Best Jeans for Fat Guys (Big & Tall Waists to 66)

How to size big and tall jeans

Big-and-tall jeans are sold by waist and inseam in inches (say 52x30), but the number on the tag is a style name, not a promise. Two 52s from different brands can be inches apart. Before you order:

1. Measure where you'll wear them. Run a tape measure around your body at the height your waistband sits, usually under the belly for big guys. Don't pull it tight.
2. Measure an inseam you like. Take a pair that's a good length, lay it flat and measure from the crotch seam to the hem.
3. Check the seat and thigh, not just the waist. If jeans that fit your waist bind at the thigh, you need a relaxed cut, not a bigger waist.

Most big-and-tall lines run short inseams in the biggest waists. If you need a 60 waist and a 34 inseam, check that the exact combo exists before you fall for a style.

Big and tall jeans at a glance

Rise, waistband and the roll-under problem

When a jean's waistband sits right on the widest part of your belly, it either rolls under or digs in. A few ways to fix that:

• Elastic or expandable waists. The Lee Extreme Motion's elastic waistband and the KingSize side-elastic panels flex as you sit and stand. Neither looks like elastic-waist "sweatpant jeans" from the front.
• The right rise. If you wear jeans under your belly, a lower-sitting relaxed fit is often more comfortable than a high-rise work jean that's trying to sit up on top of it.
• Suspenders. Not just for grandpas. Suspenders hold jeans where you want them without cinching a belt, and they're the easiest fix for jeans that slide down.
• Extenders. A button extender adds an inch or two when a pair is almost right. See our guide to belt and pants extenders.

Stretch vs rigid denim for big guys

Rigid, 100% cotton denim like Carhartt's 15-ounce is tough, but it doesn't give, so size for how you sit, not how you stand. Stretch blends trade some durability for a lot of comfort, and they're kinder if your weight goes up and down. For most big guys a little elastane is the sweet spot: you get the look of real denim and room to bend. Wash stretch jeans cold and hang them to dry, because heat is what breaks down spandex and makes jeans sag.

Stop the inner-thigh blowout

Inner-thigh wear is the top killer of big-and-tall jeans. To slow it down:

• Wear long-leg boxer briefs. They move the friction off your skin and the denim. Our anti-chafing shorts guide includes big men's boxer briefs up to 6XL.
• Choose a relaxed seat and thigh so the fabric isn't pulled tight while it rubs.
• Rotate two or three pairs instead of wearing one until it dies.
• Patch thin spots from the inside before they turn into holes.

Pair them with tops that are long enough

Jeans that sit under the belly need shirts long enough to cover the waistband when you reach or sit. Look for big-and-tall tees with extra body length. Our big and tall t-shirts and basics guide has options cut about 4 inches longer than standard, in sizes up to 10XL.