Abercrombie Loose vs. Relaxed Jeans: What's the difference?

Discover the key differences between Abercrombie's Loose and Relaxed Jeans. Find your perfect silhouette - baggy streetwear or classic comfort.
Spencer Lanoue
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Spencer Lanoue
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The difference between the Abercrombie Loose Jean and the Relaxed Jean comes down to silhouette and attitude. The Loose fit is intentionally oversized and roomy throughout the entire leg for a baggy, streetwear-inspired look, while the Relaxed fit is more classic, offering comfort in the thigh and seat before falling into a more streamlined, straight shape. Both are foundational styles at Abercrombie &, Fitch, but they serve very different style preferences.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right Abercrombie denim fit for your wardrobe.

Abercrombie Loose Jeans

Abercrombie's Loose Jeans are designed for a genuinely oversized, baggy silhouette. This style embraces the recent trend towards more relaxed, ’90s-inspired denim, offering maximum room through the hip, thigh, and leg opening. It’s the brand's answer to the streetwear aesthetic, built for both comfort and a distinct fashion statement.

  • What it is: A denim fit that's roomy and oversized from the waist all the way down to the ankle.
  • Key features: A generous cut through the entire leg, providing a very relaxed and baggy appearance without needing to size up.
  • Price: Typically priced between $60 and $100, varying with wash and distressing.
  • Sizing/Fit: Designed to be loose when taken in your true size. Some may size up for an even more exaggerated, slouchy look. Sizing usually ranges from 24 to 34 in the waist.
  • Pros: Extremely comfortable with maximum freedom of movement. Aligns with current streetwear trends. Creates a bold, fashion-forward silhouette.
  • Cons: The baggy style may not feel appropriate for all occasions and can be perceived as less polished. It is a more trend-driven fit that may not have timeless appeal.

This fit is perfect for those who prioritize a comfortable, oversized look and love a streetwear or vintage-inspired closet.

Shop this product: https://www.abercrombie.com/shop/us/mens-jeans?fit=loose

Abercrombie Relaxed Jeans

The Abercrombie Relaxed Jean offers a comfortable, laid-back fit without the exaggerated proportions of the Loose style. It provides extra room through the hip and thigh but maintains a straighter, more classic silhouette down to the ankle. This makes it a highly versatile option that balances modern comfort with a timeless look.

  • What it is: A casual denim fit that is comfortable through the hip and thigh with a standard straight leg opening.
  • Key features: More tailored than a loose jean, offering a refined yet comfortable look that doesn't feel baggy.
  • Price: Falls within the standard Abercrombie denim range of $60 - $100.
  • Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size, offering a comfortable silhouette that isn't tight or oversized. Available in waist sizes 24 to 34.
  • Pros: A versatile, timeless fit suitable for a wide range of casual settings. Delivers great comfort without appearing sloppy. Easier to dress up than the Loose fit.
  • Cons: Not as trend-forward as the Loose silhouette. Might not be roomy enough for those seeking a true baggy jean.

This is the ideal choice for anyone seeking a comfortable, timeless daily driver jean that can adapt to different occasions.

Shop this product: https://www.abercrombie.com/shop/us/mens-jeans?fit=relaxed

Abercrombie Loose vs. Relaxed Jeans Comparison

Fit & Silhouette

The most immediate difference is in the overall shape. The Loose Jean has a prominent, baggy silhouette from top to bottom. It's meant to look and feel oversized. The leg opening is wide, allowing the jeans to stack or pool over your shoes for a distinct streetwear effect.

In contrast, the Relaxed Jean offers comfort where it counts - in the seat and thighs - but doesn’t carry that extreme volume down the entire leg. It follows a more classic straight-leg shape, creating a clean-looking profile that feels laid-back but not intentionally baggy. Think of it as the midpoint between a standard straight fit and an oversized loose fit.

Style & Versatility

Style is where these two fits really diverge. The Loose Jean is a statement piece heavily influenced by '90s skate culture and modern streetwear. It pairs best with other oversized pieces, like hoodies, graphic tees, and chunky sneakers. Due to its trendy nature, it feels most at home in very casual, fashion-conscious settings.

The Relaxed Jean is a wardrobe workhorse. Its balanced silhouette makes it far more versatile. You can pair it with sneakers and a t-shirt for weekend errands, but it also works well with a casual button-down shirt and boots for a dinner out. It's a safer, more timeless option that fits seamlessly into a broad range of personal styles without calling too much attention to itself.

Price & Value

Both the Loose and Relaxed fits fall within the same price bracket, generally retailing for $60 to $100. Abercrombie frequently holds sales, often with discounts of 20-30%, so you can usually find either style for a good price. The decision here doesn't come down to cost but to personal style. The best value is the pair you'll wear most often - the trendy Loose jean if that's your aesthetic, or the timeless Relaxed jean if you prioritize versatility and longevity.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both styles offer the comfort and quality Abercrombie is known for, but the best fit depends entirely on your personal style and wardrobe needs.

Choose Loose Jeans if:

  • You have a streetwear-inspired style and love an oversized look.
  • Maximum comfort and a baggy feel are your absolute top priorities.
  • You want a trendy jean to pair with crop tops, hoodies, and chunky sneakers.
  • You're aiming for a casual, '90s-inspired fashion statement.

Choose Relaxed Jeans if:

  • You want a comfortable jean that doesn't look overly baggy or messy.
  • Versatility is key, you need jeans that work for errands, social gatherings, and casual Fridays.
  • You prefer a timeless, classic fit that won’t go out of style next season.
  • You want an easy-to-wear silhouette that's a step up from a standard straight leg.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Loose fit is intentionally baggy and oversized through the entire leg for a streetwear look. The Relaxed fit provides comfort and room in the seat and thighs but has a more streamlined, classic straight leg from the knee down.

Are Abercrombie loose jeans the same as baggy jeans?

Yes, the Loose fit is Abercrombie's interpretation of the baggy jean trend. It's designed to give you that oversized aesthetic without needing to buy a larger size.

Do Abercrombie jeans run true to size?

Abercrombie denim is known for its consistent sizing. Both the Loose and Relaxed fits generally run true to size, so it's best to start with your usual waist measurement. Check the brand’s online size guide for specific measurements.

Should I size up for loose jeans?

This is a matter of personal preference. The Loose fit is already designed to be baggy in your true size. However, if you want an even more exaggerated, slouchy look, you could size up one waist size.

Which fit is more on-trend right now?

The Loose Jeans are more aligned with current streetwear fashion trends that favor baggy, '90s-inspired silhouettes.

Can I wear relaxed jeans to work?

The Relaxed Jean can be appropriate for many casual and some business-casual work environments, especially in a darker, non-distressed wash. Its tailored appearance makes it much more office-friendly than the Loose jean.

What material are these jeans made of?

Abercrombie typically uses a blend of cotton with stretch fabrics like elastane or spandex in both styles. This ensures they are durable yet comfortable and have enough flexibility for daily movement.

How much do Abercrombie jeans cost?

Most pairs range from $60 to $100. Abercrombie frequently has sales that bring the prices down, so it's worth checking their website for discounts.