Men's Body Types in Pakistan: Why Most Jeans Don't Fit Right (And Which Denim Actually Works)

Pakistani men are almost always on the lookout for that awesome pair of jeans that actually sits ‘just right!’ Sadly, the local markets, although populated with western wear clothing stores, more often than not, deliver either disappointment or a compromise. Reason being simple yet difficult to resolve, the racks are crowded with denim designed and built primarily for one generic body shape, and that too is a western cut that neither accounts nor provides for how Pakistani men are actually built. 
As a result, what we find is a country full of men, adjusting to gaping waists, uncomfortable rise, waist bands which if pulled up from the front slide down the back, tight thighs and jeans that either bunch at the ankles or seem a size off.
Today we shall decode ‘the man’ and the most prevalent body types rampant in Pakistan, the fit issues of each, and simultaneously suggest denim solutions that actually deliver comfort, style and a flattering silhouette that feels ‘right!’

Why Off-the-Rack Jeans Fail Pakistani Men

While our tastes may be similar, it goes without saying that bodies of men in Pakistan or any country for that matter are built as per a certain gene code, so one fit does NOT fit all. Men’s jeans available in Pakistan if made on international patterns copy pasted or imported in bulk come with two main problems in so far as the Pakistani genetics and body types are concerned: 

1. Rise and waist-to-hip mismatch:

 Because most men in Pakistan tend to have heavier midsections and leaner legs, standard slim cuts will not account for this disparity.

2. Length and taper problems 

Since, Pakistani men are shorter than the average European or American, the taper designed for a 6-foot man ends up giving a boxy look that bunches in all the wrong places. 

As if the bodily differences are not enough, the general Lifestyle and comfort demand in Pakistan are also different from the world. While majority of the men spend several hours a day commuting on bikes, sitting cross legged or folding and bending for prayer, most jeans made on international patterns donot take these aspects into account. Result being bubble knees on the jeans after a few wears or worse still, rashes and heavy eczema for the men. Add to this the hot humid climate and denim for men often becomes uncomfortable within a few wears unless specifically designed to be cool and breathable in a comfort-first pattern.

Solution, however, is not impossible. What we need is clothing brands catering to local markets that have access to international patterns and fabrics, yet the sensitivity to adapt them to local climate, culture and comfort-demands; such as at www.1947clothing.com

Common Men's Body Types in Pakistan and Their Fit Challenges

1. Slim / Lean Build

Most young Gen-Z have lean, light frames, they tend to have thin legs that leads to the chicken-leg problem. Regular and relaxed fits may look shapeless, or make the whole body appear disproportionate with a heavier bulk resting atop reed like structures.

Hence, the Best fit we suggest is the classic Slim, these will give the legs definition without looking oversized. For a more relaxed, trend-forward look, Baggy/Barrel styles paired with a fitted top can also work well, since the volume is intentional rather than accidental.

 

2. Athletic / Muscular Build

For the more health savvy men, who tend to work on leg muscles, the issue is worse as its not just appearance of aesthetics, rather, the fit may just not fit. With muscular thighs, they may find a waist that fits, has thighs that scrape n feel too tight. The rise may not sit proper, and if they opt for a bigger size to incorporate the thighs, then the waist will definitely gape. 

For such bodies Best fit is the Straight fit or Relaxed jeans. They have more room on the thighs and knees without being overly baggy. Another great option is the Bootcut especially in a slight stretch fabric, as it gives just the correct balance and taper. 

3. Heavy-Set / Broad Build

Once men cross 30, the body tends to bulk up. The most common complaint is waist digging or if the waist fits then jeans bulking and ballooning in all odd places. 

Best fits suggested by our stylist are the Relaxed fit and Straight fit jeans. They are, without doubt, the most forgiving, they sit comfortably through the waist and hip without clinging. 
Cargo styles are also a smart pick, the utility pockets and roomier legs draw attention away from thighs and upper legs while slaying with a bold statement that is cool yet practical.

4. For the Shorter, Stocky Built

As average Pakistani men are not as tall as their western counterparts, standard length jeans tend to pool at the ankles or demand alteration for smarter fit.

While the Straight or Slim fits are safe, the Bootcut with its light taper tends to accentuate length while sitting snugly around the thighs and hip area. Mid rise helps hold the waist  in holding the bulges in and keeping the body in shape.

5. Tall & Lean Build

Altough rare, thin and tall do exist in Pakistan. Longer inseams are the way to go. Straight and Bootcut jeans help create a balanced silhouette. Moreover, the taller frame can afford to carry more volume without looking bulky, hence, the Baggy/Barrel styles are a super flattering pattern to adopt.

6. Apple Shape (Fuller Midsection)

For office desk workers, all day sitting leads to an apple-shape body where the pinching waist band is a real pain point. It either hurts the mid belly or slides down the back.
Relaxed jeans and  Joggers serve as the Best fit; with an elastic or drawstring waist, comfort fit and a looser pattern, they are perfect for all day wear.