There is a very slight taper. I actually own a pair of 5.11 Defenders (not sure about flex part) and I would say very similar cut. However TAD jeans are massively higher quality than 5.11, much better work, more pockets and extremely durable. They are real denim and should be treated as such. I typically wear same pair daily for around 2-3 weeks straight and then wash them. I have 3 pairs in total and well worth the investment for me. When I have to wear other pants I feel naked and don’t have all my EDC how I want it, all the pockets, including magazine pockets I find useful and probably carry more than women can in a purse without being noticeable to a causal observer.