Banana Republic Slim vs. Tailored Slim: Sizing comparison [2026]

The Banana Republic Slim fit and Tailored Slim fit differ mainly in their cut and taper. The Slim fit offers a modern, versatile silhouette that's close to the body without being tight, while the Tailored Slim is a more precise, refined version with a sharper taper from the knee down for a cleaner, more structured look.

Here’s everything you need to know about Banana Republic's two most popular modern fits to find the right one for your wardrobe.

Banana Republic Slim Fit Pants

The Slim fit is Banana Republic’s go-to modern pant, designed to be close to the body without feeling restrictive. It bridges the gap between a classic, straight-leg pant and a skinny fit, making it a versatile option for most body types and a popular choice for business-casual and everyday wear.

• What it is: A modern-fitting pant with a streamlined silhouette that's narrower through the thigh and leg opening compared to a classic fit.
• Key features: Follows the line of the body for a clean look, maintains some room in the thigh and leg, balances comfort and style.
• Price: $50 - $150
• Sizing/Fit: Generally true to size. It offers enough room for most builds, including those with more athletic or muscular thighs, while still providing a modern silhouette.
• Pros: Highly versatile for work, weekends, and casual events. Comfortable for all-day wear. Flattering on a wide range of body types. Consistent sizing across various fabrics and styles.
• Cons: May not be sharp enough for very formal or corporate environments. The leg opening could feel too wide for those who prefer an aggressive taper.

This fit is perfect for anyone seeking a modern, polished look that doesn't compromise on comfort, making it a reliable staple for almost any occasion.

Shop this product: bananarepublic.com/mens-pants-slim

Banana Republic Tailored Slim Fit Pants

The Tailored Slim fit takes the modern silhouette of the standard Slim fit and refines it with a sharper, more precise cut. It’s designed to contour more closely to the body, with a more pronounced taper from the knee down, creating a sleek profile ideal for more formal or professional settings.

• What it is: A precisely cut pant that's closely fitted through the thigh with a strong taper down to the ankle.
• Key features: Sharply tapered leg, a very streamlined silhouette, and a structured appearance that works well with tailoring like blazers and sport coats.
• Price: $50 - $150
• Sizing/Fit: While waist sizing is consistent, the fit is noticeably slimmer through the seat, thigh, and calf. Men with larger or more muscular legs may need to size up in the waist to get a comfortable fit through the thigh.
• Pros: Creates a very sharp, polished, and contemporary look. Ideal for formal or corporate settings. Pairs perfectly with blazers and dress shoes. Accentuates a leaner build.
• Cons: Can be restrictive or too tight for men with athletic legs or larger thighs. Less versatile for purely casual wear. Might require sizing up, which could affect the waist fit.

This is the go-to fit for those who want a crisp, structured appearance that looks modern and put-together without crossing into skinny-fit territory.

Shop this product: bananarepublic.com/mens-pants-tailored-slim

Banana Republic Slim vs. Tailored Slim Comparison

Fit & Cut

The most significant difference lies in the cut, particularly from the knee down. The Slim fit has a moderate taper, creating a clean line that works with a variety of shoes, from loafers to sneakers. It’s cut to follow the body’s shape without hugging it too closely.

The Tailored Slim fit features a more aggressive taper. The thigh is slightly trimmer than the regular Slim fit, and the leg opening at the ankle is noticeably narrower. This creates a sharper break at the shoe and a more defined, sculpted silhouette overall.

Comfort & Mobility

For all-day comfort and ease of movement, the Slim fit is the clear winner for most people. The extra room in the seat and thighs prevents the fabric from pulling or feeling restrictive when sitting or walking. It's an easy and comfortable choice for a typical workday.

The Tailored Slim fit prioritizes shape over unrestricted movement. While still comfortable for many, particularly those with slimmer legs, it can feel confining for those with athletic builds. Movements like climbing stairs or crouching may feel tighter. It’s stylish but less forgiving, especially in non-stretch fabrics.

Sizing & Measurements

Both fits typically share the same waist and inseam options, ranging from a 28" to 40" waist and 30" to 34" inseam. You would generally take your normal size in both. However, the experience of that size is very different. Due to the cut, a size 32 waist in Tailored Slim will feel smaller through the thigh and leg than a size 32 in the regular Slim fit.

If you find that the Slim fit is a perfect fit in the waist but slightly loose in the leg, the Tailored Slim is likely your ideal cut. Conversely, if the Slim fit is just right in the legs, the Tailored Slim might be too tight, prompting you to size up in the waist (which might then require tailoring).

Who Each One Works Best For

The Slim fit is incredibly versatile and works well for most body types. It's especially suited for men with average to athletic builds who want a modern look without the painted-on feel of a skinny pant. It’s the safe, reliable choice for a smart business-casual wardrobe.

The Tailored Slim fit is ideal for men with slimmer builds or for those who prioritize a very crisp, fashion-forward silhouette. If you frequently wear blazers or suits and want your trousers to match that level of sleekness, this is the better option. It’s also great for creating a clean line with dress shoes and boots.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between these two excellent fits ultimately comes down to your body type and style priorities.

Choose the Slim Fit if:

• You have an average or athletic build, particularly with larger thighs or muscular legs.
• You prioritize all-day comfort and mobility over the sharpest possible silhouette.
• You want a highly versatile pant for office work, weekends, and everything in between.
• You prefer a fit that is modern and clean but not overly trendy or tight.

Choose the Tailored Slim Fit if:

• You have a slim or slender body type.
• You want the most polished, crisp, and structured look possible for professional and formal settings.
• You primarily wear trousers with blazers, sport coats, and dress shoes.
• You prefer a more pronounced taper and a narrower leg opening at the ankle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Banana Republic's Slim and Tailored Slim fits?

The main difference is the taper and overall cut. The Slim fit is a modern baseline, while the Tailored Slim fit has a more pronounced taper from the knee to the ankle and is a bit narrower in the thigh, creating a sharper, more contoured silhouette.

Which fit is better for athletic builds?

The standard Slim fit is almost always the better choice for athletic builds. It provides more room in the seat and thighs, preventing a tight or restrictive feeling, while still looking modern and put-together.

Are they true to size?

Yes, both fits are generally true to size in the waist. The key difference is in the cut of the leg. You should select your regular waist size but anticipate that the Tailored Slim option will have a noticeably trimmer fit through the legs.

Should I size up in the Tailored Slim fit?

This is a common consideration. If you have "average" or slim legs for your waist size, you likely won't need to size up. However, if you have muscular thighs or calves, you may need to go up one waist size to get enough room in the leg, though this may require having the waist taken in by a tailor.

Is the Tailored Slim a skinny fit?

No, it is not a skinny fit. It is snug and tapered but doesn't have the skin-tight look of a true skinny-fit pant. It’s designed to be tailored, not tight.

Which fit is more versatile?

The regular Slim fit is more versatile. Its balanced cut works just as well with a casual t-shirt and sneakers as it does with a button-down and loafers. The Tailored Slim fit leans more formal and professional due to its sharp cut.

Will my shoes look okay with both fits?

Mostly, yes. The Slim fit's slightly wider leg opening works well with almost any footwear, including bulkier sneakers. The Tailored Slim's narrower opening is perfect for dress shoes, boots, and streamlined sneakers, but it might sit awkwardly on top of very chunky shoes.

Where can I find the most accurate size chart?

You can always find the most up-to-date and specific size charts on the product pages at BananaRepublic.com. Check the size guide for each individual item, as fits can vary slightly between different fabric types.