Finding the perfect pair of jeans when you have an athletic build can feel like a never-ending challenge. Standard denim often overlooks the unique proportions that come with muscular legs, defined glutes, and a naturally narrower waist, leaving you squeezed in some areas and swimming in others. As a brand that’s constantly fine-tuning fit and comfort, we’ve spent a lot of time understanding what athletic body types really need from their jeans. And yes—we’ve tried them ourselves.
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.
Mott & Bow Fits That Work Best for Athletic Builds
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.
Stone Jeans
The Stone jean is a medium-weight gray denim that’s incredibly soft to the touch thanks to its left-hand weave. It combines structure with comfort, making it a versatile everyday option that moves with you. The Straight fit ensures you’ll have room where you need it most, especially through the thighs and seat.
Allen Jeans
Allen is a medium-weight gray jean with a worn-in, authentic look. It’s super comfortable and easy to style, offering a casual vibe without looking too relaxed. With the extra space through the hips and thighs, Allen gives athletic builds the right proportions without any bunching or gapping.
Staple Jeans
Staple is crafted from premium Italian denim and features our Dynamic Stretch technology, which provides greater flexibility and softness while maintaining a structured feel. Designed with Anti-Flat Butt Technology, this pair works especially well with athletic builds by enhancing your natural shape and giving your backside a flattering lift.
Wooster Jeans
Wooster is built for movement. With Dynamic Stretch that flexes with your every step, this pair is ideal for guys who go from active to casual without changing outfits. Whether you're heading out or lounging in, Wooster's stretch factor and Straight fit deliver maximum mobility and all-day comfort—no squeeze, no stiffness.
Style Tips for Athletic Builds
Once you’ve found jeans that fit well, the next step is making them look intentional, not like you’re forcing your body into a style that wasn’t made for it. For athletic body types, the goal is to create balance while highlighting your shape in a clean, modern way.
Start with dark washes and minimal detailing. Darker denim tends to be more slimming and streamlined, which works especially well if your legs are muscular or your upper body is broader. Clean lines help prevent visual bulk, especially through the thigh area.
If you’re top-heavy, avoid jeans that taper too sharply at the ankle. A subtle taper or straight-leg fit keeps the silhouette balanced from top to bottom. Pairing with a half-tucked or fully tucked shirt can help define your waist and draw attention to your proportions in a flattering way.
These simple styling tweaks don’t just enhance the fit: they make your jeans look and feel like they were tailored for you.
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.
