Slim Fit Vs Regular Fit Jeans: What’s The Difference?
There are so many different fits of jeans that keeping them all straight (no pun intended) can be a challenge. Not only are there a number of different cuts and fits, but then you also have different rises, lengths, styles, and more.
There’s a lot to know about jeans! and if you’re looking for some answers you’re in the right place! In this post, we’ll compare slim fit vs regular fit jeans.
We’ll go over the biggest difference between the two, take a closer look at the similarities, and help you decide which type of jeans is best for your body type.
Slim fit jeans and regular fit jeans are two really common jean cuts, but they are easily confused with other cuts like relaxed or skinny fit jeans. This is totally understandable because there isn’t a very big difference in the fit of either.
While both these styles of jeans are sold for both men and women, today we’ll be talking specifically about the women’s jeans.
So what are slim fit and regular fit and what is the main difference between the two? Let’s get into it!
What Are Slim Fit Jeans?
Slim cut jeans are very similar to the very popular and well known skinny jeans as they offer more of a tight fit.
The key difference is that slim fit jeans have a larger opening at the bottom, whereas skinny jeans basically fit like a legging made of denim. Slim fit jeans taper from the knee down but they are still not as tight fitting as skinny jeans.
Slim fit jeans still give you that fitted feel, but they aren’t necessarily tight like skinny jeans.
These jeans can be dressed up or dressed down and they can be high rise, mid rise, and usually fall right at or above the ankle, but can be full length as well.
What Are Regular Fit Jeans?
Regular fit jeans are more like straight fit jeans. They are a loose fit but they’re not baggy, just comfortable, and not to be confused with their much baggier cousin, the relaxed fit.
They have a straight leg from the thigh to the ankle. These jeans have a more laid back look, although some regular fit jeans could also be dressed up.
You can get regular fit jeans in mid rise, high rise, cropped, or full length. Regular jeans are a classic cut that would be a good option for any casual outfit.
Slim Fit Vs Regular Fit Jeans: Main Differences
Slim fit and regular fit jeans can have some similarities in rise, length, and color, but the fits themselves are very different. Let’s go over the best way to spot these key differences in these two different types of jeans.
Leg opening
The leg opening on slim-fit pants is only slightly wider than that of skinny jeans but still has a narrower leg opening than regular fit jeans. Regular fit jeans have a leg opening that is the same size of the leg of the jeans, rather than a tapered fit.
Cut
The cut of slim fit jeans is close fitting through the thigh to the knee where the jeans open a little and fall right above or around the ankle with a more narrow, tapered leg opening.
Regular jeans, on the other hand, have a looser fit that is one size from the thigh to the leg opening, which can fall anywhere between the ankle and full length.
Shape
Slim jeans and regular jeans have two different shapes but surprisingly they look good on the same body shapes. You can tell which is which from the shape when you look at them side by side.
The slim fit will have more of a silhouette shape and the regular will have a looser, straighter shape.If you have an hourglass, apple, or athletic body shape, regular fit jeans will look great on you.
A slim fit is great on these shapes as well, but your figure will be more accentuated in a slim fit, so it’s a matter of what you prefer. Slender bodies or more athletic builds tend to be a good fit with regular fit jeans.
Shop High Rise Vintage Slim Fit Denim Jeans
Tips for Choosing Slim Fit Jeans
Slim fit jeans are a great option if you’re looking for a versatile pair of jeans that can be used for many different occasions. They come in different styles that will determine how versatile they are, such as distressed or non-distressed.
When you’re looking for a new pair of jeans and you try on slim fit, consider these things:
Fit
Slim fit jeans should slightly hug the thighs and knees, open up just a little around the calves and loosen up at the leg opening. Play around with different sizes in this cut to find the perfect fit for you.
You may prefer a looser or tighter fit than you do in skinny leg jeans.
Color/Wash
Since slim fit pants are so versatile and can be dressed up or down, you might want to go with a color that is also versatile.
Light colors and distressed slim fit jeans are more casual, whereas darker colors can be used for a more business casual look or dressed down. This is a good consideration if you want to get the most use out of slim fit jeans.
There are many different colors and lighter washes, as well as distressed options, that make slim fit jeans a great option for casual outfits as well. Consider what you’re buying the jeans for.
Do they have a specific purpose or are you just looking for a new pair of jeans to add to your wardrobe?
Stretch
Since slim fit jeans are a more snug fit than some other cuts, you might want to consider choosing a pair with a little bit of stretch. This will make your slim fit jeans more comfortable and easier to move around or sit in.
Shop Levi’s Women’s 501 Original Jeans
Tips for Choosing Regular Fit Jeans
Although you can definitely throw on a pair of heels with a regular fit pair of jeans, this fit typically lends itself best to a casual look. But it all depends on the style you choose.
When you’re choosing your regular fit jeans, consider these things:
Fit
Regular fit jeans should be well-fitted through the waist and hips and open up at the thigh. These fit loosely from the thigh to the leg opening, in a straight line.
Make sure these fit well around your waist and hips to prevent this cut from looking sloppy.
These can also fall in length anywhere between right above the ankle and full length. Think about which one would best fit your style and purposes to choose the right fit for you.
Consider your shoe options and what you’re buying the jeans for.
Color/Wash
Regular fit jeans are casual jeans and look great in light to medium washes. Although you can certainly get these in a dark wash if that’s what you prefer.
The darker washes with no distress tend to be a better option if you’re planning to try to dress these up at all.
Stretch
Stretch in regular fit jeans isn’t essential since these jeans have more room for you to move around and sit comfortably. It can still be a nice touch in the waist and hips, so try different options to see what you like the most.
Some regular fit jeans come with a flexible waist with regular non-stretch denim making up the rest of the pants, which works out nicely because of the loose fit through the length of the jeans.
More Examples of Slim Fit Jeans
1. Lee Women’s Sculpting Slim Fit Slim Leg Pull On Jeans
These pull on jeans will be the most comfortable way to wear slim fit blue jeans. They’ll have a ton of stretch as well as a nice darker blue color for dressing up a bit.
2. PAIGE Women’s Cindy High Rise Slim Fit
These cuffed slim fit jeans are a great fitted choice if you’re a big fan of skinny jeans but want a wider leg opening for more versatility.
3. PAIGE Women’s Sarah Transcend Vintage Stretch High Rise Slim Fit Crop Jean
These stretchy slim fit jeans have the stretch that will make them a comfortable fit that’s easy to move around in.
4. PAIGE Women’s Sarah Transcend High Rise Slim Fit Jean
This pair of slim fit jeans can much more easily be dressed up than looser fits and the color is nice midway point between light and dark washes.
More Examples of Regular Fit Jeans
1. Lee Women’s Flex Motion Regular Fit
These mid rise regular fit jeans are perfect for an athletic build and have a stretchy waist for comfortable movement.
2. Lee Women’s Flex Motion Regular Fit
These are a dark washed version of this classic fit that could easily be worn as business casual.
3. Levi’s Women’s Premium 501 Original Fit Jeans
These cropped regular fit jeans are a medium wash, a good choice to pair with either sneakers and a t-shirt or heels and a blouse.
4. Lee Women’s Petite Legendary Regular Fit
These regular fit jeans have a tailored look with room to move and sit comfortably.
At the end of the day, there are many pairs of jeans with all different types of fits. There are styles out there for all different body types so you just have to find the style that flatters your body and that you feel comfortable in, whether that’s slim fit, regular fit, or one of the other many different fits out there
