The Best Jeans For Men To Wear Right Now

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Kari Molvar Forbes Staff Forbes Vetted Contributor Group Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. May 30, 2023, 06:11pm EDT | Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin There are few things as all-American to the modern man than a great pair of jeans. Versatile enough to be worn everyday, the best jeans for men are classic, comfortable and stylish.

If you’re ready to refresh your current wardrobe, we talked to stylists and menswear experts to find the pairs that consistently top their list. Here, we’re sharing all of the top recommendations. The best men’s jeans are made to fit a variety of body types and style situations.

ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS For the best pair overall, Todd Snyder’s Slim Fit Stretch Jean came out on top—the American menswear designer’s jeans are classic, rugged, extremely comfortable and built to last. For an affordable option, Levi’s is the reliable favorite; the 511 jeans cost just $70 (or less) on Amazon. If you’re looking for a pair to wear to work, you can’t go wrong with Bonobos’s Premium 4-Way Stretch Jeans , which come in dark rinses and look equally great with a button-down or your favorite tee shirt.

Read on for all our expert-recommended picks. Best Men’s Jeans Overall: Todd Snyder Slim Fit Stretch Jean Best Value Men’s Jeans: Levi’s 511 Jeans Best Men’s Stretch Jeans: Bonobos Premium 4-Way Stretch Jeans Best Men’s Straight-Leg Jeans: AG Everett Slim Straight Leg Jeans Best Men’s Slim-Fit Jeans : Madewell Athletic Slim Jeans Best Men’s Jeans For Athletic Builds : Duer Performance Denim Slim Best Men’s Relaxed-Fit Jeans: Everlane The Relaxed 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean Best Men’s Bootcut Jeans: Wrangler Authentics Men’s Relaxed Fit Boot Cut Jean Best Men’s Work Jeans: Todd Snyder Slim Fit Selvedge Jean Best Men’s Black Jeans: Banana Republic Slim Luxe Traveler Black Jean Best Men’s Designer Jeans: Rag And Bone Fit 2 Action Loopback Jeans Best Men’s Jeans Overall Todd Snyder: A Wide Selection Of Colors, And A Perfect Fit MOST POPULAR Todd Snyder Todd Snyder Slim Fit Stretch Jean Buy From Todd Snyder Waist sizes: 28-38 | Inseam lengths: 30-34 | Leg opening: 14 inches | Style: Slim fit | Material: 85% cotton, 13. 5% polyester, 1.

5% elastane For all around perfect jean, Todd Snyder is the way to go, says Turner Allen, founder and lead stylist of Style Turner . “Their robust denim selection features lots of different washes and fits to suit almost anyone’s preferences, from novice to expert. ” This particular jean features a modern, flattering slim fit with the comfort of stretch.

It also comes in seven different washes, from a dressier indigo rinse to a weekend-friendly destroyed wash. Best Value Men’s Jeans Levi’s: Affordable Denim From An Iconic Brand Levi’s Levi’s 511 Jeans Waist sizes: 26-42 | Inseam lengths: 29-36| Leg opening: 14. 5 inces | Style: Slim fit | Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane Having a pair of Levi’s as part of your denim collection is kind of a necessity, especially given that denim jeans were invented by Levi Strauss himself in 1873.

While the straight leg 501s are a classic, this 511s are a slimmer mid-rise. These have the tiniest bit of stretch, which offers give and allows for movement but won’t compromise structure after hours of wear. Best Men’s Stretch Jeans Bonobos: Great Movement And Comfort Bonobos Bonobos Premium 4-Way Stretch Jeans Buy From Bonobos Waist sizes: 28-46 | Inseam lengths: 28-36 | Style: Slim taper, slim, athletic, straight | Material: 94% cotton, 4% PBT, 2% elastane This versatile jean has a zip fly and five-pocket styling, and it comes in four different fits, so you’re likely to find one that works for you.

“The slim style has a slim straight leg and is extremely flattering on a guy with a more narrow frame,” says Megan Collins, founder of the men’s styling agency Style Girlfriend . “While blue is the most popular, it comes in other go-with-everything colorways. ” Best Men’s Straight-Leg Jeans AG: Classic And Supremely Soft Nordstrom AG Everett Slim Straight Leg Jeans Waist sizes: 29-44 | Inseam lengths: 32-34 | Leg opening: 15 inches | Style: Slim straight | Material: 93% cotton, 6% polyester, 1% elastane California brand AG Jeans has mastered California-cool-meets-comfort, and this pair is a prime example.

The Everett jean offers the elegance of a tailored silhouette with a comfortable fit through the seat and thighs—so basically, they’re versatile enough to work for everything from dinners out to watching Sunday football on the couch. Even better, this denim has been vigorously sanded to achieve peak softness. Best Slim-Fit Men’s Jeans Madewell: Narrow And Polished Madewell Madewell Athletic Slim Jean Waist Sizes: 28-44 | Inseam Lengths: 30-34 | Leg opening: 14 inches | Style: Slim | Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane Madewell’s denim is hard-wearing and made to last without costing a fortune.

This fitted-through-the-hip-and-thigh style is a standout, constructed from the brand’s “Authentic Flex” denim, which gives it a rigid, structured appearance along with stretchy comfort. The Stratfield wash has a polished-yet-slightly-broken in patina. Best Men’s Jeans For Athletic Builds Duer: Denim That’s Super Stretchy And Lightweight DUER Duer Performance Denim Slim Waist Sizes: 28-40 | Inseam Lengths: 30-34 | Style: Slim | Material: 70% cotton, 28% recycled polyester, 2% Lycra spandex Originally launched in 2015, Vancouver-based lifestyle brand Duer creates denim from plant-based or recycled fibers.

This technical pair is supremely stretchy yet still maintains a heritage denim appearance—meaning, it doesn’t look thin and the fabric is resilient. It’s also moisture-wicking and is treated with silver ions to help neutralize odor, so you could ride your bike to work in these and go straight into a board meeting. Best Men’s Relaxed-Fit Jeans Everlane: Denim That’s Already Broken In Everlane Everlane The Relaxed 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean Buy From Everlane Waist Sizes: 28-40 | Inseam Lengths: 30-34 | Style: Relaxed | Material: 94% cotton, 2% elastane, 4% other fiber Everlane’s denim is beloved for its simplicity and quality.

These jeans have lots of stretch through the warp and weft—the two types of yarn that are woven to create denim—for comfy range of motion. If you like a relaxed fit, these are the jeans that pair nicely with your favorite sweatshirt and sneakers. Best Men’s Bootcut Men’s Jeans Wrangler: A Modern Take On Cowboy Cool Amazon Wrangler Authentics Men’s Relaxed Fit Boot Cut Jean Waist Sizes: 29-42 | Inseam Lengths: 30-34 | Style: Relaxed fit | Material: 78% cotton, 21% polyester, 1% spandex The Wrangler brand has been a favorite with ranch hands and rodeo cowboys since 1904.

Today, this classic five-pocket style is equal parts rugged, comfortable and hard-wearing, even if you’re not wearing spurs. The relaxed silhouette fits well over boots, and the price point can’t be beat. Best Men’s Work Jeans Todd Snyder: Polished For The Office Todd Snyder Todd Snyder Slim Fit Selvedge Jean Buy From Todd Snyder Waist Sizes: 28-38 | Inseam Lengths: 30-34 | Leg opening: 16.

5 inches | Style: Slim, relaxed fits | Material: 100% cotton Selvedge denim is widely considered to be of higher quality because of its durability and tighter weave, and many say it has a better fade than non-selvedge denim. This straight-leg style from Todd Snyder is loose through the thigh but still tailored for a pulled-together office vibe. Best Men’s Black Jeans Banana Republic: Sleek And Goes With Any Outfit Banana Republic Banana Republic Slim Luxe Traveler Black Jean Buy From Banana Republic Waist Sizes: 26-38 | Inseam Lengths: 28-34 | Leg opening: 7.

4 inches | Style: Slim fit | Material: 43% cotton, 29% Tencel lyocell, 13% polyester, 13% Tencel modal, 2% elastane Banana Republic’s denim just keeps getting better and better, since the brand reimagined itself recently with a focus on modern menswear. The bestselling Luxe Traveler Black Jean is cut from lightweight denim with the right amount of stretch to retain its shape and allow for easy movement. They’re brushed for softness, so they feel comfortable from the first wear, too, and the black color is rich and saturated.

Best Designer Men’s Jeans Rag And Bone: Luxury Denim That’s Worth The Spend Rag + Bone Rag And Bone Fit 2 Action Loopback Jeans Waist Sizes: 28-38 | Inseam Length : 32 | Leg opening: 13. 5 inches | Style: Slim fit | Material: 96% cotton, 4% elastane Rag And Bone jeans are classic and cool, understated but recognizable by those who care about their denim. The Fit 2 has a mid-rise slim fit that’s tailored through hip and thigh and runs true to size.

It comes in a dark rinse that’s polished yet rugged and worn-in. A hint of stretch keeps the fit comfortable and helps retain the denim’s shape so your jeans don’t get baggy. MORE FROM FORBES VETTED Memorial Day Nectar Mattress Sale Extended: Save 33% Sitewide By Jordan Thomas Forbes Staff The Best Mens Clothing On Amazon—15 Essentials From Top-Rated Brands By Kari Molvar Forbes Staff Best Of The Rest Tom Ford: Top-Shelf Denim That Gets Better With Age Mr.

Porter Tom Ford Slim-Fit Selvedge Jeans Buy From Mr. Porter Waist Sizes: 30-40 | Inseam Lengths : | Leg opening: | Style: Slim fit | Material: 95% cotton, 5% polyurethane Tom Ford jeans have everything you could want in denim: They’re well-tailored, cut from high-quality selvedge, fashionable and comfortable to wear. This pair is mid-rise with a button fly and relaxed slim fit that you’ll get a lot of mileage out of.

In fact, if you consider the cost-per-wear, the price doesn’t sting quite so much. Naked & Famous: Elevated And Easy-To-Wear Amazon Naked & Famous 11Oz Stretch Selvedge Jeans Waist sizes: 27-42 | Inseam lengths: 32. 5-34 inches, depending on style| Leg opening: Varies depending on style | Style: Comes in a variety of different fits | Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane Canadian brand Naked & Famous is a cult-favorite for when you want rugged construction along with streamlined style.

“This is a go-to for almost all of my personal styling clients because it’s light enough to feel comfortable every day, yet hearty enough to withstand years of consistent wear and tear,” says Allen. “I also love the dark—slightly grey-toned—wash that these jeans come in. ” The rope-dyed Japanese selvedge denim is both hard-wearing and has two percent elastane—which means it has good stretch recovery and won’t ever look rumpled.

AG: A Relaxed Style In A Variety Of Hues AG Jeans AG Everett Jeans Waist sizes: 29-40 | Inseam length: 33 inches | Leg opening: 15 inches | Style: Slim straight | Material: 98% cotton, 2% polyester Los Angeles-based AG Jeans was founded in 2000 and has become a brand leader in sustainable manufacturing processes. If you’re looking for men’s jeans in a variety of washes, the Everett style from AG Jeans is consistently top-rated. It’s a mid-rise and has a smidge of extra room from hip to knee for comfort, so it’s a perfect weekend jean.

A. P. C.

: Selvedge In A Timeless Fit Mr. Porter A. P.

C. Petit New Standard Jeans Waist sizes: 26-36 | Inseam length: 33 inches | Leg opening: 14 inches | Style: Slim fit| Material: 100% cotton French brand A. P.

C. has been renowned for creating effortlessly cool, minimalist styles since 1987, and this jean has been popular since the brand’s inception. While this is referred to as a slim-cut fit, it’s actually more of a straight leg, says Collins.

“The A. P. C.

Petit Standard is an easy-to-wear fit that’s never going to go out of style,” she says. This button fly, dark indigo selvedge pair will be stiff at first, but it will break in beautifully over time. “It’s a material that will last forever and will mold to your body,” says Collins.

Frame: Roomy Through The Seat And Thigh shopbop Frame L’Homme Athletic Jeans Buy From Shopbop Waist sizes: 28-46 | Inseam length: 33 inches | Leg opening: 13. 5 inches | Style: Straight leg with slight taper | Material: 94% cotton, 5% polyester, 1% elastane Guys who do lots of squats may need a roomier fit in certain areas, and this pair from American fashion brand Frame has comfort stretch material that’s flattering, yet not overly restrictive. “Skinny—and even straight-leg jeans—aren’t for everyone,” says Collins.

“The Frame L’Homme Athletic works great for men who have bigger legs and want something that is still a slim silhouette but more comfortable. ” Madewell: Comfy Stretch For A Muscle-Friendly Fit Madewell Madewell Athletic Slim Jeans Waist sizes: 28-40 | Inseam lengths: 30-34| Leg opening: 13 ¾ inches| Style: Slim | Material: 75% cotton, 20% hemp, 3% Elastomultiester, 2% elastane denim Sometimes you want a taper, but nothing too drastic, and Madewell is a master at flattering the body with its denim. “These offer more room in the seat and thigh, so they work well for muscular builds,” says Collins.

“The fabric has both structure and stretch, so it looks polished but is also comfortable. ” They also come in a few different washes, from darker indigo to lighter, faded pairs. Naked & Famous: Black Jeans That Don’t Fade Amazon Naked & Famous Black Cobra Stretch Selvedge Jeans Buy From Amazon Waist sizes: 29-38 | Inseam lengths: 32.

5-34 inches, depending on style| Leg opening: Varies depending on style| Style: Slim fit (although Naked & Famous denim comes in a variety of fits)| Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane There’s nothing more frustrating than having the perfect pair of jeans, and then they fade and look blah after just a couple of washes. “In my opinion, these are the best black jeans,” says Allen of this 12-ounce Japanese selvedge denim pair. “Unlike many others, these jeans stay black for a long time thanks to the black warp and weft.

They also feature a small amount of stretch for added mobility and comfort. ” 3Sixteen: Japanese Denim For Those In The Know 3Sixteen 3Sixteen NT-122x Buy From Garmentory Waist sizes: 30-38 | Inseam lengths: Not listed | Style: Classic straight fit | Material: 12 oz raw indigo selvedge Founded by Johan Lam and Andrew Chen in 2003, 3Sixteen works directly with a Japanese mill to source top-quality fabrics. “This one is a great option for guys looking to really up their denim game,” says Allen.

It features a classic straight leg and is comprised of mid-weight 100% cotton 12oz denim that will only get better with wear. It’s a selvedge, or self-edged denim, that’s woven not to fray—something that can’t be said for pre-distressed denim. How We Chose The Best Men’s Jeans To help you make the right purchase, we researched bestselling men’s jeans and looked at specific features like comfort, fit, style, quality and sturdiness of the denim.

We only included products with an average rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars, and read dozens of reviews to find potential pros and cons of each pick. To ensure your jeans will last over time, we prioritized brands with an expertise in menswear and those that have an excellent reputation in the denim market in particular. Finally, we made sure our final selections were affordable across a range of budgets.

Since every body type is unique, this denim guide is geared toward different fits, from athletic to straight let, and use case situations, whether you’re looking for a pair to wear to work or more casually on the weekends. The goal is to help our readers find the best men’s jeans for their needs, lifestyles and budgets. Why Trust Forbes Vetted We’ve researched, tested and published many menswear and denim stories on Forbes Vetted, so we tapped into our fashion knowledge to assemble this list.

(After all, you can’t have too many pairs of great jeans, right?). We’re thorough researchers, and take a deep-dive into clothing features. We compare specs and read reviews from customers who’ve tried the jeans, themselves.

And since we’re not fashion stylists, we consulted a few for this story, including Josephine Eve and Alison Deyette , This story is regularly edited for accuracy and was last updated in May 2023. How To Find Your Perfect Fit Jeans come in a variety of styles and fits, depending on if you want a more tailored or casual look. Knowing the specifics ahead of time helps ensure you end up with well-fitting pair.

Here’s a quick primer for shopping online: Slim jeans are fitted but comfortable through the seat and thigh. They taper below the knee for a narrower leg opening. They’re the most modern fit and won’t sag on your frame.

Look for pairs with a bit of stretch to make sure they’re great to wear all day. Straight jeans are comfortable through the seat and thigh. They have a classic straight cut from the knee to your ankle.

These are the jeans that never go out of style and go well with anything in your wardrobe. They generally cut from 100% cotton that conforms to your shape and gets softer with more wear. Relaxed jeans are cut generously through the seat, and loose in the leg.

These are the sweatpants of your denim wardrobe. They are comfy but you’ll want to keep the rest of your look crisp to avoid an untidy effect. Skinny jeans are extra-fitted through the seat and thigh.

They’re tight through the knee and ankle, with a narrow leg opening. These jeans almost always come with stretch to help retain their shape. Forget what you might think about only young guys wearing this style—the latest styles flatter a variety of body types and look great with rugged boots or sneakers.

What To Consider When Shopping For Men’s Jeans Whether you’re sporting a designer pair with a classic button-down or a skinnier fit with your favorite tee, a well-fitting pair of jeans just looks great on any guy. Therein lies the rub: well-fitting. While jeans range in price, material and size, you want to get the fit just right.

Here’s what to look for when you’re trying to figure out your size (what’s an “inseam?”), your fit (from skinny to straight to relaxed) and more. The Size The first step in shopping for a pair of jeans is knowing your size. That means knowing how they fit at the waist, and at the inseam—the inseam being the length of the pants from waist to ankle.

“The best way to determine the size of your jeans is by measuring your waist circumference in inches and to get the correct length, you simply measure the inner leg,” says fashion stylist Josephine Eve . That’s definitely the right place to start; but there’s a little more to it. “Most men wear too long an inseam,” says Alison Deyette , style expert and TV and digital host.

“Your jeans should really hit at the top of where your laces are—so the middle of where your laces are on your sneaker. ” Not the right size right away? Don’t be afraid of the tailor. “You can find an inexpensive tailor,” says Deyette, who recommends asking your dry cleaners.

“When you take jeans in to get hemmed, tell them to match the hem,” she says. Meaning, you want a tailor to save the hem on the jeans so that they look like how you bought them; namely, the same thread color. The Style There are many, many (many) styles of jeans out there—from skinny fit to tapered to straight fit to a more relaxed fit.

Determining which one is right for you will always depend on how your legs are shaped and how you want to look. But in general, says Deyette, most men always go too baggy. “I would say the average man really should be wearing a straight fit,” she says.

“And more and more these days, even if a man has a little more of a belly, usually most men can do a slim fit. ” Eve agrees. “Slim fit is the most popular of the styles for men.

In my opinion, it’s the most flattering and suits a variety of body shapes,” she says. “Slim fit is more fitted around the upper leg—less fitting around the lower leg—and has about ½ an inch of room around the calf and ankle. ” This makes a slim fit the most form-fitting for the vast majority of guys—without being skintight.

It’s the Goldilocks of how you want your jeans to look. If you need a roomier fit, regular or relaxed fit will give you an inch or two of room in the thighs and calves. If you’re really athletic or a larger man, that extra room can come in handy and may even be form-fitting.

But the general rule holds: when in doubt, go with slim, at least to start. This fit will generally be the most attractive of the options, and flatter you by not looking too roomy or sloppy. The Denim Type There are many different denim types when it comes to shopping for jeans.

The gold standard for most guys who love their jeans is often selvedge. “Selvedge refers to the self-finished edge of woven fabric, particularly denim,” says Eve. “It is a tightly woven band on both edges of denim fabric that prevents fraying and unraveling.

Selvedge denim is mostly reputable for its quality, durability and heritage appeal. ” While selvedge jeans are the standard, they are more expensive and less pliable, because selvedge itself refers to self-finished edge of the fabric that prevents it from unraveling—making it tough as nails. “Selvedge is something that you introduce to someone who’s really almost a denim connoisseur,” says Deyette, “and has a bit of a denim wardrobe already.

” There are plenty of other types of denim that are more affordable and have a less rugged feel—perfect for work or the weekend. “Other notable denim types out there include stretch denim with added elasticity, raw denim left unwashed for personalized fading and Japanese denim known for exceptional quality and craftsmanship. ” A good rule of thumb to start with: Look for stretch denim, which can give you a little extra room to move in should you need it.

This type of jean is made with a mix of cotton and spandex or elastane. The Price Jeans range wildly in price, but whether you spend $30 or $300 is almost always determined by the quality of the denim. Deyette says you should think of a good pair of jeans as a small investment in looking great.

“I call it the cost per wear ratio,” she says. “Most men are wearing jeans on a regular basis, so I break it down: You buy a pair of jeans. It should last in your wardrobe for five-plus years if you haven’t changed size.

So if you just spent $185 on these jeans, and the amount of times you’re wearing them, it becomes pretty cheap to wear them once you break it out by several years. ” That $200 pair of jeans now doesn’t sound so expensive, does it? Eve completely agrees—going a little for broke can be worth it. “I’d expect to pay at least $200-plus for a good quality pair of jeans,” she says.

“Investing in your jeans is one of the best decisions you can make for your wardrobe, as they’re such a great classic staple that you’ll get a lot of wear out of, if you choose the right quality and style for you. ” More Menswear Stories To Shop: 21 Of The Best Men’s Hoodies To Wear Endlessly The Best Polo Shirts For Men, From Stylish To Sporty The Best Men’s Dress Shirts For Every Style And Budget Molly Calhoun Kari Molvar Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions.