If you have a closet full of baggy suits and you feel behind the times, you may need to catch up with current fashion trends! Suits, dress shirts, and pants have evolved into sleeker, more tightly cut styles such as modern fit and slim fit in recent years. But with so many options to choose from, what is the difference if you compare modern fit vs slim fit?
The main difference between modern fit and slim is that modern fit clothing has high armholes and a snug fit but does not taper as tightly to the body as a slim fit cut. For this reason, modern fit usually lies between classic and slim styles in terms of tightness. Slim fit clothing has a trendy appearance and modern fit looks stylish but slightly more conservative.
In this article, you will find out what characterizes modern and slim-fit clothing. You will learn the key differences between these styles. Finally, you will get tips on who should wear each style!
Quick Navigation
- Modern Fit Vs Slim Fit: Key Points
- What is Modern Fit?
- What is Slim Fit?
- What is the Difference Between Modern Fit and Slim Fit?
- Can Big Guys Wear Slim Fit Suits?
- Who Should Wear a Modern Fit Suit?
- Who Should Wear Slim Fit Suits?
- What Are Modern Fit Women’s Pants?
- Modern Fit Vs Regular Fit
- Modern Fit Vs Classic Fit Pants
- Popular Brands: Modern Fit Vs Slim Fit
- Conclusion
Modern Fit Vs Slim Fit: Key Points
Take a look at the key differences between modern fit and slim fit cuts here!
| Modern Fit | Slim Fit | |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulders | Fitted shoulder | Fitted shoulder with sharp angle |
| Armholes | High armholes | High armholes |
| Chest | Fitted through chest | Tight or slim through chest |
| Sleeves | Fitted, but not usually tapered | Sleeves that taper toward the wrist |
| Waist | Sits low on the body but does not taper | Tapered waist with little excess fabric |
| Seat and Thigh Area | Tightly fitted but not tapered at ankles | Fitted |
| Leg Openings | Narrow leg openings | Narrow leg openings |
What is Modern Fit?
Modern fit offers a narrow silhouette but allows enough extra fabric that this style does not cling to the body. For example, a modern fit suit jacket will have a fairly snug chest area and fitted shoulders but allows ease of movement for the arms. Some stylists describe this fit as resting just off your skin.
The benefit of this tailored but not too tight cut is that it gives you an on-trend image but offers a comfortable fit you can easily wear all day at the office.
Currently, many big-name suit brands offer modern fit cuts. Modern fit has also recently gained quite a lot of popularity in both men’s and women’s dress pants. The modern fit remains slightly less well known than the standard classic fit or the super-contoured slim fit.
What is Slim Fit?
Slim fit is one of the tightest fitting styles you can find for any kind of clothing. In a slim-fit shirt or jacket, the sleeve will taper toward the wrist, the shoulder will have a sharply defined line, and the waist will nip in as much as two inches more than a regular fit. This style gives you a sleek, sharp appearance that often looks especially trendy.
Most brands have a slim-fit version of their clothing on offer. The thing to know about buying a slim-fit version of any particular piece of clothing is that the slim-fit style will likely fit as much as two inches more tightly in some places than the regular cut.
Does this mean you can just buy a smaller size in the same clothing item and have it look like a slim fit? No, because the thing that makes a slim-fit style look sharp is the tapering. It’s less about the tightness and more about the fabric nipping in at the narrower parts of your body to present a slender, angular shape.
You may picture pop stars and handsome tv lawyers wearing this fashionable style, but really, slim-fit is well on its way to becoming as accepted as skinny jeans. It’s still somewhat true that this style remains more popular with younger wearers than with older generations, but as style trends come and go, that could change too!
What is the Difference Between Modern Fit and Slim Fit?
The main difference between modern fit and slim fit is that modern fit has a looser cut than slim fit and does not taper in at the wrists, waist, and ankles like slim-fit styles. Modern fit and slim fit are not the same, though the exact cut may vary slightly from one brand to another.
Most popular brands sell both a classic/regular cut and a slim fit cut of their clothing options. Options like modern fit get more prominent every day, but not every brand currently offers this style.
Shirts
Both modern fit and slim-fit shirts have a snug fit, but slim-fit hug the whole torso, while modern fit has a looser waist.
Modern fit shirts will fit anywhere from a half-inch to an inch more tightly than a classic fit shirt in the sleeves, shoulders, and chest. That said, they tend to hang in a straight line from the chest to the waist. While by no means baggy, they do not have the constricting, skintight cut of a slim-fit button-down.
Slim fit shirts also fit closely in the shoulders and chest, contouring to the shape of your body. On top of that, they narrow from the chest to the waist. This tapered style allows you to tuck in the shirt without any hang-over, just a smooth line of tucked-in material!
Most brands make modern fit and slim fit shirts that have very similar lengths and neck and sleeve sizes, though.
Pants
The main difference between slim fit and modern fits pants lies in the tapering. Tapering means that a garment has a wider upper area and narrows to the bottom. In pants, this often means that pants narrow from the knee to the ankle.
Modern-fit pants do not contain a lot of extra fabric or look baggy by any means. They have a slender style and a fairly contoured waist and thigh area. That said, they do fall in a straight line from the knee to the ankle.
Slim-fit pants hug the body more closely. They taper in from the knee to the ankle, really outlining your legs from the waist down!
Suits
Modern fit suits often feel more comfortable and offer more mobility than slim-fit suits, but both styles have a fairly close cut.
Modern fit suits have high armholes, a tight chest, and a low waist. This style of suit often looks great on all types of bodies. In contrast, classic and slim-fit suits may look better on particular body shapes.
On the other hand, slim-fit suits have all those elements plus a tapered waist for the jacket and tapered legs for the suit pants. Slim-fit suit jackets also often feature high shoulder points that look sharper than the smoother shoulder line of a modern cut jacket.
The tighter, more contoured chest and waist in a slim-fit cut may feel constricting if you are accustomed to looser garments. If you like to present a sharp and trendy silhouette, though, you may like a slim-fit over a modern fit, with its slightly looser and less sleek appearance!
Can Big Guys Wear Slim Fit Suits?
Some stylists indeed advocate for people with a narrow frame wearing slim-fit clothing, but in reality, people of any shape or size, including big guys, can wear slim-fit suits.
The key thing to remember when selecting a suit is to find one that feels good on you! If you have a larger frame, you should also keep in mind that sometimes less fabric gives you a more narrow appearance than buying a looser, baggier style that will make you look bulkier.
A few other strategies can help you find the suit that accentuates your body type most effectively, as well. First, look for a single-breasted suit jacket. This gives your front a more streamlined appearance. You also want the jacket to meet smoothly at the center of your torso, without a lot of loose fabric flapping and certainly without straining at the button!
Ideally, look for a two-button jacket that will minimize a longer torso. Wearing a wider tie may make the visible shirt front look slimmer, as well.
Finally, while you should go for colors or patterns that speak to you, you may also want to consider which patterns present the most delineated shaping or silhouette on your body. Some stylists recommend selecting darker colors or muted patterns. Others say it’s OK to go for the stripes; just select narrow stripes instead of wide stripes!
Who Should Wear a Modern Fit Suit?
People of all shapes and sizes look good in a modern-fit suit because of its sharp lines and not-too-tight cut. This style delivers the appearance of a mod, slim cut without sacrificing the comfort of a little wiggle room between the fabric and your skin.
Ideally, you should find a brand you like and try on a classic fit, modern fit, and slim fit cut within that brand. This will help you select the style that looks best on your build.
If you don’t have that luxury, you can more safely purchase a modern fit than either a classic or slim fit style. This is because modern fit typically falls between the other styles in terms of tightness and contouring. Modern fit offers the “middle of the road” option, as it were!
Of course, styles change with the times. Current trends lean toward the modern fit, possibly inspired by the Mad-Men TV show and other cultural icons. Today, the slimmer and sleeker your style, the more trendy you appear!
Who Should Wear Slim Fit Suits?
Slim fit suits look great on anyone with a slender frame, but people with other body shapes can also enjoy a slim cut in some circumstances. If you have a larger frame, you can certainly wear more form-fitting styles and look cool doing it!
Choosing to wear slim-fit is more about presenting a certain image. This close-fitting style gives the illusion of wearing tailored, bespoke clothing designed specifically to fit your body. It lets you present an especially bold silhouette.
Plus, slim-fit is the “in” look right now, making you look hip and relevant.
What Are Modern Fit Women’s Pants?
Women’s modern fit dress pants have a more slender cut than a classic or regular style of pants but do not taper at the ankle as much as a slim-fit style of pants. The only big difference between men’s and women’s modern fit pants is that women’s pants usually provide a more curved hit and seat area to contour to the body in those places.
Aside from that, women’s modern fit follows the same basic rules. In terms of tightness, they usually fall between a classic cut and a slim-fit cut. In terms of trendiness, they look much more fashionable than a straight or classic cut, but not quite as edgy as a slim-fit cut. They also typically offer more mobility than slim-fit pants.
Modern Fit Vs Regular Fit
Modern fit suits, shirts, and pants contain less fabric than a regular fit and will give you a more narrow silhouette as a result.
What is a regular fit? Typically, this style emphasizes straight lines and includes more fabric than a sleeker modern or slim-fit style. When you wear a regular fit shirt, for example, you can expect to see some puffy creases as the shirt tucks into your pants because of the excess fabric.
Also, some brands differentiate between a regular and classic style, while others use these terms interchangeably.
The main thing to know about regular fit in shirts, pants, or suits is that it tends to have a looser fit and more straight lines than a contoured, modern fit. Today’s brands do not include a lot of baggy, flapping material, even in a regular fit! But you will find that these cuts may hang off your body instead of hugging your skin.
Modern Fit Vs Classic Fit Pants
The main difference between modern fit and classic-fit pants for men and women is that modern fit pants have narrower legs and contain less excess fabric than classic fit. Classic fit pants often embrace the straight line and wider legs that used to be popular in the past. Modern-fit pants look like skinny pants but do not cling quite so tightly from the hip to the ankle as a true slim fit.
At first, the term “modern fit” showed up most often in suit styles. However, today lots of brands have started using modern fit styles for their pants as well. Modern fit’s rising fame probably stems from the fact that these pants look super tight and stylish but still provide more comfort for the wearer!
Popular Brands: Modern Fit Vs Slim Fit
Now that you know the difference between modern fit and slim fit, you probably want to check out popular brands to see where you can buy the style you prefer!
Hugo Boss
Hugo Boss offers a variety of styles in its popular lines of shirts, ranging from polo shirts to plaid button-downs to sleek, trendy business shirts! Of course, the brand also has a well-known line of suits on offer. These also come in regular, modern, or slim-fit styles depending on your preference.
At first glance, the difference between a modern fit and a slim fit Hugo Boss shirt may not seem evident. Both types of t-shirts, polos, and button-downs have a more fitted appearance than the Hugo Boss regular cut, which looks a bit baggy in comparison.
Thismodern-fit t-shirt has the tighter shoulders you would expect in this trendy cut. That said, it gives you a loose, comfortable waist as well! In contrast, thisslim-fit Boss shirt tapers noticeably at the waist and presents a more tailored image. Oth shirts come in a range of colors and sizes to suit your taste.
Tommy Hilfiger
Like most trendy, high-end brands, Tommy Hilfiger offers a variety of fits for many of the items it sells. That said, lots of items come in just regular or slim-fit options. However, the brand does offer a few modern fit items as well, especially in suits.
Tommy Hilfiger offers a line of “flex and stretch” modern fit suits. This style comes in six different muted shades, including a classy-looking dove grey. The jacket has high armholes, sharp shoulders, and a single button.
Of course, the popular high-end brand also sells a wide range of both regular fit and slim sit styles! This popularno-iron slim fit shirt remains a best seller for the brand because of its simple, tight lines and durable fabric. Plus, it comes in a range of fun colors, including pastel yellow!
Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein sells a flexible range of cuts in both men’s and women’s wear. This business-professional brand offers everything from button-down shirts to omen’s dresses. You can find things like Calvin Klein pants for men and women in regular, modern, or slim-fit styles.
These cute,stylish women’s dress pants come in a trendy slim-fit cut. The straight legs, tapered ankles, and narrow waist combine to present an angular body shape perfect for pairing with a loose silk blouse or tailored jacket.
Of course, modern-fit pants can also look stylish! This pair of Clavin Kleinmodern-fit women’s pants have looser ankles and more of a drape than a slim fit style but still maintains a classy silhouette. These pants offer a flat-front silhouette and button pockets as well.
Conclusion
The main difference between slim fit and modern fit clothing is that slim fit contains slightly less material and tapers into the body more than modern fit. Slim fit has almost universal appeal and most brands offer this option. Modern fit has growing popularity, but not all brands currently offer modern fit styles for their products.
Modern fit suits typically have high armholes and fitted chests but looser waists and ankles. Slim fit suits hug the body everywhere and have tapered, narrow waists, wrists, and ankles.
Have you ever tried on both a slim and a modern fit in the same brand? Which one did you like better? Leave a comment below to let us know!
FAQs
What is the difference between slim fit and modern fit? ›
The biggest difference between a modern fit and a slim fit suit is the way it's cut. A modern fit suit is cut slightly slimmer than traditional suits, while a slim-fit suit is much more fitted. This means that slim-fit suits can be more uncomfortable and less forgiving if you don't have the perfect body type.
What is the difference between modern and regular fit? ›The main difference is that modern fit suits are slimmer in the chest, leg, and waist. They also have higher armholes for less fabric under the arms to create a closer fit. Other differences include narrower shoulders, shorter jackets, and smaller lapels.
Is slim fit tighter than fitted? ›The main difference being that a slim fitting T-shirt or shirt will fit tighter and narrower on the arms and chest, but looser on the torso. Compared to a fitted T-shirt which will hug the entire body (particularly at the waist) to enhance the physique for the optimal shape.
What is considered modern fit? ›The modern fit is a reference for a specifically trimmed suit cut. It's characterized by a fairly close fit to the body and higher armholes than the standard suit. This structure still allows complete body movement and comfort.
Should I wear slim fit or regular fit? ›The sides of slim fit shirts are tapered (crescent-like curves instead of straight down the sides) as a solution. To compensate for the thinner midsection, the sleeves are now tighter as well. If you belong to the beefier category, muscle or not, you should be considering a regular fit.
Who should wear a slim fit suit? ›So, which one is the best fit for you? Slim fit suits are designed to hug your body closely, giving you a more modern, sleek look. They're perfect for men with a thinner build or those who want to add a bit of extra style to their wardrobe.
Is modern fit bigger than classic fit? ›What is the difference between modern fit and classic fit suits? A. Modern fit suits are slim than classic fit suits, but they are not snug as a slim fit. That is the reason why they look modern in look and are comfortable to wear.
What does modern fit mean in shirts? ›Modern fit: The second type of dress shirt is the modern fit. The modern/contemporary dress shirt fit falls between a classic fit and a slim fit dress shirt on the tightness scale. A modern fit dress shirt still provides you with some extra room in the chest, waist, and arms but not too much.
How much smaller is slim fit? ›Slim fit shirts are meant to be a tailored fit. This means that the sleeves and shoulders only give you the room that you need for mobility. Nothing more, nothing less. The shoulder width will be about 2 inches shorter than a classic fit shirt.
Why is slim fit so popular? ›Unlike other looks, slim-fit clothing is designed to hug the body without being overly tight, creating a modern, polished look. There are many different slim-fit clothing items, but their shared benefit is versatility. Since slim-fit shirts look more tailored than regular shirts, they are easy to dress up or down.
What does modern fit suit mean? ›
Modern-Fit Men's Suit
A Modern Fit suit falls between a classic and slim fit. While it's not cut as close to the body, it's a tighter fit than a classic-style suit. This modern fit still looks great in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Typically slim fit shirts are true to size. You can choose the slim fit shirt by either your chest size or collar size depending on the brand you choose. Although slim fit shirts are cut closer to the body they will still be the same size as a regular fit.
What fit shirt should I wear? ›The best dress shirts fit comfortably around the chest, under the armpits, and across the upper back, giving you a full range of motion. A fitted shirt will feel snug, but not too tight. Your chest should "fill out" the shirt in a way where your body is discernible under the fabric.
Is slim fit smaller than skinny? ›Yes, skinny jeans are typically tighter than slim jeans. This is because they are designed to hug all of your curves and show off your body shape. If you're looking for a more relaxed fit, then go for a pair of slim fit jeans instead.
Is slim-fit suit still in style? ›Slim Suits
Slim-fit suits are arguably the least on-trend, but perhaps still the most physically flattering. They elongate your body shape, they offer enough room to move, and they have a classic air that makes them relatively timeless.
The slim-fit trouser has been around for a decade. They're not too skinny and not too wide. They create a slim profile without looking skin-tight and work perfectly with casualwear and fine tailoring. So no, slim pants are not out of style, and they never will be.
Can older men wear slim fit suits? ›Suits for Middle-Aged and Older Men
These rules for attire also extend to suits and tuxedos for men. Middle-aged and older men are best served by silhouettes and colors that match their body type. A slim fit party suit may not be ideal, especially if you are not in the best shape.
- 1 – WEAR MAGNIFICENT SHOES. ...
- EMBRACE THE BRACE. ...
- CHOOSE JACKETS AND SPORTS COATS THAT LOOK (AS IF THEY COULD BE) TAILORED. ...
- GET TROUSERS PLEATS WITH A SLIGHTLY HIGH WAIST (OR NATURAL WAIST) ...
- GET RID OF BAGGY CLOTHES. ...
- FIND YOUR BUTTON STANCE.
What is this? Regardless of gender or material, modern fit pants are going to be a tighter fit than classic fit pants. Because of this, they can make you look thinner. However, they are not to be confused with skinny fit pants, which are almost skin-tight.
What fit suit should I get? ›It's more important than most people think! A good suit or sports jacket should fall past the waist and drape over the top of the curve formed by the buttocks. An ideal fit will cover a man down to the point where his butt starts to curve back inward, and stop there (but anywhere in that general region is okay).
How do I know what clothes fit my style? ›
- Look to your own closet. Think about the clothes you have that make you happy. ...
- Find fashion inspiration. ...
- Create a fashion mood board. ...
- Create a capsule wardrobe. ...
- Experiment with unique style choices.
The slim fit means the shirt is designed to fit close to the body, usually by narrowing the cut through the waist and midsection. The slim fit products are also closely fit around the arms but can be loose-fitting around the waist.
Who can wear slim fit jeans? ›A jean that suits your body type
Anyone can wear a slim jean, try it ! On the other hand, if your shoulders are not too broad and you have nice legs that are neither too thin nor too muscular, squeeze into those jeans! Slim jeans tend to loosen up a tiny bit when worn, so consider choosing a tighter one.
To avoid a straight up-and-down jacket body, it is necessary to match the narrower shoulder with more waist suppression, which often means making the waist too small. This is why a lot of jackets look tight at the button.
What is difference between slim fit and regular fit jeans? ›Difference between slim fit and regular fit jeans for men
Regular fit vs slim fit often confuses people, but the difference between slim fit and the regular fit is simple. Regular fit jeans sit straight on the hips and thighs whereas a slim fit fits tightly in comparison.
There are three basic types of suits: the two-piece, the three-piece, and the tuxedo. Within those suit styles, there are endless variations on the material (wool, cotton, polyester), button style (two- vs. three-button and double-breasted), pocket arrangement, venting, and cut (slim-fit, classic fit, and more).
Is it better for a suit to be tight or loose? ›With the top button fastened (never the bottom button), the jacket should lightly hug your midsection, but not feel tight or constricting. The jacket shouldn't be pulling at the button, creating an ugly “X”.
Can chubby guys wear slim fit? ›One large mistake that is commonly made by men of all shapes and sizes is the fact that most men aren't wearing the correctly fitted clothes. And most bigger men think they can't wear slim fitting clothes – WRONG-O!
Should you size up in slim fit shirt? ›Slim fit shirts however are neatly cut so we would recommend sizing up if you are between sizes.
Should I go up a size or a half size? ›The only time that you could wear a shoe in a bigger size is when purchasing a sneaker but you should only go up about half a size. The reason for this is that our feet tend to swell because fluid accumulates due to gravity with prolonged standing and weight baring activities.
What is bigger than slim fit? ›
The classic fit (sometimes referred to as tailored fit) offers a little bit more fabric so it doesn't cling as closely to the body as a slim or tapered fit does. The cut is preferred for men with heavier mid sections who require more fabric to skim the stomach and back rather than cling.
Which is better skinny fit or slim fit? ›If you are planning to stay active, then wearing slim fit jeans will be a good option. However, when wearing high-heeled shoes, skinny jeans are the better option. This is another big difference between slim fit and skinny fit jeans.
What is slim fit sizing? ›If you prefer clothes that lay close to your skin, slim fit is your style. Unlike other looks, slim-fit clothing is designed to hug the body without being overly tight, creating a modern, polished look.
What comes after slim fit? ›Straight Taper
If you're someone with bigger legs after a slim—but not tight—fit, these are the jeans for you.
Modern fit: The second type of dress shirt is the modern fit. The modern/contemporary dress shirt fit falls between a classic fit and a slim fit dress shirt on the tightness scale. A modern fit dress shirt still provides you with some extra room in the chest, waist, and arms but not too much.
Which jeans fit is best? ›Straight fit jeans are the most versatile fit, looking great on just about every body type. They're also great for guys with wider hips, as well as tall guys who run the risk of looking like a stick figure in jeans that are too slim. In terms of style, straight jeans are best in classic washes for casual looks.
Are slim fit jeans in style 2022? ›Although skinny jeans aren't totally trending (yet), L'OFFICIEL makes an argument for digging out that long-forgotten denim look with new styling tricks that just might change your outlook on the slim silhouette. In 2022, celebrities and fashion influencers have certainly found better ways to wear their skinny jeans.
Should you go a size up for slim fit suit? ›Trousers are cut in a slim and sleek silhouette to finish off the suit neatly. Our slim fitting suits are just right if you are looking a streamlined, trendy look. Please note that you do not have to be super slim to look great in slim fit suit but we do recommend you consider a size above your usual.