The Best Denim Jeans For Men
A great pair of denim jeans can match with almost any outfit you can imagine. Thanks to their durability and versatility, they've been a classic staple of most men's wardrobes for decades. That's because, throughout the years, denim jeans have changed with the times. This constant state of evolution has created a wide array of cuts, fits, washes, and styles. With so many choices on the market, it can be difficult to pick the best pair for you. In this piece, we've assembled our top picks for the best denim jeans around.
What To Look For
We used three main qualities as guiding principles while choosing the best denim jeans on the market: durability, comfort, and style. Any pair of jeans looking to make its way into your daily wardrobe rotation should pass with flying colors on all three of those fronts. The pair that most soundly succeeded our expectations was Levi’s 559 relaxed straight jeans. With a heavy-duty denim construction and roomy straight-leg design, this pick does everything an excellent pair of jeans should do and then some. If you’re looking for something a little closer to high fashion, we love the Easy Guy jeans from Naked & Famous. These jeans utilize high-end Japanese selvedge denim to create a stylish and dependable look that’ll stay fresh after multiple wears and washes. Read on to discover more about the rest of our top picks.
Levi’s 559 Relaxed Straight Jeans
Classic cut
Any list outlining the best jeans on the market would be amiss without including an offering from Levi’s. The venerated denim company’s 559 jeans are the high-water mark when it comes to affordable denim for a reason. With a tried and true five-pocket design and 100% denim cotton fabric, these jeans are classic in every sense of the word. The 559s also have a slightly raised waistline in the back to promote fuller coverage.
Pros:
- Unlike other brands that face issues with inconsistent sizing, Levi’s 559s sizing is almost always true to form.
- We appreciate that Levi’s offers the 559s in a wide variety of sizes and washes, including big and tall size options.
Cons:
- Despite the “relaxed” branding, this item might be a little snugger than expected for those in need of baggy jeans.
Lucky Brand 221 Straight Jeans
Slick and stylish
Lucky Brand has earned its esteemed position in the blue jeans hall of fame through decades of making dependable, stylish pants. These 221 straight jeans are an excellent example of why Lucky Brand is still an industry leader when it comes to denim. The mid-rise waist and straight-leg cut make for an elegantly understated look that’s sure to become a mainstay in your wardrobe. We also appreciate the minor addition of polyester and elastane to the fabric blend that gives these jeans a bit of flexibility and softness.
Pros:
- The 221s are available in a bevy of fashionable washes and colors.
- With these jeans, Lucky Brand strikes a desirable midway point between softness and durability.
Cons:
- Folks with shorter legs might need to cuff these, as they tend to run a bit longer than some of their competitors.
Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Regular Fit Jeans
Save on cost, not comfort
It’s jeans like these that remind us that you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get high-quality denim. Through its “Signature” line, Levi Strauss and Co. has been providing the public with affordably priced jeans for decades, and these Gold Label regular-fit jeans are no exception. These jeans use a flex denim fabric blend that offers a bit more give than traditional denim, making them an ideal choice for everyday wear. And at half the price of many of its competitors, we can’t recommend these jeans enough.
Pros:
- We really appreciate the classic straight-leg cut that leaves enough room for work or casual wear.
- The flex denim fabric is durable and promotes maneuverability.
Cons:
- The darker color options might bleed in the wash a bit.
Levi’s 501 Shrink-To-Fit Jeans
For your legs only
Unlike most jeans, “shrink-to-fit” jeans are not pre-shrunk in the factory. This gives you the opportunity to wear them out of the box, let them form to your body, and then shrink them in the wash to keep their newly-personalized shape. Out of all the shrink-to-fit jeans on the market, our favorite was easily Levi’s 501s. These jeans might feel a little rough out of the box, but after you spend a little time living in them, we’re sure you’ll be pleased with the form-fitting end result.
Pros:
- The button fly eliminates the potential for zipper jams.
- Aside from the quality of the material and the chic look, we’re also drawn to the bespoke nature of these jeans. Being able to mold your jeans to your specific body type is a pretty tempting proposition.
Cons:
- While we do appreciate the shrink-to-fit ethos, it might take a little more time and effort than some consumers are willing to give.
Naked & Famous Easy Guy Jean
If you’re in the market for a pair of denim jeans that’ll have you feeling straight off the runway, look no further than Naked & Famous’s Easy Guy jeans. Effortlessly stylish, this pair utilizes top-notch Japanese selvedge denim that’s both trendy and durable. The tapered-leg cut is a hip design touch that’s sure to complement any number of shirts already in your wardrobe. The asking price is a bit higher than many of its competitors, but you can’t argue with the quality on display here.
Pros:
- The Japanese selvedge denim has a streaky look that stands out from the pack. Plus, the material tends to look better as time goes on, taking on a distinct look unique to its wearer.
- The Naked & Famous logo patch is featured prominently on the back waistline.
Cons:
- These jeans require somewhat of a lengthy “break-in” period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does denim stretch over time?
After multiple wears, denim jeans can stretch up to one and a half inches. However, they’ll usually shrink back down to their original size after a cycle in the wash.
How long does a pair of denim jeans last?
This ultimately depends on how well you take care of your jeans, but on average, a pair of denim jeans has a lifespan of about two to three years.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.