For the last decade, slim and skinny jeans were the undisputed uniform for young men. Now, you see baggy silhouettes everywhere and wonder if your focus on tighter fits is becoming obsolete for your brand.

Yes, it's more than just "ok" for young men to wear relaxed and loose fits; it's the dominant trend. The market has fundamentally shifted from the body-conscious slim aesthetic to a comfort-driven, oversized silhouette.

Dean, your insight hits on a major cultural shift that I see every single day on my factory floor. The production orders tell the whole story. For years, 90% of my youth-focused orders were for skinny and slim fits.

The logic was exactly as you said: young men have youthful figures, so they should wear clothes that show them off.It was all about a "sexy," body-hugging look. But today, that has been completely upended. The new ideal, driven by Gen Z, is about comfort, self-expression, and a cool nonchalance.

They aren't trying to "show off the gains"; they're focused on creating a unique silhouette. This isn't just a trend; it's a different philosophy of dress that you must understand to capture this market.

Are Relaxed Fit Jeans in Style for Men?

You see the term "relaxed fit" and might still picture outdated "dad jeans" from the 90s. You're hesitant to use this term for fear it will make your collection seem old-fashioned.

Relaxed fit jeans are a key part of today's style. The modern version is not shapeless; it's an intentional "anti-fit" with a defined waist and a comfortable, straight, or slightly tapered leg.

The relaxed fit has been completely re-contextualized. In my production meetings, we no longer talk about it as just a comfort fit for older guys. It's now a core silhouette for the fashion-conscious consumer.

The key is in the cut. Unlike the sloppy, shapeless jeans of the past, today's relaxed fit is engineered. It fits perfectly at the waist and has ample room in the seat and thigh, but the leg is often cut straight or with a subtle taper.

This creates a silhouette that is comfortable and casual but looks deliberate, not lazy. For young men, it's the perfect everyday jean that works with sneakers and a hoodie. It offers freedom of movement and a nod to 90s skate culture, which is a huge influence on this generation. It's a staple, not a fad.

Should I Get Relaxed Fit or Loose Fit Jeans?

You need to decide which silhouette to invest in for your next collection. The difference seems subtle, but it leads to two very different customers and style aesthetics.

Choose relaxed fit for a versatile, everyday comfort staple. Choose loose fit for a more fashion-forward, statement-making piece targeted directly at the trend-led Gen Z consumer.

As a designer, this choice defines who you are talking to. In my factory, we cut these patterns very differently. A relaxed fit is an evolution of a classic.

It's about adding targeted comfort to a traditional five-pocket jean. It’s a safe, high-volume bet that appeals to a wide range of men who are moving away from slim fits.

A loose fit, however, is a revolution. It’s a much more dramatic silhouette. We add significant volume throughout the entire leg, from the hip to the ankle. This is a pure fashion play.

It's the jean you see in streetwear editorials and on TikTok. It’s less versatile for the average person but is essential for a brand that wants to prove it understands the cutting edge of youth culture.

My advice: use a relaxed fit for your core collection and introduce a loose fit for your more seasonal, trend-driven capsules.

What Is Better, Loose Fit or Relaxed Fit?

You're trying to determine which fit offers more value to the customer and a better return for your brand. "Better" depends entirely on the problem you are trying to solve for your customer.

Neither is "better" overall; they serve different purposes. Relaxed fit is better for broad appeal and comfort. Loose fit is better for making a bold fashion statement and capturing the youth trend.

There is no single "better" fit, only the right fit for the right person. From a commercial standpoint, the "better" fit is the one that aligns with your brand's identity.

If your brand is built on timeless quality and everyday wearability, then a perfectly executed relaxed fit is the superior choice. It has a larger potential market and a longer shelf life.

It solves the problem of "I want to be comfortable without looking sloppy." If your brand is about being at the forefront of fashion, then the loose fit is undeniably better. It's more exciting, more photogenic, and speaks directly to the Gen Z desire for bold self-expression.

It solves the problem of "I want to wear what's cool right now." The most successful brands I work with offer both, positioning them for two different moments in their customer's life.

Fit Decision Matrix

Fit Style	Best For	Target Customer	Key Selling Point
Relaxed Fit	Core Collection, Broad Appeal	Men seeking comfort, Post-skinny jean converts	"The most comfortable jeans you'll own."
Loose Fit	Trend Capsule, Fashion Statement	Gen Z, Streetwear Enthusiasts	"The silhouette of right now."

What Jeans Are Gen Z Wearing?

To capture the youth market, you need to know exactly what they're wearing. It's not just about one fit; it's about an overall attitude that influences their choices.

Gen Z is primarily wearing jeans that are relaxed, loose, or straight-leg. The common thread is a rejection of tight, restrictive fits in favor of comfort, 90s/Y2K nostalgia, and gender-fluid silhouettes.

What I see coming off my production lines for youth-focused brands is a clear pattern. The skinny jean is dead. The dominant styles are all about looser silhouettes.

First is the classic straight-leg, often worn a little baggy, inspired by vintage Levi's 501s.

Second is the full loose/baggy fit, directly referencing 90s skate and hip-hop culture. Third is the carpenter or utility pant, which brings in a workwear element with its functional details and relaxed cut.

The key insight for you, Dean, is that it's less about one specific fit and more about the overall vibe. It's comfortable, it's a little nostalgic, and it's often unisex.

This generation shops across gender lines, so fits that work for everyone are a huge advantage. They are creating a new uniform, and it is unapologetically comfortable.

Conclusion

It is absolutely okay for young men to wear relaxed and loose jeans; in fact, it's the dominant trend. Brands must embrace these comfortable, non-restrictive silhouettes to remain relevant with the Gen Z market.