Abercrombie Loose vs. Athletic Loose: What's the difference?

The Abercrombie & Fitch Loose Fit is an intentionally oversized silhouette designed for a trendy, laid-back look, while the Athletic Loose Fit offers a more streamlined, sporty feel with room for movement without the extra bulk. The main differentiator is styling and purpose: the Loose fit is all about capturing the relaxed streetwear aesthetic, whereas the Athletic Loose fit is tailored for versatility, blending everyday comfort with a performance-ready shape.

Here’s a full comparison of these two popular fits to help you find the right one for your wardrobe.

Abercrombie Loose Fit

The Abercrombie Loose Fit embraces the oversized trend, focusing on maximum comfort and a casual, streetwear-inspired vibe. This fit is defined by its generous cut through the hips and thighs, creating a deliberately baggy silhouette that's perfect for lounging or making a style statement.

• What it is: A relaxed, oversized fit for pants, joggers, and shorts designed to look and feel ultra-comfortable.
• Key features: Exaggerated relaxed cut, soft and often heavyweight fabrics, and a laid-back, modern aesthetic.
• Price: Typically ranges from $40 to $70 for joggers or sweatpants.
• Materials/Construction: Often made from plush, high-quality fleece or soft cotton blends to prioritize a cozy, comfortable feel.
• Sizing/Fit: Intentionally oversized. While you can take your normal size for the intended baggy look, many customers prefer to size down for a slightly less dramatic, but still relaxed, silhouette.
• Pros: Extremely comfortable and forgiving. On-trend for modern streetwear styles. Made from high-quality, soft fabrics. Perfect for lounging.
• Cons: The oversized cut can be too baggy for some body types or preferences. Not designed for athletic performance. Sizing can be tricky for first-time buyers.

This fit is for anyone who loves the current oversized trend and prioritizes ultimate comfort for casual, everyday wear or cozy days at home.

Shop this fit: abercrombie.com/shop/us/mens-bottoms/loose

Abercrombie Athletic Loose Fit

The Athletic Loose Fit from Abercrombie is the brand's answer to athleisure. It provides a relaxed fit designed for an active lifestyle, offering enough room for movement without the voluminous fabric of the standard Loose fit. It's a clean, sporty silhouette that can easily transition from a light gym session to running errands.

• What it is: A relaxed but more tailored fit with an emphasis on movement and a clean, sporty aesthetic.
• Key features: Roomy through the seat and thighs with a slight taper, often made with stretch fabrics, and may include details like ribbed cuffs.
• Price: Priced similarly to the Loose fit, usually falling between $40 and $70 for bottoms.
• Materials/Construction: Frequently incorporates performance-minded materials like cotton with added stretch or even subtle moisture-wicking properties to handle light activity.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size for a relaxed, athletic shape. It’s designed to be comfortable without being baggy, giving a more streamlined appearance.
• Pros: Highly versatile for athletic and casual settings. Comfortable without looking sloppy. Streamlined fit is flattering on many body types. True-to-size fit is reliable.
• Cons: May not be baggy enough for those seeking a true streetwear style. Fabric might feel less plush than the comfort-focused Loose fit options.

This is the ideal option for someone wanting a versatile pant that keeps them comfortable during active moments and looks put-together for casual wear.

Shop this fit: abercrombie.com/shop/us/mens-bottoms/athletic-loose

Abercrombie Loose vs. Athletic Loose Comparison

Fit & Silhouette

The most significant difference lies in the overall shape. The Loose fit is intentionally oversized throughout the entire garment, creating a baggy, relaxed silhouette meant for comfort and style. It drapes loosely and pools around the ankles for a modern, almost grunge-inspired casualness.

In contrast, the Athletic Loose fit is more structured. While it’s relaxed through the seat and thighs to allow for easy movement, it often features a slight taper toward the ankle. This creates a cleaner, more purposeful silhouette that avoids excess fabric, making it look much more traditionally "athletic."

Style & Aesthetics

Your choice largely comes down to the look you’re going for. The Loose fit aligns perfectly with current streetwear trends. It's built for creating relaxed, fashion-forward outfits focused on a comfortable, laid-back vibe.

The Athletic Loose fit serves the massive athleisure market. It's the fit you choose when you want to look sporty and feel comfortable without committing to a full oversized look. Its clean lines make it suitable for a wider range of casual situations, from a coffee run to a light workout.

Materials & Feel

The fabrics often reflect the intended purpose. Garments in the Loose fit typically use impossibly soft, plush fleece and heavyweight cotton. The primary goal is achieving a cozy, lived-in feel perfect for lounging.

Athletic Loose garments frequently incorporate a stretch element into their fabric blends. This technical detail enhances mobility and helps the garment retain its shape during activity, putting function on equal footing with comfort.

Versatility

The Athletic Loose fit is the clear winner in terms of versatility. Its balanced silhouette makes it appropriate for the gym, errands, travel, and casual hangouts. You can pair it with a hoodie and sneakers for a sporty look or a simple t-shirt for easy weekend wear.

The Loose fit is more specialized. While it's very fashionable in casual streetwear contexts, its deliberately baggy nature makes it feel out of place in more active or slightly more formal casual settings. It excels at being a go-to for comfort-first situations.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both fits offer Abercrombie's signature comfort and quality, but they cater to very different style preferences and needs.

Choose the Loose Fit if:

• You're all about the oversized, streetwear-inspired aesthetic.
• Your top priority for this garment is maximum comfort for lounging and relaxation.
• You prefer a very generous, non-restrictive silhouette and a baggy feel.
• You want a trendy and bold casual piece.

Choose the Athletic Loose Fit if:

• You want one pair of pants that can seamlessly transition from the gym parking lot to the grocery store.
• You prefer a more streamlined, tidy, and traditionally sporty look.
• You need a relaxed fit that still has shape and structure.
• You have an athletic build and want extra room through the thighs without excess fabric elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Abercrombie Loose and Athletic Loose?

The main difference is the silhouette and intent. The Loose fit is oversized and baggy for a trendy, casual look. The Athletic Loose fit is relaxed but more tailored and sporty, designed for movement and versatility.

Which fit is baggier?

The classic Loose fit is significantly baggier. It's designed to be oversized throughout the hips, seat, and legs.

Should I size down in the Abercrombie Loose fit?

If you want the intended oversized look, stick with your true size. If you prefer a relaxed fit that's a bit less dramatic and baggy, consider sizing down by one size.

Is the Athletic Loose fit tight?

No, the Athletic Loose fit is not tight. It is relaxed with extra room in the seat and thighs to allow for comfortable movement, but it is not baggy like the regular Loose fit.

Are they both true to size?

The Athletic Loose fit is considered true to size for a relaxed, sporty look. The Loose fit is intentionally oversized, so "true to size" will give you that specific baggy style.

Which is better for the gym?

The Athletic Loose fit is the better choice for workouts or any sort of physical activity. It's designed with movement in mind and often includes stretchier, more performance-oriented materials.

Which is more comfortable for lounging?

Both are comfortable, but the Loose fit often wins for pure lounging. Its ultra-relaxed shape and typically plush fabrics make it the top choice for maximum cozy.

Do Loose and Athletic Loose cost the same?

Yes, products in both fits generally fall within the same price range, typically from $40 to $70 for bottoms, with no significant cost difference based on the fit alone.

What kind of materials are used?

Loose fit items often feature soft fleece and rich cotton blends. Athletic Loose styles commonly incorporate cotton blends with added stretch for flexibility and better shape retention.

Can I wear Abercrombie Loose fit pants in public?

Absolutely. The oversized and baggy look is a very popular streetwear trend. They look right at home for casual outings like grabbing coffee, running errands, or meeting up with friends.