JEANS MIGHT be the world’s first uniform pants for men, but that doesn’t mean finding the right pair denotes an easy task. Years of hardly wearing the "faithful one" can take a toll on a man’s sartorial spirit. In fact, stylists like Melina Kemph have even encountered men who “didn’t get his first pair of jeans until he was 20 years old.” Yikes.
But we’re here to change that. After testing and taking some jeans for a spin ourselves, and after speaking to designers, stylists, fashion gurus, as well as other jeans-obsessed experts on what to look for in the best men’s jeans today (from the fit to comfort to the wash and beyond), we hereby present our foolproof guide to the 15 best jeans for men. So consider your denim journey has commerced here and now.
Best Spring Pants | Best Flannel-Lined Jeans | Best Jean Shorts
Being more active and outgoing than ever, the best jeans for men have reclaimed their status as the go-to comfortable pants style. They're also more versatile than ever, letting you go out and about in denim while still looking elevated. Our picks of the 15 best jeans for men will thus give you all the hope and optimism there is to help you find the right pair that lasts (even if they're jeans under $100 on Amazon). No matter your taste or budget, there's bound to be a pair of jeans for you below.
| Waist sizes | 26-42 |
|---|---|
| Inseam lengths | 29-36 |
| Style | Slim fit |
| Material | 79% Cotton, 20% Polyester, 1% Elastane |
| Denim type | Washed denim |
First off, every guy should own a pair of Levi's. They're the gold standard. Period. Now if you're deciding on what version of Levi's to get, you should start with the 511. They're perfectly cut in a classic straight fit and feature upgrades like more stitches per inch (added durability) and a softer fabric. Fit-wise, this dark-wash denim, according to Isaac Robertson, a CISSN and ISSA-certified fitness professional, has "slim legs that allow your calves and ankles to breathe, sitting just below the waist." "The Levi's 511s are a great pair of slim straight jeans for the money; they are well-made, and the stitching feels strong," Robertson says. With dozens of colors and washes and dyes to choose from, in Standard or Big & Tall, consider stocking up with more than one pair.
Buck Mason Ford Standard Jean
Buck Mason Ford Standard Jean
| Waist sizes | 28-40 |
|---|---|
| Inseam lengths | 33.5 |
| Style | Mid-rise, straight fit |
| Material | 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex |
| Denim type | 14 oz. indigo yarn-dyed denim in medium wash |
Buck Mason, the underrated denim brand, makes jeans that are "strong, classic and reliable," according to celebrity fashion stylist Jake Sokoloff. "The fit and fabric strike a perfect balance between stretch and durability, offering a timeless silhouette that will always be in style. Good thing, because their jeans stand the test of time and will last you a lifetime," says Sokoloff. And the Ford Standard Jean has the ruggedness sans the tedious break-in period. Better yet, it is super versatile and a bang for your buck. "These jeans hit all the marks—straight but not skinny, a great basic everyday wash, and just enough stretch," says expert stylist Alyssa Dineen. "They are jeans you can wear with a button down and blazer or with a sweatshirt. And it’s a great mid-price range option, comparable to other denim that’s now priced well over $200."
Bonobos Premium Stretch Jeans
| Waist sizes | 28-40 |
|---|---|
| Inseam lengths | 28-36 |
| Style | Skinny, tailored, slim, athletic, straight |
| Material | 94% Cotton, 5% Polyester, 1% Elastane |
| Denim type | Indigo dyes |
Just as you'd expect from Bonobos, the brand offers one of the most comfortable jeans on the market, available in every wash you could imagine, with fits that range from tailored to straight. Its Premium Stretch Jeans often happen to be a favorite by athletes and active guys who refuse to be tamed by heavy denim fabric.
Tyler Sellers, a fitness coach and professional athlete, is stoked by Bonobos' versatile offerings. "They produce high-quality clothing in more sizes than most other manufacturers. The company's Premium Stretch Denim Jeans come in significantly more sizes than any other brand of jeans, with waist sizes ranging from 28 to 54 and lengths ranging from 28 to 36," says Sellers. "Bonus points go to Bonobos for offering well-explained product selections. Bonobos offer all cuts, sizes, and materials on a single product page so you can quickly choose whatever you believe will work best for you." In fact, there's even a four-way stretch version that feels like sweatpants.
Todd Snyder Slim Fit Lightweight Japanese Selvedge Jean
Todd Snyder Slim Fit Lightweight Japanese Selvedge Jean
| Waist sizes | 28-38 |
|---|---|
| Inseam lengths | 30-34 |
| Style | Slim fit |
| Material | 100% cotton |
| Denim type | 11oz Japanese Selvedge denim |
When it comes to picking out the best type of denim, Japanese Selvedge is the boss move. The material is the consensus crème de la crème of denim thanks to its high durability and ability to age gracefully. And Todd Snyder is arguably the numero uno in the making of selvedge, which is "the white edge of fabric that you’ll notice on the sides when you cuff the pants," explains stylist Melina Kemph.
Influencer Steve Gonzalez also says of the brand: "Todd Snyder has really nailed the denim space, in style, fit, and comfort. They are high quality, the construction is terrific, and they use amazing fabrics and thread counts. At their price point, Todd Snyder is the ultimate destination brand for denim." And while Japanese Selvedge is normally on the heavier side, Todd Snyder makes a great pair of Japanese Selvedge that's a tad lighter and more breathable—making the jean perfect for year-round wear.
Outerknown Ambassador Slim Fit
Outerknown Ambassador Slim Fit
| Waist sizes | 28-38 |
|---|---|
| Inseam lengths | 30-34 |
| Style | Slim fit |
| Material | 95% organic cotton, 4% recycled poly, 1% lyocell. |
| Denim Type | Mid-weight 12 oz denim |
Outerknown has never been one for outlandish designs or otherworldly colors, but when they do innovative, it comes in the form of soft fabrics, cozy textures, and flattering silhouettes. That's why its slim-fit jeans stand out amongst the millions of other dimes and a half. The Ambassador has an unmatched fit that doesn't wear you down, and enough stretch to move you along. And it is incredibly versatile. "The fit of the Slim S.E.A. Jeans is flattering on a wide range of body types," says men's style specialist Jenny Ricker. "The organic denim is rigid enough to give the appearance of stiffer denim, while still providing comfort while wearing them." No wonder the Ambassador has become a "true client favorite." And since Outerknown always upholds the "highest standards for sustainability and environmental responsibility," this denim option will really make you look good and feel good.
Everlane The Relaxed 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean
Everlane The Relaxed 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean
| Waist Sizes | 28-40 |
|---|---|
| Inseam Lengths | 30-34 |
| Style | Relaxed, tapered fit |
| Material | 94% Organic Cotton, 2% Elastane, 4% Other Fiber |
| Denim Type | Four-way stretch organic denim |
Ever thought of going for a light jog in jeans? That seems implausible, but not impossible with Everlane's performance jeans which are a favorite among stylists and celebrities like Glen Powell. "I love these Everlane jeans because they're authentic denim with a touch of stretch. And they're made from organic cotton—any time I can put my clients in sustainably-minded brands I will," says celebrity stylist Warren Alfie Baker. "My client Glen [Powell] recently wore these Everlane jeans for his press tour and they're his new favorites."
That is also to say you’ll love the fit, four-way stretch, and classic look of these jeans, so make room in your closet to stock up on a few pairs. (If you're looking to fit thicker thighs, these have the right amount of room to do so too.) Everlane also takes denim very seriously. In fact, the brand wash-tested their jeans 50 times to ensure their durability, stretch recovery, and lasting indigo color for a 365-day guarantee.
Lee Legendary Regular Tapered Jean
Lee Legendary Regular Tapered Jean
| Waist Sizes | 28-42 |
|---|---|
| Inseam Lengths | 29-36 |
| Style | Regular fit with tapered leg |
| Material | 99% Cotton, 1% Spandex |
| Denim Type | Cotton denim |
Lee isn’t just any denim brand—for some folks, it’s the denim brand. Take style influencer Jonas Maier, for instance: “When I think of I Lee, I am associating it with quality and stylish denim pieces… Unlike many other brands they fit, don't shrink, and hold their color very well.” And this specific style has earned the co-sign of top celebrity stylists like Evan Simonitsch. “The fit gives enough room to feel comfortable without looking baggie. They sit at the waist in a nice way where I can tuck shirts in and not worry about them sagging. My cowboy boots also fit underneath which is rare with jeans nowadays,” says Simonitsch.
That all owes to the jeans' best-of-both-worlds fit: a casual regular up with a leg that narrows towards the ankle, making the whole ensemble look relaxed yet sharp and clean at once. The slight stretch blend of spandex also gives you mobility without taking away what makes denim, well, denim. The best part: it costs less than $50! With a versatile vibe and an affordable price, it definitely won't disappoint. "With the people I've put in these jeans, I’ve got nothing but positive feedback," affirms Simonitsch.
| Waist Sizes | 28-42 |
|---|---|
| Inseam Lengths | 32, 34 |
| Style | Athletic slim cut with tapered legs |
| Material | 93% cotton, 5% elasterell-p, 2% lycra |
| Denim Type | DL Performance denim |
It’s all about stretch these days in jeans, and these offer maximum softness and just the right amount of stretch so they still wear like jeans, just much more comfortable than your beaten-up ones. With an athletic slim fit that cuts wide and offers more room at the seat and thigh but still slims down from the knee, Cooper remixes the retro denim look of the ‘90s to be more breathable when worn but still looks supple and firm. Really, soon you slip your legs into these pants, you’ll notice how soft and cozy the fabric feel in comparison to cotton-only denim. So if you want to look good and feel good, these not only offer all-day comfort, but they also let you spring back into an active lifestyle in denim.
Taylor Stitch The Democratic Jean
Taylor Stitch The Democratic Jean
| Waist Sizes | 28-38 |
|---|---|
| Inseam Lengths | 34 |
| Style | Slim fit or relaxed fit with tapered legs |
| Material | 100% organic cotton |
| Denim Type | 13oz indigo selvage denim |
These jeans might look effortless, but trust: they can last you. Everything about it is done the right way by Taylor Stitch, whether it’s the slim or relaxed fit with tapered legs, or the fresh organic selvage wash that feels soft yet looks lived-in, or the all-cotton and cotton-only craft... Everything about it stays true to the heart of jeans: quality and cut. It's a pair of denim that'll stand the test of time, with a cut that you will feel comfortable and confident in to take you through that extra mile. Sure, they might not have any stretch, but their just-right fit makes them durable and versatile enough for anything. The long inseam, lastly, welcomes you to cuff it.
Abercrombie & Fitch Loose Workwear Jeans
| Waist sizes | 28-40 |
|---|---|
| Inseam lengths | 28-34 |
| Style | Relaxed, loose fit |
| Material | 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane |
| Denim type | Authentic rigid denim |
Thought you'd left Abercrombie behind in high school, huh? Think again. Their jeans defy the confines of age, particularly because of their diverse amount of different fits, colors, and styles. These workwear-style relaxed-fit jeans are for athletic builds—big thighs are welcome and encouraged. They look like work pants in their wide silhouette and carpenter-style details but feel much sturdier once you put them on. As such, it's a favorite among fashion stylists like Melina Kemph. "I love how relaxed the fit is and the looseness through the hip and thigh. I can see one of my clients wearing the medium wash with a bright blue hoodie + hot pink beanie, and oversized puffer jacket heading to work at the Little Ceasar Arena."
We also want to signal-boost the cream pair that "makes a great base for a casual winter white look worn with a cable knit sweater in the same color and black Chelsea boots," says Kemph. I.e., because of that workwear flair, Abercrombie's relaxed jeans are versatile enough for all kinds of casual styles.
Wrangler Cowboy Cut Slim Fit Jean
Wrangler Cowboy Cut Slim Fit Jean
| Waist sizes | 27-38 |
|---|---|
| Inseam lengths | 30-36 |
| Style | Slim fit |
| Material | 100% Cotton |
| Denim type | 100% heavyweight denim |
Wrangler's Cowboy Cut has been the go-to for ranchers and boot-wearers for decades. The jean is built to last and comes in at a price that's simply too good to be true. And it happens to be an editor's favorite. "Whether you have a go-to pair of cowboy boots or you're just looking to add some Western flair to your wardrobe, a pair of bootcut jeans can shake things up from your typical slim straight silhouettes," says our fitness editor Brett Williams, NASM. "I love this pick from Wrangler—that pocket patch tells you it's a classic, with a snug fit up top and plenty of space for whatever I'm wearing on my feet."
The Cowboy Cut also veers from other boot-cut jeans in the way it's got a slimmer, more flattering silhouette. And if you're having trouble fitting it in your wardrobe rotation, Michael Bastian, the designer behind Brooks Brothers, suggests trying "a pair of Wrangler cowboy fit (higher waist, slight boot cut) in a dark wash to wear with a flannel shirt and tweed sport coat to get that 'Dustin Hoffman in Kramer vs. Kramer' vibe."
Madewell Relaxed Taper Jeans in Marcey Wash
| Waist sizes | 28-36 |
|---|---|
| Inseam lengths | 30-34 |
| Style | Relaxed, tapered fit |
| Material | 99% cotton, 1% elastane denim |
| Denim type | 13 oz remium Authentic Flex denim |
Madewell's range of jeans is a truly enjoyable place to shop. The denim range is always one that is simple and modern but never flashy, so you'll know they'll stay on trend for a good length of time. The highlight is its line of taper jeans that offers a variety of classic washes and vintage styles. Aide from a classic and reliable style–relaxed and looser through the waist and thigh with a taper at the leg opening—the Relaxed Taper Jeans also bring a modern take to the ’90s trend that is now stronger than ever right now. Styling-wise, they're casual and easy to wear, and their silhouette is fit for all body types.
Mott & Bow Skinny Mosco Jeans
Mott & Bow Skinny Mosco Jeans
| Waist sizes | 28-36 |
|---|---|
| Inseam lengths | 32 |
| Style | Tighter fit with a tapered leg opening |
| Material | 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane |
| Denim type | 10.62 oz stretch denim |
Look—if you're asking us, you can never go wrong with a classic pair of skinny jeans. And this option from Mott and Bow has just the right amount of comfortable stretch that'll have you wanting to wear these for nearly every occasion, whether it's casual or more formal. And it's rather lightweight so you can strut in it without feeling weighed down. They're tapered, and tailored but still breathable enough—and nowhere near the too-skinny territory.
Travis Mathew Legacy Jeans
Travis Mathew Legacy Jeans
| Waist sizes | 30-42 |
|---|---|
| Inseam lengths | 31.5 |
| Style | Straight fit |
| Material | Cotton / Polyester / Spandex |
| Denim type | Lightweight cotton/spandex stretch denim |
There’s no shortage of companies elbowing into the "denim hybrid pants" space right now, but Travis Mathew continues to distinguish itself with the fits, materials, and construction that make you want to wear them every day. Its Legacy jeans practically feel and look like chinos. It's light and easy on the fit, doesn't smother your thighs but instead has enough breathability and space to let you move like a jagger, and even recover after hardcore activities.
Raleigh Denim Graham Pilot Jeans
Raleigh Denim Graham Pilot Jeans
| Waist sizes | 28-38 |
|---|---|
| Inseam lengths | 34 |
| Style | Slim straight, relaxed tapered |
| Material | 99% cotton, 1% stretch |
| Denim type | 12.5 oz denim |
These are not your usual, casual "Friday night out" jeans. These are raw workhorse denim handmade by jeans smiths from vintage sewing machines in North Carolina. With a specific fade and a lived-in look at first wear, Raleigh's workwear-ish jeans maintain an air of put-together formality sans looking or feeling at all stuffy, making the whole fit loosened throughout and mobility-friendly. While they do have a retro flair of being your dad's '90s wardrobe denim, definitely consider their versatility of being pared down with some sneakers or up with some boots.
What to Look for in Jeans for Men
Finding the Right Fit
Mary Pierson, the SVP of Denim Design at Madewell, says finding jeans that fit well and comfortably is of paramount importance. "I always recommend making sure your jeans are comfortable around your waist and lower hips," notes Pierson. Brent Whaley, a men's fashion photographer, also highlights the need for knowing what's the right fit for you. "For me, it's all about fit. If I don't feel right in a pair of jeans I end up not wearing them and they just sit in my closet. A lot of guys buy jeans too tight and never wear them because they're uncomfortable," he says. Influencer Jonas Maier also notes that when making a purchase of jeans, fit should take precedence before colors or washes. "I love jeans that have a unique wash and hold their original color for years. The most important part is the fit however since this helps you to look your personal best," Maier says.
The rule of thumb for finding the best jeans fit, according to Matthew McConaughey's stylist Tara Swennen, is that "men’s jeans should fit perfectly right below the waist, have enough ease to sit comfortably, and hug all of the right curves.” And here's a breakdown of the three main fits for jeans to guide you through.
Athletic Cut: A denim hybrid, this contemporary cut blends the legroom of a relaxed fit, the flared hem of a boot cut, and the snug seat of a straight leg. It's an emerging style that can be difficult to track down, but Lucky Brand, Kasil, and Chip & Pepper all cut pairs to these specs. This is tailor-made for athletic builds, and a great alternative for stocky guys who typically wear relaxed fits.
Relaxed Fit: These laid-back slacks are cut fuller from the thigh to the hem, allowing ample legroom for maximum comfort. A popular '90s trend, this cut is back in style and is especially flattering for taller and stockier guys. After all, relaxed-fit jeans cut bigger guys some slack, creating interior real estate so legs can flex and move. Look for styles with larger back pockets, which will make you look like you have less junk in your trunk.
Straight Leg: Stock up on this cut if you have an athletic or average build. This everyman's jean is just snug enough to show off your sculpted lower half, but not so much that you'll look like a beanpole. Taller guys should pick straight-leg cuts in a medium rise to maintain proper proportions. Meanwhile, most thinner guys should go with a straight-leg, low-rise fit to ensure that the style sits comfortably on your hips and leaves a few extra inches of legroom.
Finding the Right Fabric
The right type of denim fabrication can make or break your style and comfort in jeans. "Taking note of the denim quality, the reinforcements, and the construction are the best signals to look out for and keep the brand name out of your mind," says Nick Kemp, the Head Designer at Taylor Stitch, on the denim mindset you ought to have.
Durability: "For men’s jeans, I really look for quality—heavyweight denim ensures its durability. It will last, and it will wear really nicely with time," says celebrity stylist Tara Swennen. Evan Simonitsch, another menswear stylist, also echoes the same emphasis on the durability of jeans. “When I'm out and about I’m hopping in my truck countless times and don’t want to be restricted getting up and down. Along with bending over or getting on my knees during a fitting or shoot to tie my dude's shoes, I can’t have tight denim on or light denim cause they’ll rip easily. So durability and longevity with denim," says Simonitsch.
Wash, Raw, and Color: "Pay attention to the wash and color of the denim. I tend to love a vintage-style wash or a classic indigo that you can dress up or dress down," recommends stylist Warren Alfie Baker. "Your jeans should look gently worn in like you've been wearing them for a few years, not like you've been in a sandstorm." As for the other term, raw, it describes "how the denim is washed or rather, not washed. I.e., you won’t see any whiskering, fading, or distressing," explains Kemph. And wash refers to the dye used which forms the color of the denim—like how the popular dark wash is sometimes called indigo.
Finding the Right Stretch
Nowadays, in a world where denim is more active and outgoing than ever, a little stretch from a few percentages of elastane, spandex, or lycra is also recommended. Celebrity stylist Warren Alfie Baker whose clientele includes Andrew Garfield, Glen Powell, Patrick Dempsey, etc. says: "Jeans should be easy and comfortable, but still with some stretch and hold... It's always good to look for a little stretch if you're looking for comfort." Comfort thus also matters. "To look good in your jeans, you have to feel good in them first," says Mary Pierson of Madewell. "Denim with stretch can be fitted closer to the body, but denim with no stretch should not be too tight."
Finding the Right Style
The combo of fit and fabric usually determines the style of a pair of jeans, and getting down the right combo is no minor feat as the denim trend changes from season to season.
The Current Jeans Trends: "When it comes to jeans, anything other than super-skinny or '90s jumbo or too ripped-up is fair game right now, says Michael Bastian, the Creative Director and designer behind Brooks Brothers. "My personal denim go-to at the moment is classic straight-leg indigo Japanese Selvedge denim (15 or 16 oz, 100% cotton) with a couple of washes. These always feel timeless and worth the investment." Mary Pierson of Madewell echoes the same takeaway in men's jeans trend: "We’re seeing men gravitate towards straight leg and relaxed silhouettes that have a looser fit." As for the fabric, she adds: "Mid-to-light washes with a lot of yarn character or surface texture are also popular–as well as clean, dark washes and various shades of black."
Versatility: "Ask yourself if that pair of jeans you're looking at works with everything in your closet. Casual outfits, dressier outfits, etc," says style influencer Brian Chan. "If you were to only wear this one pair of jeans for the rest of your days, will it actually last through the rest of your days?" Hence, do test the quality & the construction of jeans before purchasing.
Length: Lastly, while your waist size is usually easily measured, your inseam length deserves extra attention when it comes to the right denim style. "I take all of my client's jeans to a tailor to make sure the inseam is correct," says stylist Melina Kemph.
How We Selected
Since 2020, Men's Health fashion editors and writers have been trying and testing a plethora of men's jeans, wearing them to the office, commutes, to travel, or just out and about. To narrow down our favorites, we evaluated jeans based on their durability, comfort, value, price, and just how great they look based on wash, raw, and fit. We also considered jeans that had at least 1,000 five-star ratings on e-commerce sites we trust.
As Men's Health's Deputy Editor, Commerce, Christian Gollayan oversees all shopping content on menshealth.com. He relocated back to New York by way of Portland, where he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in InStyle, Food & Wine, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.
Maverick Li is the Style & Commerce Editor of Men’s Health, where he covers clothing, footwear, watches, and grooming. He was previously the Assistant Commerce Editor at Esquire.
