Madewell Slim vs. Athletic Slim: What's the difference?

The Madewell Slim and Athletic Slim jeans both offer a modern, tapered silhouette, but they are built for entirely different body types. The key difference lies in the fit through the seat and thighs: the Slim fit is tailored for leaner or average builds, while the Athletic Slim provides extra room in those areas to accommodate a more muscular frame without sacrificing a clean, tapered leg.

Here’s everything you need to know to find the right Madewell denim fit for you.

The Madewell Slim Fit

The Madewell Slim is a timeless, versatile jean designed for a tailored but not skin-tight look. It's the brand’s classic slim silhouette, sitting comfortably on the hips and tapering from the thigh down to the ankle for a clean, lean profile that works in almost any setting.

• What it is: A classic slim-fit jean that is tailored through the hip, thigh, and leg.
• Key features: Close-fitting but not restrictive, classic tapered leg, timeless silhouette.
• Price: Typically $98 - $128.
• Materials/Construction: Often made from high-quality denim with a small amount of stretch for comfort and mobility. Many options utilize sustainable fabrics.
• Sizing/Fit: Ideal for lean to average builds. It runs true to size and is designed to fit closely without feeling constricting.
• Pros: Highly versatile for casual or dressed-up looks, provides a classic and polished silhouette, available in numerous washes.
• Cons: Can be too tight in the thighs and seat for those with athletic or muscular builds, less forgiving for larger body types.

This fit is the go-to for those with a leaner frame seeking a clean, classic, and consistently tailored look from waist to ankle.

Shop this product: madewell.com/mens/denim

The Madewell Athletic Slim Fit

The Madewell Athletic Slim solves a common problem for guys with more muscular legs: finding jeans that fit their thighs and seat without being baggy everywhere else. This fit adds extra room up top while keeping the tapered leg of a classic slim jean for a modern look that doesn't feel restrictive.

• What it is: A modern slim-fit jean designed with more room in the top block for athletic builds.
• Key features: Extra room built into the seat and thighs, tapered leg from the knee down.
• Price: Typically $98 - $128.
• Materials/Construction: The same high-quality and durable stretch denim as other Madewell jeans, often including sustainable components.
• Sizing/Fit: Specifically designed for muscular builds. People with this body type usually take their true size, while those with average builds may find it a bit roomy.
• Pros: Exceptionally comfortable for athletic body types, eliminates tightness in the thighs and seat, provides a modern tapered look without sizing way up.
• Cons: May feel too loose or baggy on lean or average builds, cut may feel unbalanced if you don't need the extra room.

It's the perfect choice for anyone with an athletic build who wants the style of a slim jean without the typical restriction and tightness.

Shop this product: madewell.com/mens/denim

Madewell Slim vs. Athletic Slim Comparison

Fit & Sizing

Fit is the primary distinction between these two styles. The Slim fit offers a consistent, tailored cut that follows a leaner body shape closely from the hip to the ankle. It assumes a relatively straight line from the waist down, which is perfect for average or smaller frames.

In contrast, the Athletic Slim is specifically engineered for a V-shaped or more muscular lower body. All of the design adjustments are concentrated in the 'top block' - the area from the waist down to the crotch - which includes extra room in the glutes and thighs. From the knee down, however, it tapers just like a regular slim-fit jean, preventing the baggy look common in relaxed or straight-fit styles.

Style & Aesthetic

While both fits result in a modern, streamlined look, their overall aesthetic can differ based on body type. The Slim fit presents a universally classic and put-together appearance on the right frame, making it easy to dress up with a button-down or keep casual with a t-shirt. Its consistent cut provides a clean visual line.

The Athletic Slim creates a tailored look an athletic build otherwise can't achieve with other fits. On someone who lifts weights, cycles, or simply has larger thighs, it looks sharp and intentional. On a leaner frame, however, it might appear slightly slouchy or too relaxed in the seat and thighs.

Who Each One Works Best For

This is where the choice becomes simple. The Madewell Slim is built for individuals with average or lean proportions. If you rarely find that jeans are too tight on your thighs or have a slimmer lower body, this is your ideal fit for a timeless, tailored style.

The Madewell Athletic Slim is the designated solution for those who consistently struggle with slim jeans feeling like compression pants around the thighs. This fit is designed to provide comfort and mobility where you need it most, while still giving you that sharp, tapered look you want.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both styles offer the same quality and modern aesthetic, so your choice depends entirely on your body shape and comfort needs.

Choose the Slim fit if:

• You have an average, lean, or slender build.
• You prefer a close fit throughout the entire leg.
• You've never struggled with jeans being too tight in the thighs or seat.
• Your goal is a true, classic slim silhouette that looks clean and polished.

Choose the Athletic Slim fit if:

• You have a muscular build with larger glutes and thighs from sports or weightlifting.
• Standard slim jeans always feel too tight and restrictive in the top half of the pant.
• You want comfort and freedom of movement without sacrificing a tapered leg opening.
• You often have to size up in the waist just to fit your legs, resulting in a poor overall fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Madewell Slim and Athletic Slim?

The key difference is the room in the seat and thighs. The Slim provides a standard lean cut all the way through, while the Athletic Slim has added space in the top block to accommodate muscle without changing the tapered leg from the knee down.

Are Madewell jeans true to size?

Generally, yes. Madewell jeans are known for consistent sizing. However, you should choose the fit that best matches your build. Men selecting the Athletic Slim will find that their true-to-size fit offers more space in the seat and thighs.

If I have bigger thighs, should I just size up in the Slim Fit?

You can, but the Athletic Slim is a better solution. Sizing up in a regular Slim cut often results in a waist that is too large and a fit that becomes baggy in the wrong areas. The Athletic Slim is designed to provide a great fit at the waist while keeping a well-balanced silhouette.

Do Madewell Athletic Slim jeans look baggy?

Not at all. While they offer more room up top, they maintain a slim taper from the knee down to the ankle. The result is a flattering, modern silhouette that avoids the sloppiness of wider, relaxed-fit jeans.

Which fit is better for everyday wear?

Both are excellent for everyday wear. The choice depends entirely on which fit feels more comfortable on your body. An athletic person will find the Athletic Slim more comfortable, while a leaner person will prefer the classic feel of the Slim.

What are Madewell jeans made of?

Madewell uses high-quality denim, often blended with a small percentage of elastane or similar stretch fibers for comfort and fit retention. The brand is also committed to sustainability, incorporating recycled and organic cotton into many of its fabrics.

How much do Madewell jeans cost?

Most Madewell jeans for men are priced between $98 and $128, though you can often find them for less during sales and promotions.

Is Madewell a sustainable brand?

Madewell has a strong focus on sustainability. They work to reduce water and energy use, incorporate eco-friendly materials, and partner with factories that prioritize fair labor practices.