GenX men, when buying jeans, how do you choose between Straight, Athletic Fit, Skinny Fit, etc? When did jeans change like this

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GroveGuy33133@reddit

Hell yeah! you’d just better have something to hold onto if the wind picks up LOL.

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NHBikerHiker@reddit

There is no universe that I comfortably fit athletic or skinny fit jeans. None.

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absherlock@reddit

Levi's Buttonfly 50's. Whatever the normal cut is. Whatever waist size fits.

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This is the answer, I have been buying 501’s for my entire adult life. It’s the only brand name clothing I still buy. Unfortunately, in the last 15 years they don’t last as long as they used to before the tearing starts but they still last a year or more. So I have to buy a new pair about every 18 months but I can always find some retailer online that has them on sale. No other brand, generic or not, fits as good or has the quality Levi’s button fly.

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etreydin@reddit

look for the ‘selvedge’ denim in 501s. all cotton, no added stretchy stuff. more durable. check levi’s website for deals.

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Zipstser257@reddit

Thanks for this info, the change in durability over recent years has been frustrating. I’m going to look into your suggestion.

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TheZuckuss@reddit

I didn't know buttonfly was still a thing!

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Recordeal7@reddit

Thankfully skinny jeans are out. I had one pair and it made me look life a golf ball on a tee. Never wore them. Before that, low rise. And being that I have this disease called “noassatall”, and while fairly comfortable, they were always dropping and looking like I had a load in my pants. Now I only wear straight leg, normal rise Lucky’s or Levi’s 501’s. They fit juuuuuusssst. right.

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itsbobbyhill@reddit

Baggy jeans are back in fashion. Stuffing your nuggets into tight jeans is a choice. Lol

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jojowhitesox@reddit

The skinny jean fashion trend lasted way too long. When I was on the train I saw a bunch of college age art students wearing baggy clothes. They could have been transplanted back to the 90s no problem. I was like "FINALLY".

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Hairbear2176@reddit

Those styles have been around for at least a decade. Straight, loose, and athletic are what I go for, I have larger thighs, so I have to find styles that fit. I do not like my jeans tight at all, so I find styles that can be loose/baggy.

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Scarlett_Texas_Girl@reddit

My partner (a millinial for the sake of disclosure) does really well with western and work wear jeans. A lot of them incorporate stretch fibers. He absolutely loves them! I (as a GenX woman) feel the same. I've been a runner and lift heavy for decades, seriously leg muscle. Western jeans with stretch actually have room to move.

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D05wtt@reddit

Generally speaking, straight fit is best for most men. Slim fit also works. But stay away from the skinny fits. If you have big or muscular thighs, athletic fits or relaxed fits or even loose fits work. But every brand is different. For example, the straight fit in Levi’s is not the same as the straight fit in the expensive Japanese brands. Even within just Levi’s. The straight fit in one line may not be the same in another. So the best thing for us guys to do is to head into the fitting room.

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waitwutok@reddit

I live in San Diego and literally wear shorts everyday.

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minder125@reddit

Relaxed fit or boot cut. Whichever they have in my size. And usually wear them till they fall apart.

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Upbeat_Call4935@reddit

I’ve worn jeans exactly twice in the last nearly 20 years since loving to FL. I used to wear them pretty much everyday up north. They’re just too hot and uncomfortable down here. I wear shorts 95% of the time. If I have to go into the office or am otherwise required to wear long pants it’s loose fitting lightweight khakis.

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Smoking0311@reddit

Thank you for stating this my crotch hates these new jeans pants and boxers !

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MissDisplaced@reddit

They still make Levis 501 button fly. I don’t think those have changed much. Aside from that you probably want to stick to loose or straight fits.

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AcanthocephalaDue715@reddit

I started with baggy pants during that skate era, and never went back, I wear mostly baggy black fat bead corduroy now

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bizzylearning@reddit

Costco carries a line of men's pants by English Laundry that my husband loves -- they're a denim-like fabric, with a cut closer to a chino, so they work for office or weekend. Comfy, easy care, and they hold up surprisingly well (which he cares about), but they also look nice and aren't terribly dated.

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DeadCatBounce00@reddit

I wear these exact ones for work too, absolutely love them, super relaxed and comfy and modernish fit without being too tight which I hate like the OP. I add the Calvin Kline collared shirts also from Costco and you can easily slot into either the office or casual weekend vibe

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Ill-Consideration892@reddit

Boot cut wranglers

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jchildrose@reddit

I go with straight leg, but I'm with you on the Wranglers.

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kjs0705@reddit

I have big thighs and a relatively smaller waist. I'm limited to athletic or relaxed straight fits. There's like 2 Levi numbers I buy, usually 541.

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ConstructionOdd5269@reddit

Husky

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AZJHawk@reddit

I’m kinda the same, except that my waist is no longer relatively small, I’ve always had thunder thighs, though. 541 and I think 550 are the only ones that really fit me. I also now get the flexible fabric ones.

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Ok_Push2550@reddit

The skinny jean trend killed fashion for me. Very uncomfortable, looked terrible on me. Like a marshmallow on toothpicks.

I have found that I have to try them on in Khols, and pick a couple brands and styles to try on. Levis are good, but still not as good as Sonoma, and no drama about flex vs. skinny vs. boot.

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That_Angry_Dad@reddit

Wait, I thought all jeans had that.. at least that’s what I assumed in the Sears husky fit section.

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CoastRanger@reddit

Wore almost nothing but Levi’s 501s for decades, but the comfort of stretch jeans has won me over and the brand I like best is Lucky. They have many styles, they don’t have to look painted on

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Daetiralso@reddit

I have a pair of Lucky's in my closet that are close to 10 years old. The knees are blown out, and they don't stay up if I don't wear a belt. But they are the most comfortable denim I have ever owned in my life, and I don't care what my wife says I will not be getting rid of them any time soon.

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nysocalfool@reddit

There were always old people in the 80’s who were still wearing 60’s and 70’s style clothes. I’ve become that old person. (the difference is that I’m fully aware and I’m all out of f’s to give)

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CanisArgenteus@reddit

Boot cut, forever and always.

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arothmanmusic@reddit

I haven't found a pair yet that works. They fit when they're fresh from the laundry but the waist loosens up as I wear them and then they're saggy and bunching in the crotch. I might just need to start buying jeans a size too small in the waist…

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Smokin_Hash_69@reddit

Old Navy Loose Fit jeans for me.

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pomdudes@reddit

Old Navy denim feels like tissue paper to me

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IlliniOrange1@reddit

Agreed. Banana Republic jeans turned to cheap garbage too. Back to Levi’s.

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pomdudes@reddit

I’d really like to try a couple pair of Levi’s, but I just can’t pull the trigger on the price. The cost/benefit ratio is too wide.

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Micheal_Noine_Noine@reddit

I don't care what cut I get at this point in my life. I just buy the cheapest jean at Costco.

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elspotto@reddit

Straight cut, boot cut, flare cut, relaxed fit…sir, you just weren’t paying attention because these go back decades. Only the names and which para of the jeans are tailored has changed.

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mrsredfast@reddit

Husband wears slightly relaxed fit Levi’s. He says quality control is so bad he has to try them on before buying because two of same size might not fit the same.

He hates buying jeans. But we have a Levi’s store near us and they have good sales.

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Ancient_Pineapple993@reddit

I ask my children

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disco_duck2004@reddit

Rarely wore jeans when I was you, and don't remember the last time I wore jeans.

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MaenHoffiCoffi@reddit

You were OP??

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Dont_Care_Meh@reddit

"old man, look at my life, I'm a lot like you were," or something.

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MaenHoffiCoffi@reddit

Skinny black jeans always and forever. Punk's not dead!

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Carefree_Highway@reddit

Went shopping with my boys who are in their 20s. Believe it or not, we’re back to Levi 501s for good solid pair of jeans. Bought them long to cuff them. Full circle fashion from our teens!

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Defiant_Network_3069@reddit

I switched to only wearing Wrangler Relaxed fit in my 20s.

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workswithpipe@reddit

Haven’t had jeans in 20 years.

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GuitarPlayingGuy71@reddit

Just remember: no skinny.

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Jmckeown2@reddit

I’ve always loved the line, Guys who wear skinny jeans misunderstood the phrase, “get into her pants”

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mrdm242@reddit

Skinny has always looked ridiculous to me.

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Crafty-Bass-3434@reddit

I buy whatever is marked down 70%

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MarcusAurelius68@reddit

I buy from Seven7 Jeans, when they’re on sale.

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Known_anonymously_as@reddit

You should be off jeans by now. Just buy chinos.

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emarkd@reddit

I have chinos, but I'm not giving up my jeans...

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Disastrous-Duty-8020@reddit

What style is best for not looking saggy in the ass?

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WarLorax@reddit

5x5 progressive overload squats

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nixtarx@reddit

I gave up on anything with a fastener years ago.

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SpecificStatic@reddit

I prefer the relaxed fit but I don’t think they’re stylish. If you want something stylish you’ll probably have to go to a fancy store, buy a pair that mostly fits and then have a tailor fix the rest. Style and comfort are usually opposites when it comes to clothing.

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Novel_Willingness721@reddit

Honestly when I lost weight, I went to a Levi’s store and just tried on each style until I found one that fit me correctly. Happens to be “slim straight”.

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Mother_Bar_3810@reddit

This is the way. Bring your significant other with you and they can tell you what looks good and is age-appropriate. You can even do it via Amazon and return the ones you don’t like. The good news is that with Levi’s once you find the style number and variety, you should be good for next time.

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Mysterions@reddit

Whatever regular fit is. When I was in my 20, I would wear boot cut though. I have always though skinny jeans looked terrible.

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Senior_Bad_6381@reddit

gif

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RepeatMain2678@reddit

I’ve been buying pants that fit since about 2001. It’s worked out for me. Prior to that I had pants that were too big and needed a belt.

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Particular-Walrus439@reddit

I buy the ones with the elastic waists band.

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DenThomp@reddit

Wiser words have never been spoken

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nigevellie@reddit

To me my Gen X Men!

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EddieKroman@reddit

I’m a big and tall guy, and almost nobody stocks jean which fit me. That means relaxed fit, I’m not interested in pinching my parts when i sit down. So I buy mail order, and I just get what I know fits. Size up or down as appropriate. Skinny jeans or fashion jeans are for people under 30. Men in our age bracket probably shouldn’t wear skinny jeans unless you’re actually skinny. Not just skinnier than a year ago. I’m talking like high school in the 80’s skinny.

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Lafinfil@reddit

B&T here too in my sixth decade of wearing jeans. Was a die hard Levi’s & Carhartt guy for most of my life until the quality went to crap. Started buying Duluth Trading Ball Room jeans and very happy with the fit and quality. I like their fire hose jeans too. Highly recommended.

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armblessed@reddit

This is the way.

Not only do you get your custom fit by buying jeans online, but the quality of the denim is so good, it wears down to fit your body’s natural motion. After some time wearing them, the jeans not only fit perfectly but has these worn details that make them unique to you.

At this age, staple items worn often benefit from buying quality that fits one’s style. Staying in fashion is for the younger set. Having a personal style at this age is a tell of someone aging gracefully.

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Available_Wolf1059@reddit

Relaxed fit for me. Whatever is comfortable. In high school I wore 501 Levi’s button fly exclusively. Now they look uncomfortable. They might be ok but I have gotten used to relaxed fit so that’s what I have been going with the past 15 years.

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TimelyExternal5769@reddit

You're feeling 'squished' there because a lot of the jeans you're trying are made for looks first, function second (or not at all).

Try on some jeans or casual pants at places where they cater to men who actually do stuff and who need to move around in them... Bass Pro, Cabelas, even Tractor Supply. Pants that are made for guys who are hiking, hunting, fishing, working, farming, etc.

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LolaBabyLove@reddit

This is smart! I’d add: look for ‘relaxed fit’ since those are typically cut fuller in the thigh.

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MicheleRSimon@reddit

It's even worse for women. A minefield lol

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LolaBabyLove@reddit

I’ve been searching for a pair to love with no luck. 100% cotton is too stiff; but, too much elastic and they lose their shape. If they fit the (now flatter) ass, they don’t fit in the waist OR they fit in the waist because they stretch and those flatten my ass even more. The straight legs all feel too wide and look sloppy. And don’t get me started on the lack of short inseam options!

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pomdudes@reddit

Lol. I tried finding my wife jeans a while back after Old Navy stopped carrying her favorite denim. Holy Hell, THAT was a trip.

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AggravatingBobcat574@reddit

It’s time to introduce yourself to “relaxed fit”. Sorry.

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Correct-Condition-99@reddit

You wear the ones that didn't make you look foolish. Except the skinny fit. You never were those. You're too old.

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Correct-Condition-99@reddit

I stick to Carhartt and Dickies myself.

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LazyOldCat@reddit

Kirkland fit. It’s not sexy, but I don’t care, and they’re stretchy.

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SquirlyJester@reddit

Straight or boot cut... that's it. I don't want skinny or flex or any of that other crap

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thegrinninglemur@reddit

I don’t think you need to “modernize” anything. Go classic and timeless. Make sure it fits you well. Know where your tailors are to lengthen/shorten/broaden/tighten accordingly. A good fit will beat whatever the latest passing fashion is every time. It dignifies our age, and doesn’t undermine it by making us look like hopeless, out-of-breath bastards trying and failing to keep up.

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WhisperedSoul@reddit

You cannot go wrong with classic. Ever.

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Murky_Possibility_68@reddit

My husband mostly remains upset they all have stretch and buys old wranglers on ebay.

Cannot recommend.

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sickiesusan@reddit

Skinny fit just don’t look right on older people - especially if there is a gut hanging over a waistband! But in truth, skinny fit jeans with a gut hanging over isn’t a good look at any age!

I think you’ve just got to buy what you’re comfortable with.

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RoyalPuzzleheaded259@reddit

I get Levi’s 550s. I’ve worn them for years and I like the fit, it’s been the same since the 90s. They also last quite a while. I order them online and haven’t bought clothes in a brick and mortar since mom took me for Sears Toughskins back in the day.

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WhisperedSoul@reddit

The Toughskins AND Sears shoutout makes me wildly nostalgic!

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chopprjock@reddit

501’s for me, but this!

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RuggedLandscaper@reddit

I buy the elastic fit, now. Stretchy waistline for bigger guys

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SignificantTransient@reddit

I crouch a lot. These help.

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skeeterbmark@reddit

I try them on first and buy what’s comfortable.

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chlorculo@reddit

I don't buy any jeans unless they have elastene or some stretchy component. Game changer.

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imrickjamesbioch@reddit

Huh, updating your fashion sense is getting jeans?

First off if you’re in the Gen X demographic, you’re gonna look stupid wearing skinny jeans or athletic fit if they are nutt huggers. Nobody, either female or male wants to see that shit in public.

Also assuming OP is recently divorced or just single. No chick/dude (woman or man), is actually gonna give two shits what you wear so long as you don’t look all busted or hella sloppy. Grooming and hygiene are way more important!

So normal jeans, I gotten my jeans from costco for the last 25 years. I prefer loose or baggy. Then either a clean t-shirt or a short sleeve shirt with a collar if you want to pop a collar like it’s the 80’s (please don’t!). GL

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Extension-Rock-4263@reddit

Levis 506 comfort straight are my new go to. Not too slim but not baggy at all and plenty of room and stretch.

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dperiod@reddit

Levi’s 501s (button fly straight), 502s (tapered) or 511s (slim) for me. Look for those with stretch - they are much more comfortable.

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Dry_Yogurt2458@reddit

I always wore slim. Fit, but I went on a fitness kick over a decade ago and started running long distance. The way that the slim fit jeans hug my calves and ride up started to annoy me so I swapped out to straight fit but sometimes they just feel like flares. I think baggy would annoy me as much as slim fit in how they feel.

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MarkItZeroDonnie@reddit

😆 that’s funny . I stopped liking slim for the exact same reason. Constantly pulling down the cuffs when I stood up

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GreatOne1969@reddit

Most nowadays have short rise, which is not flattering on most.

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pleatymactweed@reddit

Carpenter jeans.

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GasmaskTed@reddit

1) wear more supportive underwear. Jockey shorts will keep your balls more in one place. If you want to protect your thighs from chafing, or need additional control, add a jock strap under your boxer briefs. 2) have you tried on different inseam lengths on your jeans?

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travelinmatt76@reddit

Just normal Levi's, no decisions to make, 550s or 505s, whichever one has my size

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philly-buck@reddit

Levis. Normal ass Levi’s. No straight leg. No baggy. Normal ass Levi’s.

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travelinmatt76@reddit

Exactly, 550 or 505, just plain jeans, no decisions to make

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crashin70@reddit

We had straight cut, regular cut, boot cut, and slim cut when I was in high school in the 80s.

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BmanGorilla@reddit

I don’t recall JNCO offering those styles…!

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rottenbox@reddit

Urban star from Costco. Don't know if they have different styles. They last for years.

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Dapper_Tap_9934@reddit

Try them on and see what you like

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Uuuuugggggghhhhh@reddit

Belly too fat can't wear

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Interesting_Bill_456@reddit

Come on dude we're Gen X we only wear Z Cavaricci jeans.

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Significant_Hour_980@reddit

Is this issue better or worse than Mom asking for the ‘Husky’?

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Quirky-Buddy1449@reddit

I wore the maroon,”denim” ones that never faded. They were polyester.

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Viva_La_Revolucion-@reddit

Baggy its always been baggy

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uberspaz2020@reddit

They need to bring back "hammer" pants from the 90's. Nice loose fitting style and I was ready for those impending ninja attacks from the movies

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Viva_La_Revolucion-@reddit

And lots of zippers to store all your shurikens (throwing stars)

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RoyalPuzzleheaded259@reddit

Jncos are back. They’re pricey though.

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Large_Commission5631@reddit

Buying jeans sucks. I try to get straight fit. I used to love Levi 501s in the 90s but they don't fit the same today, not sure what they did to them. Relaxed fit is also good. The other fits, I just skip.

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Educational-Ad608@reddit

In the old days 501s were shrink-to-fit only, and that’s how I knew what to buy. I just looked for the “501”. Then they started selling 501s pre-shrunk, and I had to start looking more closely. Shrink-to-fit is still available, but not as widely as they used to be.

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WatchPerfect6066@reddit

im quite good in stretch skinny 30" waist.

very comfortable.

fun fact. I weigh less in my mid 50s

& im fitter, by far, than when I was 12yrs old.

started an exercise program around 1989/ 1990 & ive stuck to it for over 35yrs with periodic rests & sensible food & fairly low alcohol consumption for 90% of the time.

I haven't been ' buzzed ' or drunk since before covid, & had alcohol less than 5 times ...

I knew my 50s were coming.

💯😉

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unloosedcoin@reddit

My daughters said I should wear straight leg only. I trust their advice

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pomdudes@reddit

My go-to jeans for the last few years have been from Kohls. Sonoma regular, straight fit. They wear well, decent weight material, good zipper and under $30 when there’s a promo going on. And Kohls always has a promo going on.

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Trick-Wishbone1900@reddit

All I know is that skinny fit doesn't and the rest is a mystery to me.

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blueblocker2000@reddit

Athletic and skinny are immediately out for me. Don't even need to think about it. 🤣

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beyondplutola@reddit

Most of the kids are wearing very baggy fit today. I’ve been petty consistent with buying Levi 511, which is a slim but not skinny. It’s worth a few bucks more to buy from their premium line vs standard.

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PresidentSuperDog@reddit

Did you try the linen/denim they had this year? They definitely feel premium (100% cotton) and are lightweight for work.

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heliskinki@reddit

As the Happy Mondays sung, It’s got to be a loose fit.

Tight jeans in your 50s is a no-no for me.

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LaureElle@reddit

The Mondays are always right 😀

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GarionOrb@reddit

You wear the one you find most comfortable and that you think looks best on you. Jeans have been like this for decades.

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giantstrider@reddit

Levi 511s.

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Soylent_Milk2021@reddit

Dudes wearing skinny jeans and then still have a saggy butt crack me up. I’ve been wearing relaxed fit carpenter style jeans for decades. And yes, I do carry tools in the side pockets a lot.

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flyboy_za@reddit

Slim fit, low rise for me. The Rocker or Brit Rocker by Guess were my go-to in the mid 2000s, now I usually do whichever of theirs is marked as slim-taper, with its narrower leg.

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OreoSpeedwaggon@reddit

Don't know when it changed, but for me, it's relaxed fit or nothing. I could maybe handle straight-leg jeans, but I don't want to wear pants that are too snug, and I don't even know what "boot-cut" jeans are because I don't wear boots.

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TimelyExternal5769@reddit

Boot cut simply means they don't taper from the knee to the ankle, so there's room for the cuff to fit over a boot.

They look and feel better, imo. Skinny jeans and tight cuffs look foolish to me, but maybe I'm stuck in the 80's.

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OreoSpeedwaggon@reddit

Ah, thanks for the explanation. That makes sense. I tried to fit into a pair of boot cut jeans once, but they were still tight around my thighs. I have wide hips and a fat ass though, so that likely has a lot to do with me wanting looser jeans.

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DrFunkensteinHandjob@reddit

Kuhl, they all have a pocket for my glasses, I'm not wearing croakies.

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catnapspirit@reddit

Skinny jeans? I mean, if you're gonna wear women's clothes, just go for a dress and get it over with. Least you'll be comfortable..

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JakeBanana01@reddit

I've always had a thick waist, so I find the slim/skinny fit are better. The legs still aren't tight, but they're not so baggy.

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BraveEbb7077@reddit

501’s for the win
569’s for extra comfort

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bornincali65@reddit

I keep it simple. Levi’s 501s…

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HighBiased@reddit

Stretchy

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thaaag@reddit

I discovered stretch denim a few years back. So good. I will never go back to nom-stretch again.

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dcamnc4143@reddit

I just always buy straight, usually wranglers.

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SSquirrel76@reddit

Loose fit or boot cut if they don’t have it. I also have some really baggy ones from Zumiez that are just super comfy. Not quite as ridiculous as Janco’s but same area probably. Yes I’m 49 but comfort matters and fuck what other people think. :)

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ihatepickingnames_@reddit

Always boot cut for me because I have big feet and I don't like seeing them stick out so far. I like them covered a bit by my pant legs.

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dudeatwork77@reddit

Get wide jeans or straight. Don’t get slim or skinny

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battlesong1972@reddit

Levi 569. That’s it. I don’t care about fashion or updating my look. These fit the way I want and last a good long time unless I do something crazy with them

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MisterSandKing@reddit

Straight, for me. I used to like different styles, but I feel they now look dated, and trashy. I’ve never liked skinny jeans.

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Fyreflyre1@reddit

Boot Cut since 94. If they don't have it I move on.

American Eagle has never let me down.

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One-Shop1393@reddit

Sweat pants

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Commisceo@reddit

I’ve just gone from straight leg to slim legs. Yeh pretty cool I thought.

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root_fifth_octave@reddit

I tried on a bunch of stuff a long time ago, and decided on 514.

Probably if your junk is squished, that’s not the right size or fit.

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ranoutofbacon@reddit

The last pair of jeans I bought were athletic fit because I have massive thighs and big booty. I could wear skinny but they pinch my balls, otherwise they make my calves look amazing. I did find some chinos that are slightly stretchy and are so comfy. Although now I mostly wear joggers because I don't need to look nice anymore.

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