Update: J. Crew kindly responded to an e-mail I sent regarding their measurements, and there are some corrections below to the classic fit. Surprisingly, it looks to be more true-to-size than the urban slim fit in the waist and hip, but has a higher rise.

Original post below:

It’s clear that LEC’s release of their Fall Collection is the story of the day in the style blogosphere (unfortunately, overshadowing a great sneak peek at D.S. Dundee S/S 2011). Much of that chatter surrounds their new slim fit chinos, and (understandably) concerns about how slim they really are.

So I asked Lands’ End.

Lands’ End customer service is just about the best I’ve ever dealt with, be it by phone, email, or chat. Friendly, helpful, and very responsive. Definitely hit them up if you have any questions.

The best-fitting pants I currently own are a pair of classic fit J. Crew essential chinos with a 32 waist—a little loose around the waist, but trim without being tight around the thighs. I’ve been thinking of sizing down for my next pair, or trying J. Crew’s urban slim fit.

To compare apples to apples, I asked LEC for garment measurements for their slim-fit chinos in 32x30 and 31x30 and compared them with J. Crew measurements for classic fit and urban slim fit, taken from this SF post. It’s always better to try clothes on instead of going off of (occasionally inaccurate) garment measurements—and LEC’s generous return policy encourages it. Nonetheless, this is a useful starting point.

TLDR Conclusion: LEC Slim Fit looks to be slimmer than J. Crew’s urban slim fit. Not necessarily the best news for my fellow large-thighed brothers and vanity-sizing lovers, but reassuring to those with doubts. This is the real deal, folks.

Only wish they offered the option to hem these by the quarter or half inch, like J. Crew and mainline Lands’ End do.

31 x 30

Lands’ End Canvas Slim Fit
Waist: 32.5”
Hip: 41”
Front rise: 8.375”
Back rise: 14.25”
Bottom opening: 15.25”

J. Crew Urban Slim Fit
Waist: 33.25”
Hip: 41.75”
Front rise: 8.5”
Back rise: 14.125”
Bottom opening: 15.25”

J. Crew Classic Fit
Waist: 33” 31.75”
Hip: 41.75” 41.5”
Front rise: 8.875” 9.5”
Back rise: 14.5” 14.75”
Bottom opening: 16.25”

32 x 30

Lands’ End Canvas Slim Fit
Waist: 33.5”
Hip: 42”
Front rise: 8.714”
Back rise: 14.5”
Bottom opening: 15.5”

J. Crew Urban Slim Fit
Waist: 34.25”
Hip: 42.75”
Front rise: 8.75”
Back rise: 14.375”
Bottom opening: 15.5”

J. Crew Classic Fit
Waist: 34” 32.75”
Hip: 42.75” 42.5”
Front rise: 9.125” 9.75”
Back rise: 14.75” 15”
Bottom opening: 16.5”