Men’s Cowboy Jeans Fit Guide: How to Fit Men’s Ariat Jeans
This guide breaks down how those details come together—so you can find the Ariat denim that fits the way you live, work, and move.
Innovation isn’t a slogan. It’s how we build. Every fabric, every stitch, and every fit is tested to earn its place in your lineup. That same mindset runs through our Denim Craftsmanship Story and into every pair of jeans we make.
How to Measure and Find Your Ariat Men’s Jean Size
Finding your perfect fit starts with three simple measurements. Follow these steps to measure your waist, hips, and inseam for the right fit.
Waist:
Find your natural waistline and measure around it. Keep the tape level and snug for the most accurate result.
Hips:
Measure around the fullest part of your hips, usually 7 to 9 inches below your waist.
Inseam:
Measure straight down the inside of your leg from the crotch to your desired length.
Need more help finding your fit? Explore the full Men’s Ariat Jeans Fit Size Chart.
Find Your Fit at a Glance
The infographic below breaks down men’s Ariat jeans by how they fit from the waist down, helping you understand the difference between Slim, Straight, Relaxed, and Loose fits, and how each one works with your favorite boots or shoes.
The Complete Ariat Jeans Fit Guide for Men: How Each Fit Feels and Functions
Ariat M-Series jeans are designed to match how you move and work, with four main fits that define how your denim feels from the waist through the leg.
Loose Fit Jeans
Offers the most room from waist to thigh. The straight leg opening creates a laid-back look with plenty of room to move.
Feels like: jeans made for full days of hard work, travel, or downtime.
Best for: anyone who prefers an easygoing fit.
Try: Rebar M3 Loose DuraStretch Basic Stackable Straight Leg Jean
Relaxed Fit Jeans
With extra room through the seat and thigh for easy movement without feeling oversized. Dependable and versatile, and available in straight or bootcut silhouettes.
Feels like: jeans that move with you while holding their shape.
Best for: anyone who needs all-day comfort on the job or on the go.
Try: M4 Legacy Stretch Jean or or M2 Relaxed Stirling Stretch Boot Cut Jean
Straight Fit Jeans
Balanced from waist to thigh with a consistent fit from knee to hem. This classic style has a traditional Western look that works anywhere.
Feels like: dependable jeans that move easily from work to weekend.
Best for: anyone who wants a classic fit that never goes out of style.
Try: M5 Straight Fit Marston Straight Jean or M1 Vintage Deco Straight Leg Jean
Slim Fit Jeans
Cut close from waist to thigh with a clean line through the knee and a narrow leg opening. Slim Fit jeans have a refined, modern profile.
Feels like: a streamlined fit for a polished look.
Best for: anyone who prefers a sharp, modern fit.
Try: M8 Modern TekStretch Sebastian Slim Leg Jean or M7 Rocker Stretch Coltrane Stackable Straight Leg Jean
Men’s Ariat Jean Leg Shapes Explained
Each Ariat leg shape changes ever so slightly how your jeans stack, drape, and move over your boots or shoes. Whether you want a streamlined finish, a traditional straight leg, or a wider bootcut opening, there’s a shape that fits the way you wear your denim.
Slim Leg Jeans
Tapers slightly from the knee to the ankle for a narrow, modern silhouette. Slim Leg jeans offer a sharp finish that looks clean and contemporary without feeling restrictive.
Try: M8 Modern TekStretch Sebastian Slim Leg Jean or M7 Slim Carver Straight Leg Jean
Straight Leg Jeans
Keeps the same width from knee to hem for a balanced, traditional line. Straight Leg jeans have a timeless shape that fits neatly over most boot shafts
Try: M5 Boundary Stackable Straight Leg Jean or M1 Vintage Deco Straight Leg Jean
Bootcut Jeans
Wider from the knee down so jeans fall smoothly over boot shafts. Bootcut jeans are built for true Western function and style.
Try: M4 Relaxed Pickett Boot Cut Jean or M2 Traditional Relaxed Cameron Boot Cut Jean
Once you understand your fit and leg shape, it’s time to explore the M-Series lineup.
The Ariat M-Series Jeans
The M-Series is our signature fit system for men’s jeans. Each number represents a distinct balance of rise, thigh room, and leg opening—designed for movement, durability, and versatility.
Which M-Fit Is Right for You?
Ariat M3 Loose Fit Jeans
- Loose through the hips and thigh
- Sits lower on the waist
- Straight leg opening
The Ariat M3 is made for men who move, with extra space where it counts and a clean, straight leg opening that stacks neatly over your boots.
Shop Ariat M3 Loose Fit Jeans.
Ariat M4 Relaxed Fit Jeans
- Relaxed through the hip and thigh
- Sits lower on the waist
- Classic bootcut or straight leg
The M4 is our most popular men's style. It's balanced, hard-wearing, and made to take on anything the day has in store. The bootcut lays cleanly over your boots, while the straight leg keeps it versatile for both work and weekends.
Shop Ariat M4 Relaxed Fit Jeans.
Ariat M2 Traditional Fit Jeans
- Relaxed through the waist, hip, and thigh
- Sits lower on the waist
- Tapered bootcut for a timeless Western shape
The M2 carries forward the traditional Western look with room where you need it and a taper that settles cleanly over your boots. The fit holds its shape in the saddle, making it a trusted choice for ranch and rodeo life.
Shop Ariat M2 Traditional Fit Jeans.
Ariat M5 Straight Fit Jeans
- Straight through the seat and thigh
- Sits just below the waist
- Slightly wider straight leg opening for balance
The M5 has a classic, reliable silhouette that fits well with any boot. It’s a dependable workhorse that transitions easily from the saddle to the street and stands up to everyday wear.
Shop Ariat M5 Straight Fit Jeans.
Ariat M1 Vintage Fit Jeans
- Slim through the seat and thigh
- Sits just below the waist
- Straight leg that fits comfortably over boots
The M1 is our most classic denim fit. Slimmer through the thigh and built from durable denim that already feels broken-in.
Shop Ariat M1 Vintage Fit Jeans.
Ariat M7 Slim Fit Jeans
- Slim through the seat and thigh
- Sits below the waist
- Available in both low and classic rises for a customized fit
- Straight leg that layers cleanly over boots
The M7 is slim enough through the thighs that it fits comfortably under chaps. Made for riders who want something sharp without losing the function they depend on.
Ariat M8 Modern Fit Jeans
- Sits lower on the waist
- Narrowest leg opening in the lineup
- Sleek, modern shape for casual wear
The M8 is our most refined fit. Slimmer through the leg and seat, with a clean cut that fits in any setting.
Shop Ariat M8 Modern Fit Jeans.
How to Fit Jeans if You Want to Stack Over Boots
Stacking is one of the most authentic ways to wear Western denim. It happens when your jeans rest just above the heel of your boots with soft, natural folds down the leg without dragging or bunching. Every M-Series jean is boot-ready and stackable, built to perform from the job site to the saddle.
Fit Tips for Stacking
Choose the right leg opening.
Bootcut and straight-leg jeans stack best because they give your denim room to fall naturally over your boots.
Adjust your inseam.
Add 2 to 4 inches to your usual inseam for a proper stack.
- For a clean, everyday stack, go about 2 inches longer.
- For a deeper Western stack, choose 3 to 4 inches longer to create more folds and drape.
- Try jeans on with your boots.
Always test the fit with the boots you wear most. The hem should rest just above the heel. If the denim drags on the ground or bunches sharply above the boot, the jeans are too long.
Balance purpose and style.
Stacking is both functional and expressive.
- For workwear, a shorter stack gives you more room to move without your jeans getting in the way.
- For performance, a longer stack delivers that classic Western drape that won’t ride up in the saddle.
Want to get the full look right?
Once you’ve got the perfect fit and stack, check out our How to Style Cowboy Boots for Men guide for tips on pairing your jeans and boots for every occasion.
FAQ: Men’s Western Jeans Fit Guide
How should Ariat jeans fit over cowboy boots?
All Ariat M-Series jeans are designed to stack and fit comfortably over boots, offering mobility and the classic Western look.
What inseam should I choose for stacking?
Add 2 to 4 inches to your regular inseam for a natural stack. If you want a few extra folds or more drape over your boots, step up one to two inseam sizes beyond your usual length.
Are Ariat jeans good for riding?
Yes. Our denim is field-tested and saddle-proven to move with you and stay comfortable through long rides. Most riders prefer jeans that are slightly longer than their everyday styles, usually about 2 to 4 inches longer in inseam. This extra length allows the jeans to stay stacked over your boots and maintain coverage when you’re in the saddle.
What’s the difference between Slim and Straight fits?
Slim fits are closer through the thigh for a modern shape. Straight fits keep an even line from hip to hem for a traditional profile.
Which Ariat jeans are best for work?
The Rebar M4 Relaxed Durastretch Boot Cut Jean and Rebar M5 Straight DuraStretch Edge Stackable Straight Leg Jean are top choices for long hours and demanding days.
Built on Craftsmanship
Every pair of Ariat jeans reflects the spirit of true Western craftsmanship. From the cut of the fabric to the final stitch, we build denim that performs and endures. Whether you’re stacking your M4s or breaking in your M7s, you’re wearing jeans made by craftsmen who live the life they design for.
Explore the Full Collection of Ariat Men’s Jeans.