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

The Abercrombie 90s Straight and Relaxed jeans are two of the brand's most popular styles, but their core difference is silhouette and style. The 90s Straight jean offers a timeless, vintage-inspired fit with a classic straight leg from hip to ankle, creating a more structured and polished look. The Relaxed jean prioritizes comfort with a looser, more generous cut through the thigh and leg for an intentionally oversized and casual streetwear aesthetic.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which Abercrombie & Fitch fit is right for you.

Abercrombie 90s Straight Jeans

The 90s Straight jean is a modern tribute to the iconic denim styles of the 1990s. This fit is designed to feel both timeless and current, featuring a silhouette that sits comfortably at the waist and falls straight through the leg. It offers a clean, versatile look that can be easily dressed up or down, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of outfits.

• What it is: Vintage-inspired jeans with a classic straight-leg cut from the hip down to the ankle.
• Key features: Sits comfortably at the natural waist, classic straight silhouette, balanced fit that isn't too tight or baggy.
• Price: $70 - $100
• Materials/Construction: Typically made from a durable, medium-weight cotton-blend denim with a small amount of elastane for a touch of stretch and shape retention.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to run true to size, offering a slightly tailored and structured feel compared to looser fits.
• Pros: Highly versatile for many occasions, offers a timeless and flattering silhouette, structured fit looks polished, pairs well with almost any footwear.
• Cons: Less forgiving for those who prefer more room in the thigh, not ideal for a true oversized look, stretch is minimal compared to the Relaxed fit.

This jean is perfect for anyone seeking a timeless, structured silhouette that balances a vintage vibe with modern wearability for everyday style.

Shop this product: abercrombie.com/shop/us/mens-jeans/90s-straight-jean

Abercrombie Relaxed Jeans

The Relaxed fit is built for maximum comfort and a laid-back, modern look. Characterized by its generous cut through the entirety of the leg, this style offers plenty of room to move. It’s the go-to choice for those who favor a streetwear-inspired, intentionally oversized aesthetic without sacrificing the quality Abercrombie denim is known for.

• What it is: A casual jean with a loose, generous fit through the thigh and leg for an oversized, comfortable feel.
• Key features: Roomy silhouette provides maximum ease of movement, often features a slightly lower rise, emphasizes a laid-back streetwear vibe.
• Price: $70 - $100
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from a softer cotton blend, often with a higher percentage of stretch fibers to enhance comfort and flexibility.
• Sizing/Fit: Intentionally oversized and roomy, so it can feel large. Most people take their true size for the intended look, but consider sizing down if you want less volume.
• Pros: Incredibly comfortable for all-day wear, forgiving fit works well for many body types, aligned with modern oversized trends, ideal for casual and streetwear looks.
• Cons: Less versatile for dressing up, can look sloppy if not styled intentionally, oversized silhouette might overwhelm smaller frames.

Ideal for those who prioritize comfort and want a trendy, oversized jean for casual, everyday outfits with a streetwear edge.

Shop this product: abercrombie.com/shop/us/mens-jeans/relaxed-jean

Abercrombie 90s Straight vs. Relaxed Jeans Comparison

Fit & Silhouette

The most immediate difference between these two styles is the fit. The 90s Straight offers a clean, uniform line from your hip to your ankle. It skims the body without hugging it tightly, providing a structured, columnar shape that feels classic and balanced. It delivers that perfect vintage look without feeling baggy.

In contrast, the Relaxed fit is intentionally roomier throughout. It has more space in the seat, thighs, and legs, creating a visibly oversized and laid-back silhouette. This generosity in cut is designed for pure comfort and a clear style statement that leans into modern streetwear trends.

Style & Aesthetic

Aesthetically, the 90s Straight jean is a chameleon. Its timeless cut can be styled to look preppy, classic, vintage, or smart-casual. Tuck in a button-down or pair it with a simple tee and loafers, and it looks effortlessly put-together. It serves as a neutral canvas for a wide range of personal styles.

The Relaxed fit has a more distinct personality. Its comfortable, oversized vibe aligns squarely with streetwear and casual aesthetics. It looks most at home with hoodies, graphic tees, and chunky sneakers. While stylish, its inherent bagginess makes it less suitable for anything approaching a formal or business-casual setting.

Comfort & Fabric

Both styles are designed for comfort, but they achieve it differently. The Relaxed fit wins on pure softness and freedom of movement, often utilizing fabrics with more stretch and a lighter feel. It’s the pair you'd choose for lounging or a long day of errands.

The 90s Straight is comfortable because its classic cut prevents restriction, but its denim is typically sturdier and more structured. While it almost always includes some elastane for give, the primary feeling is of durable, well-fitting denim rather than soft flexibility.

Versatility

When it comes to versatility, the 90s Straight jean has the clear advantage. Its balanced silhouette can easily be dressed up with a jacket and boots or kept casual with sneakers and a sweatshirt. This adaptability makes it a valuable wardrobe piece for various occasions, from a casual Friday at the office to a weekend brunch.

The Relaxed jean is the champion of casual wear but is difficult to dress up. Its laid-back nature is its core feature, making it perfect for weekends, creative settings, and any situation where comfort is key. However, its oversized shape limits its use in more professional or semi-formal contexts.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both are excellent denim options from Abercrombie & Fitch, but they cater to very different style priorities.

Choose the 90s Straight if:

• You're looking for a timeless, vintage-inspired silhouette.
• You want a highly versatile jean that can be dressed up or down.
• You prefer a more structured fit that offers a clean, straight line.
• Your wardrobe blends classic, preppy, and smart-casual styles.

Choose the Relaxed if:

• Your number one priority is maximum comfort and ease of movement.
• You love the modern, oversized streetwear aesthetic.
• Your personal style is casual, laid-back, and trendy.
• You want a forgiving fit that provides ample room in the seat and thighs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The main difference is the silhouette. The 90s Straight fit has a classic, straight cut from the hip to the ankle for a structured, timeless look. The Relaxed fit is intentionally oversized with a looser cut throughout the thigh and leg for a casual, streetwear-inspired style focused on comfort.

Do Abercrombie jeans run true to size?

The 90s Straight jean generally runs true to size. For the Relaxed jean, it's recommended to take your usual size to achieve the intended oversized look. If you prefer a less baggy silhouette, you might consider sizing down one size.

Which fit is more comfortable?

The Relaxed fit is designed for maximum comfort. Its generous cut and often stretchier fabric make it the more comfortable option for lounging and all-day casual wear.

Which style is more popular or in-style right now?

Both are popular, but they serve different trends. The Relaxed fit aligns with the current oversized streetwear trend and has seen a surge in popularity for its fashion-forward comfort. The 90s Straight jean is a timeless classic that remains consistently in style and serves as a foundational wardrobe piece.

Which fit is better for someone with muscular or thicker thighs?

The Relaxed fit is an excellent choice for those with more muscular thighs. The extra room built into the silhouette provides a comfortable and forgiving fit without feeling restrictive.

Can I wear the Relaxed jeans for a smart-casual event?

It would be challenging. The inherent bagginess of the Relaxed fit makes it feel very casual. For a smart-casual look, the 90s Straight jean is a much safer and more appropriate choice.

How do I style the 90s Straight jean?

This fit is incredibly versatile. Pair it with a tucked-in T-shirt and sneakers for a classic look, a button-down shirt and loafers for a smarter style, or a chunky sweater and boots in colder weather.

How much stretch do these jeans have?

Both styles typically feature a blend of cotton and elastane. The Relaxed jeans often contain a higher percentage of stretch fibers for enhanced flexibility, while the 90s Straight jeans usually have just enough stretch for comfort while maintaining a more traditional denim structure.