Taper

The gradual narrowing of a garment from one point to another, most commonly seen in trousers that narrow from the knee to the ankle, creating a cleaner, more modern silhouette.

Category: Fit & Tailoring.

In men's style, "taper" belongs to the Fit & Tailoring family of terminology. For the full A–Z reference of men's fashion and grooming vocabulary, see the Men's Style Glossary.

Related terms

• Break — The fold or crease in trouser fabric where the pant leg meets the shoe. A 'full break' creates a noticeable fold, a 'half break' just touche…
• Inseam — The measurement from the crotch seam to the bottom hem of a pant leg. It determines trouser length and is one of the most important fit meas…
• Rise — The distance from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband on trousers. Low-rise pants sit below the hips, mid-rise at the hip, and high-…
• Slim Fit — A garment cut that sits closer to the body with narrower sleeves, a tapered torso, and less excess fabric. Slim fit is designed to follow th…
• Regular Fit — A standard garment cut that provides moderate room through the chest, waist, and arms. It's the most traditional fit and works well for most…
• Tailored Fit — A cut that falls between slim and regular fit, offering a clean silhouette with enough room for comfort. Often used in dress shirts and suit…