Investing in a well-fitted pair of jeans is one of the best things you can do for your wardrobe. Jeans should be a staple for every man, as they are endlessly versatile and can be paired with just about anything.
Men’s jeans should fit your lower body comfortably, without sagging or restricting leg movements. They should come down to your ankles but not to your feet. A good pair of jeans won’t require the support of a belt just to stay around your waist, either.
Finding the perfect pair of jeans can be a tall order.
With so many different styles, colors, and fits, it’s hard to know where to start, but with this guide, we hope to show you how to make them work for you.
Provided you follow several simple steps, you should never again find yourself in the position of owning jeans that are too tight, loose, or an inadequate length.
The Basics
Before we move onto anything else, we need to first establish the basics. To do so, we’re going to break down a pair of jeans into the parts of the body they need to fit.
Once you’re sure you have the right proportions and measurements down, you shouldn’t struggle to pick out a figure-conforming pair of jeans next time you go shopping.
Waist
Without taking any measurements, you should be able to tell if jeans fit your waist well or not based on whether you need a belt to hold them up.
While to many that is the very purpose of a belt, believe it or not, a belt is more of a fashion accessory than a means to keep your jeans from falling down.
So with that in mind, the first thing you should do before you invest in more jeans is measure your waistline.
To measure the waist, grab a tape measure and wrap it around your stomach just above the line of the belly button.
When you have this figure, all you have to do is compare it to the ‘waist’ number given on the label of the jeans you’re looking at. If everything lines up, then you should be on to a winner.
Inseam
The inseam is equally as necessary, and the way you can tell if this is off is by seeing how the jeans look compared to the length of your legs.
If you notice that they rest on top of your feet, then they are too long. If they don’t quite reach your ankles then they are most likely too short.
To remedy this, you’ll need to reach for your handy tape measure and measure from your crotch down to your foot. To make this easier, either stand with your back against a wall or have a friend take the measurement for you.
Testing the Fit
Aside from the waist and inseam measurements you should compare against the information on the jeans’ label, what else is there to consider?
Well, for a start, you want to check in on several parts of the leg, from the glute to the calf.
While you can have an inseam and a waist size that corresponds with those on the label, this doesn’t necessarily guarantee a snug fit.
For example, a cyclist’s or runner’s calves might alter the inseam fit, or large thighs might make for a trickier fit around the waist.
There are a few ways you can put your jeans to the test, and these stress tests will reveal a lot about how suitable the jeans are for you.
The Squat Test
The first test is simple and is designed to assess how well the jeans fit around your glutes.
Stand up straight, then slowly lower yourself into a squat – if you’re in a store, it’s probably best to do this out of sight in a changing room.
If they’re too tight, you’ll get that horrible feeling that they might just rip if you go any further. If they’re too loose, they might end up around your ankles.
The Pinch Test
The pinch test is like the gold standard for assessing the fit of just about any item of clothing.
If you’ve ever been concerned that something you’re wearing is the wrong size, simply carry out a pinch test and you should have a better idea of where you stand.
The premise of this test is simple: if you can pinch more than an inch of fabric, your jeans are probably too big for you. If you can barely pinch any material, then there’s a good chance the jeans are suffocating your legs, although if they are skinny or slim-fitting jeans, you’ll have to make your own judgment call.
Different Jeans For Different Fits
Another factor plays a significant role in the debate about how a pair of jeans should fit, and that’s the type of jeans you’re working with.
Certain types of jeans like slim fit and skinny jeans go against the general advice for how a good pair of jeans should fit and fall into their own category, for example.
But while different types of jeans might have different fits, you can still rely on the universal principles when it comes to comfort and practicality.
For example, regardless of what jeans you’re wearing, they should never restrict your mobility, cause you discomfort, or fall down without a belt.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of jeans and what you need to consider with each type.
Slim
Slim-fit jeans are designed for men with smaller thighs and slim legs. They can make you look lean, provided you don’t have hulking legs.
Skinny
Skinny jeans are notoriously avoided by many men, primarily out of fear that they just won’t fit or look right. Rest assured, skinny jeans are designed to fit men that aren’t stick-thin; you just need to consider your measurements well.
Loose
Loose jeans will inevitably look baggy on you, and that’s the whole point. This is one of those cases where you can disregard the general advice surrounding jeans, as they will most certainly fail the pinch test. These are a comfortable option giving your legs plenty of space to breathe.
Regular
Finally, we have the regular jeans; these jeans should fit comfortably and be a similar size all the way down. This means you might have some extra space in the calves or thighs, and that shouldn’t be too much cause for concern.
Frequently Asked Questions About Men’s Jeans Fit
How do you know if jeans are too loose?
You can tell if jeans are too loose with the pinch test.
Pinch the denim close to your waist, and if you can hold more than an inch of fabric – which roughly equates to more than a fingertip – they’re probably too loose.
Another solid indicator of a loose fit is needing a belt to hold your jeans up.
How tight should jeans be when you buy them?
Jeans should be tight enough to hug your waist and legs, but not so tight that they restrict the mobility in your lower body.
If it isn’t immediately obvious, you can try to lower into a squat and see how that feels.
If you feel like a rip is imminent, then the jeans are probably too tight.
How do you tell if jeans will fit without trying them on?
The best way to tell if they’ll fit before you try them on is to know your proportions.
Go to the store armed with several figures, mainly your waist and inseam measurements.
If you have these, it should be as simple as finding the pair that correspond with the numbers you have.
A Final Word From The Trending Man
A well-fitted pair of jeans can elevate your style tenfold, especially if you’re used to walking around in pairs that don’t fit you well.
Take your measurements, carry out the appropriate tests, and you should be well on your way to picking out the perfect pair of jeans.
