Mott and Bow Review: Honest Thoughts, Pros, Cons & Worth It?

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve bought jeans that didn’t fit right. Too tight in the thighs, too baggy in the waist. Or they’d feel great the first wear, then stretch out and lose their shape. And don’t even get me started on “premium” basics that charge luxury prices for stuff that barely holds up past a season.

That’s why I ended up looking into Mott and Bow. I’d seen them mentioned a few times—mostly by people who said their jeans actually fit, the quality held up, and you didn’t need to drop $200 to get there. So I decided to try it out myself.

This is my honest review of Mott and Bow—no fluff, no pressure. Just how it went for me, what stood out, and who I think would get the most out of their stuff.

What They’re Known For

Mott and Bow is all about premium essentials—especially denim—that look good, fit better, and last longer than your average fast-fashion pieces. But they still sit in that “attainable” price range. Not cheap, but definitely less than designer. 

The brand was founded by someone who grew up around denim manufacturing, so there’s this really personal focus on how each pair is made. It’s not just mass production with a logo slapped on top.

They eliminate the middlemen and handle everything in their own family-run facility, which, to be honest, shows in the quality. Although their jeans are the main attraction, they also produce t-shirts, sweatshirts, chinos, and other essential pieces for the wardrobe.

Ordering + Delivery

The website is easy to use, and the information about sizes is quite thorough. They offer advice on inseam options, stretch factor, rise, and even how to decide if you're in between sizes. I appreciated that real model photos, rather than just generic flat lays, gave you an idea of the fit.

It arrived surprisingly quickly. Even though I live abroad, my order arrived in less than a week. The packaging was simple but neat, with only the necessities and no extras.

First Impressions

The denim felt... different right out of the package. Not rigid. It's sturdy and sufficiently worn-in to feel immediately wearable, without being unduly soft. There were no strange chemical odours or indications of careless finishing, the stitching was tidy, and the wash appeared natural.

Every item appeared to have been handled with care, which is uncommon when you've experienced the unpredictable nature of online clothing orders.

What I Tried

I ended up trying four different pairs of jeans—two men’s, two women’s—to get a better feel for the range.

1. Allen Slim Straight (Women)

The Allen jeans stood out because they’re gray, which I don’t see often done well. Most gray denim looks flat or faded, but this had a subtle, worn-in feel. They sit a bit lower than I expected (2 inches below natural waist), but not enough to feel like a throwback to low-rise horrors.

They’ve got a slim straight cut—so they don’t cling, but they also don’t balloon out. What really worked for me was the stretch. Not jegging-stretchy, but just enough to move around comfortably without the waistband cutting in.

If you’re between sizes, I’d go with the snugger fit. They loosen slightly after wear. These would work well for someone who wants a tailored look without sacrificing comfort. The butt-lifting design? It’s subtle, but it’s there.

2. Jane High Rise Skinny (Women)

Out of all the ones I tried, this felt like the safest bet—the kind of fit most people would probably get along with. The Jane jeans are high-rise, skinny, and compressive in that way that hugs everything in without feeling suffocating. There's a heavier weight to the denim (12.8 oz), but they’re not stiff. Definitely feels like something you'd reach for year-round.

These have 35% stretch, which is a lot—but somehow they hold their shape even after a full day of wear. I didn’t need to adjust or yank them up once, which is rare for me in skinny jeans.

They’re flattering. That’s the word that kept coming to mind. Best for anyone who wants something form-fitting and clean, especially in that medium blue wash. I’d compare them to Madewell skinnies, but with better shape retention.

3. Mercer Slim (Men)

The Mercer jeans surprised me. They’re made from twill denim, so they’re not your classic blue jeans—they have a softer, smoother texture and come in shades like khaki. I’d wear these to work with a button-down, and no one would think I’m in jeans.

Fit-wise, these are slim but not tight. Great middle ground for someone who wants structure but doesn’t love skinny fits. They have 20% stretch, which is enough to make them comfortable for all-day wear—especially in warmer weather, since they’re also more breathable.

They’re described as a best-seller, and I get why. These would replace chinos or dressier pants for me. If you work in a casual office or need something a little more polished but still low-effort, these hit the mark.

4. Wooster Skinny (Men)

These are the jeans you throw on for everything—errands, lounging, grabbing coffee. They’ve got a heavy feel (13 oz), but the dynamic stretch tech makes them move like sweats. The light-to-medium blue wash is classic, and they’ve got that narrow fit without feeling like leggings.

Mott and Bow quality really shows in how these are made. Seams are solid. There’s no twisting or sagging after multiple wears. The Anti-Flatt-Butt thing they mention? I laughed at first, but… yeah, it does give a bit more shape back there.

They do run a bit snug, so if you don’t like a tight fit, size up. Otherwise, these are probably the best everyday jeans I’ve worn in a while.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Really accurate sizing info
• Multiple fit and rise options for different body types
• High-quality denim that feels durable
• Comfortable stretch that doesn’t lose shape
• Washes look authentic, not overdone
• Made in their own facility (better control)
• Prices make sense for the quality

Cons:

• Some styles run small—double check the sizing notes
• Limited color variety in certain fits
• Return policy is store credit only (no refunds)
• Not cheap—but not overpriced either

FAQs

Is Mott and Bow Sizing Accurate?

Mostly yes. They give good notes on how each style fits, and if something runs small, they usually mention it. Stick with your true size unless it says otherwise.

Do the Jeans Stretch Out?

They stretch enough to move with you, but they don’t bag out. The power stretch styles hold shape even after long wear days.

Is Mott and Bow Worth it?

If you’re someone who’s tired of bad denim fits or flimsy basics, yes. It’s not budget pricing, but the Mott and Bow quality is noticeably better than fast fashion—and easier to stomach than $200 designer pairs.

How does it Compare to Other Brands?

Compared to Levi’s, Mott and Bow jeans feel more tailored. Less off-the-rack. Against Everlane or Madewell, I’d say Mott & Bow leans a bit more structured and serious in the way they finish their products.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking to rebuild your denim lineup or just need one reliable pair that fits right, Mott and Bow is worth a try. I wouldn’t say it’s a revolution—but it’s definitely a fix for anyone fed up with inconsistent fits and disappointing fabric quality.

The pieces I tried felt like things I’d keep in rotation for years, not just a season. The brand doesn’t overpromise or get gimmicky. It’s just solid, well-made clothing that holds up, fits better, and quietly looks good.

So yeah—is Mott and Bow worth it? For most people who want fewer, better basics? I think so.