10 Types Of Jeans For Men (Jeans Fit Guide)
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
With so many types of jeans for men available, choosing the right pair can be challenging due to the variety of fits and styles. Figuring out the best jeans for your body type and understanding the differences between various styles can make the shopping process easier.
Many men end up purchasing jeans that may not be the best fit for them or a style that doesn’t complement their body shape. The overwhelming choices and questions during the selection process often lead to fatigue, resulting in hasty purchases.
To assist you in finding the perfect pair, let’s explore eleven types of men’s jeans that you should be familiar with and guide you in selecting the right pair based on your requirements.
The Jeans Anatomy
Throughout this article, you will encounter terms such as hem, rise, yoke, inseam, and outseam, among others, which you may not be familiar with. Knowing the different components of jeans allows you to choose jeans that fit your body shape and personal preferences.
Different styles of jeans for men, such as skinny, straight-leg, bootcut, or relaxed fit, have specific design elements. So check the image above if you encounter any unfamiliar terms regarding the best types of jeans for men.
Types Of Jeans For Men
Concerning the fit, men’s jeans are available in slim, regular, or relaxed. In terms of the leg, men’s jeans come in skinny, tapered, straight, or bootcut variations. As for the rise, men’s jeans are categorized as low-rise, mid-rise, or high-rise.
When selecting the ideal jeans for yourself, consider the three key factors:
- The Fit: This refers to how the jeans feel around the seat and thigh area. Are the jeans a perfect fit, too tight, or too loose?
- The Leg: It describes how the width of the trouser legs varies depending on the style of the jeans. The shape of your lower body and the type of footwear you plan to wear will influence the jeans style that suits you. Do you have muscular or skinny legs? Are your shoes chunky or slim?
- The Rise: This refers to the measurement between the waistband and the crotch seam. It determines how a pair of jeans will fit your body.
When selecting the perfect pair of jeans for yourself, most options will be described using a combination of one “fit” term (slim/regular/relaxed) and one “leg” term (skinny/tapered/straight/bootcut).
Slim Fit Jeans
Slim jeans are crafted to taper around the hips and thighs, delivering a snug fit without restricting movement. These jeans present a contemporary and stylish look when compared with regular or relaxed fit styles. One of the best types of jeans for men regarding dates or smart casual events, if not the best.
Who Should Wear Slim Fit Jeans: Perfect for guys with a lean or slender build, providing a flattering look.
How To Style Slim Fit Jeans: For a slim-fit pair of jeans, consider minimalistic sneakers such as All Stars or go for low-rise, non-chunky shoes like loafers. Complete the look with a fitted or slimmed shirt for a cohesive outfit.
Regular Fit Jeans
Regular-fit jeans offer a straight cut designed to suit various body types. This style of jeans is characterized by a balanced fit that is neither too loose nor too tight around the thighs. It allows for some room in the crotch area while comfortably resting against the buttocks in the back.
Who Should Wear Regular Fit Jeans: Guys who aren’t too skinny, muscled, or overweight tend to wear regular jeans.
How To Style Regular Fit Jeans: Opt for clothing items with a classic fit that provides a bit more fabric so it doesn’t stick as closely to the body. Regarding footwear, you can wear almost anything, but I would avoid platform sneakers.
Relaxed Fit Jeans
The relaxed fit style has a looser fit around the seat and thigh area, providing a more comfortable and relaxed feel, particularly suitable for men with muscled thighs or a larger waist. The looser cut of relaxed fit jeans ensures greater ease of movement and improved air circulation, reducing the likelihood of excessive sweating.
Who Should Wear Relaxed Fit Jeans: It’s a common misconception that only individuals with excess weight opt for relaxed fit jeans. Athletic men with well-developed buttocks, thighs, and calves can also find this fit to be a perfect choice for them.
How To Style Relaxed Fit Jeans: Pair your relaxed fit jeans with chunky sneakers, a loose hoodie or sweater, or an oversized flannel shirt to maintain the relaxed and baggy style.
Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans are crafted to offer a tight fit along the entire leg, accentuating muscles from the thighs down to the ankles. With a narrow leg opening, these jeans prioritize fashion over daily wear comfort, since they don’t provide much mobility.
Who Should Wear Skinny Fit Jeans: Skinny jeans are a favored choice among men under the age of thirty. Those with a slimmer physique or men who skip leg day at the gym often find that this jean style complements their body shape more effectively.
How To Style Skinny Fit Jeans:
You can combine your skinny jeans with a well-fitted shirt and classic white sneakers for a casual appearance, or opt for a blazer and loafers to achieve a dressier look.
Tapered Jeans
Tapered jeans offer a combination of the roominess found in a straight cut and the fitted appearance of skinny jeans. They provide extra room in the waist and thighs, gradually narrowing towards the calves and ankles. Perfect if you want the slimmer look without the extreme tightness of skinny jeans.
Who Should Wear Tapered Fit Jeans: Ideal for athletic men seeking a streamlined silhouette or guys with larger thighs and calves who desire additional leg space.
How To Style Tapered Fit Jeans: Opt for a regular-fit shirt or T-shirt paired with simple, low-profile sneakers for a laid-back and comfortable look.
Straight Jeans
Straight-leg jeans, a staple in most men’s wardrobes, embody the classic denim cut. With a straight cut from the thighs down to the hem, this style offers room for the knees and calves, setting it apart from the snug fit of skinny jeans or the loose silhouette of baggy styles.
Who Should Wear Straight Fit Jeans: Good for the average build that is not too skinny or too muscled. Usually fits all types of footwear.
How To Style Straight Fit Jeans: This type of men’s jeans allows you to pair them with a wide range of shoes, from casual to formal, and chunky to simple silhouettes. Opt for a classic fit for tops, striking the balance between not being too baggy or too slim.
Bootcut Jeans
Originally created to accommodate the wearing of boots, bootcut jeans gained popularity, especially among cowboys. Characterized by a slight flare at the bottom of the leg, this design enables the jeans to fit comfortably over boots or shoes with a wider sole, typically featuring a wider cut around the ankles.
Who Should Wear Bootcut Fit Jeans: Ideal for men who prefer wearing boots and require additional space around the hem.
How To Style Bootcut Fit Jeans: Bootcut jeans, a relaxed-fit flannel shirt, and chelsea or ankle boots. Perfect for a laid-back weekend look.
Low-Rise Jeans
Low-rise jeans sit on or below the top of your hips, offering minimal distance between your waist and crotch. Most jeans typically rest directly on the waist.
Who Should Wear Low-Rise Jeans: Athletic and muscular men who want to showcase their six-pack and gym gains without appearing overly bulky often prefer to wear low-rise jeans.
How To Style Low-Rise Jeans: Opt for relaxed-fit attire such as oversized hoodies and sweats to prevent exposing your crack when bending down, or your belly when you raise your arms.
Mid-Rise Jeans
Mid-rise jeans typically fall between high and low-rise styles, sitting a few inches below your belly button, which is just right for most guys. The waistband is meant to be worn at your natural waist.
Who Should Wear Mid-Rise Jeans: Typically suggested for men of all heights, whether shorter or taller, mid-rise jeans tend to be universally flattering.
How To Style Mid-Rise Jeans: Perfect rise to tuck your shirt inside your jeans. Wear a blazer, and achieve that perfect smart-casual look.
High-Rise Jeans
High-rise jeans sit near or above your natural waist, providing potential coverage for weight around the belly. However, they are often considered less fashionable.
Who Should Wear High-Rise Jeans: High-rise jeans are a suitable choice for guys aiming to minimize the visibility of belly weight. Additionally, shorter men appreciate high-rise pants for their ability to create the illusion of longer legs.
How To Style High-Rise Jeans: Men often opt to tuck in their shirt, polo shirt, or T-shirt when wearing high-rise jeans, complemented by a stylish belt.
Common Questions
Which Type Of Jeans Are Best For Men?
Choosing the ideal jeans for men hinges on personal preferences and body type. For those desiring a tighter fit, slim-fit jeans may be favored, while others who prefer more room around the waist and thighs may opt for a relaxed fit.
Skinny jeans are well-suited for men with a slimmer physique, while those with larger thighs and calves may find tapered jeans to be the perfect choice for achieving a streamlined silhouette. Ultimately, the best type of jeans varies based on individual style, body type, and comfort preferences.
How Many Jeans Should A Man Own?
Men should own three to seven pairs of jeans, taking into account factors such as their lifestyle, personal style, and the diversity of available jeans styles. A recommended ideal number is five pairs of jeans, providing a versatile range in terms of both color and style.
