plain jeans, waist size is probably the first thing you look for. You can always get a too-long pair of jeans hemmed, but the waist needs to fit. Jeans should fit snugly around your upper hip or mid-hip. You should be able to fit two fingers between your skin and the waistband, and you shouldn’t need a belt or suspenders to hold your jeans up (although if you want to wear a belt or suspenders for style reasons, that’s your business). You also shouldn’t have to suck anything in to be able to fasten your jeans. They should zip and button up easily while your abdomen is in a relaxed position.
When shopping for jeans, it’s a good idea to follow the grab three rule, especially if it’s been a while since you bought jeans or you’ve had some changes in body shape recently. Grab a pair in your size, a pair one size down, and a pair one size up. That way you won’t have to run back out of the dressing room to get more sizes if you need them.
The Legs of Your Jeans Shouldn’t Be Too Big or Too Small
As discussed above, you don’t want the legs of your jeans to be too wide. Use the pinch test to ensure that the legs of your jeans are the right size. You should be able to pinch at least half an inch of extra fabric from the mid-thigh and mid-calf portions of your jeans leg. Less than a half inch of extra fabric in this area means the jeans are too small. More than an inch, though, means the jeans are too big. There should be some looseness in the knee area that disappears when you sit down.
Jeans Should Touch the Top of Your Shoe Without Stacking
How long should your jeans be? That depends on how long your legs are. In general, jeans should come down to touch the top of your shoe without a lot of stacking, or bunched up fabric, at the bottom. The fabric should break (or fold) once at the hem before it touches your foot, but there shouldn’t be lots of folds or a lot of bunched up fabric at the bottom of your jeans legs, unless that’s a look you’re going for.
Jeans generally need to be a little longer than formal trousers, but you can use these same length guidelines for other casual pants, like chinos or cargo pants. With jeans, you may want enough length so that you can cuff them to show off your socks or shoes, or accommodate a pair of boots. When you sit down, the break in your hem should disappear and the hem should lift slightly off your foot.
Different Cuts of Jeans Fit Differently
You can buy three different pairs of jeans in the same size but three different cuts, and they’ll all fit you differently. Avoid slim and skinny fits unless you’re a slim and skinny guy – guys with larger or more muscular legs will usually find them too tight. If you have some girth around your thighs and hips, but smaller calves, go for a tapered fit. If your legs are muscular all the way down to the ground, go for a straight fit.
If you’re a larger guy, whether athletic or not, go for a relaxed or athletic fit, especially if you find that sizing up your waistband makes the legs too wide and roomy. Athletic and relaxed cuts have a tapered fit with more room in the hips and thighs.
Finding a pair of jeans that fits just right can be a real challenge, but it’s easier when you know exactly what “fits just right” means. Well-fitted jeans can make all the difference to your look – and your comfort level.
Connect with Facebook