Understanding W and L sizes
Jeans are often sized with two numbers: W (waist) and L (length, i.e. inseam), both in inches. One inch is 2.54 cm, so a W28 means a waist of about 71 cm, a W26 about 66 cm and a W30 about 76 cm.
| Size | Waist | Common French size |
|---|---|---|
| W26 | 66 cm | 34 |
| W27 | 69 cm | 36 |
| W28 | 71 cm | 38 |
| W29 | 74 cm | 38 – 40 |
| W30 | 76 cm | 40 |
French and European number sizes vary from one brand to another, so always start from the waist measurement in centimetres given in the retailer’s size chart. As for length, an L30 suits most men under 1.75 m, an L32 suits taller men, and some brands also offer an L28.
Slim, skinny or tapered: which cut?
- Slim: fitted from hip to ankle without clinging. The easiest cut to wear in small sizes, from the office to the weekend.
- Skinny: close to the body along the whole leg, almost always in stretch denim. The hem is narrow; wear it with low-top sneakers or slim boots.
- Tapered: a little room at the thigh, then the leg narrows towards the ankle. A good option if slim jeans feel tight on your thighs.
A W28 in a straight cut may look baggy on a slim leg: in small sizes, the cut matters at least as much as the number on the label.
Measurements to check on the product page
The rise
The rise is the distance from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. A low or mid rise (22 to 25 cm on a W28) avoids the “extra fabric” look below the waistband, which is common when a brand simply scales down its pattern for small sizes.
The leg opening
Measured flat, the leg opening defines the look: 14 to 16 cm for slim, 12 to 14 cm for skinny. Above 17 cm, you are into straight-leg territory.
The fabric
Denim with 1 to 2% elastane follows the leg and relaxes slightly as you wear it, so buy it snug. 100% cotton denim stretches less, holds its shape better and fades more with time; if it is raw and unsanforized, it can shrink at the first wash, which the product page usually mentions.
Between two sizes?
For stretch jeans, take the smaller one: it will give a little within a few days. For rigid denim, take the one that buttons without forcing. And if the waistband gapes while the hips fit well, a tailor can take in the waist at the centre back for a modest price.
Need the conversions between W sizes, European sizes and letter sizes? It is all in the men’s size guide.
Available models, coming here soon
This guide fills up automatically with the models in stock in these sizes at our partner retailers, with today’s prices. In the meantime, the size guide helps you order the right size.
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