Men's Jeans Guide
Remember in the ‘90s when baggy jeans were the go-to look? Pair them with a statement belt and you were too cool for school. You may even think of a particular person who sports their jeans with ease and swagger still.
While we’re all for you wearing jeans your way, this men’s jeans guide will cover all the ways to consider wearing them before choosing your signature look.
In an ever-changing fashion world, it’s crucial to learn the latest. Here, we’ll tackle:
- How jeans should fit men
- Fitting jeans for various body types
- Top 7 most popular men’s jeans styles
- How to wash men’s jeans
- Button fly versus zipper fly
Ready to show off your denim like never before? Let’s get into it.
How Jeans Should Fit Men
Now, there’s no blanket statement for how jeans should fit men, because no two bodies are the same. That said, there are certain guidelines to consider when finding your next best fit.
1. Fit the Waist
Jeans should fit snug around the waist. Popular to contrary belief, you shouldn’t need a belt. Belts can simply serve as an accessory to better suit an outfit.
2. Hug the Buttocks
Unlike how it was done in the ‘90s, the 2020s don’t require any sag to have swag. In other words, let the jeans hug the buttocks—not too loose but not tight either.
3. Cushion the Thighs
Ever find a perfect style of jeans, only for them to hug the butt but fail the thighs? No one strives for a disproportionate look. (This may also be due to your body type, which we’ll get into next!)
You should be able to hold half an inch of fabric on both thighs—one inch max. Anything more or less is not quite it.
If you’ve got these rules in mind, you’re well on your way to a perfect jeans matchup.
4. Consider the Leg Shape
Now, we’re not talking about your leg shape here, but the way your legs are shaped by the pants. Leg shape is defined by the:
- Thigh (top of the leg)
- Knee (down the inseam)
- Leg opening (measurement across the hem)
These three measurements determine the leg shape when fitting for jeans. You likely won’t be fitting or measuring them yourself, but considering these sections will help you determine whether they’re a yay or a nay.
5. Know the Rise
Ever heard of low-rise, mid-rise, or high-rise? Now, here’s the true question. Do you know what those mean?
The rise length is the distance from the groin (crotch) seam to the waistband. Depending on the rise, jeans will sit differently on the body and sport your figure well or not so well.
Generally, low-rise jeans land below the belly button for a casual, relaxed look. Mid-rise jeans lay just below the belly button, but well above the hips.
High-rise jeans—you guessed it—live above the belly button. This option is best for those who require extra support. Of course, brands define rises differently, so expect some trial and error to start.
6. Determine Jeans Length
While having a dry cleaner in your corner is never a bad thing, you don’t want to hem every new pair of pants you own. To prevent this, you’ll want to know what to look for when it comes to jeans lengths.
Jeans lengths are determined based on what’s called a break. You have four main ways jeans can lay:
- Full break
- Half break
- Quarter break
- No break
A “break” is defined, quite literally, by how the fabric folds, bends, or breaks on the ankle before hitting the shoe. Aim for a half or full break, as it’s most traditional. No breaks and quarter breaks read a bit awkward, as they make the pants seem flat and stick-straight.
As you continue bringing this awareness to your jeans, you’ll notice that full and half breaks simply look natural and—unless you’re new to wearing jeans—your instincts are likely much better than you think.
7. Know Your Denim
Depending on the material and its elasticity, not all denim rests the same. That’s why some can sleep in theirs for days (we get this, but don’t recommend this) and others need some extra TLC before achieving that soft, worn denim feel.
If you don’t want to wear your jeans countless times to achieve this vibe, simply look for some stretch in your jeans fabric before buying. The label inserts will also inform you on how to care for them to ensure easy maintenance. (And more on this below.)
8. Raw Denim
Additionally, consider whether your denim is raw or pre-washed. Raw denim is untreated and therefore fades over time. While you likely don’t aim for a faded look elsewhere, jeans are where you want it! They age well, so consider if raw denim’s the right look for you.
9. Pre-Washed Denim
Pre-washed denim has its benefits too, though. Since it’s treated before purchase, it likely won’t shrink at home and will be comfy from the get. The question is, do you prefer instant or delayed gratification? Sometimes, the right things take time. If you don’t want to wait, go for the pre-washed option!
10. Note How You Feel
At the end of the day, how you feel about yourself in your jeans ranks above most any measurement. If you’re a rules are meant to be broken type of person, more power to you. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Still, your confidence will stem (at least partially) from the aforementioned traits, so proceed accordingly!
11. Honor Your Needs
Last but not least, men’s jeans can be determined based on your need for them! Are you prepping for a casual night out? Format date night? Attire for work or a networking event?
Then, the color. Do you prefer black jeans? Baby blues? Gray? Knowing the function for your fashion helps stack your wardrobe appropriately. Now, onto how to find the right fit for your body type!
Fitting Jeans for Various Body Types
So how does body type fit into all of this?
Despite complex societal messages, there’s absolutely no need to try and fit yourself into something you think you “should” be able to fit into. If it’s not for you, let’s find something that is! Here’s what to consider based on height and build.
1. Jeans for Tall Heights
Society defines tall builds as anyone over 5’9”. If this is you and maintain an average figure—as in, not overtly oversized for your build—jeans can sometimes make you look even taller.
Our recommendations?
Styles:
- Mid or low-rise (for longer legs)
- High-rise jeans (for longer torsos)
Brands and colors:
- Dylan-colored Lee
- Canyon Carhartt
- Gambler Ariat
Also know that slim and skinny jeans will exacerbate your height too if that’s something you wish to avoid.
2. Jeans for Average Heights
Average heights land between 5’7” and 5’9”. If you have an average build, again, assuming you’re not overtly oversized, you have the luxury of choosing any rise jeans!
Our recommendations?
Styles:
- Tapered fit (for bigger thighs)
- Straight leg (for thinner legs)
- Slim straight (for thinner legs)
Brands and colors:
- Arcadia Carhartt
- Grey Twill Mavi Jeans
- Saltillo AG Jeans
3. Jeans for Shorter Heights
Anyone with a height below 5’7”, your jeans type can depend on your motive. If you wish to appear taller, shoot for anything but a low-rise. Then, find a straight leg style for that natural elongation.
Neither skinny jeans nor looser fitting jeans likely won’t be the best play here. Our recommendations?
Styles:
- Mid-rise
Brands and colors:
- Griff Joe’s Jeans
- Hartweg Paige
- Stone Hollow Lucky Brand
4. Jeans for Larger Builds
If you don’t have an “average” build—we’ve got you. If you need extra support to cover more surface area, don’t hesitate to get it!
Our recommendations?
Styles:
- Mid-rise
- High-rise
- Relaxed fit
Brands and colors:
- Black Wolverine
- Black Stonewash Levi®’s Mens
- Oceanview Dockers
Oppositely, if you’re needing extra support due to being under an average build, go for bulky fabrics. All rises are great! Skinny jeans? Not so great here.
At the end of the day, your intuition matters regardless of body type. Consider which parts of the body you wish to overemphasize and which might feel better scaling back. Let your jeans work their magic to get you exactly the look—and feeling—you seek.
Top 7 Most Popular Men’s Jeans Styles
Thus far, we’ve mentioned various recommendations for men’s jeans based on body type. But what if you don’t know the difference between a slim straight or tapered fit? Don’t sweat!
Here’s a quick breakdown of the top seven most popular men’s jeans styles.
1. Slim Fit Jeans
Best for men with slim or athletic builds, slim fit jeans give a close-fitting look and feel. These jeans are classically tapered from the thigh down to the ankle.
Pro: Accentuates natural shape
Con: Uncomfortable for bigger thighs or hips
2. Regular Fit Jeans
Best for those with an average build, regular fit jeans are that ideal Goldilocks vibe: just right.
Pro: Offers the “classic” jeans look, well-fitting, not restrictive or baggy
Con: Less defined for those with more distinct builds
3. Relaxed Fit Jeans
Best for those with larger builds, relaxed fit jeans are looser than a regular fit style. This style allows more room in the seat and thigh area for a bit of extra breathing room.
Pro: Breathable with extra room to move
Con: Not as form-fitting
4. Bootcut Jeans
Bootcut jeans are intuitively named after their ankle openings (suitable for boots!). Beyond this differentiator, bootcut jeans are similar to regular fit jeans.
Pro: Helpful for those with bigger calves
Con: Baggy and potentially an awkward look for smaller builds
5. Straight Leg Jeans
Straight leg jeans are best for men with athletic and tall builds. This look is versatile and can be dressed up or down for any occasion!
Pro: Can be used for formal or informal events
Con: Not ideal for shorter builds
6. Tapered Fit Jeans
Unlike bootcut jeans that open towards the ankle, tapered fit jeans do the opposite. They hug the ankle as they move from the waist-down.
As you shop, you’ll start to notice these subtle (but impactful) differences. Skinny jeans, for instance, hug the leg all the way down. Tapered jeans simply do this at the ankle.
Pro: Accentuates body shape
Con: Better for taller and athletic builds
7. Wide Leg Jeans
Wide leg jeans are easily mistaken for bell-bottom jeans, but they vary in one distinct way. Wide leg jeans flair all the way down, whereas bell-bottoms flair beginning at the knee only. This style pairs well with dress shoes of all kinds.
Pro: Accentuates height for shorter builds
Con: Can present as baggy and informal
How to Wash Men’s Jeans
What kind of men’s jeans fit guide would this be without proper washing instructions? Here’s what to know.
First thing’s first. While it may seem counterintuitive, jeans don’t have to be washed all that often (except for obvious stains and smudges). The more you wash them, the more worn they’ll look.
1. Flip Jeans Inside Out
Before cleaning your jeans, flip them inside out! This protects delicate fabrics, buttons, and rips from tearing further.
2. Wash in Cold Water
Cold water is key for jeans. Heat makes dyes bleed and shrinks denim. Add a touch of laundry detergent to a sink or tub, then scrub the problem areas accordingly.
3. Hang to Air Dry
Last but not least? Hang your jeans to dry. That’s it. Avoid bleach at all costs. Use a touch of white vinegar if you don’t have detergent. The washing machine is not always your friend, but if you want it to be, simply read the insert beforehand.
Your jeans will always have guidance for you about particular water temperatures and how to treat the fabric. If you do use a washing machine, keep it cold and isolated from other clothes you have for the first several washes.
Only throw jeans into the wash with other clothes if you’ve had them for a long time.
Button Fly Versus Zipper Fly
Now that you know how to fit yourself for jeans, the last thing to consider is the button fly or zipper fly. While it seems intuitive, some may not know that a button fly uses buttons to close the pants, whereas a zipper fly uses zippers.
At the end of the day, this is personal preference, but there are advantages to each.
Button fly: Traditional, best for a modern look
Zipper fly: Modern, best for a contemporary look
Truthfully, no one should be commenting on what type of fly you prefer for your pants, but your choice can be informed by the rest of your outfit. Ask yourself:
- Will my shirt cover my fly?
- Where am I going?
- What’s the look I’m striving for?
Notice how you feel and decide from there.
Time to Shop
It’s your time to put your knowledge to the test and get out there. Keep this men’s jeans fit guide close by whenever you’re toggling between styles. As mentioned, you may have to find your “no” before knowing your “yes.” Give it time.
Still not sure where to start? Check out Zappos! Type in your preferred styles to find your next pair of forever jeans. We can’t wait to see your new look!