The best jeans for athletic body types are those with room in the thighs and glutes, but a tailored waist to avoid gaps. Look for styles like athletic fit or straight-leg jeans with added stretch. These provide comfort through the seat and thighs while maintaining a tapered silhouette at the waist.
Athletic builds tend to share a few key features: broader shoulders, stronger thighs and glutes, and a smaller waist. This combination might look great at the gym or in a tailored suit, but when it comes to denim, it often results in frustrating compromises. Either the waist fits but the thighs feel like a tourniquet, or the thighs are comfortable but the waistband gaps out awkwardly. Worse yet, stiff fabrics and rigid cuts can make even the most flattering pair uncomfortable once you’re in motion.
That’s exactly why we created this guide. In this post, we’ll break down what defines an athletic body type, why traditional jeans miss the mark, and most importantly, what to look for in a pair that truly fits. We’ll also share our top Mott & Bow picks that deliver on comfort, style, and mobility, so you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.
What Defines an Athletic Body Type?
An athletic body type typically includes broader shoulders, well-developed thighs and glutes, and a narrower waist. These physical traits are common among people who are regularly active, especially those who lift weights or play sports. While this body shape often signals strength and fitness, it presents unique challenges when shopping for jeans.
For men, this build can result in denim that either squeezes too tightly around the thighs or fits the legs but leaves excess fabric at the waist.
For women, this may look like a curvy or fit silhouette that’s also hard to accommodate with standard denim cuts.
The key takeaway: athletic bodies don’t follow the traditional fit patterns most jeans are designed for.
Common Fit Problems for Athletic Builds
Athletic builds run into the same issues over and over when it comes to denim. If the waistband fits properly, the thighs often feel restricted. Choose a pair that accommodates the legs, and you end up with an awkward waist gap. This constant tradeoff between mobility and fit is frustrating and often leads to jeans being left in the closet.
Rigid denim makes things worse. Without stretch, there’s little give through the thighs and seat, which can limit movement and cause discomfort during everyday wear. The wrong cut can also throw off your proportions, making jeans look too boxy, bulky, or just unflattering.
What to Look For in Jeans for Athletic Builds
The right jeans should work with your build, not against it. That means starting with stretch. Look for denim that offers both structure and flexibility so you’re not stuck choosing between style and comfort. A mid-rise or slightly higher waist tends to provide better coverage and support, especially for those with glutes and quads that need room.
Tapered or straight-leg cuts are ideal, as they offer space through the thighs without drowning the lower leg. A contoured waistband helps eliminate gapping at the waist, and a roomier seat ensures better mobility. Combined, these features result in jeans that actually fit the way they’re supposed to without compromise.
Best Mott & Bow jeans for athletic body types
What’s the difference between straight, slim, skinny, and athletic fit jeans for athletic builds?
If you have an athletic body type and you're unsure which jeans will give you the best fit, here's a quick comparison of the most common styles. This chart breaks down how each fit handles the waist and thigh area so you can choose based on your body shape and comfort needs.
All of the jeans we recommend here come in our Straight fit, which is designed with extra room through the hips and thighs and a straight leg opening that never feels restrictive. This cut is ideal for men with muscular legs or anyone looking for a bit more breathing room without sacrificing clean lines.
If you have an athletic build, not all jeans will work for your proportions. These Mott & Bow picks are made to move with your body, not fight against it. They offer extra room in the thighs and seat, a tailored waist, and flexible fabrics that support your lifestyle.
Stone Jeans – for soft texture and everyday versatility
The Stone jean uses a left-hand weave denim that feels softer from the start. It has a clean, simple look and extra space through the seat and thigh area. The Straight fit is comfortable without looking oversized, making it a great choice for all-day wear.
- Ideal for: errands, relaxed office days, everyday use
- Fit: Straight
- Stretch: Comfort Stretch (5–25%)
- Shop the Stone Jeans
Allen Jeans – for a casual, worn-in look with comfort
The Allen jean has a medium-weight feel and an easy, lived-in look. It's soft and flexible, with space through the thighs and hips, so it doesn’t squeeze or pull. The Straight fit ensures you’re not dealing with waist gaps or leg restriction.
- Ideal for: everyday wear, travel, casual meetups
- Fit: Straight
- Stretch: Comfort Stretch (5–25%)
- Shop the Allen Jeans
Staple Jeans – for shape-enhancing stretch and structure
Made from premium Italian denim, the Staple jean features Dynamic Stretch and our signature Anti-Flat Butt Technology. It keeps your shape looking defined without sacrificing comfort. The Straight fit gives your glutes and thighs the room they need, while the waist stays close for a secure fit.
- Ideal for: nights out, casual Fridays, smart-casual looks
- Fit: Straight
- Stretch: Dynamic Stretch (26–35%)
- Shop the Staple Jeans
Wooster Jeans – for movement and everyday comfort
The Wooster jean is made with Dynamic Stretch denim, designed to flex when you do. It moves with you whether you're walking, commuting, or sitting for long hours. The Straight fit gives your legs breathing room, and the mid-rise waist prevents gapping.
- Ideal for: active days, casual work settings, weekend plans
- Fit: Straight
- Stretch: Dynamic Stretch (26–35%)
- Shop the Wooster Jeans
Style and occasion tips for athletic body types: what to wear with straight fit jeans
Here’s how to style your jeans based on where you’re headed and what works best for your body type.
Tops: Go for fitted or structured shirts to avoid looking bulky. T-shirts with set-in sleeves, slim-fit henleys, or lightweight button-downs work well. Avoid overly loose tops—they can throw off your proportions.
Shoes: Straight fit jeans pair well with low-profile sneakers, Chelsea boots, or casual loafers. The clean leg opening allows for versatility without bunching at the ankle.
Best occasions: These are your all-purpose jeans. Wear them to work (business casual), weekend brunch, or a night out. They're also great for travel since the relaxed thigh gives extra comfort in transit.
What should I avoid if I have an athletic build?
- Oversized tops that hide your waist and make your torso look boxy
- Skinny jeans with low rise, which can flatten your glutes and over-accentuate your quads
- Shoes with thick soles or wide silhouettes, which can throw off the balance between your upper and lower body
Conclusion
Finding jeans that fit an athletic body shouldn’t feel like a struggle. With the right combination of stretch, structure, and smart design, it’s possible to get denim that actually works with your shape. At Mott & Bow, we’ve focused on creating jeans that deliver comfort, mobility, and a clean silhouette because you shouldn’t have to compromise to look and feel good.
Built different? So are our jeans. If you have an athletic build, you need denim that fits your shape—no gaps, no squeeze, just the perfect fit.
Written by Alex, Mott & Bow Fit Expert
Alex works with real customers to solve denim fit challenges and tests every product we feature.
