From their humble origin as literal workwear through to their transformation as a symbol of 20th century counter-culture; few items of men’s clothing illicit as many strong, varied opinions as the humble denim jean. Bearing that in mind, we’ve cobbled together a list of what we like to think of as the best men’s jeans money can buy – covering off a mixture of cuts and budgets, of which (hopefully) at least one will be your new go-to.
Denim’s egalitarian and world-spanning heritage mean that there’s lots to comb through, but – before you do anything else – it’s good to bear a few cardinal truths in mind. First up: unless you’re in the habit of cosplaying as a mad lad from the late 2000s, ditch the notorious sprayed-on skinny jean. With denim prices being what they are, it’s imperative to buy a classic cut with a more forgiving fit. In a pinch? It’s difficult to go wrong with something in the vein of a Levi’s 502: think medium rise, straight through the thighs and a gradually slim taper.
Ticked off all the basics? Then scroll through our hitlist of the best jeans for men below. And remember: it’s not all $500 selvedge from Okayama. From workaday styles to the ultimate in archival reproductions, there’s pairs to spare if you’re in the market for a new pair of jeans. Let’s jump in.
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Best Jeans For Men
Nudie Jeans
A popular pick around the Boss Hunting office and previous feature in our “Brands You Need To Know” series, Nudie Jeans is all about a holistic approach to denim. From the word ‘go, the Swedish label encourages you to really live in your jeans; with free repairs for life and the option to recycle and trade up into newer collections.
A.P.C.
A now-ubiquitous fashion label renowned for its minimalistic Parisian staples, A.P.C. (‘Atelier de Production et de Création’) sits comfortably in the sweet spot between a capital-F fashion house and cult streetwear brand. Known for helping to popularise crunchy Japanese selvedge, they’re often synonymous with the ‘New Standard’ cut – a straight-leg mid-rise style, which if you’re between sizes we’d recommend sizing up on.
Uniqlo
Reputed for making some of the best high street basics at an affordable budget, Uniqlo’s denim offering is an embarrassment of riches when you consider its sub-$100 price point. Manufactured with just the tiniest bit of stretch for additional comfort, these slim fit jeans are the product of Uniqlo’s partnership with Kaihara Mills – the latter of whom have been making legendary Japanese selvedge denim since the early 1950s.
Rag & Bone
Founded by a pair of British expats in New York, Rag & Bone was, for many menswear nerds, the gateway drug to expensive leather motos and raw denim. Even years on, the label’s ‘Fit 2’ jean – tailored through the seat with a narrow leg opening – remains a certified best-seller – made for the everyday in a versatile 10 oz. Japanese denim.
Levi’s
The certified OG when it comes to American blue jeans, Levi’s has been crafting denim since 1873 – when the eponymous founder crafted the world’s first slice of indigo workwear. Even with multiple diffusion brands and dozens of models under its belt, when you shout “Levi’s” most people will follow with a name-drop of the 501s.
A classic straight-leg jean with a higher rise, it’s a great cut that caters to a surprisingly wide audience. So whether you’re part of the sportcoat and button-down crowd, or prefer Converses and faded tour tees, the 501 is the kind of jean that will never let you down.
Anglo-Italian
Although the conventional wisdom amongst denim heads suggests one should always endeavour to buy raw denim, London menswear stalwart Anglo-Italian runs headlong in the opposite direction with its comfortable and raffish ‘AIC’ denim range. Bleached in the shop’s own array of classic custom washes, this is denim fit for a Riviera-dominating Italian industrialist. Cut with a medium-to-high rise and a lower leg that tapers gently, it’s the sort of model that looks good under a tee – but even with tailoring.
Acne Studios
Originally founded in 1996 as part of the wider ACNE creative collective, Stockholm label Acne Studios has since gone on to become a favourite of fashion insiders all around the globe. Founder and Creative Director Jonny Johansson first popularised the brand with his now-legendary ‘100 pairs’ of red-stitched jeans (given to family and friends). Since then, denim has remained a core pillar of the business, with styles like the tapered ‘1996’ evoking the heady days of pre-millennial Scandi cool.
orSlow
The brainchild of legendary workwear designer Ichiro Nakatsu, orSlow is yet another label in the canon of Japanese heritage brands dedicated to resurrecting (and improving) archival clothing. The ‘107 Ivy League’ has been a bestseller since Orslow’s inception – modelled closely by Nakatsu after a pair of vintage Levi’s 505s pulled from the designer’s personal archive. Crafted using 13 oz. ‘white line’ selvedge, these are a beautiful and sturdy way to wear denim that are guaranteed to get better with time.
Momotaro
One of the most widely known diffusion labels under the Japan Blue umbrella, Momotaro is premium maker of denim jeans that needs little introduction. Washed on the shores of Okayama using ocean water (seriously), and cut from the brand’s heavy-duty 15. oz sanforized denim, the ‘0705SP’ model is possibly the last pair of jeans you’ll ever buy – at least, out of necessity.
Tellason
Another cult-y workwear label hailing from America’s West Coast, the long time friends and founding duo behind Tellason aim to produce only the hardiest of denim jeans for men. Their jeans are created in a hefty pre-shrunk selvedge, giving you a product that is – at least by the standards of the denim world – relatively low-maintenance. Suitable for those who favour a slim jean with a tapered leg.
Our Legacy
One to consider if you’re interested in adopting a more fashion-forward approach to jeans for men, Swedish label Our Legacy has really come into its own over the years: doubling down on styling that combines the best of alt culture and a looser, more relaxed approach to building silhouettes.
The brand’s ‘Third Cut’ features a higher rise and is wide through the leg – not quite descending into bellbottom territory but giving you an ounce of loosey-goosey energy that works well with printed shirts, silky tees and other pieces you may own with a vaguely maximalist aesthetic.
Outerknown
Another prior feature from our “Brands You Need To Know” series, Outerknown comes courtesy of pro surfer Kelly Slater and has a major focus on sustainability. The denim and production for the brand’s jeans are socially conscious at every level, passing all the way from Milan to Vietnam at the highest possible standard. They’re also offered with a lifetime guarantee and the option to up-cycle – in the unlikely circumstance that you get sick of them.
3sixteen
With locations on both America’s East and West Coast, 3sixteen has been serving U.S. denim enthusiasts for the better half of a decade. Co-founder Andrew Chen – who’s something of a guru in the denim hunting community – prides himself on the brand’s unique relationship with mills, suppliers and its various manufacturing partners – something that comes across in the SL-100x, 3sixteen’s incarnation of the slim but straight-legged selvedge denim.
Available with (optional) chain stitching, the ‘Indigo’ SL-100x showcases the brand’s classic, navy denim. Woven in Japan exclusively for 3sixteen by Kuroki Mills, it’s everything one loves about raw selvedge (the rare fades, crispy exterior and propensity for individual character) without an agonising break-in period. This is because the inside of the fabric – the result of a unique denim weaving process in Okayama – possesses an extremely soft hand, meaning that the SL-100x is easier to wear than your average store-bought selvedge.
FAQs
What type of jeans should a 60 year old man wear? ›
Relaxed and Roomy – But Not Sloppy – Jeans
For a fit that offers slightly more room from hip to leg opening, a relaxed straight leg jean is the perfect option. A relaxed straight leg style is a great pair of jeans for older men that are looking for a pair with more freedom to move and crave a roomier fit.
1. Levi's. Many people's initial choice is Levi's, the world's best-selling jeans brand. Levi's is the brand that is credited for popularising blue jeans in the twentieth century.
What are the best jeans for a 50 year old man? ›A straight jean with a medium rise works for all
For a contemporary silhouette that's still comfy, you should be able to grab an inch or an inch and a half of excess fabric at the back of your thigh. Choose a soft cotton blend in a medium-weight denim with 2 percent spandex.
Stick To The Classics
Leave the trends to the younger guys and embrace the distinguished style that you can pull off. For example, some classic items that should be the foundation of your wardrobe are: suits/blazers, oxfords, dress boots, chinos, Harrington, bomber or standing collared jackets, and polo shirts.
Baggy jeans
If your office allows a more laid back look — or even if they just have casual Fridays— jeans may be your go-to pant. However, if your jeans hang off of your figure, leaving them too loose, it can make you look older than you are. Not to mention, you will appear less professional overall.
Answer: yes! While teenage trends may be in the rearview mirror, it's full throttle ahead for the slimmest silhouette of all: the skinny jean. As you age, the confidence you've gained in honing in on your favorite fits and styles is the perfect catalyst to try something new.
What men's jeans are in style 2023? ›- 01 of 07. Two-toned denim. ...
- 02 of 07. Baggy silhouettes. ...
- 03 of 07. Puddle pants. ...
- 04 of 07. Patchwork denim. ...
- 05 of 07. Double denim. ...
- 06 of 07. Cargo denim. ...
- 07 of 07. Denim lingerie.
The most popular styles in 2022 include straight leg, bootcut, flare, wide leg and oversized jeans, according to the stylists we spoke to and our research on the market. To gauge what works best for you, try a few styles to see what suits you.
What is high quality denim called? ›'Selvedge' is the name for the higher-quality, harder-to-produce type of denim that is typically sold and worn unwashed. You can spot it on the cuffs of jeans. The selvedge in denim is usually white and often has a coloured yarn in the middle.
What is high quality denim? ›Quality jeans are made from a stronger, heavier weight of denim. They should not only look luxurious but feel luxurious, too. So get your hands on the fabric when shopping. Generally speaking, apart from summer jeans, lightweight denim (i.e. anything below 12-ounces) may equate to a lower quality.
Which is the No 1 jeans brand in the world 2022? ›
Levi's 501
Levi's is one of the only brands that should be in every dude's closet. After almost 170 years, the brand has made jeans into a must-have piece of clothing and maintained its spot as the number one denim supplier in the world.
It's not about age; it's all about the fit when it comes to wearing skinny jeans. You just need to adjust the style to your changing body shape. To get the correct fit, look at the waist rise, the upper leg, and the lower leg. Use this combination and you will get the perfect pair of jeans every time.
Should over 60 wear ripped jeans? ›You don't have to ever stop wearing ripped jeans. You can wear ripped jeans over 50, ripped jeans over 60, and even ripped jeans over 70 – you just need to be aware of the number of rips. Make sure you look appropriate for your age and that you're not trying to look 20 or 30 years young!
Who is the most popular in new jeans? ›1) Hanni - Hype Boy (1.32 million views)
Reigning as the most viewed NewJeans' fancam, Hanni's Hype Boy version is a massive hit among fans.
Levi's jeans are made with high-quality materials and offer a wide range of colours and washes. Besides a wide variety of jeans, the brand also offers different tops, dresses, jackets, and other accessories. The jeans are of excellent quality and long-lasting.
What jeans do most celebrities wear? ›- Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara Boyfriend Jeans. ...
- Moussy Vintage Ankle Jeans. ...
- & Other Stories Favourite Cut Jeans. ...
- Eytys Indigo Titan Jeans. ...
- Citizens of Humanity Eva Relaxed Baggy. ...
- Khaite Danielle Jeans. ...
- Frame High Rise Skinny Cigarette. ...
- Frame Baggy Pant.
- Badly Fitting Clothes. One of the fastest ways to age yourself is slipping into a pair of baggy bootcut jeans paired with a skintight beer-belly hugging polo shirt. ...
- Too Much Black. Wearing too much black can make you look way older than you are. ...
- Too Young Is Too Much.
To keep your skin from adding years to your looks, wear sunscreen, moisturizer, and lip balm daily. Retinoids can help you slough off old skin cells. You can find them in many over-the-counter products or get a stronger version by prescription from a dermatologist.
What color do seniors see best? ›Vision problems, particularly yellowing of the lens, can also impair how soft pastels are perceived by elderly people. Blue is the number one preferred color by all age groups and all genders and all ethnicities. Navy blue, sky blue, and aquamarine are particular favorites of seniors.
What not to wear to look old? ›Too many soft, delicate colors. Our skin tone fades as we get older, so wearing softer shades can be more flattering. But be aware that wearing too many pastels will make you look older. If you want to wear light colors from head to toe, opt for pale neutrals like nude, ivory, light gray, or beige.
What clothes to avoid after 50? ›
What clothes should you not wear over 50? Most fashion gurus advise over 50s to steer clear of unflattering choices such as old-fashioned, calf-length skirts, fleeces and elasticated waistbands unless you're perfecting the right tuck for your top.
What clothes make you look younger than your age? ›- Fleecey Jackets have to go, or just wear them for walking the dog.
- Replace your old fleeceys with statement knits and fashionable chunky cardigans.
- Wear the jeans – they shout 'youth' and 'energy'.
- White sneakers always look youthful.
- Wear the right fitting bra.
- Floor-length floral printed dresses.
- Muumuus (unless they are for lounging around the house)
- Long (ankle length), unstructured, A-line skirts.
- Elastic-waist pants that make everyone look like a balloon.
- Unstructured pants and suits.
- Large, oversized t-shirts.
En español | EAre you ever too old to wear jeans? That question has been popping up on social media lately, so let's shout out a firm "No!" Choose jeans with the right fit, fabric, wash and proportions for your body, and then wear them in a contemporary way that suits your style and preferences.
What should men stop wearing after 40? ›Additional types of t-shirts to avoid include henleys and deep v-neck t-shirts. They just aren't the right look for an older guy. Stick to polos and well-fitting crewneck t-shirts. On the denim side of things, jeans that are light-wash, or ripped and distressed fall into the same category, they just look too young.
Are skinny jeans out of style 2023? ›Jean Trend 2023: Not-Last-Season's Skinny Jeans
Wherever you stand on the subject of skinny jeans, we can say with certainty that they're not going anywhere anytime soon.
Although skinny jeans aren't totally trending (yet), L'OFFICIEL makes an argument for digging out that long-forgotten denim look with new styling tricks that just might change your outlook on the slim silhouette. In 2022, celebrities and fashion influencers have certainly found better ways to wear their skinny jeans.
Are colored jeans out of style? ›And as maximalism continues to prevail — quite fervently, too — and inspire the fashion set to stray from the status quo, the colorful jeans trend will undeniably be ubiquitous throughout 2022 as well.
Are wide leg jeans in style 2023? ›However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Wide-leg jeans and their 1970s vibe are again a force of nature—and they're at the top of our shopping lists for 2023.
Are bootcut jeans in style 2023? ›What is this? Among the 2023 jeans trends, the good old slim bootcut jeans is back.
What jeans never go out of style? ›
One type of jeans that never goes out of style is skinny jeans. Be it summer, winter, rain or spring, with this type of jeans, one can never go wrong. As the name suggests, skinny jeans are a perfectly fitted pair of denims that are not only comfortable but also super stretchable.
What are the most fashionable jeans 2022? ›Luckily, in 2022, we're not seeing too much statement detailing, patchwork embroidery or the like. Instead, straight-legs, slightly faded blue denim styles and looser banana-leg jeans reign supreme. Basically, anything that's classic and really great fitting. Perfect.
What is the current Jean Style 2022? ›Per Dia & Co.'s statistics, the three trendiest styles of jeans in the United States are cargo jeans, baggy jeans, and bootcut jeans, while the three most popular fits are straight-leg jeans, mom jeans, and flare jeans.
What is considered premium denim? ›3 Things that define Premium Denim
-Fabric: Always made in US and created exclusively from Japanese, Turkish or Italian Denim. -Quality: They have hand finished washes with more detail.
Dyneema® is currently being used to moor oil rigs, lift buildings, repair humans or stop bullets. El Solitario is using Dyneema® to make the world's smartest denim. Strongest than leather, Dyneema® is also soft, light and thermally conductive – keeping your skin cool in the warmest conditions.
Which denim color is best? ›Dark Indigo
It's the most versatile and can be worn dressed up with something like a blazer and loafers or with everything casual like sneakers and a t-shirt. If you work in a business casual office dark indigo jeans are a great alternative to chinos on casual days.
Expensive jeans are often made from cotton that is softer and more pliable or will become so after several wears after you break them in. They also tend to have a more natural, more flattering drape, and some examples can even partially mold to your body shape.
What is Oprah's favorite jeans? ›Oprah loves NYDJ jeans and Amazon has them on sale.
Who sells the most jeans in the US? ›Levi Strauss, who reported over 4.45 billion U.S. dollars in sales in 2020, has the largest brand share of the jeans market. Eighty-seven percent of Levi Strauss's sales were made through the company's Levi's brand in 2019.
What is the most popular jeans right now? ›The most popular styles in 2022 include straight leg, bootcut, flare, wide leg and oversized jeans, according to the stylists we spoke to and our research on the market.
Are Levi jeans worth it? ›
As a specialist denim brand, Levi's price points are higher than some straight-to-market collections but the quality of the cuts and denim make them worth it if your budget can stretch.
What jeans to wear if you have a belly? ›Simply put, high-rise jeans help you hide belly fat by covering and smoothing the area. Wide Leg: In response to the skinny jeans phenomenon, wide-leg styles have become more popular as a way to offer something different.
Is it better to get tighter or looser jeans? ›Ideally, your waistband should fit tightly enough that you don't need a belt, but not so tight that it feels constricting. For raw denim this means you can fit maybe two fingers into the waistband, but for stretchier styles that number goes up a bit to maybe four.
What kind of jeans should a 40 year old man wear? ›Yes, men over 40 can and should wear jeans. Just make sure they're slim-straight and tapered (not skinny or relaxed) and don't have any rips or overt distressing.
What style of jeans is popular now men? ›Cropped and pinrolled jeans are still prevalent in modern menswear. So much so, in fact, that's it's easy to forget there was ever a different, lengthier way of doing things. But there was, and in 2021 it's set for a comeback.
What type of jeans are trending now? ›- Denim Trend 2023: Pleated Trousers.
- Denim Trend 2023: Ankle-Cropped Jeans.
- Denim Trend 2023: Bootcut Flares.
- Denim Trend 2023: Cargo Jeans.
- Denim Trend 2023: Tapered-Leg Jeans.
- Denim Trend 2023: Low-Rise Jeans.
- Denim Trend 2023: Pooling Wide-Leg Jeans.
The main difference between the two product lines lies in their styling, with Wrangler favoring a workwear aesthetic, whereas Levi's are known for their tailored, fashionable fit.
What is so special about 501 Levi's? ›It began with a patent back in 1873. A way to add rivets to denim work pants, making them more durable for a tough day in the mines. These work pants are what we now call blue jeans, 501® Originals. They're still tough.
Is it better to size up or down in Levis? ›For those who want to machine wash and dry the jeans, we recommend sizing up. For your waist, increase 1" for sizes 27"-36", 2" for 38"-48", and 3" for 50" and up. And for your inseam, increase 3" for sizes 27"-34" and 4" for 36" and up. For purists who like their denim unwashed, no need to size up.