Pant Fit Guide for Men

When pants fit well, they look better, and you feel more comfortable. But not everyone knows how to properly measure and fit themselves for a pair of pants. Different pant styles in men’s sizes don’t make matters any easier — does a pair of relaxed fit pants sit on the waist the same way as a pair of boot cut pants for men? Here we’ll explain how to get the right measurements for the pants style. 

Men’s pants are well-fitted when they:

• are not too loose or too tight,
• ?have an inseam length that is not too short or too long,
• ?offer the right dimensions for your waist, thigh, knee, ankle, and seat, and?
• have clean lines and little wrinkles.

Understanding Pant Styles

Men’s pants fit differently depending on their cut and style. Common styles include:

• Straight pants have a consistent pants width from the thigh down the leg.

• Original or classic pant fits sit at the waist with a slider waistband and fairly straight legs. A good choice of workwear that never goes out of style. 

• “Work pants” is a broad term used to describe durable pants worn in a wide range of work environments.

• Traditional fit pants sit slightly below the waist and are well-suited for most casual to formal workplaces.

• Relaxed fit pants sit slightly below the waist, with extra room in the seat and thighs. These pants are most appropriate for casual workplaces.

• Loose fit pants sit at the waist, with roomier legs through the seat and thigh, and are suitable for casual office or outdoor workspaces. 

• Cargo pants are loosely cut pants made of durable material and include one or more cargo pockets.

• Athletic pants, or sweatpants, are loose-fitting pants usually made from cotton or polyester and intended to be worn while exercising (or just for comfort).

• Carpenter pants are loose-fitting pants with multiple pockets and tool loops. 

• Dungarees are known by a much more common name: jeans. They’re made of a strong cotton twill fabric called denim.

• Painters pants, like carpenter’s pants, often have tool loops and larger pockets. Made from durable cotton fabric, painters’ pants are typically an off-white color. 

How to Take Measurements for Men’s Pants

To measure yourself for a pair of pants, all you need is a soft tape measure and a volunteer.

Measure the waist by wrapping a measuring tape around your waist close to your belly button and just above the hip bone. Keep the tape measure snug but not tight, and keep it level across the front, back, and sides of the waist. 

Measure the inseam by standing while your volunteer measures from the crotch seam to where you want the hem to fall. Wearing the style of shoes you intend to wear with the pants increases the accuracy of this measurement. 

Factors to Consider When Trying Different Pants Styles

When trying on a pair of pants, pay special attention to the following considerations:

• Does the waistband sit comfortably around your waist while allowing you to keep your shirt tucked in? If the waistband feels restrictive, the pants are too tight. If you can pinch an inch of waistband material, or if the waistband slides down when you take a few steps, your pants are too loose. 
• While wearing the pants, sit down and stand up. You should be able to do so comfortably.
• Look at how the cut, or style, of the pants fits your form. The cut should drape well, and look good from the waist down the ankle. If the pants cling to the knee, seat, or calves, forming creases, they are too tight. If the fabric bags or folds at the waist or upper thigh, the pant leg width is too wide.
• Inseams are a matter of personal preference. If you have no preference aim for a break (where the bottom of the pants meet the shoes) that has either no break at the front and back (so the fabric just touches the top of the shoe) or a slight break in the front. If the entire ankle is exposed your inseam is too short, while a break at the back of the shoe indicates the inseam is too long.

Work Pants
When choosing work pants, consider your work environment. Not all pant styles are appropriate for every workplace: You wouldn’t wear casual slacks to a job in the forestry industry, just as you probably wouldn’t wear rugged work jeans if you were a lawyer. 

Triple Crown Products offers work pants for every industry, all from quality brands such as Bulwark, Carhartt, StormTech, and Benchmark. Whether you’re buying for yourself or bulk ordering work uniforms, our selection of stylish, high-quality work pants has the styles and pant fits you’re looking for.