Loose, Faded and Other Styles of Men’s Jeans You May Not Understand
I was shamefully old when I figured out what the different sizes of men’s jeans and trousers meant, but after years of trial and error, I’m here to share what I’ve learned.
Like a lot of guys, I always thought pants were pretty easy. You needed exactly two pieces of data: your waist and inseam measurements. This is really just a starting point, because the size of your pants has a lot to do with how they fit, how they feel, and how they look. If you’re just starting this humiliating journey and you’re puzzled by the difference between “thin” and “slim”, read on to learn about all the types of jeans you may not understand.
Why denim fit matters
While every person is unique, and there are many men who take their clothing choices seriously, many men still make a fundamental mistake: they think “loose” means “comfortable.” Well, to be honest, it is, but at the cost of every aspect of your physique that people might find attractive. On the other hand, words such as “skinny” and “slim” cause a feeling of discomfort. They make some men feel like they’re going to spend the day lunging in a futile attempt to fit their, uh, appendages.
The truth, as I realized too late in my barren existence, is that true comfort comes from clothes that actually fit, though not necessarily loose. Sure, sweatpants can be the epitome of DGAF comfort, but the moment you put on a pair of jeans that fit properly , it’s like Rick building a perfectly flat platform for Morty : you’ll never go back.
Different styles of men’s jeans
Here is a simple breakdown of the different types of fit you can choose from and what they mean. Different brands can get creative with their wording, but there are standard keywords that are generally reliable.
First, be aware that there are two categories of fit descriptors: the first describes the overall fit of the pants, and the second describes the cutouts for the legs. They are often combined in different ways, which further complicates the task.
Typical adjectives that describe the overall cut of your trousers are straight, tight, tight, relaxed, and loose. Here’s what they mean:
- Straight. A straight cut means the legs are the same circumference all the way down, so they will look a bit baggy below the knee because your legs will be slimmer. Straight-cut jeans (sometimes called “regular”) fit everyone and are a good all-around choice if you’re not sure what you want.
- Skinny. Skinny pants are similar to straight pants, but, you know, thinner . It literally means what you think: they are narrower, but the same circumference around the leg. They are good for guys with slim legs who swim in straight pants.
- Slim. Some brands make a distinction between slim and thin. Slim fit trousers are narrower at the saddle and thigh, but wider at the calf. It’s just a matter of choosing the right cut for your figure. If you have big hips but skinny calves, slimness may be ideal.
- Relaxed. It’s kind of the opposite of slender, in that the relaxed fit offers more seat and thigh room, and a narrower calf, but not a “skinny” narrow calf. It is, as the name suggests, a very comfortable fit. This is sometimes referred to as “sporty” these days because it’s branding.
- Free. Jeans and loose-fitting trousers are very roomy from all sides. The feet will tend to bunch up around your shoes and will be very wide overall.
We turn to the opening of the legs. The cut of the leg plays a big role in how the pants will look on you. It’s a matter of taste and preference, as well as what shoes you prefer. Learn these terms:
- Straight. The straight leg doesn’t taper at all, so the cuffs will be the same circumference as the rest of the leg. It will fall around your ankles quite wide.
- Conical. Tapered legs taper as they go lower, which means they will fit more snugly around your ankles. They may even feel a bit tight when you pull them on because of your unsightly huge legs.
- Shoe cut. If you wear cowboy boots, then these pants are for you, as the legs are designed for boots below the knee. Without boots, they may not look or feel right.
It’s worth noting that brands sometimes try to find new and interesting ways to describe these fits, and different manufacturers interpret these terms differently, but the basic principles always hold true. The only way to figure out which fit and leg length you prefer is to wear them, so a trip to the brick and mortar store or a string of online orders and returns might be appropriate. Don’t think, for example, that you will never wear skinny jeans until you feel what it is, because your clothes should make you feel good and look good. It’s all in the cut.
Remember to wash your jeans too.
Even if you know what fit your jeans fit, your job isn’t done yet. Since there are many different ways to treat denim before you wear it, you must consider washing and embellishing.
You can think of “fading” in denim as its color and feel, but there’s more to denim. Your jeans can go through various treatments before you wear them to highlight your pieces. Here’s what it is:
- Raw. Raw denim is untreated and will not wash, so it will be tough and unyielding. The blue dye on the fabric will run and wear off a little until you wash it several times. There is a sense of antiquity.
- Rinse wash. This refers to lightly washed denim, which is slightly softer than raw but still very dark in terms of the dye. The paint will still rub off a little, so you’ll need to wash your new pants a few times before wearing them anywhere.
- Medium wash. It’s kind of the standard kind of jeans: jeans that are medium worn, soft to the touch, light blue, slightly faded. The paint does not spread and is not erased.
- Tinted/colored. Most jeans are dyed in the classic indigo color, but you can also get jeans in a variety of colors that are technically considered “tinted”.
- Stone Wash, Acid Wash and Enzyme Wash. These washes give jeans an aged look using a variety of techniques. Washed jeans with a pumice stone to give them an aged look. Acid washing adds a bleaching agent to give jeans a faded look. Enzyme washing is a more environmentally friendly way to age your jeans.
What you need to know about ripped jeans
Another treatment that affects the look of your jeans is damage to them:
- Sorry. Washed jeans are sometimes referred to as “torn” jeans, and that’s exactly what you think it is. The fabric will be scratched and torn, sometimes to a ridiculous level. The whole idea is to get the look of an old favorite pair of jeans right off the hanger.
- Grinding. Sanding makes the seams and edges of the jeans look frayed and worn. This is often combined with distress, but not always, and also gives the jeans a “worn” look.
- Whitening. A bleached pair of jeans looks like you accidentally spilled bleach on them, giving them a “spotty” look that accentuates the casual rather than casual look of jeans these days.
The world of pants and jeans is a lot more complicated than you might think, but if you spend more than two seconds thinking about what these terms mean to you, it will pay off when your pants actually fit for the first time. Please.