Chicago-based Mugsy Jeans burst onto the men‘s fashion scene in 2016 with a single mission – create high-quality, stylish jeans using performance fabrics that can stretch, bend, and move like athletic apparel. Having tested their core collection myself, I can confirm they deliver handsomely on that promise. If you struggle with stiff, restrictive jeans that pinch and pull, Mugsy provides a breath of fresh air. Keep reading for the full scoop after wearing multiple pairs as my daily drivers.
Who is Mugsy For?
Mugsy caters to active guys that want jeans traversing city blocks doesn‘t feel like a chore. Their jeans shine for:
- Men tired of trading comfort for denim that looks sharp
- Frequent travelers that need jeans to keep up with busy itineraries
- Athletic body types that struggle fitting thicker thighs and seats into slim cuts
- Professionals wanting business casual style with no restriction
Founder Leo Tropeano launched the brand after failing to find stylish jeans he could actually move freely in. The options felt more like fancy sweatpants than quality denim. Mugsy fills that void.
My Mugsy Jeans Experience
Having worn Levi‘s, Lucky, and AG jeans for years, I naturally have high expectations when trying new denim. While those brands check the boxes for fashion and durability, I constantly battle discomfort by mid-afternoon from tight pockets, bothersome waistbands, and restrictive thighs.
On a whim, I purchased my first pair of Mugsy Dean jeans earlier this year. The rave reviews convinced me to give their much-hyped comfort a test run. I decided on the Dean Straight Leg style in 14.75oz Black Topaz, a versatile dark wash.
Initial Impressions
Fresh out of the package, the jeans have a substantial weight more akin to premium denim than sweatpants. The fabric contains a healthy dose of stretch yet maintains structure. I give them a quick try-on to check sizing before tossing in the wash.
The athletic cut has room to spare in the seat and thighs without appearing baggy. And the mid-rise hits right at my natural waistline. So far the comfort hype proves real.
Test Drive
After washing, I dig into a full day‘s wear test encompassing everything from client meetings to dog walks and grocery runs. Right away I realize what thousands of 5-star reviewers have been raving about.
The gusseted crotch seam and articulated knee construction allow full fluid range of motion I’ve never experienced in jeans before. I can squat down, knees bending sans resistance or pinching. Yet the denim still looks sharp for my sales calls earlier that morning.
By 6pm, my AG and Lucky jeans would normally feel restrictive after hours of wear. But in my Mugsy jeans I feel like I’m wearing my beloved track pants. Except people stop me to compliment how polished I look. I’m sold.
More Testing
Since that inaugural pair of Deans, Mugsy Jeans have earned permanent resident status in my wardrobe. I now own 4 pairs from their collection including both relaxed and athletic taper fits. Their jeans check all my boxes:
Style – With progressive washes, perfect fading, and flattering cuts, Mugsy jeans look fantastic whether dressing up or down. The quality rivals my $200+ Japanese selvedge denim.
Comfort – I stay comfy wearing Mugsy jeans all day long, through endless miles of urban hiking and long days at the office.
Fit – With an athletic background, I love Mugsy‘s room through the hip and thigh while maintaining a tailored profile. No more sausage thighs!
Versatility – Due to the noticeably soft fabric, these jeans transition seamlessly from casual Friday at the office to date night downtown.
Based on my first-hand testing, Mugsy jeans deliver as advertised. Their proprietary stretch denim offers unmatched mobility and retains its shape all-day long. Suffice to say, they’ve ruined other jeans for me forever. Sorry Lucky Brand…
Comparing Mugsy Jeans to Other Popular Brands
How does Mugsy denim differentiate itself from legacy players like Levis, Wrangler, and Lee? Beyond merely another athletic cut, inspecting the materials and construction demonstrates a marked contrast:
Fabric – Mugsy jeans utilize a high-grade double-weave denim made from sweat-wicking TENCEL® Lyocell modal. The result? An extraordinarily soft hand-feel and four-way stretch most jeans can’t match.
Mobility – The gusseted crotch alleviates pinch points when crouching down. Meanwhile, the bit of spandex woven throughout enables full knee articulation without restrictive pulling.
Weatherproofing – For all-season comfort, Mugsy jeans integrate body heat retaining technology to keep you warm in winter yet cool in summer. Simply awesome.
While upstarts like DUER and Public Rec also tout performance-infused denim, Mugsy Leeds the pack when factoring in quality materials and value. Check current pricing here.
More Customer Perspectives on Mugsy Jeans
Beyond my first-hand test drive, what are other actual Mugsy Jean customers saying? Delving into reviews, several common viewpoints emerge:
True to Size
The majority of guys report Mugsy jeans fit according to size chart dimensions. As one reviewer on the brand‘s site explains:
"I’m 6’ 200 lbs with larger quads and seat from years of lifting and sports. I ordered the athletic taper 36” Dean jeans and they fit perfectly in the waist / hip and leg opening."
If concerned, size up, but their stretch capacity seems sufficient for most.
Unparalleled Comfort
Echoing my experience wearing them daily, multiple reviewers swear they are the most comfortable jeans ever owned. One customer who stands all day remodeling homes keeps buying more pairs to replace his entire rotation.
However, a few mention the fabric has almost too much stretch compared to regular denim, taking adjustment. But ultimately worth it for the mobility granted.
Stylish, Not Stuffy
Unlike predecessors focused exclusively on performance, Mugsy nails fashion-forward looks comparable to mainstream brands. As one reviewer explains:
"These are the best looking jeans I’ve owned. I typically shy away from athletic cut pants/jeans because the leg opening is often too wide and the seat looks super baggy…Not an issue with these.”
Mugsy modernizes athletic jeans delivering comfort without compromising style.
Who Might Not Love Mugsy
Mugsy isn‘t a universal fit for all guys however. Based on sizing and reviews, they may not satisfy those desiring:
- Extreme slim cut through hips and thighs
- Relaxed fit through the calves and leg opening
- Budget-friendly pricing under $60
Mugsy unapologetically focuses its jeans and branding on athletic men willing to pay premium pricing. Yet quality denim demands higher cost. Considering their combination of cutting-edge fabrics plus ethical American manufacturing, Mugsy jeans deliver reasonable value.
How Mugsy Sizes Compare To Other Brands
Since athletic cuts vary widely in their dimensions, how do Mugsy jeans size up against other performance-focused denim brands?
Compared to DUER‘s No Sweat Pant, Mugsy jeans have more room in the hip/thigh but taper tighter through the calf. Relative to Rhone‘s Commuter Denim, Mugsy fits larger overall with more exaggeration between hip and leg opening.
Use this cheat sheet as a rough size crossover guide:
If you wear a size 32 in DUER, go size 32 in Mugsy
If you wear a size 34 in Rhone, try size 36 in Mugsy
Check exact sizing charts to confirm based on your measurements. Mugsy also offers free exchanges to nail the right fit.
How To Style Mugsy Jeans
A huge advantage of Mugsy over traditional athletic jeans is their versatility dressing up or down effortlessly. Rather than restrictive to just sneakers and t-shirts, Mugsy jeans allow style options like:
- Chelsea boots and knitted polo shirt for date night
- Desert boots paired with casual button-down to the office
- White leather sneakers and linen shirt for traveling
- Loafers and lightweight bomber jacket for weekends
The high-stretch fabric and dark washes mean you can substitute Mugsy jeans into outfits typically reserved for trousers and chinos without sacrificing mobility. Yet the jeans always maintain a polished, put-together vibe.
Ideal Occasions For Wearing Mugsy Jeans
Thanks to unreal comfort plus sharp looks, when are Mugsy jeans most recommended?
Office Attire – Mugsy Dean and Malone jeans especially pass as business casual while vastly more comfortable than stiff khakis all afternoon. The quality appears upscale.
Active Weekends – Throw on a pair of Mugsy Ricky Relaxed jeans to handle running errands, casual hangs with friends, chasing kids…anything requiring durable flexibility.
Extended Travel – The gusseted Mugsy construction shines sitting cramped on planes, trains, and automobiles across hours-long journeys in total comfort.
While all their jeans span lifestyle needs exceptionally, Mugsy does make jeans tailored specifically for professional workplace environments. Just depends if you desire a polished presentation.
Caring For Mugsy Jeans
To maximize lifespan, follow these pro care tips with Mugsy denim:
- Wash as sparingly as possible, spot cleaning when viable
- Machine wash warm inside-out with mild detergent
- Line dry only – machine drying degrades fabric over time
- Avoid overloading washing machine
- Use fabric shaver to gently remove surface fuzz
Try to limit full washes to monthly or when jeans have visible stains. The sweat-wicking Tencel modal stands up to repeat wears without getting funky.
Mugsy Jeans Review: The Verdict?
I‘ll end my insider Mugsy review re-affirming the unanimous opinion held by its legions of loyal fans – these are the most comfortable damn jeans on the planet. After trying various pairs myself daily, their combination of premium fabrics, precision tailoring, and ethical craftsmanship proves truly special.
Sure cheaper denim exists, but few rival Mugsy marrying durability, style, and lifestyle-enhancing flexibility. Especially none I can sleep, work, play, and travel in unconditionally. If looking to replace restrictive jeans with a single go-to pair to rule them all, accept no substitutes. Mugsy jeans check every box. Just size appropriately and ensure washing properly.
Interested now? Explore the full selection of Mugsy jeans for men here. Use code CORE15 to save 15% on your first order. You won‘t regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Mugsy Jeans:
Who is the Mugsy founder?
Chicago entrepreneur Leo Tropeano started Mugsy in 2016 after failing to find men‘s jeans combining authentic denim style with unrestricted athletic mobility.
Where are Mugsy jeans manufactured?
Mugsy jeans are designed in Chicago, Illinois and ethically handcrafted in Los Angeles using locally sourced fabrics and components.
What fabrics are used to make Mugsy jeans?
Mugsy jeans utilize a custom-developed double-weave denim blend composed primarily of TENCELTM Lyocell modal (extracted from sustainable tree sources using closed-loop processing) and 3% elastane for stretch.
Do Mugsy jeans come in different colors?
Yes. While their collection focuses on classic and modern dark indigo washes, Mugsy also offers black, khaki, olive, and gray-scale denim colors suitable for both casual and professional environments.
What is the difference between the Dean and Malone fits?
The Dean is a traditional straight leg jean updated with Mugsy‘s performance fabrics. Meanwhile, the Malone features an athletic taper cut with more room through the hip/thigh and narrowing below the knees.
What is the inseam length for Mugsy jeans?
Mugsy jeans come in both 30" and 32" inseam lengths. Choose based on your height – below 6ft select 30"; above 6ft choose 32".
Can you put Mugsy jeans in the dryer?
Mugsy specifically advises against putting their jeans in the dryer to protect the modal fabric integrity. However, 5 minutes on low heat is acceptable if needed. Best practice is hang drying.
I hope you found this thorough insider‘s guide to Mugsy Jeans helpful. Let me know any other questions in the comments!
