Straight, tapered, or fitted: not all denim cuts are created equal, especially when it comes to flattering your figure. Whether you're slim, athletic, or fuller-figured, there's a pair of jeans that suit every body type. Here are our tips for choosing the right fit, without making a style mistake.
Regular, slim and tapered cuts: very distinct styles
Understanding the lines of jeans
Before choosing, you still need to know how to decipher what each cut says. Regular jeans are characterized by a straight leg from the hips to the ankle. Neither too loose nor tight, it's the ultimate compromise between comfort. Slim jeans follow the lines of the body without sticking to them like a second skin: they are fitted at the thighs, narrowed at the calf, and stop just before the skinny. Tapered jeans , finally, offer a subtle balance: they are looser on top, slightly tapered at the bottom, perfect for giving a modern structure to more muscular or wide silhouettes.
Benefits and visual effects
Each cut has its own unique advantages. Regular jeans provide visual stability and don't accentuate curves: ideal for those who want to remain understated and comfortable. Slim jeans elongate the leg, refine lines, and instantly modernize a slim or proportionate silhouette. Tapered jeans are for men who need room in the thighs without falling into the "bag" effect. With their narrowed hem, they also highlight shoes, whether sneakers or boots.
One cut, one intention
In short, regular-fit creates a classic, versatile look, slim-fit creates precise structure, and tapered-fit modernizes without restricting. It's as much a question of body type as it is of mindset: do you want to be comfortable, elegant, or assertive? The goal is to find the right balance between personal comfort and stylistic balance.
What cut of jeans according to your body type?
Slim, muscular or generous body shape: each body has its own cut
For slimmer figures, often characterized by narrow shoulders, long legs, and little muscle volume,slim-fit jeans offer good support without bunching. Avoid overly wide cuts that create a "floating" effect. Regular jeans can be suitable, provided they fit snugly at the waist.
Men with an athletic physique (broad chest, slim waist, muscular thighs) will be more comfortable in tapered pants, which complement their natural curves without restricting them. Slim-fit pants can work if they're stretchy, but beware of the "dancer pants" effect if you have substantial thighs. Regular-fit pants, which are slightly tighter at the bottom, can also balance out a very square silhouette.
For more generous body types, tapered and regular cuts are your best allies. They blur the lines without weighing down the silhouette. Avoid overly tight slim-fitting jeans and skinny cuts that compress: they accentuate rather than flatter.
Common mistakes to avoid
Too much denim breaking over your shoes? You're visually shrinking your figure.
Too tight in the back pockets? This emphasizes unwanted volume.
Too loose at the ankles? This compresses the lower body.
A well-chosen pair of jeans is also judged by the small details, not just the overall fit.
Tips to improve the fall
When a pair of jeans doesn't fit perfectly, all is not lost. A small, well-placed cuff lightens the leg line. A length adjustment slims the look. A good choice of belt or top also helps rebalance the look. Choose jeans with a little elastane: they adapt to the body without restricting it, and are more comfortable for everyday wear.
Wearing every cut with style: best practices
The high-low chord, a question of balance
The top you wear plays a key role. With slim-fit jeans, choose well-cut shirts or polo shirts to extend the silhouette close to the body without looking too tight. With a tapered fit, opt for sweatshirts or overshirts that add volume at the top to balance the silhouette. Regular-fit jeans, on the other hand, go just as well with a tucked-in T-shirt as with a thick turtleneck sweater.
Which shoes for which cut?
With slim jeans, it's best to choose discreet footwear like sneakers, derby shoes, or boots. Regular jeans work with almost anything, from loafers to sneakers. Tapered jeans are perfect for revealing boots or high-top sneakers, thanks to their tapered hem. Also consider socks depending on the desired effect.
The details that make the difference
Back pockets affect the perception of the buttocks: the higher and more centered they are, the more flattering they are. The wash also plays a role: raw denim structures the silhouette, while a faded model softens the curves. Finally, waist height is crucial: mid-rise fits most, while high-rises balance out a marked tummy. Low-rises, on the other hand, should be handled with caution.