Jacob Cohën Size Guide

Jacob Cohën sizing is simpler than it first looks. The waist is true to size — a 34 is a 34 — and what changes between models is the cut of the leg, not the size you order. This guide explains the waist conversion, the difference between the Nick, Bard and Scott fits, and what to do about the leg length, which on every pair is deliberately long.

Does Jacob Cohën Run Big or Small?

The waist is true to size. If you are a UK 34, order the UK 34. There is no adjustment to make and no allowance to build in.

Where people get caught out is assuming the fit name changes the size. It does not. Nick, Bard and Scott describe the shape of the leg, not the waist measurement. A Bard in a 34 and a Nick in a 34 have the same waist — they differ through the thigh and down the leg. So pick your fit on how you want the jean to sit, then order your normal waist size in it.

This is why a Jacob Cohën product page at Union 22 can read Regular Fit — take your normal size while the title says Bard Fit. The fit indicator is telling you about the sizing. The model name is telling you about the cut.

Nick, Bard and Scott: Which Jacob Cohën Fit Is Which?

Jacob Cohën builds its denim across three leg shapes. We buy Nick and Bard, which cover most men between them.

NICK — THE SLIMMER CUT
The slimmer of the two we stock. Closer through the thigh and down the leg, for a cleaner line. Choose Nick if you like a jean that sits near the leg and you are not carrying much through the thigh.
BARD — THE MODERN CUT
Still a slim jean, but with a little extra room through the thigh. Not a wide or relaxed leg — it simply gives you more space where most men need it. This is the modern fit and the one we sell most of. If you want it closer, a Bard can be tapered by a tailor; a Nick cannot be let out.
SCOTT — CROPPED AND TAPERED
A cropped, carrot-shaped leg with a lower crotch and a pronounced taper. A more fashion-led silhouette. We do not normally buy Scott — if it is the cut you are after, message us and we will tell you whether we can get it.

If you are unsure between Nick and Bard, take the Bard. It has the room to be made slimmer, and taking a jean in is straightforward where letting one out is not.

The fit name is in the title of every pair we list, so you always know which one you are looking at before you order.

The Union 22 Fit System

On every product page at Union 22 you'll find a fit indicator. It tells you how to size, not how the leg is cut:

SLIM FIT — SIZE UP
This garment cuts slim through the chest and shoulders. If you're normally a Large, order an XL. When in doubt on a Slim Fit piece, always go up one size.
REGULAR FIT — TAKE YOUR NORMAL SIZE
The label on all Jacob Cohën denim. Order your usual waist size, whichever model you choose.
BIG FIT — SIZE DOWN
This garment has a relaxed, oversized cut. If you're normally a Large, order a Medium for a clean, considered fit. No Jacob Cohën piece carries this indicator.

Jacob Cohën Waist Size Conversion

Jacob Cohën uses Italian waist sizing, which is simply your UK waist plus 16. Every pair at Union 22 is listed with both — for example UK 34 / EU 50 — so there is nothing to work out.

Jacob Cohën also grades in odd sizes. If you are between a 32 and a 34, there is an actual 33 rather than a compromise. Very few denim brands do this, and it is one of the reasons the fit is so good out of the box.

UK Waist Jacob Cohën / EU
UK 30EU 46
UK 31EU 47
UK 32EU 48
UK 33EU 49
UK 34EU 50
UK 35EU 51
UK 36EU 52
UK 38EU 54
UK 40EU 56

Measure around your natural waist where the jean sits, not over the trouser you are wearing. Not every wash is made in every size — the size selector on each product shows what we hold in that pair.

Jacob Cohën Leg Length & Alterations

Every pair of Jacob Cohën jeans is made to a long inside leg. That is deliberate, not an error — the brand leaves the length so the jean can be finished to the wearer rather than cut to an average. It does mean most customers will need them taken up.

We alter them in store. Bring them in or let us know when you order and we will hem them to your length, as a paid service — ask us and we will confirm the cost for the pair you are buying. A Bard can also be tapered through the leg at the same time if you want it closer.

Worth knowing before you order: a hemmed jean is an altered garment, so have the length taken off once you are sure of the fit rather than straight away.

Still Not Sure? Ask Us.

Get Expert Sizing Advice

Nick or Bard is the question we get asked most on Jacob Cohën, and it is far easier to answer when we know what you normally wear. Drop us a message on WhatsApp and we'll tell you which model to take and in what size — it takes two minutes and means you get it right first time. Every message comes straight through to Dale or a member of the team personally. No bots, no automated replies.

WhatsApp: +44 7903 574585
Message us on WhatsApp →

We also offer free personal shopping sessions in store at Union House, Liverpool, where you can try both fits side by side and have the length pinned while you are there.

About Jacob Cohën at Union 22

Union 22 carries Jacob Cohën denim across the full waist range each season, concentrating on the Bard and Nick fits because those are the two that work for most men. The Italian denim house builds its jeans by hand, and the detail people notice first — the calf-hair badge, the tonal stitching, the stretch cloths that hold their shape — is the reason it sits where it does.

Because we alter in store, you can buy a pair from us and leave with them finished to your length rather than working out what to do about it afterwards.

Shop all Jacob Cohën jeans at Union 22 →