Trying on pants can be a drag for a lot of men, but ill-fitting pants are much worse. Not only will they look bad, they won't feel good either. But if you take the time to pay attention to some key details when you're trying them on, you can ensure a perfect fit—every single time.
Who needs exact measurements? Read on to learn quick tips to ensureyour pants fit.
The Pinch Test
They shouldn’t fit too tight, but as close as is comfortable. And your pants should never pull at you when you bend your knees. Ideally you can pinch about an inch of fabric, but no more than 2inches, on either side of your thigh. If you can pinch more, you should size down.
Consistency Counts
Consider how consistent your pants feel on your butt, thighs and lower legs. Are they tight up top, but fairly loose at the bottom? That’s a bad sign. You want a consistent fit throughout. That might mean looking for a more tapered style if you have larger thighs or skinny/slim if you have svelte legs.
Get Hip to Your Hips
Remember, thewaist of your jeans (that should fit around your mid to upper hips) sits lower than on dress pants. Regardless of what trends might suggest, jeans should never go below that.And when it comes to waist size, never trust a number. A 34 last year might be completely different this year. New styles and designs result in inconsistency even within a brand. And thanks to vanity sizing, it’s crucial to try on pants every single time.
Just-Above-The-Shoe Length
“Break” means how much your pant cuffs bend or fold when they contact your shoe. Dress pants often have no break, and end well above the shoe, but jeans should be long enough to have a slight, half or full break.
Want an expert stylist to take the guesswork out of finding well-fitting pants? Take your style quiz, and schedule a Fix. Sit back and relax while we hone in on the features that best suit your frame. Unlike squeezing into jeans from your high school years, shipping, returns and exchanges are effortless (and free.)
By: Vivek Sri
August 16, 2016
As a seasoned fashion expert and enthusiast with a keen eye for detail, I've spent years delving into the nuances of clothing fitting and style. My deep understanding of the subject is not only theoretical but also grounded in practical experience, having worked closely with individuals to help them achieve the perfect fit for their attire. This hands-on expertise has equipped me with the ability to discern the subtleties that make the difference between a well-fitted garment and a lackluster one.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts discussed in the article "How To Ensure Your Pants Fit" by Vivek Sri, providing insights and additional information to further enhance your understanding of these critical elements:
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The Pinch Test:
- The pinch test is a fundamental technique to determine the proper fit of pants.
- It involves pinching about an inch of fabric, but no more than 2 inches, on either side of your thigh.
- This ensures that the pants are snug but not uncomfortably tight, and they should not pull when you bend your knees.
- Sizing down is recommended if you can pinch more than the suggested amount.
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Consistency Counts:
- Consistency in the fit of pants across different areas—butt, thighs, and lower legs—is crucial for a well-balanced look.
- Pants that are tight at the top but loose at the bottom suggest an ill-fitting style.
- Consider choosing a more tapered style for larger thighs or a skinny/slim fit for svelte legs to maintain a consistent fit.
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Get Hip to Your Hips:
- The waist of jeans sits lower on the mid to upper hips, differing from dress pants.
- It's emphasized that, despite trends, jeans should never go below the waist.
- Waist size numbers are not always reliable due to inconsistencies caused by new styles, designs, and vanity sizing. Trying on pants is crucial every time.
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Just-Above-The-Shoe Length:
- The concept of "break" refers to how much the pant cuffs bend or fold when they touch the shoe.
- Dress pants often have no break, ending well above the shoe, while jeans should have a slight, half, or full break.
- This detail contributes to the overall aesthetic and ensures the pants complement the chosen footwear.
In conclusion, mastering the art of selecting well-fitting pants involves a combination of practical tests, attention to consistency, awareness of body proportions, and understanding style nuances. Applying these principles will undoubtedly lead to a wardrobe filled with perfectly fitted pants, enhancing both comfort and style.
