Fit with muscular thighs

Short answer: Choose bottoms by the thigh, and have the waist taken in if it ends up too wide. Fabric with stretch makes the difference between tight and comfortable when your thighs are strong.

The thigh decides the size

If the waistband fits but the thigh is tight, the size is too small. It is tempting to choose by the waist, but a waistband can be adjusted and a thigh cannot. Choose by the widest point, in underwear as well as trousers. See the fits among bamboo boxers and check how the legs are cut.

Stretch gives room without a full size

A few percent elastane gives several centimetres of extra room over the thigh without going up a full size. The fabric moves with you when you walk, sit or take the stairs. Fabric without stretch does not give and pulls with every movement. See the blends in bamboo underwear for men.

When the waist ends up too wide

If you choose by the thigh, the waistband may be a little too wide. In trousers, taking the waist in at the sides is a simple alteration. In sweatpants, a drawstring handles most of it. It is better to tighten the waist than to wear fabric that pulls over the thigh all day.

Longer legs against chafing

Strong thighs rub together, especially on warm days and when you walk a lot. A layer of fabric in between stops the rubbing. Underwear with slightly longer legs sits firmly on the thigh and stays there. For relaxed days at home, soft trousers do the same, see bamboo sweatpants for men.

Why the legs ride up

When the fabric is stretched to its limit over the thigh, it pulls back with every step and the legs ride up. That is a sign there is not enough room. Longer legs with a little more fabric often solve it, because the pull is spread over a larger area.

Sweatpants with room at the thigh

With sweatpants, the thigh and seat decide whether they are comfortable. A slim cut towards the ankle can work well as long as there is room at the top. Squat down when you try them on. If the fabric pulls hard over the thigh or knee, the cut is too narrow for your body.

Washing and fit over time

Wash at a low temperature and let the garments air dry. A hot tumble dryer can shrink the fabric, and you notice it first at the thigh, where there is least room to begin with. The stretch also lasts longer without high heat, so the garment keeps the fit you chose.

How to try them on

Put them on and walk a few steps, sit down and lift your knee towards your chest. If they pull over the thigh or the legs ride up, it is the wrong size or the wrong cut. If the fabric lies smooth and moves with you without pulling, you have found something to wear all day.

Frequently asked questions

Can the waist be taken in

Yes, it is a simple alteration at the sides that a tailor can do. The thigh cannot be let out, so always choose the size by the widest point.

Why do the legs ride up

Because the fabric is stretched to its limit over the thigh and pulls back. Longer legs with more fabric often solve it, as the pull is spread out.

Does a larger size help

Yes, if the waistband still holds or can be tightened with a drawstring. Otherwise you need to find a different cut with more room at the thigh.