Decoding the Different Types of Men’s Jeans By Style and Fit

Slim fit and straight taper and relaxed fit, oh my!

BY: Rachel Khona
Update: April 24, 2024

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Jeans- the American staple that has been covering our butts since 1873. Jeans can be anything you want; classic or rebellious, neat or ripped, tapered or loose. We’re going to dive into the world of jean fits, demystifying the different varieties so you can figure out what works best for you. From slim taper to relaxed straight and everything in between, there’s a fit for everyone, no matter what your style.

Once you know which fit and style works best for you, check out some of our favorite jeans of the season. You got this.

MEN'S JEANS BY TYPE, STYLE & FIT

RELAXED STRAIGHT

THE LAID BACK LEGEND OF JEANS

Relaxed straight jeans are the laid-back legend of the denim kingdom. With their roomy, easy-going fit, these jeans are perfect for lounging around or embarking on a spontaneous adventure. They’re the denim equivalent of a big, warm hug for your legs, offering unparalleled comfort and freedom of movement. If you’ve got a bigger butt or just need a bit more legroom, these will fit more like a straight leg. On the other hand, if you’re on the thinner side, they may find they have a baggier fit.

RELAXED TAPER

FOR TREETRUNKS FOR LEGS

With their relaxed upper half and tapered legs, these jeans are like the mullets of the pants world – business up top, party down below! If you’ve got legs that identify as tree trunks but you still want a slim fit, the relaxed taper fit is for you. The slimmer lower half accentuates the muscular thighs on top. If you’ve got legs that could crush a nut, show them off in these babies.

ATHLETIC FIT

THE SHOW-OFF OF JEANS

Athletic jeans are the ultimate denim mashup. There’s enough legroom for those who’ve been working hard on leg day, a slightly flared hem, and a snug seat that hugs your ba-dunka-a-dunk. So, whether you’ve got the build of a Greek god or just want to give your physique a little extra oomph, the athletic cut is here to save the day. Just remember, if you’re on the thinner side, you can look lost in these jeans, so you may want to pass.

BOOTCUT FIT

OLD-SCHOOL ROCK-N-ROLL

With a slight flare and classic silhouette, bootcut jeans are perfect for the guy who wants to look stylish. With a slightly wider leg to accommodate boots (hence the name), bootcut jeans are a touch of old-school rock-n-roll cool to any outfit. Classic bootcut jeans sit at the natural waist and have a slight flare, but newer versions also come in low-rise. Whether you’re strolling into the office or going out on a date, bootcut jeans add an undeniable flair of charm to any outfit. Throw on a vintage leather jacket, and you’ve nailed the look.

STRAIGHT LEG

RIDE-OR-DIE OF DENIM

Straight leg jeans are the ride-or-die of denim – always there for you no matter what other trend you’ve been following or questionable life choices you’ve been making. The fit is exactly what it sounds like – straight from the hips to the legs. Not too tight and not too relaxed, straight fits are usually mid-rise. Straight leg jeans are the real MVPs of your wardrobe.

STRAIGHT TAPER

CLASSIC & MODERN

Straight taper jeans are the perfect balance between classic and modern. Straight taper jeans boast a straight, uniform fit through the thighs with a tapered fit that narrows past the knees to the hem. Straight taper jeans are great if you want extra room in the thighs but the cleaner look of a tapered leg. If you’ve got bigger legs, but still want a slim fit, these jeans are for you.

SLIM STRAIGHT

MOST SLEEK & STYLISH

Straight slim jeans are a sleek, stylish hybrid for those of you looking for an even slimmer fit. A little bit punk, a little bit hipster, the slim straights are cut with a lower rise and perfect for anyone who wants to look like they’re in a band. These jeans work great on a slimmer frame, so you may want to skip them if you’re on the thicker side.

SLIM TAPER

ODE TO THE SKINNY JEAN

The slim taper is the last stop before Skinny Jeans town, and we’re not going there. These jeans offer a slimmer fit through the thighs and a narrower leg, making them an excellent choice for anyone who wants a slimmer fit without committing to skinny jeans. Of course, if you have thicker thighs, the slim taper may still feel like a skinny jean. They also tend to be a lower rise, so watch out if you want to avoid the ol’ butt crack flashing everyone.

In a world full of denim dilemmas, one thing’s for sure: jeans are the ultimate style chameleons, offering a spectrum of fits and vibes to suit every mood, moment, and misadventure. From the sleek sophistication of straight legs to the laid-back coolness of relaxed fits, denim is the ultimate wingman, ready to support you through every fashion faux pas and spontaneous dance-off.

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Rachel Khona

Rachel is one of our Men's Style + Grooming contributors here at Brostrick.com, where she uses her unique sense of humor (that we love) combined with her love all things style and, well, ridiculousness to connect to our readers. Rachel has written endless articles at major publishers like AskMen, Maxim, Playboy, Thrillist, The Washington Post, Bustle, Cosmopolitan, Elle Magazine, and so much more. Read full bio.