Relaxed fit jeans are one of the many assortments of denim cuts available on the market today. With the number of varieties of denim out there, many customers are not sure if relaxed fit jeans are for them or if they are suitable to wear comfortable fit pants to work. What are relaxed fit jeans?
Relaxed fit jeans fit looser than regular jeans. They will provide plenty of space in the seat, crotch, and thigh, and won’t hug tight against your legs. They often feature a lengthier rise than other types of jeans.
Although relaxed fit jeans are loose, many companies will also offer a “loose fit” that may be even roomier. The exact terminology used can vary company to company, but in general, expect relaxed fit jeans to provide you extra space in the seat, crotch, and thighs.
These types of jeans were very popular in the 90’s, and are still popular to some extent today, especially for workers who need plenty of room in their jeans to move around and work.
Relaxed fit jeans are generally more of a casual jean, but can be used at times for dressier looks. The main takeaway is comfort and freedom of movement. In this article, let’s take a closer look at relaxed fit jeans and who they are best for.
How Do Relaxed Jeans Fit?
Relaxed jeans are looser than regular cut jeans and allow some breathing room. Expect relaxed fit jeans to provide you extra space in the seat, crotch, and thighs.
If you are looking for work jeans, this roomier cut can be particularly important for movement and flexibility. Relaxed fit jeans won’t hug your legs like skinny jeans.
The fit around the thigh is important. Having something constrictive around your thighs and hips isn’t pleasant and doesn’t provide all-day comfort.
Relaxed jeans are designed to be roomy, without swallowing the legs the way extremely baggy fit jeans can. This gives you comfort, but also keeps things professional and avoids a sloppy, baggy look.
Here is a look at Levi’s 550 Relaxed Fit Jeans (dark blue, bottom) compared to Levi’s Original 501 Regular Fit (light blue, top):
As you can see, the relaxed fit jeans have more room in the crotch and in the thighs. This gives you plenty of room to operate and do what you need to do.
Relaxed Fit Jeans for Men and Women
As we know, history does repeat itself. The trendy 90’s denim has adapted its way into men’s and women’s wardrobes. Since the relaxed denim has worked back into everyone’s closet, people are creating different ways to incorporate it into their life.
Once upon a time, relaxed jeans were part of the weekend attire, but now the denim is showing up in the workplace. People that use them daily are now relying on these comfortable jeans to get them through a long day of work. Here is how both parties are wearing them today.
Relaxed Fit Jeans for Men
There was a time where men’s jeans came in two styles, a slim fit, and a super baggy fit. Both aren’t an option for every body type. Relaxed fit jeans were a ‘dad’ pant; it made it easy to chase the kids around as well as work in the yard with unlimited comfort.
Present day, a more modern, slim fit has become popular, but if you feel like slim and skinny fit jeans are just not for you, then the good news is most all major jean brands still make a relaxed fit jean for men.
Relaxed fit jeans are more common for men to wear because they make so much sense for blue collar jobs. When you are bending, twisting, kneeling, crouching, etc, you need a pair of jeans that has enough room in the seat and thighs to accommodate. To read more, visit our article about the best relaxed fit work pants.
Plus, many men like them because they also function perfectly as casual jeans, and have that versatility that looks good both on and off the clock. And there are plenty of office workers who also prefer relaxed fit pants, and they certainly can be worn in a business casual environment as well.
Relaxed Fit Jeans for Women
On the other hand, for women, this is a newly sought out style. Once known as a “mom jean,” is now being sold in high-end stores and being worn by celebrities. Before, most women were into a skinny, hip-hugging, thigh-squeezing cut, and many still are.
But present day, relaxed fit jeans are becoming more popular for women. Some brands may refer to this cut as a “boyfriend” jean. If you are a women and want a roomier cut, there will be options out there for you.
Who Should Wear Relaxed Fit Jeans?
When it comes to body types, fit is critical. Relaxed denim is better for someone who has a thick midsection or is bulky, primarily men. The denim will provide comfort and proportion to their figure.
Customers with average body types or slender legs should avoid relaxed jeans; you could end up looking billowy or sloppy. It will look as if the pants are trying to swallow you whole. It is not an ideal look for the workplace. But it all depends on what you like and what makes you most comfortable.
Is Relaxed Fit the Same as Loose Fit?
Loose fit pants are usually baggier than relaxed fit pants. For some people, the loosest fit can feel too roomy, and almost get in the way. This will obviously come down to personal preference.
Relaxed fit jeans are created for comfort too, but they have a lot less of a floppy structure and display more of a controlled look from the seat, thighs, down to the tapered leg.
Yes, they will have extra room in the seat and thighs compared to regular pants, but they won’t be as baggy as loose fit pants. For more information, visit our article about relaxed straight jeans.
Final Thoughts
The comfortable, relaxed fit pant is finally making its comeback and taking over the fashion world. Not only are you going to look ‘in fashion’ with relaxed fit jeans, but you will be more comfortable, too.
If your tighter fitting pants have been causing discomfort in the thigh and waist regions, grab yourself a pair of relaxed fit pants. Style your new comfy pants the way you want for the workplace, or a day with the family. Enjoy the ease.