Banana Republic Athletic Tapered vs. Slim: Sizing comparison [2026]

The Banana Republic Athletic Tapered fit and the Slim fit both offer a modern, tailored look, but they are designed for very different body types. The key difference is in the seat and thigh: the Athletic Tapered cut provides significantly more room for muscular legs before tapering from the knee down, while the Slim fit is cut closer to the body from the hip to the ankle.

Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the perfect Banana Republic pant fit for your build and style.

Banana Republic Athletic Tapered Fit

The Athletic Tapered fit is the solution for men who have muscular or larger thighs, glutes, and calves but still want a clean, modern silhouette. It eliminates the problem of pants fitting at the waist but feeling uncomfortably tight through the legs. This fit is engineered to provide comfort and room to move in the upper leg while maintaining a sharp taper toward the ankle for a polished look.

• What it is: A contemporary pant cut designed with extra room through the hip, seat, and thigh that narrows significantly from the knee to the leg opening.
• Key features: More generous cut in the upper block (seat and thighs) combined with a distinct taper, preventing a baggy appearance.
• Price: Typically $90 - $120.
• Materials/Construction: Often made with innovative performance fabrics like Banana Republic's Core Temp or Traveler material, which incorporate excellent stretch and breathability.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size in the waist. The sizing choice is less about the waist and all about accommodating leg volume for a comfortable yet tailored feel.
• Pros: Excellent for athletic builds (lifters, cyclists, etc.). Provides all-day comfort without feeling restrictive. Sophisticated taper avoids the "carrot leg" look. Solves the issue of having to size up in the waist just to fit your thighs.
• Cons: Can feel too baggy in the seat and thighs for men with slender builds. The taper may seem too aggressive for those who prefer a straighter silhouette.

This is the ideal choice for anyone with an athletic frame who finds traditional slim-fit pants too constricting.

Shop this product: bananarepublic.gap.com/shop/athletic-tapered-pants

Banana Republic Slim Fit

The Slim fit is a modern staple and one of Banana Republic's most popular cuts. It offers a streamlined silhouette that follows the natural line of the leg without being skin-tight. It's a versatile choice for men with slender to average builds who want a clean, sharp look that works equally well in the office or for a casual weekend outing.

• What it is: A classic modern pant that is cut close through the hip, thigh, and leg for a streamlined profile.
• Key features: Sits just below the waist, is slim from thigh to ankle, and provides a sleek, polished appearance.
• Price: Typically $90 - $120.
• Materials/Construction: Offered in the same high-quality stretch fabrics as other fits, ensuring comfort and shape retention.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size. It's designed to provide a tailored appearance without feeling restrictive on an average or slim frame.
• Pros: Delivers a sharp, universally flattering modern silhouette. Highly versatile and easy to dress up or down. No excess fabric results in a clean look.
• Cons: Will likely be too restrictive for men with large quads or glutes. The closer fit may not be as comfortable for activities requiring a high range of motion. Can feel unforgiving on certain body types.

Perfect for men with a slim or average build looking for a polished, contemporary pant that isn't as extreme as a skinny fit.

Shop this product: bananarepublic.gap.com/shop/slim-pants

Athletic Tapered vs. Slim Fit Comparison

Fit & Cut

The core difference between the Athletic Tapered and Slim fits is the distribution of space. The Athletic Tapered features extra room in the top block - think of it as a slim fit from the knee down but a relaxed, straight fit from the knee up. This specific design directly serves men who are often forced to choose between a proper waist size and adequate thigh room.

The Slim fit, by contrast, is more uniform in its trimness. It offers a consistently close fit from the hip down to the ankle. It doesn’t provide extra room in any one area but is instead engineered to create a narrow, elongated silhouette for those who don’t require additional space in the seat or thighs.

Comfort & Mobility

While most of Banana Republic's popular pants include performance stretch fabrics, the cut itself dictates the ultimate mobility. For athletic builds, the Athletic Tapered design offers superior comfort. Daily movements like sitting down, climbing stairs, or bending over are much easier without fabric straining against your thighs.

On a slim or average frame, the Slim fit provides excellent comfort by simply eliminating bulky, unnecessary fabric. The inherent stretch is all that's needed for comfortable movement. For someone with larger legs, however, this same design would feel restrictive, relying entirely on fabric stretch where extra space is truly needed.

Style & Versatility

Both fits are highly versatile and fit well within modern wardrobes, from business casual to weekend wear. The Slim fit is arguably the industry standard for a contemporary go-to pant, its sleek lines are timeless and easy to pair with blazers, sweaters, or casual t-shirts.

The Athletic Tapered fit offers a sharp, modern appearance that’s just as polished. The taper ensures a clean break at the shoe, creating a custom-tailored look that defies the extra room up top. It can be dressed up just as easily, proving that comfort doesn’t have to come at the expense of style.

Price & Value

Banana Republic typically prices its pants based on the style and material, not the fit. You can expect to pay the same amount for a Traveler Chino in an Athletic Tapered fit as you would for one in a Slim fit. The true value comes from choosing the fit that is best suited for your body. Investing in a pair of pants that accommodates your build properly is always a better value than wearing something ill-fitting.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down entirely to your body type and how you want your pants to feel.

Choose the Athletic Tapered fit if:

• You regularly work out your legs and have larger quads, hamstrings, or glutes.
• Traditional slim and straight-fit pants feel too tight on your thighs if they fit your waist.
• You want more freedom of movement without sacrificing a tailored look.
• You value comfort in the seat and thigh but want a clean-lined taper to the ankle.

Choose the Slim fit if:

• You have a slender or average build.
• You prefer a close, streamlined look from your hip to your ankle.
• Straight-fit pants tend to feel too baggy or voluminous on your frame.
• You want a classic, universally accepted modern pant for maximum versatility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Banana Republic's Athletic Tapered and Slim fits?

The Athletic Tapered fit has extra room throughout the seat and thigh area and then narrows from the knee to the ankle. The Slim fit is cut uniformly close to the body from the hip to the ankle without providing extra room in any specific area.

If I have a 34-inch waist, should I get the same size in both fits?

Yes, you should select your standard waist size for both. The difference between these fits is in the cut of the legs and seat, not the measurement of the waistband. Do not size up or down to try and achieve one fit with the other.

Are Banana Republic pants true to size?

Yes, Banana Republic pants are generally regarded as true to size, particularly in the waist measurement. The key is to select the fit that best aligns with your body proportions.

Which fit is better for a muscular build?

Without a doubt, the Athletic Tapered fit is made specifically for a muscular build. It was intentionally designed to accommodate larger legs while still providing a modern, tailored silhouette.

Can I wear the Athletic Tapered fit to the office?

Absolutely. When styled with a button-down shirt, blazer, or sweater, the Athletic Tapered fit looks sharp and professional. The clean taper to the ankle makes it suitable for most business casual settings.

Is the BR Slim fit the same as a skinny fit?

No. The Slim fit is tailored and sits close to the body, but it is not skin-tight. It provides a more classic and comfortable silhouette than a true skinny fit would.

Do both the Athletic Tapered and Slim fits come in stretch fabrics?

Yes. Popular Banana Republic pants like the Traveler Chino, Rapid Movement Chino, and Core Temp pants are available in both fits, and they all feature performance stretch fabric for enhanced comfort and mobility.

Which fit is more "in style" right now?

Both are contemporary and stylish. For years, the slim fit has been the standard for modern menswear. However, athletic and more relaxed fits for different body types have become very popular, making the Athletic Tapered fit just as fashionable for those who need it.