Denim: the decades-lasting pattern that is great for nearly every occasion (unless dress pants are needed) and available in a catalog of styles.
If you’re looking to add more pairs to your drawer, our edit of the 17 best men’s jeans will keep you comfortable, cost-effective and clad in those classic cuts.
Not only are we flagging some of the best denim brands for men on your radar, but we hand-picked some of our favorite styles for you to shop for every fit preference: skinny, slim, straight-leg and more.
What’s more, some of these brands overlap with our go-to retailers for women’s jeans — which we listed for you to click and visit before shopping our top waitlist-inducing styles.
The style of jeans that most men wear varies on personal style, current fashion trends and purpose. However, there are some fits and styles that have been around for decades.
- Slim Fit: Not exactly skinny but far from baggy, this style of jean offers a more tailored look. It’s a great option for dressy and casual events.
- Regular Fit: Regular fit jeans are more relaxed throughout the leg. They offer comfort without going into the baggy territory and work well for casual and even professional settings.
- Straight Leg: Straight leg jeans are considered classic and have a consistent width from the hip to the ankle. It’s a fit that works on most body types.
- Skinny Fit: This form-fitting style offers a more streamlined look. Considered a modern fit, they are not always the most comfortable. However, there are plenty of brands that make men’s skinny jeans with stretch.
- Bootcut: As their name suggest, this style of jean has a slight opening at the leg that goes over boots. Fun fact: they were initially designed to wear over cowboy boots.
The quality of materials, construction and how well you care for your denim all impacts their durability. Raw denim, as well as those that are heavier do tend to last longer. However, how frequently you wear a pair of jeans also plays a role in how quickly they deteriorate.
Some brands that are known for their quality denim include:
This doesn’t mean that there aren’t other brands of jeans worth trying. J.Crew, Abercrombie, L.L.Bean and True Religion all make men’s jeans that are modern, stylish and should hold up if cared for properly.
Ahead, find the 17 men’s jeans that are bound to make your partner, brother, father, friend or yourself grin from ear to ear as he’s getting dressed (trust us, men we know IRL rave about these styles).
Click to visit some of our favorite retailers for men’s jeans: Abercrombie, Amazon, Ariat, Carhartt, Express, J.Crew, Levi’s, Mott & Bow, Target, Walmart, Wrangler
With more than 80,000 rave reviews (as well as the pair lending itself to be an Amazon best-seller), Levi’s 505 Regular-Fit Jeans made the cut — for having a universally loved perfect cut. Not only is the size and shade range the most generous we’ve seen but its 100% cotton make is a dream to wear all day (and night!) long.
Review: “I recently purchased the Levi’s 505 jeans and I must say, I’m delighted with my purchase! The color is fantastic and it fits me perfectly. I especially love the cut and fit of these jeans. They are comfortable and flattering, making them an excellent addition to my wardrobe. Overall, I am highly satisfied with my purchase.”
Much like Abercrombie’s jeans for women we reviewed and love, the brand’s skinny jeans for men are top-tier. This pair are a favorite because they’re designed with extra room in the thigh and hip, making them a must try if you’ve been building your quads at the gym. They’re available in 11 different washes, and have lengths running between 28 to 36.
Review: “Have purchased multiple colors over the years. Great style and pretty good quality.”
With an extensive variety of denim washes, you have many options with these slim-fit jeans for men. They’re not as comfortable as a straight or relaxed fit. However, they have some stretch for movability. Slightly distressed in the front and having the traditional five pocket style, they’re tailored enough for work or a night out.
Review: “Great fit and comfort. Please keep making these jeans. Glad to see in-between sizes like 31×34.”
If you’re looking for a relaxed fit that isn’t baggy or saggy, Musgy is the fit for you. Featuring fabric that feels like your favorite sweatpants, you’ll never feel frumpy or dumpy in these jeans. So rest assured, you’ll feel relaxed in the jeans, but you’ll look sharp.
Review: “Once you find your fit, Mugsys are consistently the same size. These are my style. I will be with them for a good while.”
Bootcut jeans aren’t just for the Western natives. The classic style is flattering on any style, adds a bit of classic country charm and looks great with sneakers. Plus, Ariat’s no-rub comfort inseam coupled with extra deep front pockets are nice touches.
Review: “My new favorite jeans. Very well made, comfortable and they move with me while I’m working.”
If you’re on the hunt for classic looking jeans that aren’t too tight or loose, look no further than this pair from Wrangler. They can be dressed up or down depending on what shirt you wear with them, and the straight leg opening covers the top of boots seamlessly. Available in four different washes and for under $50, you can grab one in each color!
Review: “These are my everyday jeans. They wear well and are comfortable.”
If you miss the days of skater jeans, you can have them back again with this pair from PacSUN. Their super baggy wide-leg fit is the epitome of comfortable and looks good with a pair of Vans, Converse — you know, the classics! The denim is soft and made from sustainably cotton, so you’ll be stylish and eco-conscious too. We’re not sure if they’re the best choice for work, but for your days off, they’ll do the trick.
Review: “Nice and baggy. Although, the waist is pretty big, so consider taking a size down.”
More than 22,000 happy customers on Amazon give these Lee jeans a five star rating. Who knows, maybe you will too. Softness and having a nice amount stretch are just two things people love about them. Here’s what we love: the extreme flex waistband and the classic fit! We can see this being a great pair of jeans for work, going out or just hanging around. Plus, they’re available in 15 different washes.
Made from a blend of cotton, CoolMax polyester, elastane and sustainable TENCEL lyocell, these jeans offer lots of stretch and softness. The CoolMax yarn is moisture-wicking, which is great for those of you who run hot, and the waistband has some flexibility, too.
Review: “Most comfortable jeans I have ever owned. They retain their shape while also being flexible, and they retain their color after dozens of washings. I now own three pairs and expect to buy more when they finally wear out.”
For less than $15, you can’t go wrong with Wrangler’s Rustler Regular-Fit Jeans — a best-seller at Walmart. Whether you’re looking to save some extra dollars or are on the hunt for that perfect knock-around pair, you’ll be impressed with their 100% cotton, relaxed fit.
These bestselling jeans have a touch of stretch and subtle whisking in the front. They sit slight above the hit and feature a dark denim wash that we find professional and elevated.
Grab these jeans while you can, because they’re going fast! It may be because they’re cut with extra room in the legs and calves for comfort or because they’re made with energy saving technology. Whatever the reason, we love them and think you will too. Available in eight different colors.
Review: “I love these jeans. Some of the most comfortable I’ve ever owned.”
These black jeans feature a heavier weight denim, making them ideal for fall and winter. They have a traditional five pocket style, look great with shoes or sneakers, and also come in a variety of other washes. A bestseller on Lee, almost 1,000 people give them a five star rating.
Review: “My husband loves the pants from Lee. Not too tight, not too loose — just right. Comfortable fit and ready to maneuver in. Great choice.”
Are they great for yard work? No, but white jeans have always had a je ne sais quoi that’s made them special. Although no one does the whole no white after Labor Day rule, we do like these best for summer or warmer climates when they can be paired with your most dapper sandals and a button-up. Made of organic cotton, they’re soft, sit mid-rise on the waist and have the Calvin Klein logo on the back.
Distressing your jeans the old fashion way takes time and nobody has time for that! That’s why we’re suggesting making things easier on yourself by going with the Levi’s Men’s 501 Original Fit Jeans. They’re available in more than a dozen colors, are made of 100% cotton and have more than 7,000 five star reviews on Amazon!
Review: “Great pair of jeans. Fits great and feels like they’re already broken in!”
At Levi’s, you can pick up the 511 Slim-Fit All Seasons Tech Pants for that denim-minded look that’s still great for the office. Paired with your trusty backpack or messenger bag (and some wireless earbuds for the commute) — you’ll be golden.
We didn’t know loose jeans could be flattering (truthfully, ratty, baggy styles come to mind), but not with Wrangler’s Five-Star Premium Carpenter Jean. The contrast-colored hem and detailing make it one of our favorites in this edit. And, they’re just shy of $30.
These bestselling jeans offer lots of stretch and have a curved waistband for extra comfort. They’re available in a variety of styles, including athletic, slim tapered and straight, and can be enjoyed in seven different colors. They’re also garment dyed and have a OKEO-TEX and FSC certified branded paper patch.
Review: “So far, these pants have exceeded my expectations for fit and quality. I normally wear 32/30, but am inching closer to a 33 inch waist. Because of the stretch in these pants, a 32 is perfect and makes them very comfortable! I will be doing a lot of traveling in the next few years and am confident these will be perfect and appropriate for most occasions!”
We love all the color options these slim fit jeans for men come in. However, we love that they’re made with reduced water use even more. Made at Everlane’s Hirdaramani Factory in Sri Lanka, the jeans have a functional five pocket style, a bit of stretch and are lightweight. Great for work and casual days.
Review: “Love the fit and the look. Best jeans ever. Love the color and the tapper at the ankle is perfect.”
These are the jeans we want to pack for business trips and other affairs where distressed denim isn’t appropriate but you still want to be comfortable. Stretchy and made with 78% cotton, the jeans almost look like classic work slacks but are an easier fit. Available in regular and tall, pair with a sweater or a men’s shirt and blazer.
Every guy needs at least one pair of ultra slouchy, lay-on-the-couch and do nothing jeans. These from Madewell are our pick. They give enough room in the hips and thighs without looking sloppy and are made from 100% cotton. Although we like them for home, they can definitely be enjoyed on the streets. Pair with a hoodie, your favorite kicks and you’ll be ready to go.
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