Banana Republic Camden Fit vs. Slim Fit: Sizing comparison [2026]

The Banana Republic Camden Fit offers a modern, tailored cut with a slightly relaxed feel through the thigh, while the Slim Fit is narrower and sits closer to the body for a sleek, streamlined appearance. The primary difference is in the leg and seat: Camden Fit provides more room and classic comfort, whereas the Slim Fit is designed for a more form-fitting, contemporary silhouette.

Here’s a complete comparison to help you choose the right Banana Republic fit for your body type and personal style.

Banana Republic Camden Fit

The Camden Fit is designed as a modern classic, offering a tailored look that doesn't feel restrictive. Known for its versatile silhouette, it has a mid-rise waist and a comfortable fit through the thigh and seat, with a leg that is straight or slightly tapered. It’s the go-to choice for someone who wants a polished look with enough room for all-day comfort, making it perfect for both office settings and weekend wear.

• What it is: A pair of modern, tailored pants offering a comfortable fit through the seat and thigh with a straight or slightly tapered leg.
• Key features: Mid-rise waist, refined but not restrictive silhouette, provides ample room for movement without appearing baggy.
• Price: $70–$90
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to be true to size with a more generous cut. For example, a size 32 waist typically has a thigh circumference of around 22 inches, providing more room compared to its slimmer counterparts.
• Pros: Excellent versatility for work and casual settings, comfortable for long periods of wear, accommodates more athletic or muscular builds, offers a timeless and professional look.
• Cons: May feel too roomy for those with slender builds, can look less modern or trendy compared to the Slim Fit.

This fit is ideal for anyone who prioritizes comfort and versatility or has an average to athletic build that needs a little more room in the thighs and seat.

Shop this product: bananarepublic.gap.com/Camden-Fit-Pants

Banana Republic Slim Fit

The Banana Republic Slim Fit offers a distinctly modern and form-fitting silhouette. These pants are cut narrower through the thigh and leg and often sit slightly lower on the waist. Designed to contour the body, this fit produces a sleek and sharp profile popular in contemporary menswear. Most Slim Fit styles incorporate stretch fabric to ensure movement isn't compromised despite the closer fit.

• What it is: Form-fitting pants with a narrow cut through the thigh, leg, and seat, creating a lean, streamlined look.
• Key features: Sits closer to the body, tapered leg opening for a clean line at the ankle, often made with stretch-infused fabrics for mobility.
• Price: $70–$90
• Sizing/Fit: More tapered with less room than other fits. A size 32 waist will have a thigh circumference around 20–21 inches and a leg opening of about 14–15 inches, creating a much closer fit.
• Pros: Creates a sharp, fashionable silhouette, flatters leaner body types, pairs well with fitted shirts and modern outfits, stretch fabric adds comfort.
• Cons: Can feel restrictive for those with larger or muscular thighs, less forgiving on certain body types, might be too trend-focused for traditional office environments.

Perfect for men with a slender build or those who prefer a modern, close-to-the-body cut that creates a sharp, tailored appearance.

Shop this product: bananarepublic.gap.com/Slim-Fit-Pants

Banana Republic Camden Fit vs. Slim Fit Comparison

Sizing & Cut

The most significant difference lies in their measurements and overall shape. The Camden Fit is built for comfort with a more traditional tailored structure. It provides about an inch or two of extra room in the thigh compared to the Slim Fit in the same waist size. A size 32 Camden might feature a 22-inch thigh, whereas a size 32 Slim will be closer to 20 or 21 inches.

This pattern continues down the leg. The Camden has a straighter or slightly tapered opening, avoiding a tight look around the calf and ankle. In contrast, the Slim Fit tapers more significantly from the knee down, resulting in a narrower leg opening of around 14–15 inches. This design choice is meant to create a sleek line that sits cleanly on top of dress shoes or sneakers.

Fit & Comfort

Comfort is subjective and highly dependent on body type. For those with sturdier or more athletic legs, the Camden Fit will almost always feel more comfortable, offering freedom of movement without feeling constrictive. It allows for easy walking, sitting, and bending throughout the day.

The Slim Fit achieves its comfort through a different approach: stretch fabric. By blending materials like elastane with cotton, Banana Republic ensures its slim pants move with you. While they hug the body more closely, the stretch component prevents them from feeling overly restrictive. However, men with larger frames may still find the tighter fit around the calves and thighs uncomfortable, regardless of stretch.

Price & Value

Both the Camden and Slim Fit lines are priced nearly identically, typically falling within the $70 to $90 range for standard chinos. Neither fit offers a price advantage over the other. The real value is determined by which cut best suits your body, style preferences, and lifestyle. Choosing the right fit means you'll wear the pants more often and feel more confident, which is a better return on your investment than saving a few dollars.

Versatility & Style

The Camden Fit excels in versatility. Its classic-yet-modern cut is appropriate for a wide range of settings, from business casual offices to weekend brunches. It's a true wardrobe workhorse that pairs easily with button-downs, polos, blazers, and sweaters without looking out of place.

The aesthetics of the Slim Fit are more specific. Its sharp, trend-conscious profile is perfect for contemporary workplaces, creative industries, or evening outings. It creates a sleek foundation for more fashion-forward looks and pairs best with other fitted garments. While stylish, it might feel too casual or trendy for highly traditional or corporate environments.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both fits offer excellent quality and style, but they are designed for different body types and aesthetic preferences.

Choose the Camden Fit if:

• You have an average or athletic build, particularly in your thighs and seat.
• You value all-day comfort and freedom of movement above a form-fitting look.
• Your personal style leans classic, versatile, and professional.
• You need a go-to pair of pants that works for nearly any occasion.

Choose the Slim Fit if:

• You have a slender or slim body type.
• You prefer a sharp, contemporary silhouette that sits close to the body.
• Your main goal is a modern, fashion-forward appearance.
• Standard "classic" or "straight" fits often feel too baggy on your frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Banana Republic's Camden and Slim Fit?

The main difference is the room in the leg and seat. The Camden Fit is more relaxed with a straight or slightly tapered leg, offering more space for comfort. The Slim Fit is narrower through the thigh and tapers down to the ankle for a much closer, form-fitting silhouette.

Are Banana Republic pants true to size?

Generally, yes. Banana Republic's sizing is quite consistent. You should order your typical waist size, but remember that the "fit" (e.g., Camden vs. Slim) determines how the pants will drape and feel on your body, not their length or waist measurement.

Which fit is better for an athletic build?

The Camden Fit is almost always the better choice for an athletic build. Its extra room in the seat and thighs accommodates larger muscles comfortably without sacrificing a tailored look.

Which fit is more modern?

The Slim Fit is considered the more modern and trend-focused of the two fits. Its lean silhouette is a staple of contemporary menswear.

Do both fits come in the same fabrics and colors?

Typically, yes. Banana Republic often releases its key styles, like their Traveler or Rapid Movement Chinos, in both Camden and Slim fits, meaning you can often find the same colors and materials available regardless of your preferred cut.

Can I wear the Slim Fit to the office?

Absolutely, especially in a modern business-casual setting. The Slim Fit provides a sharp, polished appearance that pairs well with blazers and dress shirts. In a very conservative corporate environment, the slightly more traditional Camden Fit may be a safer choice.

How much do these pants shrink after washing?

Since most Banana Republic chinos are made from pre-shrunk cotton or cotton blends, significant shrinkage is minimal if you follow the care instructions (wash cold, tumble dry low). You might experience very slight shrinkage in length, but usually not enough to warrant buying a different size.

What if I'm in between sizes?

If you're in between waist sizes, your fit preference should guide your decision. For the Slim Fit, it's often safer to size up for a little more breathing room. For the Camden Fit, you might be comfortable sizing down if you prefer a slightly more snug waist, given the extra room elsewhere.