Making sure your pants fit correctly is not common knowledge among men — at least not most of the sloppily dressed men I’ve seen out in public. If you’re someone who knows his size, you might buy pants without trying them on first. That’s never a good idea. Perfect fitting pants are the foundation of a stylish outfit. Skinny jeans and baggy pants both made the list of 7 Things Men Should Stop Wearing Now. Take a little extra time to make sure you look good in those new dress pants or jeans. These are 4 simple tests to make sure your pants fit correctly.
How to Make Sure Your Pants Fit Correctly
1. The Pinch Test
Use your fingers to pinch the fabric of your pants. How much fabric is in between your fingers? Ideally, you should only be able to pinch about an inch of fabric. If there is more than an inch or two of extra space, your pants are too baggy. You need a smaller size in this case.
2. Waistline
The waist of your jeans should sit on your mid to upper hips. Dress pants will sit higher on your waistline. Ideally, your pants should not sag too much without a belt.
Sizes vary by brand and material, so make sure you try on pants before buying.
3. Length
Avoid pants that are long enough to fold over your shoe. Dress pants should end above the shoe. Jeans can go slightly over the shoe, but not so much that it’s noticeable. Like waist size, length can vary. Try on pants with shoes before purchasing.
4. Overall Fit
Are your pants tight in some areas and loose in others? That’s a problem. You want the overall fit of your pants to be consistent with your body shape. Find a style that conforms to your leg proportions.
Always perform these 4 simple tests to make sure your pants fit correctly. You’ll look good and save yourself a trip to the tailor.
Next, learn How Your Shirt Should Fit.
About The Author
As Founder of Handbook of Man, Tommy Murata helps men of all ages and backgrounds reach their full potential. A self-proclaimed renaissance man, he enjoys golfing, skiing, DIY projects, and learning new skills. When he’s not playing outdoors, Tommy enjoys learning web design and playing music.
