Three questions before greatness
For men, the choice almost always comes down to three questions: what width at the thigh, what width at the ankle, and how much ease for movement. Greatness comes after.
Denim has been our expertise since 1974, and it's probably the department where we most often answer the same question: "which one should I get?" The answer mainly depends on what you do with your days.
Available Fits
Straight. The standard. Regular width from thigh to ankle, enough ease for the day, enough hold to stay neat with a shirt. If you only have one pair of jeans, this is it.
Slim. Closer to the body, tapered towards the ankle. It falls well over low shoes and gives a cleaner silhouette. A touch of elastane makes a real difference in comfort. Check the composition on the product page.
Denim Jogger. More flexible waist and hem, the spirit of jeans with the comfort of lounge pants. Practical for travel and long days.
Choosing based on use
- Office work or smart casual: straight, dark and uniform wash, without significant distressing.
- Physical work or days on your feet: straight with some stretch, for ease when squatting.
- Outings, sharper look: slim, medium or dark wash.
- Travel, comfort above all: jogger.
The wash matters as much as the cut
A dark and uniform denim is versatile, even where jeans are barely tolerated. A light or distressed wash is more casual, perfect for weekends, less so for the office. For the same cut, changing the wash completely changes the style.
Length: the most common mistake
Too long, jeans bunch up on the shoe and break the line. Too short, they look like a costume. The right length leaves a slight crease, no more. Measure your inseam once and note it down. This is the most useful information for ordering online.
Brands and sizes
We sell Pentagone, Levi's, Lois, Projek Raw, Guess, and other brands of jeans. Sizes do not perfectly correspond from one brand to another. Refer to the size chart rather than the label of an old pair of jeans. When in doubt, trying them on in-store is the quickest way to decide, and we have 24 stores in Quebec.
Start with the thigh, not the waist
For men, the sticking point is almost always the thigh. The waist can be adjusted with a belt, but a thigh that's too tight cannot be corrected.
If you hesitate between two sizes, first try to squat. If the fabric pulls noticeably at the thigh, the fit is too tight, even if the waist seems correct. This is the quickest test, and it's the one we have customers do in the fitting room.
Body shape and fit
Some guidelines, without making them absolute rules.
Stronger thighs: the straight fit allows for ease at the thigh without being baggy at the bottom. This is generally the best starting point.
Slimmer silhouette: the slim fit maintains a good line, but the straight fit also works and ages better.
Tall size: length becomes the primary criterion. Check the available inseam before the cut.
Short size: a straight leg that is neither too wide nor too long elongates the silhouette. Avoid excess fabric at the bottom.
Jeans at work
This is a question we often get asked in-store. The answer depends on three elements, and the fit is only the first.
A straight-leg jean, in dark and uniform denim, without distressing or rips, is acceptable in most environments where jeans are permitted. Add a shirt and leather shoes, and the outfit becomes significantly smarter.
What makes a pair of jeans too casual is almost always the wash, not the fit. A heavily faded wash, distressed effects, or bleached creases make the same cut much more informal.
For a stricter environment, a black or very dark indigo denim is the safest option.
Caring for men's jeans
The principles are the same as for women's jeans, but one detail often comes up for men: washing too frequently.
Jeans worn for a day at the office generally don't need to be washed. Airing them out is often enough. Spacing out washes preserves the color and shape, and this is even truer for dark denim.
When you do wash them, cold water, inside out, and gentle drying do most of the work. Follow the instructions on the product page, which take precedence over any general rule.
How many pairs of jeans do you need?
Two cover most needs. One dark, straight fit, for office to evening wear. A second, more casual, in the wash and fit you prefer, for the weekend.
A third is justified if it meets a specific use: physical work, travel, or a fit you only wear on certain occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which fit for stronger thighs? Straight, generally. It allows for ease at the thigh without being baggy at the bottom.
Is stretch denim less durable? Not necessarily. Follow the care instructions on the product page. Cold water washing and gentle drying preserve the shape.
What length to order online? Measure the inseam of a pair of jeans that already fits you, flat, from the crotch to the hem.
Can you wear jeans to the office? In many environments, yes, provided you choose dark and uniform denim, in a straight fit, without significant distressing.
How often should you wash jeans? Less often than you might think. Airing them out is sufficient after a normal day, and spacing out washes preserves the color.
