Getting the right jeans to fit your build can be a real chore, hours spent walking the high street, visiting store after store, trying on pair after pair. And let’s face it, it’s something you have to get right because once we find the right pair we tend to live in them. Below is a quick guide to which mens jeans are best suited to modern man’s body shapes.

The Tall Paul – If you’re a bit on the long side then straight leg and skinny jeans are your friend. The cut of the straight leg jean will flatter you body shape without drawing attention to your long legs, while a skinny jean with a slight stretch can actually give the impression of a larger frame. It’s best to avoid relaxed fit jeans as the wider leg can become shapeless and make your upper half look even longer and thinner. Tall guys should opt for a mid rise jean that sits just below the waist and keeps your body in proportion.

The Chunky Monkey – If you are of a more stocky build, jeans can be a bit of a pain, it’s hard to find the right cut and the lack of stretch in heavy denim can restrict the movement in the leg. For this reason it’s best to select relaxed fit jeans, the wider leg gives you some room to manoeuvre and balances out a chunky upper body. If you carry your weight in the derriere then opt for a jean with oversized back pockets to create the illusion of a tighter rump. The chunky monkey is best opting for a normal rise to avoid the unsightly male muffin top.

The Athlete – For people with broad shoulders and narrow waists it’s important to balance out the body’s silhouette. Bootcut jeans, thanks to their narrower thigh and oversized hem will do this perfectly. Large flap fastening back pockets can broaden the lower body and balance out those powerful shoulders.

The Thin Man – Skinny jeans are a great choice for the svelte figure. Opt for a stretch fabric to give the impression of a larger frame. Low rise jeans are the thin man’s friend so wear them low on the hips. Avoid relaxed fit jeans at all costs; the wider leg will make you look like a child wearing your older brother’s hand-me-downs.