Men’s Smart Trouser Fit Guide
Use our guide to find your perfect formal trouser fit, from classic cuts to contemporary slim and skinny styles.
Seeking the perfect fit for your next pair of men’s formal trousers? When it comes to choosing between regular cuts, contemporary slim silhouettes and everything in between, our handy fit guide is the perfect place to find out about our range of formal trousers and the one that’ll suit you. Find your favourite men’s trousers style then prepare to pick from pared-back colourways and timeless patterned options for smart dressing.
Skinny Fit
Skinny-fit trousers sit nearer to the body, skimming closely from the thigh through to the hem. It’s a modern style with sleek appeal that pairs perfectly with a range of men’s smart shirts, making it an ideal option for creating sharp silhouettes.
Regular Fit
The regular-fit trouser is a roomier style. They’re generally cut to a straight-leg silhouette and are more generously sized than their skinny and slim counterparts, aiming to ensure optimal comfort. Plus, they pair equally well with crisp button-downs or casual men’s T-shirts.
Straight Fit
A classic fit that’s generally fitted at the waist, falling through the hips and thigh in a straight shape. They’re minimal, universally flattering and work well for a variety of occasions.
Tapered Fit
Tapered trousers are a traditional style when it comes to tailoring. They’re designed to fit closely from the hips through thighs before tapering into a slimmer cut from the knee down to the hem. They often feature a slight cropped hem, too.
Loose Fit
They offer a generous amount of room through the leg and often have a wider opening at the hem. This style is great if you want full freedom of movement and don’t like anything that sits too closely to the body. A loose fit is also ideal for creating a more casual appearance, especially when paired with low-top men’s trainers.
What is the difference between regular and tailored trousers?
Tailored trousers fit the body more closely than a regular silhouette without being as tight as skinny trousers.
Tailored fit vs slim fit
Tailored trousers fit a little tighter than a slim trouser while still being looser than a skinny fit. If you’re looking for sharp dressing and timeless suiting options, a pair of tailored trousers perfectly balance the desire for a form-fitting silhouette that’s not too restrictive. Explore men’s suit jackets to pair with your tailored trousers.
How should trousers fit men?
Men’s trousers should have enough room (around a fingers width) at the waistband, positioned at or just below the naval when wearing a regular-rise style. Perfectly fitting pants should have no wrinkles and clean lines to flatter your overall look.
How to measure for men’s trousers
While there are many measurements you can take to get the perfect fit, the key ones are generally waist size and inseam. These are the two often noted on men’s trousers in shops.
Measure the waist (or where you like your trousers to sit) which will generally be around the naval for a regular-rise design.
Measure your inseam (inside leg) by running a soft tape measure from the crotch down to the hem.
How should trousers fit across the rear?
Trousers should lay as smoothly as possible across the rear. Too little material and you’ll feel it pulling, whereas too much material you’ll find the pants gapping at the waist. If you can pinch 0.5 inches or more fabric at the waistband, they are too big.
How long should formal trousers be?
For a traditional look, the perfect formal trouser length will see the style just about touch the top of your shoe, which is called a slight break. A break is the name for how much material rests on the shoe when standing. You’ll find some styles with no break, a medium break or even a large break, but a slight break is the most classic.
What is crotch and rise and how do they affect trouser fit?
The crotch refers to the part of trousers that covers the area between the tops of your legs; it should lay flat against the body. If this part of a pair of trousers is too tight, you’ll see pulling across the crotch. If it’s too loose, the excess material will be obvious.
The rise is the distance between the top of the waistband and the fork in the crotch. Suit trousers traditionally feature a regular rise, which sits around the naval or natural waist. There’s a certain amount of personal preference when it comes to what type of rise is comfortable. Some favour a low rise, while others opt for high-rise trousers. Just make sure your trousers sit where they were intended to when seeking the perfect fit.