If there’s any wardrobe basic you want to get right, it’s your jeans. Good denim is the starting point to any look, whether you pair it with a crisp Oxford shirt for work or cool high-tops for the weekend. When it comes to shopping for jeans, there are four factors to pay attention to: the fit (think: skinny, slim, straight), rise on the waist (low to mid), rinse color (dark indigo to faded blue) and size (34 is the most common, although most guys wear the wrong size). This leads to our next point: Fit is really important.
Todd Snyder’s jeans are our top pick for slim fit jeans since they’re tailored but not too tight.
Todd Snyder
Unless you shop a certain brand and already know their fits, you’ll want to try on a few pairs—so look for easy returns—and it’s a good idea to take your final purchases to the tailor since not all brands let you customize the inseam length. (Some good brands that do, however, include DL1961 and Bonobos). Apart from those times when you want to deliberately stack the hem of your jeans, they should be long enough to just slightly break at the top of your shoes and graze the back of your heels.
Ahead, you’ll find the best jeans for men that consistently combine high-quality denim with impeccable fits, modern and sustainable design practices and versatile details. Even if you don’t see the rinse or rise you’re looking for, it’s worth returning to this list since the denim brands here constantly release new styles at a range of price points.
Best Skinny Jeans For Men
Frame
Swedish natives Erik Torstensson and Jens Grede founded Frame in 2012, designing modern, versatile denim with an emphasis on perfect fits. The brand sources premium materials for its jeans, which are handcrafted with sustainable practices. The selection of skinny fits is especially strong—the L’Homme Skinny in particular has a medium-density stretch for a comfortable wear that retains its shape and won’t get baggy.
Best Slim Jeans For Men
Todd Snyder
Menswear designer Todd Snyder makes jeans for the modern gentleman—think classic, refined with an American sporty vibe. The Slim Fit Stretch is a versatile pick—it combines vintage-inspired selvedge details (antique copper rivets, dark indigo rinses) with flexible stretch for a looser fit than a skinny that’s still tailored.
Best Straight-Leg Jeans For Men
DL1961
New-York-baed DL1961 denim is made with water-efficient and sustainably produced fibers—they shred old denim and post-consumer waste and weave it into new yarn with high-performance stretch. The Russell Slim Straight is a bestseller that’s relaxed through the seat and thigh, but straight from the knee to the ankle. The denim also has moisture-wicking properties, which makes it breathable and wearable all day.
Best Wide-Leg Jeans For Men
Levi’s
Every guy needs at least one pair of Levi’s in their wardrobe. The 550 is a comfortable classic, introduced in 1985, with extra room in the leg and throughout. It’s woven with stretch for easy movement and strikes the right balance between being loose yet ever-so-slightly tapered, which keeps the look stylish but not constricting.
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Best Bootcut Jeans For Men
Wrangler
If you want an authentic bootcut, go for the original: Wrangler’s Retro Relaxed Boot Jean is a modern take on the American heritage Western fit, with an updated mid-rise, relaxed fit through the seat and thigh, and a wide leg that fits over any boots—or rugged shoe (just not slender sneakers, which will be covered up by the hem).
Best Jeans For Men With Big Thighs
DSTLD
California-based DSTLD focuses on well-designed basics—jeans, especially. If you’ve got wide legs, the Athletic Taper Jeans have a roomier seat and thigh paired with a tailored leg for a refined finish. Also key: the indigo denim has subtle stretch and is treated with a resin rinse, which softens the fabric and pre-shrinks it for a perfect fit.
Best Tapered “Dad” Jeans
BDG
Best Affordable Jeans For Men
Amazon Essentials
For jeans under $50, you can’t beat Amazon Essentials. Don’t expect raw selvedge but the denim is durable and the fits are modern. This highly-rated slim pair has nearly 20,000 reviews, comes in multiple washes (plus inseam lengths) and sits below the waist, with a lean cut through the hip and thigh but just enough stretch for comfort.
Best Work-Appropriate Jeans For Men
Bonobos
Most tailored jeans are fine for work but what sets Bonobos apart is the diversity of fits and washes to suit your preferences, all in one e-shop. The Extra Stretch Travel Jean is good choice; the bestseller has classic details and comes in three distinct fits (Tailored, Slim and Athletic) as well a variety of inseam and denim shades, including black for a more sporty (and comfortable) version of your traditional black work pants.
In a fashion mishaps tournament bracket, wet socks easily make the finals (facing off against ripped pants). And unless you’re going for this very prestigious championship, waterproof shoes for men should be in your closet, ready to sub in at a moment’s notice. You want three main things out of […]
