Denim has been the steadfast garment that has stood immune through the passing of time. It’s comfortable, versatile, and makes the ideal choice for work to first dates. However, for a few of you, buying the perfect pair of jeans can get tedious. With seemingly endless styles, colors, cuts, finishes, and more, it’s an overwhelming venture for many men, especially those of you who don’t consider yourselves fashion-savvy. Hence, we, at JCPenney, bring you a handy guide running through each aspect of a pair of jeans, ensuring you get the perfect look and fit you’re looking for.
Down To the Basics
Before you start your hunt for the world’s perfect pair of jeans, it’s best to stick to a few basic guidelines which will help you narrow down your search and provide better results. The first step is to take a look at the tag. Try to find a pair of jeans that is between 80 to 100 percent cotton or of a stretchable material. Such fabric allows jeans to stretch to fit your body and feel lighter and more breathable on warm days.
Additionally, try and avoid unusual trends when it comes to jeans. Remember, jeans are a classic look, so you shouldn’t feel the pressure to get styles that are almost certainly fads. Bejeweled jeans and bizarre washes are all a part of the no list. When in doubt, go with a classic or relaxed fit that transcends time or other styles. When you do this, chances are you’ll be happy.
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All About the Fit
Finding the right fit is by far the hardest part of choosing a good pair of jeans. This becomes exacerbated by the fact that every guy has a different shape, weight, height, size, and more considerations. That said, men’s jeans generally come in five categories:
Slim-Fit: These are not too tight nor too loose. You’re going to feel more contact around the hips, thighs, and knees than normal, but the leg opens up around the ankle for some added comfort, and as a whole, these jeans are crisp and clean-looking.
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Straight-Fit: They have the same cut from top to bottom, providing a more relaxed fit than slim-fit jeans. Tight on the thighs, straight legs loosen up at about the knee and end with a wider opening at the ankle.
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Regular-Fit: They are generally straight-leg jeans but with mid-rise. The legs fall straight from knee to hem and have larger leg openings. It’s breathable, allows you more wiggle room, and has a sleek look.
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Relaxed-Fit: Somewhere between classic jeans and a pair of denim sweatpants is the relaxed fit. It’s loose from top to bottom with a fuller leg and seat. To wear these properly, find a pair that goes at or right around your waist, right above the hips.
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Skinny-Fit: One of the latest additions to the jeans realm. They have a tighter structure compared to the rest and tapered leg opening. Skinny from hip to hem, they are generally low to mid-rise with a zipper fly.
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The Wash
Now that you have a basic idea of the fits of jeans, it’s time to move over to the wash. If you’re into the straight blue color, you’re a classic wash guy, while vintage wash makes your jeans look like you’ve worn them for a few years. The next level is a dark rinse, which adds a soft, dark touch to the jeans. Perhaps only for purists or those that love them, raw or untreated jean is rigid, rough to the touch, and only for professionals or those that want some extra durability.
Remember that your opinion matters more than anything when buying a pair of jeans. However, you can add some style to your wardrobe by just trying on a few pairs. There truly is nothing like a pair of jeans that fits so right. Check out our entire collection and find your favorite pair. Tag #AllAtJCP and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to see if you are featured.
