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Your first challenge when shopping for the best jeans for men? I’m trying to understand why there are so many typing jeans for men, period. There’s an endless spectrum of washes to choose from, not to mention the hundreds of brands vying for your attention and your legs. And we haven’t even mentioned all the unusual interpretations of the classic trousers currently on the market. But perhaps the most confusing of all is the most necessary: navigating the bewilderingly broad world of denim fits. What exactly is a relaxed taper, and how does it differ from a slim straight? Which jeans suit your body type best? And what increase is currently happening?
Don’t panic, because team GQ team is here with a comprehensive guide to all types of jeans for men. We’ll guide you through every silhouette, from slim fit and straight leg to baggy and bootcut, and give you a handful of iconic options to shop in each silhouette. So let’s dive in, shall we?
If your eyes usually glaze over over jeans product descriptions, we get it. But knowing what brands are talking about can straighten out the kinks in your denim journey.
Let’s start simple. Straight fit jeans are exactly what they sound like: the silhouette runs straight from the hips down through the legs. Like all classic men’s clothing, straight jeans are as well just right: the fit is not too tight and not too relaxed, the mid-rise is generally not too high, not too low (below the navel but above the hips). Sometimes you’ll see this fit referred to as a “regular straight” or “classic straight.” If you’re looking for advanced stats, straight leg jeans usually have leg openings about eight inches wide. If you Real If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, this is a good starting point to determine your body type and ultimately how you want your jeans to fit.
The next common jean style you’ll encounter is the straight tapered leg, and this one is also self-explanatory: the silhouette starts straight through the thighs, with a tapered leg that tapers past the knees and through the hem. Straight taper jeans are ideal if you need more room in the thighs, but want cleaner legs. If you are someone with larger legs and looking for a slim but not tight fit, these are the jeans for you.
Slim top and straight to the knee, slim straight jeans have the kind of fit you’d see on a Ramones album cover (they were wearing the Levi’s 505, by the way). Often referred to simply as slim fit, these jeans are like most slimmer silhouettes, and are usually cut slightly lower, just above the hips.
This is your last stop before entering full skinny jean territory: the sleek taper runs through the thighs and narrow legs. (If you have meatier legs, these Are skinny jeans.) Slim fit jeans are also often jeans with a low waist that fall on or even below the hips.
Yay! Bootcut jeans are a must-have for western wear and are cut to fit over a pair of cowboy boots. They have their own sub-flavors, like sleek and relaxed, but they all flare out at the hem – not necessarily a bell-bottom level disco flare, but a flare nonetheless. Classic bootcut jeans have a high waist that sits closer to your natural waist, but modern versions often have a low rise. The bootcut was last truly relevant in the mainstream in the early 1990s, but has recently returned to prominence with brands like Gucci exploring the aesthetic of the ’70s, not to mention Gen Z’s ongoing obsession with Y2K fashion.
Now we’re venturing into more comfortable fits with a little more legroom. Think of these as a slightly wider pair of 501s – or if you have a more prominent derriere and thighs, these Are your straight leg 501s. Conversely, if you have a leaner build, opt for a pair of these to tiptoe into the baggy jeans area.
Perhaps best known as the “athletic fit,” the relaxed taper is designed for those who never miss a leg day. The silhouette – roomier above the knee, tapered at the bottom for a more tailored fit – is not only intended to accommodate a powerful pair of trunks, but accentuate them. If you have impressive thighs, these are the perfect jeans to show them off.
For the ultimate in breathability and comfort, wide leg jeans are the way to go. The baggy jeans available today aren’t quite loose at JNCO level, but they are still plenty roomy and will be a important statement when deployed correctly.
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