What started as skepticism turned into one of the sweatiest—and strangely enlightening—fitness experiments I’ve ever done. For five straight workouts over six days, I ditched my breathable joggers and moisture-wicking shorts to embrace an unlikely trend: training in denim. From running miles in damp Levi’s to deadlifting in stiff Carhartts and even sporting overalls on leg day, I tested how far you can push a pair of jeans—and yourself—before the seams give out. Here’s what I learned about sweat, style, discomfort, and denim’s place in modern fitness culture.
The Denim Workout Trend: From Meme to Movement
While most gym-goers prioritize stretch and breathability, denim workouts have unexpectedly gained traction. The aesthetic has roots in RFK Jr.’s pullup photo-op and brands like Born Primitive and Satisfy tapping into jort-core with gym-ready denim pieces. Social media is filled with fringe fitness influencers flexing in jeans, including marathoner Truett Hanes, who clocked a 2:34 race time in full denim. Whether born of necessity, rebellion, or fashion, training in jeans is now a thing—so I decided to try it firsthand.
Day 1: A 4-Mile Run in Wet, Heavy Levi’s
I kicked things off with a slow four-miler in loose Levi’s 560s on a rainy evening. The moment I stepped outside, the denim soaked up moisture like a sponge, adding pounds to my stride. The waistband sagged, crotch bunched, and range of motion was compromised. But no chafing (thanks, compression shorts), and I surprisingly maintained a 7:42 pace. Social anxiety faded after the first mile—nobody cared what I was wearing. Verdict: not optimal, but not catastrophic.
Day 2: Leg Day in Baggy Jeans and a Belt
Squatting in vintage 540s posed some issues. The jeans’ low crotch and thick material restricted my dynamic warm-up, and the belt dug in uncomfortably during goblet squats. But to my surprise, I hit my full depth during back squats up to 315 pounds without a tear. Lesson: loose jeans and controlled movement can get the job done—until you overheat. My legs were drenched in sweat before the workout peaked.
Day 3: Upper Body Workouts Are a Denim Sweet Spot
Presses, pullups, and planks? No problem. Jeans didn’t slow me down on push day. But shadow kickboxing was another story—my kicks were limited by the stiff material. Mid-workout, I popped my shirt off RFK-style, leaned into the moment, and realized this might be what some denim gym-goers are after: rugged, old-school vibes over performance. Still, three days in, I started feeling the dreaded thigh chafe. The fun was fading.
Day 4: Carhartt Deadlifts and Denim Armor
Heavy-duty double-knee Carhartts turned out to be perfect for barbell deadlifts. Denim protected my shins from bar scrapes, and the stiffness didn’t interfere with pulling 315 pounds off the floor. But the same fabric made lateral lunges awkward and restricted. For laughs (and airflow), I switched to cutoff jorts mid-session. More freedom, more fear—mainly of splitting the seat wide open in a packed gym. Disaster avoided, barely.
Day 5: Overalls, Wedgies, and a Final Push
For the final workout, I pulled on a pair of Dickies overalls—more costume than fitness gear. On deadlifts, the fit worked. But lunges delivered a denim-induced wedgie that no adjustment could fix. The straps tugged every time I moved. I finished with hanging leg raises and finally unclipped the top straps, releasing myself from the overalls’ grip. It was the perfect metaphor for the week: functional, ridiculous, and slightly too tight around the middle.
What I Learned from a Week in Workout Jeans
Against all expectations, denim didn’t derail my training. I squatted, ran, and lifted with minimal issues—though I wouldn’t call the experience comfortable. The heat, stiffness, and sweat buildup are real. But I came away with a newfound respect for those who work out in jeans by choice or necessity. It’s a statement, a challenge, and sometimes, a workaround.
Still, modern activewear exists for a reason. No matter how romantic denim’s heritage may be, it simply doesn’t outperform performance fabrics. Would I do it again? Maybe—to deadlift in Carhartts or jog in resistance-wet jeans like a wearable weight vest. But on most days, I’ll reach for my joggers. After all, fitness is hard enough without having to fight your pants.
Denim That Can Take a Beating
If you’re still denim-curious, here are a few options worth considering:
- Born Primitive Versatile Jorts: Spandex-infused and gym-tested.
- Satisfy Faux-Denim Shorts: Lightweight running gear with denim aesthetics.
- Carhartt Double-Front Pants: Built for labor—and barbell scrapes.
- Levi’s 560s or 540s: Loose and forgiving for casual lifting days.
And for the love of comfort: always wear compression shorts underneath. You’ll thank me later.
