The men’s jeans fit guide

Let’s face it: shopping for a new pair of jeans can feel like a daunting task. With countless fits, sizes, and styles to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. To make the process easier, we’ve created a handy guide that covers all your denim needs, featuring top picks from our new AW25 collection.

Barrel leg jeans

Introducing the newest fit to our men’s denim line-up, barrel jeans! One of 2025’s standout styles, this fit takes cues from wide-leg denim but adds a voluminous, ‘balloon-like’ twist. With a relaxed fit through the thigh that tapers towards the ankle, they’re an easy-to-wear piece that’ll see you through this season and beyond.

Key details:

• Hips and thighs: Relaxed through the hips and thighs for a comfortable, easy fit.

• Legs: Curved silhouette that tapers toward the ankle.

• Length: Slightly cropped which sits just above the ankle.

Straight fit jeans

Striking a balance between skinny and loose fit, their mid-rise cut and straight leg design make them a failsafe choice for weekend errands and casual office days. Non-stretch styles are ideal for a more authentic feel, but for those who require more flexibility, our stretch straight styles have got you covered.

Key details:

• Hips and thighs: Relaxed but structured, allowing for natural movement.

• Legs: Consistent narrow width from the thigh to the ankle.  

• Length: The hem should sit at the top of your shoes without a build-up of fabric.

Baggy jeans

Prefer to keep things super relaxed? Enter: the baggy fit. Designed with extra room at the back, thighs and knees, these jeans deliver the perfect combination of comfortable and cool. Ideal for weekend catch-ups, team them with trainers and an oversized graphic T-shirt to nail the old-school skater aesthetic.

Key details:

• Hips and thighs: Roomy, but not oversized to maintain some shape.

• Legs: Wide and relaxed from knee to ankle, adding a draped look.

• Length: They should just slightly cover the top of your shoe, with a small amount of fabric stacking.  

Cargo jeans

If you're looking for denim that gives you room to move, cargo jeans are the way to go. Combining classic utility trousers with laid-back denim, they serve as a functional staple for all off-duty moments. Plus, they look effortlessly cool paired with a simple plain black or white T-shirt. Hello, ‘90s vibes...

Key details:

• Hips and thighs: Plenty of room for movement, but not excessively wide.

• Legs: Designed with a straight or slightly tapered cut, with a relaxed fit from knee to ankle.

• Length: The hem should lightly drape over your shoes, but not so it drags on the ground.

Skinny jeans

Despite baggier fits dominating the style game right now, skinny jeans remain a key player in our denim wardrobe. Sleek and versatile, the form-fitting design makes them ideal for smart-casual dress codes. Pair them with a fine knit jumper for the office, or switch things up with a bomber jacket for casual, evening plans. Priced at €16, you can’t go wrong!

Key details:

• Hips and thighs: Close-fitting with some stretch for comfort.

• Legs: Tapered tightly from knee to ankle.

• Length: Should sit just below the ankle.

Slim fit jeans

Clean, modern, and endlessly versatile, slim fit jeans are your go-to for easy, understated style. Sitting between skinny and straight leg cuts, they offer a sharp, tailored fit without feeling too restrictive, making them ideal for everyday wear.

Key details:

• Hips and thighs: Slightly tapered but not too restrictive.

• Legs: The jeans should hug your legs, creating a fitted shape.

• Length: Should sit at the top of your shoes without a build-up of fabric.

Relaxed fit jeans

Slightly loose, without being excessively oversized, relaxed fit jeans have gained popularity in recent years — and for good reason! While they offer more room than your regular fit, they avoid the extremes of being too baggy with a straight or subtle tapered leg. An evergreen staple with a nod to the viral ‘dadcore’ aesthetic, these jeans are a great pick for any occasion.

Key details:

• Hips and thighs: Offer more room for a relaxed, easy fit.

• Legs: Loose but not oversized, with a straight or slightly tapered leg from the knee to the ankle.

• Length: Should fall right on top of your shoes, with enough length to avoid excess fabric.

FAQs:

How should men’s jeans fit?

• This heavily depends on the style and cut. However, jeans should generally sit comfortably on the waist without the need for a belt — a good test for this is to make sure you can fit two fingers between your waist and the jeans. When seated, your jeans should curve to your body and hug the area slightly without being too tight and restricting movement.

How tight should jeans be on a man?

• Men’s jeans can be as tight as you’d like them. It’s all down to personal preference but if you love a fitted look, choose a super skinny style.

How do you know if jeans are too big?

• Test whether your jeans are too big by trying to fit a hand down the back waistband. If you can, it’s an indication that you could size down.

Do jeans get tighter after washing?

• You’ll often notice some initial shrinking after washing a pair of jeans. This usually goes away or is minimised after being worn. Always be sure to check the care label on any jeans before washing them.

Love our new denim collection? Snap, tag and share your looks using #Primania or @Primark for a chance to be featured online!