What Is the Difference Between Contour and Straight Leg?

Jeans are a lot more complex than they look. People often spend weeks sorting through different sizes and cuts before choosing the perfect pair of jeans. Two popular styles are the contour fit and straight leg cut.

Waistband

Contour fit jeans are meant to go with the outline of the figure. In the waistline, contour jeans will fit very snug, smoothly enveloping the curves of the body, fitting up higher to elongate the shape. The waistline of straight leg jeans depends on the type of fit. In other words, "straight leg lowrise" jeans will fit lower on the hips as if they are sagging whereas "straight leg classics" will fit perfectly around the waist.

Thighs

Because contour jeans go smoothly with the body, they fit tightly to the thighs giving a more curvy look. Straight leg jeans, although they are not baggy, they still leave some space in the thigh area.

Rear

Contour jeans lift the rear because they fit snug. Straight leg jeans often leave some loose fabric in the rear.

Bottoms

Contour jeans fit snug at the bottom almost as if they are tights or "skinny jeans." This means, they are snug around the ankle and calves. Straight leg jeans have a variety of different bottoms including flared, boot cut and relaxed. It is up to the buyer to choose the style for the bottoms.

---