You and your younger sibling wear the same size. One morning you borrow the slim pants that always look so sharp on them. You've barely sat down before your thighs start to feel squeezed. Then it's their turn to borrow your favourite straight pants. On their legs, the pants hang loose around the knees, and the fabric sways with every step.
The size is the same. It's your legs that differ.
Slim, skinny and straight leave room in different places. Some are generous through the thigh, while others stay close all the way down to the ankle. So the right cut depends on the shape of your own thighs and calves, not on trends or on a pair that looks good on someone else. If the terms still feel confusing, the KASUAL Help Centre has a short explainer on what skinny, slim, athletic and straight fit mean.
For Bigger Thighs, Choose a Straight or Regular Fit
On fuller thighs, a slim fit grips the thickest part of the leg, and the fabric rides up every time you sit down. You'll feel that squeeze well into the afternoon, long after those five minutes in the fitting room.
The usual shortcut is to go up two sizes. What you get is a waistband that's too big and thighs that are still tight. The first problem hasn't gone away, and now there's a second one. A better move is a cut that gives your thighs more room from the start, like the Regular Comfort Pant in khaki.
Slim Fit for Slender Legs, Straight Fit for Balanced Proportions
On slender legs, a straight fit leaves a lot of spare fabric around the knees and calves. That extra fabric makes your legs look shorter than they really are. A slim fit follows the shape of the leg more closely, so the gap disappears.
Skinny is fine too if you genuinely like a close fit. Just pair it with sleek, thin-soled shoes so the look doesn't turn bottom-heavy.
If your thighs and calves are in proportion, straight rarely disappoints. It falls in a clean line from the thigh, without clinging to the leg or hanging off it. Slim still works, though straight feels more relaxed and looks just as neat. It's a good pick if you'd rather your pants didn't hug your legs.
Under 170 cm? Get the Length Right First
At this height, the length of your pants matters more than the cut. Fabric that bunches up over your shoes breaks the line of your leg, and even a perfect fit through the thigh goes to waste.
A hem that stops right at the ankle, on the other hand, is enough to make your legs look longer, even in a looser cut. So sort out the length before you weigh up slim versus straight. Even a wide cut can work, like these wide pants that keep a tidy silhouette, as long as the hems don't sweep the floor.
Measure Your Thigh Before You Buy
Wrap a tape measure around the fullest part of your thigh, usually about five centimetres below the crotch. Check the number against the size chart before anything goes into your cart. It's worth checking the thigh before the waist. A tailor can take in a waistband that's too big, but nothing can be done about a thigh that's too tight.
Save the number in your phone's notes. When you browse the KASUAL pants collection, start with the cuts that suit your legs. Colour can come later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between slim fit and skinny fit?
Slim follows the shape of your leg but still leaves some room, while skinny hugs the leg closely from thigh to ankle. You'll find the full explanation in the KASUAL Help Centre.
Can you still wear slim fit if you have big thighs?
It's worth a try. Sit down for a minute in the fitting room. If the fabric pulls tight across your thighs right away, switch to a straight or regular fit, which is far more comfortable and still looks neat.
What shoes go with skinny pants?
Sleek shoes with thin soles, such as low-top sneakers or loafers. Thick soles make the lower half look heavy.
Caught between two sizes: which one should you choose?
Go one size up. A little extra fabric can be taken in, but pants that are too small can't be fixed. It's a different story if you have to go up two sizes just to fit your thighs. That tells you it's the cut that needs to change.
What's the best cut if you're under 170 cm?
Any cut can work, as long as the hem stops right at the ankle. If your pants are too long, have a tailor shorten them.