The Best Jeans For Men
Denim jeans are no newcomer in the world of pants, but their versatile, everyday design has made them a staple across the world. Though most of us probably have a pair or two of old knackered jeans taking up space in our closets, you might be surprised at how good you could look in a well-fitting and stylish new pair of jeans. Whether you're searching for the iconic blue-washed look or something a little less conventional, we've curated this diverse selection to help you find your new favorite pair.
What to Look For
Whether you’re a discerning denim connoisseur or not, there are a few things to keep in mind during your search for the perfect pair: the denim composition, fly style, and fit. Our favorite jeans overall are the archetypal 501s from Levi’s. These iconic jeans have been produced with few variations for over a century, so if you’re looking for a dependable classic, they won’t disappoint. A good pair of jeans doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, though, so if you’re searching for a bargain, you won’t want to miss the option from Wrangler Authentics. Read on below to check out the rest of our top picks from the world of denim.
Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans
The archetype
Levi Strauss and Co. has been leading the charge in denim design ever since its eponymous founder opened his first trading business in San Fransisco almost two centuries ago. It’s no wonder, then, that these guys know a thing or two when it comes to fabricating a pair of jeans. The 501s are a timeless classic, loved worldwide for their rugged durability and practical comfort. Grab yourself a pair and they’re sure to become a familiar companion for years to come.
Pros:
- This 100-percent cotton denim is incredibly hardy. With no synthetic fabrics in sight, it’s also especially kind to sensitive skin.
- The fit leaves you room to flex and move inside, and offers a versatile look that’s equally suited to casual or semi-smart getups.
- We love the wide variety of color washes on offer here. With several takes on the classic blue denim as well as assorted unorthodox hues, there’s plenty to choose from.
Cons:
- Zipper purists might be put off by the button flies on these traditional jeans.
Wrangler Authentics Classic 5-Pocket Relaxed Fit Flex Jeans
Cheap and cheerful
For generations, jeans have served people from all walks of life as an everyday staple garment. Given their ubiquity, you might assume it shouldn’t be challenging to find a cheap pair without cutting corners, but if you’re not careful, you could end up with running dye, frays, tears, and an uncomfortable fit. This reliable pair from Wrangler Authentics comes at a great price without compromising on the essentials, leaving you with a few bucks to spare for the rest of your outfit.
Pros:
- This denim is predominantly spun from cotton, but the subtle blend of 2% spandex offers a little more stretch.
- We appreciate how much room for storage these jeans offer as a result of the classic five-pocket design.
- Thanks to the heavy-duty brass zipper and buttons, you won’t have to worry about getting caught with your pants down.
Cons:
- This denim is thinner than most of the jeans we found, which has its benefits and drawbacks. It means you won’t overheat as quickly in warm weather, but the jeans won’t insulate you as well in cold weather.
Naked & Famous Weird Guy Midrise Tapered-Leg Jeans
Top of the range
Good jeans should last for years to come. If you’re planning to get a lot of use out of them in the meantime, why not treat yourself and invest a little more in a high-quality pair? These showstoppers from Naked & Famous make few design compromises, and boy, do they look good as a result. Made from the finest raw Japanese selvedge denim, they’ll shape and fade to the contours of your body each time you wear them, resulting in a truly unique fit and feel.
Pros:
- Most waistline accessories will easily fit through these extra-wide belt loops.
- These spacious frontal pockets will comfortably fit even the largest smartphones.
Cons:
- Raw denim requires a little more love than treated alternatives.
Levi’s 511 Slim Fit Jeans
Svelte suave
Though the days when skinny-jean-wearing posses would roam the streets are gone, if you’re for a slightly snugger fit than what’s offered by a regular pair, you’re not alone. And if you also demand unparalleled durability and comfort from your pants, there are few better designers to turn to than Levi’s. The slim 511s have snug ankle openings and sit just below the waist for a close fit that pairs effortlessly with outfits across the board.
Pros:
- Levi’s stretch fabric blends a touch of elastane with their cotton denim to offer maximum flexibility with this closer fit.
- The high-quality hardware on these jeans will last quite a while. For example, the zipper is top-notch.
Cons:
- This denim isn’t as breathable as some. This makes these jeans great insulators, but they can get a little stifling when temperatures rise.
The Unbranded Brand UB201 Tapered Indigo Selvedge Jean
Rough and ready
If you’re a fan of the worn denim look, opting for selvedge denim will lead to beautiful bespoke detailing when compared to pre-worn and dyed alternatives. This high-quality raw denim is sold unwashed so that it molds to the shape of your figure during wear. The result is a unique wearing experience akin to the traditional workwear application of hardy denim.
Pros:
- The Unbranded brand pride itself on the omission of logos and branding, so if you like to rock a clean aesthetic, this could be the pair for you.
- These spacious back pockets offer more room than most at the rear.
Cons:
- We miss the lack of color choices with this option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I wash my denim for the best results?
As with all wardrobe acquisitions, we suggest reading the label before throwing your new jeans in with a regular wash. Most washing machines include spin cycles specific for cotton or denim, which tends to prefer cooler temperatures than other hardier fabrics. We advise washing new jeans alone after the first few wears, as some denim dyes are prone to running.
Why does the true waistline measurement of my jeans not match the measurement on the label?
If you find that your new jeans don’t fit as expected, you might be surprised to learn that some styles of jeans might be concealing a few extra inches at the waist. Though this is sometimes due to poor quality control, there are also practical reasons for this. For example, if your jeans are designed to sit low at the waist, they will generally be designed with a few extra inches at the waist to accommodate your hips.
About the Author
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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.