Aside from the suitable fabric and perfect size, there is another thing that is very important for you to consider with pants – the fit. If the size and style aren’t enough to confuse you, pants fit could add to that. Of course, there’s a straight fit, regular fit, slim fit, classic fit – but seriously, what are the difference between them? Aren’t they all pants?
There are various types of pants fit, and it could be daunting to know which is which. But don’t worry. We won’t give you a long list of pants fit in this article. Instead, we’ll talk about two of the most common ones – straight fit and regular fit. Ready?
Regular Fit Pants
The majority of men wear regular-fit jeans. The exact measurement varies from brand to brand. Still, they’re designed to fit like the typical blue jeans, with a bit of wiggle room in the crotch and resting lightly against the buttocks in the back. Unless you’re carrying extra weight in the buttocks or thighs, this is most likely the fit you’re looking for.
Regular fit pants should have a 2″ to 3″ gap between your hips and the pants. Regular fit may also be referred to as classic fit or original fit.
Such fit is one of the types of pants that fit straight from the hip to the thigh. Such pants have a mid-rise and a large leg opening. Regular fit pants are typically worn by men who are not overly large-boned or thin. It is preferred by men with body types that are neither too skinny nor too thick.
Characteristics of Regular Fit Pants
- Sits just below the waist.
- Traditional roomy seat and thigh fit.
- Straight leg opening.
- Appropriate for a more casual setting.
- Frequently more loose than slim.
Straight Fit Pants
Straight fit pants have a knee measurement that is approximately the same as the leg opening measurement. So, from the thigh to the ankle, they are roughly the same size. It’s the most classic look for pants because it was the simplest to make when everyone did everything by hand.
Pants with such fit are uniform in width from the top of the leg to the bottom leg opening. However, because our legs are different shapes and sizes, this fit will look different on different body types. And since our legs naturally shrink below the knee, straight-fit pants will appear baggier below the knee than above.
So, when you see a pair of pants referred to simply as a straight fit, it typically means somewhere in the middle of slim and loose – more of a regular cut. It is a standard cut with the same width above and below the knee. It stays straight and does not taper in.
Comparison Between Regular Fit and Straight Fit
| Pants Fit | Regular | Straight |
| Fit at the thigh area | Normal | Tight |
| Below the knees | Straight | Invariant |
| Leg opening | 16-18 | 10-11 |
| Body type | Big-boned and large frame | All (including pear and apple shape) |
| Benefits | Comfortable | Classic and happy medium |
When and How to Wear Regular Fit Pants
Regular fit pants are appropriate for both casual and formal settings. Of course, some styles are better suited to casual occasions. In contrast, others are better suited to formal events such as meetings and dinners. For example, khakis, which have long been a business everyday staple, are often considered a regular fit. And combining navy regular-fit khaki pants with brown wingtips creates a versatile and stylish look.
A chino pant, which is often available in a regular fit, is another option for more formal occasions. The Chino, which is made of light cotton fabric, looks best with an oxford-cloth button-down shirt and a pair of loafers for a dressy look. Regular Fit pants, such as suit pants and trousers made of wool or twill, are also suited for meetings and formal events. And, of course, the most casual type of regular fit pants are jeans, which you can wear anytime, anywhere.
When and How to Wear Straight Fit Pants
The straight leg is a traditional, All-American classic and is essentially the original of denim. Straight-leg jeans, which are typically cut straight from the hips down the legs with slight tapering, look best on athletic men, with a generous shoulder-to-hip ratio working to counteract the bagginess of the cut. Slim gents can also pull off the straight leg in a casual setting but in a more relaxed, bohemian sense.
Straight-leg pants have a 90s vibe (and, before that, a 50s vibe), so they go well with other 90s-inspired clothing. However, we’re nearing the outer reaches of the fit spectrum, so balance is critical. We believe that chunkier shoes and looser tees and knits will complement your straight-fit pants at best.
How To Choose Between Straight Fit and Regular Fit Pants
The fact that there are so many different styles and fits to choose from is one of the best pants. However, it all depends on the circumstances. Aside from your body type, you should select appropriate pants for the level of physical endurance you will be pursuing throughout the day. A formal event should show off your more refined side, and your pants should help complement that. It is strongly advised to wear black or dark pants.
On the other hand, if the occasion is casual, such as shopping for groceries or a walk in the park, the preference is for comfortable straight pants. Just make sure it has deep pockets for necessities like wallets, phones, and keys, and always test how well it moves in them. Also, it’s nice to wear it with a different colored belt because it not only shows how versatile the pants are with color options, but it also ensures that they don’t accidentally fall in public, which is always an advantage.
The Bottom Line
Unless you’re talking about straight fit or regular fit, the world of pants is vast. When it comes to straight fit versus regular fit, you’ll notice a lot of gray areas. And while they have some similarities, they also have some differences.
READ ALSO: What are Men’s Pants Sizes?
