Which Jeans to Wear With a Triangle Body Shape, Cuts, Rise and Sizing for Men

Straight-Leg Jeans as a Reliable Starting Point

Straight-leg jeans, which makers from Brunello Cucinelli to Tom Ford offer, are a common starting point for a triangle outline.

A leg that keeps a fairly even width from thigh to hem gives a clean line that does not narrow sharply below the hips, which helps the hips and lower leg look more even.

A mid or higher rise that sits near the natural waist is a common suggestion for a triangle outline.

Rise labels vary between makers, so check where the waistband actually sits on you.

Relaxed-Fit Jeans, the Comfortable Choice

A relaxed fit, when executed properly, provides both comfort and sophistication.

A relaxed cut, such as those in Loro Piana’s denim range or from many other makers, gives additional room through the seat and thigh.

Instead of a fixed figure, use a fit check. Standing, you should be able to pinch a little cloth at the front of the thigh, and when you sit or crouch the seat should not pull tight and the pockets should not gape.

Regular-Fit Jeans, a Classic Alternative

Regular-fit jeans, such as those Kiton makes, sit between straight and relaxed cuts.

Select a pair that sits comfortably at the waist and falls in a clean line to your shoes.

Leg openings vary with size and maker, so compare the figure on the size chart with a pair you already like; an opening that is not much narrower than the knee keeps the line straight, which can help balance broader hips.

Making a Statement with Loose-Leg Jeans

For casual occasions, consider loose-leg jeans, such as those Loewe has offered.

A wider leg opening carries more width down to the hem, which can balance broader hips and gives a relaxed look.

A dark wash with minimal distressing keeps a wide leg looking smart rather than sloppy.

Jeans to Try On Carefully with a Triangle Body Shape

None of these cuts is off limits; they are the ones most likely to work against a more even outline, so try them on before you buy if that is your aim.

Skinny jeans follow the leg closely all the way down, which tends to make the hips look comparatively wider than the narrow lower leg.

Skinny cuts, including Saint Laurent’s, are worth approaching with caution if balance is the aim; if you like the look, wear them with a longer or more structured top half.

Low-rise jeans sit below the waist on the hips, so the waistband draws a line across the hips rather than at the natural waist.

A mid or higher rise is the alternative if you would rather the waistband sit nearer your natural waist.

Jeans with sharp tapering below the knee narrow the leg towards the ankle, which tends to make the hips and thighs look wider by comparison; a straight or gently tapered leg keeps the line more even.

Heavily distressed or embellished designs around the hips and thighs draw attention to the lower half, so choose a cleaner wash if you would rather the eye went elsewhere.

How to Choose the Right Size for Your Triangle Shape

Measure your hips at the fullest point and compare the figure with the maker’s own size chart, because sizes and fit names differ between brands.

Choose the size that fits your hips, seat and thighs, even if the waist is then a little loose; a tailor can usually take in a waist more easily than add room through the seat, which depends on how much spare cloth the seams hold.

Check the composition as well, since jeans with some stretch give a little more through the seat and thigh, while rigid denim needs that room built into the cut.

When you try a pair on, stand, sit and crouch; the seat should not pull tight, the front pockets should not gape over the hips, and the waistband should stay put without digging in.

For rise, check where the waistband sits on your body rather than relying on the label.

A mid or higher rise that sits near the natural waist is a common suggestion for a triangle outline, but the same label can sit differently from one maker to another.