Straight Fit VS Regular Fit: What’s the Difference?

I see other articles claim that the difference between straight fit and regular fit is how loose or tight the jeans are, which shows they are written by people who have no clue.

The truth is, regular fit and straight fit are often used interchangeably, and jeans can be both at the same time. The real difference is that regular fit is the classic fit for jeans, neither as loose as relaxed fit, nor as tight as slim fit jeans. Straight fit means the legs of the jeans are cut straight and don’t taper.

We can confirm this difference between straight fit and regular fit by looking at actual jeans manufacturers.

Note: This article may contain affiliate links. That means if you click a link and purchase something, I earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.

What Is Straight Fit?

Straight fit is also known as “straight leg” and “straight cut”, which are more accurate terms because it’s not actually a fit.

Straight leg jeans are cut straight down from hip to ankle, meaning the width of the leg remains the same from top to bottom. They don’t taper or flare out.

Straight fit jeans can come in regular fit, relaxed fit or slim straight fit. A better comparison with straight fit jeans are tapered fit jeans and bootcut jeans, which respectively taper and flare out to the ankles.

What Is Regular Fit?

Regular fit is the standard fit for jeans that sits between slim fit and relaxed fit. This refers particularly to how they feel around the thighs. They are neither too loose, not do they hug the thigh tightly

Regular fit jeans can be cut straight, or may taper toward the ankles.

Examples of Straight Leg Jeans

Straight leg jeans range from slim to relaxed and everything in between. Below you’ll see some examples from well-known jeans manufacturers Levi’s, Wrangler and Lee.

Examples of Straight Leg Jeans in Regular Fit:

Examples of Straight Leg Jeans in Slim Fit:

Examples of Straight Leg Jeans in Relaxed Fit:

Examples of Regular Fit Jeans

Regular fit jeans can come with tapered, straight, or bootcut leg. You’ve already seen examples of regular fit jeans with straight legs, and here you’ll see examples of regular fit jeans with tapered and bootcut legs:

Examples of Regular Fit Jeans with Tapered Legs

Examples of Regular Fit Jeans with Bootcut Legs

FAQ About Straight and Regular Fit Jeans

Are straight fit jeans comfortable?

Straight fit jeans are considered comfortable by most men as they are the style of jeans most are used to wearing. You might feel less comfortable if you change the tightness of your jeans.

For example, if you’re used to relaxed fit jeans and switch to slim straight jeans, it may feel uncomfortable at first, but you can get used to it.

Are regular fit jeans baggy?

Regular fit jeans are not as baggy as relaxed fit jeans, but can feel baggy if you’re used to slim fit jeans. Of course, it also depends on how the size you buy relates to your body. If you buy a size too big, regular fit jeans will be baggier.

Which jeans fit is best?

The types of jeans that fit most men best are slim fit or regular fit jeans with either a straight or tapered cut. The best jeans fit for men with big thighs is athletic fit. The best jeans for skinny men are slim fit or skinny jeans.

It all depends on your body type. You can always use my checklist for how jeans should fit to make sure the jeans are right for you.

Now You Know the Real Difference Between Regular Fit and Straight Fit

These terms are often used interchangeably, because straight fit jeans are usually regular fit unless stated otherwise, and regular fit jeans are often cut straight.

It’s not that they are different, but that straight fit and regular fit refer to different aspects of the jeans. One to the actual fit, the other to how they are cut. That’s all.