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When it comes to versatility, a quality pair of jeans goes a long way for guys. Whether it’s going out with the boys, date night, casual Friday, or even formal events you can wear jeans for almost any occasion… if styled appropriately. Pure denim jeans can be tough though for some guys. Particularly guys who have an athletic build. If you don’t miss leg day and have big thighs and a larger behind, many jeans are either too loose and baggy or too tight and uncomfortable. That’s the beauty of athletic-fit jeans. They’re typically stretch jeans using performance fabrics and are tapered so that they both fit and look great. I mainly wear athletic-fit jeans these days so I have spent a lot of time finding the right brands and now I’m sharing them with you!

What are the best athletic fit jeans for men?

Mugsy Jeans Fultons

My absolute favorite pair of jeans is the Fultons by Mugsy. If you aren’t familiar with Mugsy then definitely check out our Mugsy Jeans review. TLDR… they basically are the OGs of stretch-fit jeans and make the most comfortable jeans in the game. The Fultons are the perfect colorway to go with pretty much anything. They aren’t a light wash but not quite a dark wash just that perfect everyday wear pair of jeans. Stretchy, fit great, machine washable, and reasonably priced. Get yourself a pair of Fultons and you won’t be disappointed.

State & Liberty Athletic Fit Jeans

State & Liberty jeans have been a staple in my wardrobe. They’re definitely tapered but offer an amazing amount of stretch. I usually pair them with one of their polos or casual dress shirts and white sneakers. They have a tailored fit, so they won’t work well with anything too baggy. But if you’re into a sharp, athletic fit, these are a solid choice.

DU/ER Athletic Straight Fit Jean

I like the DUER Performance Denim Slim. The pair pictured above is the Rinse colorway, which seems to be getting phased out—so act fast if you want them. They come in a few different colorways, giving you plenty of options. The fabric is a blend of cotton, COOLMAX polyester, and spandex, offering a good amount of stretch. Their signature gusset provides extra room, which is great if you need it, though I’m not a big fan of how it looks. Other than that, it’s a solid pair.

Mott & Bow Slim Stone Jean

Mott and Bow’s Slim Stone Jeans are great for those who don’t want the typical blue jeans look and instead want something more neutral and edgy. They are made, partly, of an elastic material so their slim fit will hug thighs helping to make your legs look jacked without restricting movement. They have a medium-weight fabric which helps to make them breathable so you can even wear them on hotter days. They are pricy but that’s what comes with quality so if you want a great pair of grey jeans that will slim you up, these are for you.

The Perfect Jean Athletic Fit

While many brands offer one or two jeans classified as “Athletic Fit,” The Perfect Jean has an entire section dedicated to this fit, with 10+ colors and styles to suit your taste. These jeans are perfect—no pun intended—for guys with larger thighs, providing room where needed while keeping the calves tapered to show off your gym gains. I like them, but I think I ordered a size too small—they’re a bit too snug, and my girlfriend won’t let me wear them anymore!

Athletic Fit Jeans FAQs

What is athletic fit in jeans?

Athletic fit jeans typically feature a fitted waste that is tapered around the calves. What sets them apart from skinny jeans is that they have room in the thighs and typically a stretch material so you can retain active while in them.

What is the difference between regular and athletic fit jeans?

Typically regular jeans are very roomy, can be stiff, and don’t have the same tapered fit. Athletic jeans provide the same room through the thighs but a more tapered fit with a stretchier material.

Are athletic fit jeans looser than slim fit jeans?

It mostly depends on the brand. With some brands slim fit and athletic fit are interchangeable terms but for clothes athletic fit jeans are much looser. Be sure to look at the size requirements before purchasing an be familiar with the brands offerings to see if they offer slim and athletic fit.

Is athletic fit the same as relaxed fit jeans?

No, absolutely not. Athletic fit jeans are very different from relaxed fit jeans. Athletic fit jeans are made for athletic body types with big muscular thighs and glutes. Relaxed fit jeans are typically looser and wider and aren’t tapered the way athletic fit jeans are. Another key distinction is that most good athletic jeans will utilize performance fabric blends so that they offer a stretch fit for added comfort.

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