There are so many different men's jean sizes and fits you need to know.
Over the years, denim has evolved into its own little world of terminology and numbers that you won't see elsewhere in menswear.
For the casual shopper, these terms and inconsistencies get frustrating fast.
Do you need a low-rise slim fit?
Maybe a high-rise relaxed fit? Boot cut, skinny, straight-leg?
And where do numbers come into it all?
It's a mess!
But we're here to help.
This guide defines all the major terms used to describe men's denim trousers, as well as some hints on how to find a pair of jeans that fit just right.
Men's Jean Sizes in Numbers
We'll start with the easy part: finding your measurements.
Unless you have them custom-made, most men's jean sizes come in two measurements: waist and inseam.
- The waist measurement is the circumference, in inches, of the waistband of the pants – that inch-thick or so horizontal strip of cloth around the top. Wrap a tape measure around yourself where you want the waistband to sit. That's your “waist” measurement, even if you're wearing your jeans down on your hips.
- The inseam measurement starts in the center of the crotch (you'll see the point where four seams all intersect in a kind of a cross-shape) and runs down the inside of the leg to the cuff. To find yours, measure from where your legs join down to the floor, standing barefoot. That's about the inseam you want.
On most commercially-sold pairs of jeans, you'll see the numbers written together, with the waist size first. For example, a tag that reads “36 x 32” is a pair of jeans with a 36-inch waistband and a 32-inch inseam.
In addition to the listed numbers, a third measurement is often used to determine how the jeans are described:
- Rise is not usually listed on the tag, but many companies use the rise measurement to distinguish between “cuts” or styles of jeans. It's the measurement from the center of the crotch (again, that middle point where all the seams come together) up to the center of the waistband, where the button usually sits. You won't see it on tags unless you're buying very specialized denim, but it does affect terminology.
The waist, inseam, and rise men's jeans sizes are the Big Three of off-the-rack jean measurements.
If you're having bespoke jeans made, of course, your tailor will want other measurements, and you should follow their instructions or use a custom sizing guide.
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Men's Jean Sizes: What All Those Words Mean
The numbers are the easy part. Most men can measure their waist and inseam (or try on pants until they find the measurements that work for them).
It's figuring out the difference between all the styles and cuts offered by retailers that gets confusing.
Let's dive right in, shall we?
Slim/Regular/Relaxed Fits
“Fit,” in jeans, refers to the seat and thigh. It's easy to confuse “slim fit” with “skinny leg,” but they're not the same thing at all. Fit is talking about your butt and your thighs.
The breakdown is about what you'd expect:
Slim Fit jeans have the least fabric in the rear panels, and the thigh openings are narrower than the regular fit.
These are good for guys with tight butts who want to show their figure off but can be uncomfortable and unsightly for most everyone else.
Regular Fit jeans are what most of us wear. The exact measurement varies a bit from brand to brand, but they're made to fit like traditional blue jeans: resting lightly against the buttocks in the back, with a bit of wiggle room in the crotch.
Unless you're packing some extra weight in the butt or thighs, this is probably the fit you want.
Relaxed Fit adds fabric in the back and extends the rise a little. It also expands the leg openings. We tend to associate them with overweight men, but they're just as useful for men with “footballer butt” — strong glutes and thighs paired with narrower waists and calves. A lot of athletes end up needing relaxed-fit jeans.
Understand that these aren't very scientific terms. Each brand has its own in-house stylists, with its own idea of what a “normal” person's butt and thighs look like. So when trying to find a pair of jeans that fit just right, you need to be specific and shop around.
But you can generally use some common sense and self-awareness to figure out what you need. If you've got a great butt and you don't mind a little restricted movement, go for the slim fit. If you're packing some extra weight in the rear and thighs, go relaxed. And everyone else will probably be comfortable in regular fits.
Taper/Straight/Boot-cut
Complicated, right? But in basic terms, these describe how the width of the trouser legs changes over time:
– Taper or skinny jeans do just what the name says: they taper from the opening at the thigh to the opening at the cuff. Ankle openings in the 14″-16″ range generally get called “skinny” jeans, unless they're paired with unusually small waist/seat sizes.
– Straight or regular legs are roughly the same size from the thigh to the ankle. They're basically a tube of fabric (well, two tubes of fabric, joined together). It's the most classic look for jeans, largely because it was the easiest to make when people were doing everything by hand.
– Boot-cut or wide-leg jeans are, as the name implies, designed to be worn over boots. The assumption is that several inches near the bottom will be resting against a boot rather than against a naked ankle/calf.
They're made several inches wider at the bottom than the top. Worn with low shoes or sandals, they look dangerously close to “flares”. That’s bad news, gents.
The shape of your body and the shoes you like to wear affect the kind of leg you want. Men with a lot of taper to their legs — like the “footballer” build we discussed above — may want a relaxed fit in the seat but a skinny leg to fit the taper of their legs.
Bulkier men with thick ankles and thighs will feel more comfortable in a regular seat and straightfit. Workmen who wear boots will want wide-leg jeans to accommodate them.
Men's Jean Sizes: Other Important Terms
Most jeans will be described by a combination of one “fit” term (slim/regular/relaxed or something similar) and one “leg” term (skinny/straight/boot-cut or similar).
From time to time, however, you get outliers. Most are just marketing words with limited actual meaning or else are synonyms for the existing fit/leg terminology. Here are a few we've seen and what they usually mean:
- High-rise refers to jeans with an extra-long rise. These sit high on the waist (which may mean a smaller waist size than you're used to buying if you'd previously been wearing jeans nearer to your hips). Many relaxed-fit jeans are already high-rise or close to it, but anything with the phrase in the description will be particularly long in the rise. They're comfortable and can help conceal weight around the belly, but they're considered fairly unstylish.
- Low-rise jeans are the obvious opposite of high-rise jeans and are generally reserved for women's jeans. Some brands make skinny and regular fits that sit pretty low on the hips, but they aren't usually marketed as low-rise. Anything marketed as low-rise will have some pretty noticeable sag.
- Loose sometimes gets used interchangeably with “relaxed.” Still, it refers instead to a bowed waistband that hangs lower on the body. If you're buying anything called “loose” jeans, make sure you like the fit in the waist.
You can usually use common sense with marketing terminology. Nine times out of ten, it's just a company looking for an edgier way of saying something basic like “slim fit” or “boot cut.”
Men's Jean Sizes: Finding the Right Jeans for You
Shopping for your jeans means finding the right combination of fitting factors:
- Numerical measurements (inseam and waist)
- “Fit” style (seat and thigh proportions)
- Leg cut (change in trouser leg size from top to bottom)
Try to start with a good idea of what shape looks best on you before you go wading through store and brand terminology.
To find a pair of jeans that fit just right, you need to know your measurements. You also have to have a sense of how roomy you like your pants in the butt and crotch and for how broad your thighs are relative to your calves. That'll give you a better idea of the styles you'll start with when it comes time to try things on.
At the end of the day, there's no substitute for the fitting room. Unless you're buying from a tailor who's making them to your personalized measurements, don't buy jeans without trying them on first (or, if you're shopping online, buy ones you're sure you can return at no cost).
Brands aren't particularly consistent when it comes to men's jean sizes and fits – a “classic fit, straight leg” from Levi's isn't the same shape as a “classic fit, straight leg” from Lee's or Wrangler.
How To Buy Levis, The American Classic
So even armed with all this information, jeans shopping might be a challenge. But look on the bright side. It's still easier than shopping for women's clothes.
For more information on Jeans check out:
Jeans for the Older Man
Ultimate guide on how to find a pair of jeans that fit just right for your body type.
Before Buying Jeans You *MUST* Watch This Video FIRST:
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FAQs
How To Find A Pair Of Jeans That Fit Just Right | Men's Jean Sizes Guide? ›
Generally, if you only know the numerical size of your pants in women's, you can add 21 to that number to get the closest waist measurement in men's pants. For a size 8 in women's, your size in men's pants will be around 29.
How do you find jeans that fit you perfectly? ›- Go retail, not e-tail. Shop in person when you buy jeans, especially if you're trying out a new brand or a different style or fit. ...
- Choose three sizes. ...
- You don't need to splurge. ...
- Try a slim fit. ...
- Skinny jeans are for everyone. ...
- Consider length.
Generally, if you only know the numerical size of your pants in women's, you can add 21 to that number to get the closest waist measurement in men's pants. For a size 8 in women's, your size in men's pants will be around 29.
How should jeans fit on an older man? ›Relaxed and Roomy – But Not Sloppy – Jeans
For a fit that offers slightly more room from hip to leg opening, a relaxed straight leg jean is the perfect option. A relaxed straight leg style is a great pair of jeans for older men that are looking for a pair with more freedom to move and crave a roomier fit.
In terms of hiding belly fat, high-waisted jeans could become your new best friend. Simply put, high-rise jeans help you hide belly fat by covering and smoothing the area. Wide Leg: In response to the skinny jeans phenomenon, wide-leg styles have become more popular as a way to offer something different.
How to choose jeans for big belly? ›Mid-rise and high-rise jeans help to cover your belly. These jeans are the most flattering shape if you have concerns about your tummy. Avoid wearing low-rise jeans. These don't cover your belly and tend to cause a “muffin-top”— bulges of skin—which may make you feel uncomfortable.
What is the jean size trick? ›The trick is simple; simply pull the waistline of the jeans around your neck. If the ends of the waist just barely touch, then the jeans are supposedly a perfect fit. If there's too much excess fabric, the pants may be too big, and if they don't touch at all, they might be too small.
What is the arm trick for jeans? ›Stick your arm inside the waistband. If the gap between your hand and the end of the jeans is too large, the jeans are too big. If you can't fit your arm into the waistband, the jeans are too small. If you can fit your arm in perfectly, that's your 'perfect pair.
What size jeans do most men wear? ›| Jean Size Men (W) | International Size | Waist (Inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 26 | XXS | 26-27" |
| 27 | XS | 27-28" |
| 28 | XS | 28-29" |
| 29 | S | 29-30" |
If he were wearing pants, you might think our average Joe would be in a size 38, 39 or 40, depending on the cut. But, turns out, the top-selling pant/trouser size in the U.S. is actually a 34. That information comes from Edward Gribbin, president of the clothing size and fit consulting firm Alvanon.
What does 32x32 mens jeans mean? ›
Jeans sizes are indicated in inches, for example 30/32. The first number indicates the waist size and the second indicates the inside leg length. Determine your inch size by measuring jeans that fit well. The inside leg length is measured from the top of the inside leg to the bottom opening.
Can 70 year olds wear jeans? ›En español | EAre you ever too old to wear jeans? That question has been popping up on social media lately, so let's shout out a firm "No!" Choose jeans with the right fit, fabric, wash and proportions for your body, and then wear them in a contemporary way that suits your style and preferences.
Should older men wear tight jeans? ›Jeans should sit at your waist and not up above or below it or (even worse!) beneath your belly. They should stay up by themselves, even without a belt, and fit not too tight, or too loose. If two fingers can slip into the waistband, that's ideal.
Can a 60 year old man wear jeans? ›In your 60s, it's best to let your sophisticated and classic style do the talking. Here are a few examples of chic and casual outfits that are suitable for men in their 60s: Dark, well-cut jeans with a nice T-shirt under a cardigan. Tailored chinos with an untucked button-up.
Should jeans sit above or below belly? ›For most women, medium-rise jeans are the most flattering. The waistband should sit a couple of inches below the belly button. If you are conscious of a big tummy, a higher-rise style will help eliminate some rolls.
How can I hide my hanging belly? ›- Shift the show to your legs. ...
- Dress in one color. ...
- Lose your belly in midis and maxis. ...
- Trim your torso with an open jacket. ...
- Hide your belly with a closed double-breasted jacket. ...
- Untuck your tops. ...
- Go big on top, narrow on bottom. ...
- 8. Make a big statement somewhere else.
Slimming the waist
And while many women think that encasing their tummy and torso under denim is the best way to compress the waist and flatten the stomach, wearing jeans that hit your waist is actually unflattering. “The waist of the jean should hit about 1 to 2 inches below the belly button,” Bayou says.
(Image above, right) If you can't lift up your legs or squat without feeling like your jeans might rip, it's too tight. If you can grab a handful of denim from butt area, or confidently smuggle a football thanks to the extra room, it's too big/baggy.
What type of jeans should I wear if I'm fat? ›Instead, opt for relaxed-fit, standard cut or straight-leg jeans with a medium rise, in as long a length as possible without pooling above your footwear to create the most streamlined silhouette possible for your body type. It also helps to get your jeans in a medium-weight fabric with a slight stretch.
How many pounds is a jean size difference? ›How much weight do i need to lose to drop pants size? On average, every 10 lbs of weight a person loses will equate to 1 pant size smaller. So, for example, if someone lost 25 pounds, they would likely drop 2 and a half sizes in pants.
Do jeans shrink more in length or width? ›
How much will jeans shrink? In general, expect up to 3–4% shrinkage, which on a pair of jeans with a 32″ inseam would mean shrinking about 1″–1¼” in the length. The width is much less prone to shrinkage because there is less applied tension in that direction during fabric construction.
How tight should jeans be at the waist? ›Ideally, your waistband should fit tightly enough that you don't need a belt, but not so tight that it feels constricting. For raw denim this means you can fit maybe two fingers into the waistband, but for stretchier styles that number goes up a bit to maybe four.
Should I fold or roll my jeans? ›Although every kind of jeans can be virtually cuffed, some definitely look better with a rolled up bottom. Generally speaking, a pair of thick, heavy jeans will not usually lend themselves to cuffing because the cuff will end up being just too bulky.
How do I know if my pants fit my waist? ›The Proper Cloth rule of thumb is that the waistband should fit firmly against the body, but still allow you to insert two or three fingers between the waistband and your body with relative ease.
How many fingers should you be able to fit in your jeans? ›A good rule of thumb when shopping is to use the 'two finger rule. ' If you can't fit two fingers in your waistband, then your jeans are too tight. If you can fit more than too fingers than your jeans are too loose.
Is it true your neck is the same size as your waist? ›Introduction. In a non-obese person, waist circumference is roughly the double of neck circumference.
Do jeans get looser as you wear them? ›"Jeans by nature actually do stretch. The fabric is meant to morph and form to the body which is why we love them," he says. But just how much they'll loosen after purchase is harder to pin down. It depends on how much you wear and wash them, as well as the fabric they're made from.
What is the ideal waist size for a man? ›What should your waist measurement be? For men, a waist circumference below 94cm (37in) is 'low risk', 94–102cm (37-40in) is 'high risk' and more than 102cm (40in) is 'very high'. For women, below 80cm (31.5in) is low risk, 80–88cm (31.5-34.6in) is high risk and more than 88cm (34.6in) is very high.
What size jeans for a 5 7 man? ›| Your Height in CM | Your Height in Feet & Inches | Recommended Inseam Length |
|---|---|---|
| 167.5 cm | 5'6" | 26" inseam |
| 170 cm | 5'7" | 27" inseam |
| 172.5 cm | 5'8" | 28” inseam |
| 175 cm & Above | 5'9" & Above | 29” inseam |
The waist of the trouser should sit comfortably on your natural waist, not your hips. Jeans are often cut to sit lower on the hips with a natural “sag” effect, but not trousers. This is why men who don't often wear trousers feel that they are sitting uncomfortably high.
What size does a 200 lb man wear? ›
| Height | 130 -150 LBS | 200-210 LBS |
|---|---|---|
| 5'10" | XS | 2XL |
| 5'11" | XS | XL |
| 6' | XL | |
| 6'1" | XL |
You should aim for 4 to 5 pairs of denim jeans, excluding shorts. It is a good number to meet your everyday needs, even though a woman own 7 pairs on average, and men 6.
What size is average for a man? ›The average American man 20 years old and up weighs 197.9 pounds . The average waist circumference is 40.2 inches, and the average height is just over 5 feet 9 inches (about 69.1 inches) tall. As time wears on, American men are increasing in both stature and weight.
Why does my waist measure bigger than my jean size? ›Your pant is built from the waist down. Most pant waist sizes today are not true to size, i.e., most brands add extra inches to the actual waist measurement. For example, a pant waist labeled 34 may measure 35 1/2 inches.
What does 36x34 mens jeans mean? ›A: It means 34 inch waist and 36 inch length inseam.
What size is 30x32 in mens jeans? ›| Size | Waist | Inseam |
|---|---|---|
| 30 X 30 | 76 | 76 |
| 30 X 32 | 76 | 81 |
| 31 X 30 | 79 | 76 |
| 31 X 32 | 79 | 81 |
Based on the final data, the researchers recommend ditching denim by the time you reach 53 years old. It's not because you're making a fashion faux pas, though.
How should a 70 year old man dress? ›Stick To The Classics
Leave the trends to the younger guys and embrace the distinguished style that you can pull off. For example, some classic items that should be the foundation of your wardrobe are: suits/blazers, oxfords, dress boots, chinos, Harrington, bomber or standing collared jackets, and polo shirts.
So now you know what to get, now I want to show you guys that it doesn't matter how old you are, anyone can wear a denim jacket, it's just HOW you wear it.
Why do guys wear loose jeans? ›Origin. The style was popularized by hip-hop musicians in the 1990s. It is often claimed the style originated from the United States prison system where belts are sometimes prohibited and there can be a lack of appropriately sized clothing. As a result, their pants would sag.
How can a 60 year old man look younger? ›
To keep your skin from adding years to your looks, wear sunscreen, moisturizer, and lip balm daily. Retinoids can help you slough off old skin cells. You can find them in many over-the-counter products or get a stronger version by prescription from a dermatologist.
Should men wear tight or loose pants? ›They shouldn't be too loose and baggy, nor skin tight. They must have the right circumference around your waist, seat, thigh, knee and ankle. Pleats should not gap. The most difficult part of the fit of pants is the back view when you do not wear a jacket.
What jeans look best on older men? ›Relaxed and Roomy – But Not Sloppy – Jeans
For a fit that offers slightly more room from hip to leg opening, a relaxed straight leg jean is the perfect option. A relaxed straight leg style is a great pair of jeans for older men that are looking for a pair with more freedom to move and crave a roomier fit.
To keep the white from washing out the facial area, add a v-neck sweater in a flattering shade such as blue, beige or brown. Blue is also a great choice for button downs and sweaters. Blue is a universally flattering color for mature men, especially those with grey or silver hair and light or medium skin tones.
How can I look stylish at 70? ›- Fancy up your flats. Just because a shoe is flat, doesn't mean it can't be dressy. ...
- Try new collar shapes. Blazers and structured jackets will never go out of style. ...
- Make an understatement. ...
- Carry the newest trends. ...
- Embrace the eclectic. ...
- Waist-defining Pieces. ...
- Mid-rise bootcut jeans. ...
- White pants.
Lay the jeans flat on an even surface and use a tape measure the measure the waist band. Double this number to find your waist measurement. Remember: waist measurements differ depending on the rise.
What's the difference between 32 and 34 length jeans? ›What's the difference between 32" and 34" length jeans? The obviously answer might be "2 inches longer at the bottom" but in reality, depending on the cut of the jeans, choosing the right length can be the difference between a good and great fit for you.
How much weight do you lose before clothes fit differently? ›The rule of thumb, Fernstrom says, is that losing 8 to 10 pounds translates to going down one size. Still, if you lose "up to 15 pounds, you may be OK in your old size," she says. But putting off buying new clothes until you really need them doesn't work for everyone.
How much weight before clothes don't fit? ›Keep in mind the 10lb rule For every 10lbs you lose, you can expect to go roughly down 1 size in clothes. Use a whole new wardrobe/nicer clothes as motivation but don't buy clothes in aspirational "goal" sizes. Buy clothes that make you look good for the size you are now.
How much weight do you have to lose for your clothes to fit different? ›Generally speaking, losing 10-15% of your body weight will help you drop one dress size. So if you weigh 200 pounds, losing 20-30 pounds will help you fit into a smaller dress size. Losing any more than that may cause you to need a whole new wardrobe!
What size jeans is a 34 inch waist? ›
A jean with 34 inches (ca. 86 centimeters) waist approximately corresponds to a US size 20 or XL size.
What size is 32 inch waist in jeans? ›average (M), but tight and low fitting = 32/30 (waist/length) average (M), but rather high rise/seat and comfortable fit = 34/32. large (L)= 36/32 (waist/length) extra large (XL) = 38/32 (waist/length)
Do jeans get tighter or looser over time? ›How much will jeans shrink? In general, expect up to 3–4% shrinkage, which on a pair of jeans with a 32″ inseam would mean shrinking about 1″–1¼” in the length. The width is much less prone to shrinkage because there is less applied tension in that direction during fabric construction.
Is it better for jeans to be tight or loose? ›Jeans should be comfortably tight at first. If the jeans your trying on are really uncomfortably tight then they will probably only stretch a few inches. The best way to see if the jeans are going to be good for you is to do the sitting test. Sit down as you would in a car, and see how it feels.
Are jeans supposed to be tight men? ›The goal is to ensure the waist sits where it doesn't look droopy in the seat – so pull up those pants! The butt area, AKA the seat, should lightly hug your butt and not be saggy or very tight. If it feels like you'll split your pants when you sit or bend down, they're too tight.
How tall is someone who wears 34 length pants? ›All our tops are slim and tapered, and we sell jeans, chinos, trousers and joggers in a variety of fits from a 34 inseam, which generally fits men up to about 6'3" (190cm) and a 36 inch leg will generally fit men from around 6'3" to 6'6" (190-200cm).
How tall are you if you wear 34 length jeans? ›| Skinny | Straight | |
|---|---|---|
| Petite 5'3″ or less | 25″ – 27″ | 27″ |
| Average 5'4″ to 5'7″ | 28″ – 30″ | 28″ – 32″ |
| Tall 5'8″ and above | 31″ – 34″ | 32″ – 34″ |
Men's pant sizes consist of two numbers. Usually, the numbers are separated by a “x”, like 36x32. Each number in men's pants sizes tells you something about how big the pants are. The first number on a pair of men's pants is the waist size. For example, if a pant is labelled size 36x32 then the waist size is 36.