How to Size Paperbag, Loose Fit, Baggy & Boyfriend Jeans Properly (UK & USA)

When it comes to relaxed denim silhouettes—paperbag, loose fit, baggy, and boyfriend jeans—understanding proportions, sizing logic, and body shape compatibility is essential. These styles all share a relaxed feel but vary in waist rise, leg volume, and tailoring intent.

Here’s exactly how to size and shop each type—plus how Tellar.co.uk can match your body to the right cut across 1,500+ brands.

1. Paperbag Jeans: What They Are and How to Size

🧵 Definition:

Paperbag jeans have a cinched or ruched waist, typically high-rise, with extra volume through the waistband that’s belted or gathered.

🔍 Sizing Focus:

Always base your size on your natural waist measurement, not hips
Fit should feel slightly loose at the waistband before the belt is tied
The pleats and volume should drape rather than puff

📐 Technical Fit Tips:

Area	Sizing Advice
Waistband	Go true to waist size (not vanity sized down)
Hips	Must accommodate fullness—avoid sizing too small
Length	Cropped or full length—shorter legs? Opt for ankle crop
Rise	Designed to hit at true waist or higher

✅ Best For:

Hourglass, pear and rectangle shapes
Accentuating the waist and softening hips

2. Loose Fit Jeans: Sizing Logic & Fit

🧵 Definition:

“Loose fit” jeans refer to any style with extra volume in thigh and calf, usually with a wider, relaxed leg from hip to hem.

🔍 Sizing Focus:

Check hip and upper thigh circumference
Go true to size or size down if between sizes (many are oversized by design)
Focus on inseam fit—these can drag if too long

📐 Technical Fit Tips:

Feature	Key Sizing Point
Thigh width	Measure your upper thigh at its widest
Waist	Mid- to high-rise—don’t over-tighten
Inseam	Opt for cropped if petite
Fabric	Rigid or heavy denim = minimal stretch

✅ Best For:

Apple, athletic and tall builds
Creating volume without clinging

3. Baggy Jeans: The Boldest Relaxed Cut

🧵 Definition:

Baggy jeans go beyond loose fit—extra roomy throughout with wide hems, dropped crotches, or skater-style silhouettes.

🔍 Sizing Focus:

Choose based on hip width first
Prioritise leg length—baggy cuts elongate if hemmed well
Opt for a secure waistband fit—avoid gaping

📐 Technical Fit Tips:

Consideration	Why It Matters
Waistband Fit	Should sit securely—avoid constant tugging
Rise	Often mid-to-low; check drop length
Length	Hem to skim top of shoes or trainers
Pockets	Placement affects visual proportion

❗Note:

Oversized ≠ wrong size. Baggy jeans are intentionally voluminous but should never fall down or swamp you.

✅ Best For:

Tall, rectangular and long-legged figures
Edgy, Y2K or androgynous styling

4. Boyfriend Jeans: The Easy Weekend Favourite

🧵 Definition:

Boyfriend jeans are relaxed mid-rise jeans with a slightly slouchy straight leg, often cuffed or rolled.

🔍 Sizing Focus:

Start with your hip size, but expect a roomier fit
Don’t size down for a tighter look—that defeats the point
Waist may sit slightly loose but should stay in place

📐 Technical Fit Tips:

Fit Feature	Ideal Fit Note
Rise	Mid or low, sitting just below the navel
Leg	Relaxed through thigh, tapering slightly
Waist	Slight ease; use belt for structure
Length	Cuff or roll to control leg proportions

✅ Best For:

All body shapes (especially curvy or petite)
Casual, low-effort, off-duty looks

Key Differences at a Glance

Jean Style	Waist Fit	Leg Volume	Rise Height	Notes
Paperbag	Cinched, belted	Moderate with pleats	High-rise	Focus on waist shape
Loose Fit	Relaxed	Relaxed straight	Mid or high	Rigid denim, generous in thigh
Baggy	Secure but low	Wide to very wide	Mid to low	Oversized silhouette
Boyfriend	Mid & easy	Slightly tapered	Mid or low	Casual, adaptable, not tight

Tips for Measuring Yourself for These Styles

Whether you're shopping online or in-store, use real body measurements rather than relying on labels. Here's what to measure:

Waist (natural): where paperbag and high-rise styles will sit
Low Waist / High Hip: crucial for boyfriend and baggy styles
Hip: fullest part of your seat
Thigh: important for loose and baggy cuts
Inseam: from crotch to ankle bone or desired hem point

📏 Download Tellar’s free printable measuring tape here

How to Know if You’ve Got the Right Size

✔️ Waist sits flush—no belt required

✔️ Hips are roomy but not baggy (unless intended)

✔️ No camel toe or pulling at crotch

✔️ Legs drape cleanly, with or without cuffs

✔️ You can bend, sit, and walk comfortably

Fit Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Sizing down for “structure” in baggy or loose fits—this leads to gaping hips or awkward pulling

🚫 Over-tightening the waist on paperbag jeans—ruins silhouette

🚫 Buying based on hip alone—rise and waistband shape matter

🚫 Ignoring leg length—especially if you’re petite or tall

Where to Shop These Styles (UK + USA)

Brand	Best For	Notable Styles
Arket	Loose Fit	High-structure, clean lines
Levi’s	Boyfriend, Baggy	501 Boyfriend, Baggy Dad
Zara	Paperbag, Boyfriend	Trend-led, great high-street value
Everlane	Loose Fit, Baggy	Ethically sourced, rigid fabrics
COS	Loose, Barrel	Minimalist oversized cuts
Mango	Paperbag, Loose	Feminine tailoring + waist focus
H&M	Baggy, Slouchy	Affordable, trend-responsive

Want the Right Fit First Time?

Skip the guesswork.

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading sizing tool that compares your body measurements or brand size to the actual data from 1,500+ brands—so you always get the right fit, no matter the silhouette.

✅ Match your waist, hips and rise to exact cuts

✅ Know how different styles run in every store

✅ Avoid returns and fit frustration

Get Started Now:

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Conclusion

Whether you're into paperbag tailoring, baggy streetwear, or easy boyfriend denim—correct sizing makes or breaks the look. Measure properly. Understand rise and leg width. And let Tellar.co.uk do the hard work of finding the perfect fit in every store.