Abercrombie 90s Straight vs. Relaxed: What's the difference?

The Abercrombie 90s Straight Jean and the Relaxed Jean both tap into modern denim trends, but they offer distinct silhouettes. The 90s Straight delivers a classic, vintage-inspired fit that is straight from the hip to the ankle for a structured but comfortable look, while the Relaxed Jean is intentionally looser and baggier through the thigh and leg for a more contemporary, streetwear-focused aesthetic.

Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Abercrombie & Fitch jean fit for your personal style.

Abercrombie 90s Straight Jeans

The 90s Straight is a tribute to classic '90s denim, offering a fit that feels both vintage and timeless. It has a high rise that sits at the natural waist and a leg that falls straight from the hip to the ankle, creating a clean, elongating line. This style provides more room than a slim or skinny jean but maintains a tailored structure that prevents it from looking sloppy, making it incredibly versatile.

• What it is: A '90s-inspired high-rise jean with a true straight-leg silhouette from hip to ankle.
• Key features: High rise (typically 11-12 inches), straight fit through the hip and thigh, and a classic straight leg opening (around 14-16 inches).
• Price: ~$90 - $110
• Sizing/Fit: Designed to have a close fit at the waist and hips before straightening out through the leg. Most find it true to size, but consider Curve Love if you have a larger hip-to-waist ratio.
• Pros: Highly versatile for dressing up or down. Classic silhouette flatters many body types. Timeless style that won't feel dated. Comes in Curve Love options.
• Cons: Not as loose or trendy as the Relaxed fit. It can feel slightly more restrictive through the hip and thigh compared to a true relaxed fit.

This jean is perfect for anyone seeking a polished yet comfortable fit that works just as well with a casual t-shirt as it does with a blouse and heels.

Shop this product: abercrombie.com/90s-straight-jean

Abercrombie Relaxed Jeans

The Abercrombie Relaxed Jean is designed for ultimate comfort and a modern, laid-back style. This fit is defined by its roomier-than-average silhouette through the hip, thigh, and leg. While still structured enough to look intentional, it delivers a distinctly oversized and casual feel that aligns with current streetwear trends.

• What it is: A jean with a contemporary oversized fit, offering extra room and a baggier look throughout.
• Key features: Mid to high-rise, roomy through the hip and thigh, and a wider straight or slightly tapered leg opening (often over 16 inches).
• Price: ~$90 - $110
• Sizing/Fit: Intentionally oversized. Stick with your true size for the intended baggy look, or size down if you want a fit that's slightly less roomy. Its generous cut emphasizes comfort and ease of movement.
• Pros: Extremely comfortable for all-day wear. On-trend oversized silhouette. Provides maximum freedom of movement. Great for a casual, streetwear-inspired wardrobe.
• Cons: Extra fabric may overwhelm more petite frames. Less versatile for formal or professional settings. Baggy fit isn't for everyone.

This style is the go-to choice for those who prioritize comfort and want a modern, oversized denim look that feels effortless and cool.

Shop this product: abercrombie.com/relaxed-jean

Abercrombie 90s Straight vs. Relaxed Comparison

Fit & Silhouette

The primary difference lies in the overall silhouette. The 90s Straight Jean offers a true straight fit - it's cut straight from the hip down, creating a clean, vertical line that glances over the body without hugging it tightly. It provides a balanced look that isn't too skinny or too wide.

In contrast, the Relaxed Jean is designed to be genuinely baggy. It is visibly looser not just in the leg but also through the hip and seating area. The leg opening is wider, and the entire jean has more fabric, creating a slouchier, more casual shape.

Style & Versatility

Because of its classic, tailored cut, the 90s Straight is more versatile. It can easily be styled for a casual weekend with sneakers and a hoodie or dressed up for a night out with boots and a blazer. Its timeless silhouette serves as a blank canvas for a wide range of styles, from preppy to minimalist to edgy.

The Relaxed Jean leans heavily into streetwear and a more casual, trend-forward aesthetic. It pairs best with chunky sneakers, cropped tops, or oversized sweatshirts. While perfect for daily errands and casual hangouts, its inherently baggy nature makes it more challenging to dress up for more polished occasions.

Comfort & Feel

Both styles prioritize comfort over restrictive fits like skinny jeans. However, the Relaxed Jean offers a higher degree of lounge-worthy comfort due to its extra room. You'll never feel constricted, making it an excellent choice for long days of activity or travel.

The 90s Straight provides structured comfort. It allows for easy movement and doesn't cling, but you'll be more aware of the fabric and its intended shape around the hips and waist. It’s comfortable for everyday wear but doesn’t have the same pajama-like feel as the more oversized Relaxed fit.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both are great options, but the right choice depends entirely on the fit and style you're looking for.

Choose the Abercrombie 90s Straight Jeans if:

• You want a classic, timeless denim fit with a vintage-inspired feel.
• You value versatility and want a jean that can be easily dressed up or down.
• You prefer a fit that is comfortable but still looks structured and put-together.
• You want a flattering silhouette that elongates the leg without adding bulk.

Choose the Abercrombie Relaxed Jeans if:

• You prioritize maximum comfort and freedom of movement above all else.
• You love the current trend of baggy, oversized, and streetwear-inspired fashion.
• You want a low-effort, casual jean for everyday wear with sneakers and comfortable tops.
• You aren't worried about the style overpowering your frame and love a slouchy look.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between the Abercrombie 90s Straight and Relaxed jeans?

The main difference is the silhouette. The 90s Straight has a classic straight cut from hip to ankle for a structured but comfortable vintage look. The Relaxed Jean is intentionally looser and baggier all over for a modern, oversized, streetwear style.

Which style is baggier?

The Relaxed Jean is significantly baggier. It's designed with more room through the hip, thigh, and leg to create a slouchy and comfortable fit.

Are these jeans true to size?

Both styles generally fit true to size. For the Relaxed fit, stick to your regular size for the designer's intended oversized look, if you prefer it slightly less baggy, you might consider sizing down one size. For both styles, refer to the Abercrombie & Fitch size guide for the best results.

What is Abercrombie Curve Love and is it available for these styles?

Curve Love is a special fit offered by Abercrombie, designed with an extra 2 inches of room in the hip and thigh to eliminate waist-gapping for those with a curvier figure. Both the 90s Straight Jeans and Relaxed Jeans are typically available in the Curve Love fit, providing more inclusive sizing options.

Which is better for shorter people?

The 90s Straight is often more flattering for shorter individuals, as its clean, straight lines create an elongating effect. The extra volume of the Relaxed jean can sometimes overwhelm a more petite frame, but it's ultimately a matter of personal style preference. Both are offered in short inseams.

Can I dress up the 90s Straight jeans?

Yes, absolutely. Its structured, classic silhouette makes it a great candidate for dressing up. Pair it with heeled boots, a stylish top, and a blazer for a smart-casual or evening look.

Which style is more "in" right now?

Both fits are currently popular. Straight-leg vintage-inspired denim like the 90s Straight is a permanent wardrobe fixture, while intentionally baggy denim like the Relaxed Jean strongly reflects current streetwear trends. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a classic style or a more trend-driven look.

How should I style the Relaxed Jeans?

Embrace their laid-back nature. Style the Relaxed Jeans with chunky sneakers, a simple tank top or baby tee, a hoodie, or an oversized button-down shirt worn open. Keeping your top half more fitted can help balance the proportions of the baggy-fit jeans.