Best Jeans for Men: 15 Pairs Ranked by Quality, Fit, and Value
Just like leather jackets, jeans are a fall essential for men.
But finding the best jeans for men isn’t easy.
Because we have different body shapes, style preferences, and more.
Jeans that feel perfect for a skinny guy might not feel right for a guy with athletic legs.
Your perfect pair depends on your body type, style, how you plan to wear them, and of course, your budget.
That’s why I spent time reviewing 15 different pairs of jeans in various colors, styles, sizes, and price ranges.
In this guide, you’ll find my honest opinion on each pair, along with everything you need to know to choose the right jeans for you.
How I Selected and Reviewed These Jeans
Before we look at specific jeans, let me explain how I chose these 15 pairs.
Price is a good indicator, yes, but it doesn’t tell you everything.
I use four key criteria:
Denim Quality
This is all about the fabric itself.
Most denim is made from cotton. But the quality of the cotton varies. A lot.
So, the denim quality is a good indicator.
What kind of cotton is used? How heavy is the denim? Where was it made?
Japanese denim is often considered the best because of the quality of cotton and weaving techniques.
But American and Italian denim are also great.
The denim weight matters, too.
Lightweight denim (under 12oz) is comfortable but less durable.
Midweight denim (12-14oz) is often the sweet spot for most people.
Heavyweight denim (14oz+) lasts longer but takes time to break in.
Construction & Durability
The best fabric won’t help if the jeans fall apart after a few washes.
Is the stitching tight and even? Or are there loose threads?
Is the hardware (buttons, rivets, zippers) sturdy?
Does the fly zipper move smoothly?
Do the jeans have reinforced stress points at the key points, like pockets and crotch?
Fit & Design
Do the jeans look good? Will they still look good in two years?
I focus on timeless designs that won’t go out of style next season.
Fit matters too. The key is finding jeans that work with your body type and match your style.
Value for Money (VM)
How do I calculate the value of jeans, or anything?
Here’s my rule: divide the price by how many years I’ll wear (or use) them.
A $150 pair that lasts 5 years? That’s $30 per year.
A $30 pair that falls apart in 6 months? That’s $60 per year.
For each pair of jeans, I scored them on all four criteria (out of 10) and gave them an overall score.
Only jeans scoring above 7 made this list.
See how this works?
Great. Let’s look at the jeans now.
The 15 Best Jeans for Men (Tested & Reviewed)
Alright. Let’s get into the actual jeans.
I’ve organized these by category so you can find what matters most to you.
1. Best Overall – Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans
Material Quality: 8/10
Construction & Durability: 8.5/10
Fit & Design: 9/10
Value for Money: 9.5/10
Overall Score: 8.75/10
$79.50
Levi’s
The Levi’s 501 has been around since 1873.
That’s more than 150 years.
And they’re still one of the best jeans you can buy.
Why?
Because Levi’s got the basics right from the start.
Classic straight leg. Mid-rise (sits at your waist). Button fly. Five pockets.
You can choose from three versions:
The no stretch version (100% cotton) might feel a bit stiff at first, but it will soften and mold to your body beautifully over time.
Also? You can get the most authentic denim feel.
The low stretch (99% cotton, 1% elastane) version is slightly more flexible. Balance the authentic denim feel with comfort. This one’s my favorite.
The high stretch (94% cotton, 5% polyester, 1% Lycra) is the most flexible version. Super comfortable to wear, but in exchange, you’ll get less of an authentic denim feel than the other two.
All three types work. Just make sure you know what your priority is.
The construction is solid. Good stitching throughout. Decent hardware that’ll last.
Great value. At around $80, these are the best jeans you can get.
Who these are for: Anyone who wants a classic, versatile pair of jeans. These work for guys from 5’6″ to 6’4″ and every body type in between.
2. Best Budget Jeans – Wrangler Men’s Relaxed Fit Flex Jeans
Material Quality: 6.5/10
Construction & Durability: 7/10
Fit & Design: 7.5/10
Value for Money: 10/10
Overall Score: 7.75/10
$22.99
Wrangler
It’s hard to find good-quality jeans under $30.
But that doesn’t mean they’re not available.
Wrangler is one of the few brands that offer good quality at a lower price.
Here’s what you can get from these jeans.
The standout feature here is Wrangler’s U-shape construction.
Why is it special?
First off, the U-shape gives your crotch more space than the V-shape.
That means your crotch won’t pinch or bind when you’re sitting, working, walking, or doing activities like riding.
It also fits around your lower back and thighs instead of pulling tight.
On top of that, they use flex technology to add some stretch (the fabric mix varies by color, but generally 1-2% spandex mixed with cotton. Some colors even add some polyester for extra comfort and flexibility).
So, you know, they are really comfortable to wear, which is, of course, what Wrangler is known for.
These jeans have a relaxed fit with a mid-rise and straight leg.
The front rise is 10 5/8 inches (classic mid-rise for most men) with a 17-inch leg opening (easily drapes over boots).
The quality is what you’d expect at this price point. Solid, but not premium.
That’s why the material quality score isn’t high.
Zip fly with button closure and standard two-pocket design on the back.
Who these are for: Guys on a budget who still want comfortable, decent-looking jeans for everyday wear.
3. Best Designer Jeans – Tom Ford Slim-Fit Selvedge Denim Jeans
Material Quality: 9.5/10
Construction & Durability: 9/10
Fit & Design: 8.5/10
Value for Money: 6/10
Overall Score: 8.25/10
$930
Mr Porter
Let’s talk about expensive jeans.
These cost more than some people’s rent.
Are they worth it?
If you want a pair of designer jeans with premium quality, yes.
They’re made from Japanese selvedge denim (the best quality) and treated with a heavy wash, so they feel broken-in from day one.
100% cotton. Mid-weight. No stretch.
The cut is slim (not skinny).
Low-rise (sits on your hips), which makes them more modern and fashion-forward.
Tapered leg (narrows from the knee down to the ankle) for a more fitted look.
The construction is, of course, perfect. Luxury hardware. Suede logo plaque. Signature buttons and rivets. Leather back patch. Everything justifies the price tag.
One thing worth mentioning.
Even though the fit runs true to size, they’re slim-fit, so if you have muscular legs, size up.
Also, they’re cut for taller guys. If you’ve got shorter legs like me, you’ll probably need to cuff or get them hemmed.
Who these are for: Fashion lovers who can afford to invest in premium denim and want something that looks as good in a nice restaurant as it does on the weekend.
4. Best Raw Denim Jeans – Iron Heart 21/23oz Ultra Heavy Raw Selvedge Jeans
Material Quality: 10/10
Construction & Durability: 10/10
Fit & Design: 7.5/10
Value for Money: 7/10
Overall Score: 8.6/10
$394
Iron Heart
Raw denim is a whole subculture.
People who are into it are really into it.
And Iron Heart’s UHR (Ultra Heavy Raw) denim has a reputation in the denim community.
The first impression of these jeans is…They’re really heavy.
Like, you can feel the weight when you pick them up.
They start at 21oz and shrink to about 23oz after the first wash.
For context: most jeans are 12-14oz. So these are almost double.
The fabric is unsanforized and loomstate, which means it hasn’t been pre-shrunk.
You need to soak or wash them to get to their true size.
They’ll shrink about 1 inch in the waist and 2 inches in length.
Then the waist stretches back out about an inch with wear.
Sounds complicated. But it means they end up fitting perfectly.
So, don’t size up. Just stick with your usual tag size, unless you want extra inseam length (but be careful, the waist can end up too large).
The cut is 888 relaxed tapered. Medium to high rise. Extra room in the top block and thighs. Tapers from knee to hem.
Construction is absolutely perfect. Hand-made in Japan. 4-button fly (extra button because of the high rise). Hidden rivets on the back pockets. Chain-stitch construction throughout.
The denim is Japanese selvedge. You can find the selvedge detail on the sideseam, fly, and coin pocket.
It’s made from 100% cotton with a double-twisted weft and indigo rope-dyed warp. Woven on vintage shuttle looms.
Translation: They will fade beautifully through wear and washing, and they create a pattern unique to how you wear them.
But they’re not for everyone.
They’re expensive, need time to break in, and they’re really heavy.
Who these are for: Heavyweight denim lovers who want the absolute best quality and don’t mind the break-in period or shrink-to-fit process.
Pro tip: Wait at least 6 months before the first wash. Let it develop the natural fade patterns.
5. Best Selvedge Denim Jeans – Naked & Famous Weird Guy Left-Hand Twill Selvedge Jeans
Material Quality: 9/10
Construction & Durability: 8.5/10
Fit & Design: 8/10
Value for Money: 8.5/10
Overall Score: 8.5/10
$165
Amazon
Naked & Famous has built their reputation on two things: crazy fabrics and uncompromising quality.
These Left-Hand Twill jeans deliver on both.
First off, let me quickly explain what a left-hand twill is.
It simply refers to the direction of the weave in jeans.
If you look closely at your denim, you can see the little lines on the fabric.
If those little lines run from bottom right up to top left, it’s left-hand twill.
Does that mean there’s a right-hand twill too?
Yep.
If the diagonal lines run in opposite direction (from bottom left up to top right), it’s right-hand twill.
If a brand uses left-hand twill, they’ll make sure you know it.
Because most denim you see is right-hand twill, and some people specifically look for left-hand twill jeans for the way they feel and fade.
Left-hand twill is generally softer and feels more comfortable and a bit more flexible right out of the box.
Also, it develops more vertical fades over time. And some people love that.
Note: The comparison between left-hand twill and right-hand twill here applies to 100% cotton only. If any elastic fibers get added, like spandex/elastane, that’s a whole different story.
The Weird Guy is 13.75oz (midweight) Japanese selvedge. Woven on vintage shuttle looms (Just like the Iron Heart above).
The fit is a regular taper. Medium rise. Standard thigh. Slight taper from knee to hem.
Construction is solid. Contrast stitching. Full-grain leather patch. White selvedge ID. Silver metallic buttons and rivets.
Cut and sewn in Canada from Japanese selvedge denim.
These jeans are 100% cotton and sanforized (pre-shrunk), so they won’t shrink too much.
Buy your true size.
At $150-180, these are the best value in quality selvedge denim I can find.
Who these are for: Guys who want quality selvedge denim with great fade potential without spending $300+.
6. Best Stretch Jeans – Mugsy Stretch Denim Jeans
Material Quality: 7/10
Construction & Durability: 7.5/10
Fit & Design: 8.5/10
Value for Money: 6/10
Overall Score: 7.25/10
$118
Mugsy
If you’ve ever felt jeans were restrictive, these jeans are for you.
They are the most comfortable jeans I’ve tested.
The magic is in the fabric.
They’re not 100% cotton.
Instead, they are a blend of cotton, rayon, polyester, and spandex. This combo gives them serious stretch and comfort.
Mugsy makes four fits:
Classic Mugsy is their best seller. Standard rise. Comfortable fit through hips and thighs.
Relaxed Casual has more room in the hips and thighs. If you have bigger legs or want extra room, get this one.
Slim Tapered is slimmer in the calves and ankles. More styled.
Bootcut is self-explanatory. If you wear boots more often, this one’s for you.
After testing all four, here’s my take:
If you want maximum versatility, go with the Classic Mugsy.
But if you prioritize comfort, the Relaxed Casual is the best of the best.
The construction is solid. Good stitching. Decent hardware.
All versions have natural fading and whiskering, meaning they don’t look like yoga pants despite the stretch fabric.
One thing worth mentioning:
Even though they’re the most comfortable jeans I’ve tested, I do think they’re a bit pricey.
Don’t get me wrong. The quality is good.
But because there’s a decent amount of elastic fiber in the mix, they might wear out faster than 100% cotton denim or jeans with less stretch.
That’s why the value for money score is a bit lower.
Who these are for: Guys who’ve given up on traditional jeans because they’re too uncomfortable.
7. Best Slim Fit Jeans – Uniqlo Stretch Selvedge Slim Jeans
Material Quality: 7.5/10
Construction & Durability: 7/10
Fit & Design: 8.5/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Overall Score: 8/10
$59.90
Uniqlo
These jeans are actual selvedge denim with stretch technology.
At around $60.
That’s insane.
Because selvedge denim usually comes with a much higher price tag.
The fabric is a blend of cotton and spandex.
Though the blend varies by color. Navy is 98% cotton, 2% spandex. White and Black are 99% cotton, 1% spandex.
It’s a slim-straight cut that tapers through the leg, so it looks stylish and modern without going skinny.
Construction is solid. Classic five-pocket design. Quality stitching throughout.
One cool thing: Uniqlo’s BlueCycle technology cuts water use by up to 99% in the finishing process.
They use about a teacup’s worth of water instead of gallons for each pair.
In other words, these jeans are made with serious sustainability in mind.
Who these are for: Slim guys or anyone who likes a fitted look without going full skinny. Also great if you want selvedge quality without spending over $200.
Note: They may shrink slightly. Avoid tumble drying.
8. Best Straight Fit Jeans – Buck Mason Japanese Loomstate Selvedge Full Saddle Jean
Material Quality: 9/10
Construction & Durability: 8.5/10
Fit & Design: 8.5/10
Value for Money: 7/10
Overall Score: 8.25/10
$278
Buck Mason
These jeans are inspired by American denim from the 1940s-60s.
The fabric is 14oz unsanforized (midweight, not pre-shrunk) selvedge from Kaihara, Japan.
It’s shuttle loomed, meaning the denim has a natural texture that develops more character as you wear it.
They are garment rinsed for a lived-in feel from the start.
The fit is high-rise with a straight cut through the thigh and leg. The inseam is 33.5 inches.
They sit higher on your waist.
If you’re used to low-rise jeans, this might feel different at first.
But trust me, it’s more comfortable and looks better.
You don’t have to worry about your underwear peeking out when you sit down.
Also? The straight fit works on pretty much everyone.
Construction is good—copper rivets and a metal tack button fly. Everything is made in the USA.
But I don’t think these jeans are for everyone.
Even though you’re paying for Buck Mason’s designer quality, the price is on the higher side.
So make sure they fit your budget.
Who these are for: Guys who want vintage-inspired quality with Japanese fabric and American construction.
9. Best Relaxed Fit Jeans – Levi's 550 Relaxed Fit Jeans
Material Quality: 7.5/10
Construction & Durability: 8/10
Fit & Design: 8/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Overall Score: 8.1/10
$69.5
Levi’s
After the tight jeans of the ’70s, people wanted something more relaxed and comfortable.
So, Levi’s introduced the 550s in 1985.
And after 40 years, they’re still some of the best relaxed jeans you can buy.
They have extra room throughout. Loose through the thigh. Mid-rise. Either tapered or straight leg, depending on the color.
The front rise is 11 inches with a 19.5-inch knee and 16.5-inch leg opening.
That’s way roomier than the 501. But it doesn’t look too baggy.
The denim is 100% cotton with no stretch. Zip fly and five-pocket styling.
Construction is solid Levi’s quality.
The value punches well above its price tag.
Who these are for: Guys who find slim and straight fits too restrictive, or anyone with bigger legs who wants comfortable jeans that don’t look baggy.
10. Best Jeans for Athletic Builds – Barbell Apparel Straight Athletic Fit Jeans
Material Quality: 7.5/10
Construction & Durability: 9/10
Fit & Design: 9/10
Value for Money: 8/10
Overall Score: 8.4/10
$138 ($99 each when you buy 2+)
Barbell Apparel
If you lift, play sports, or just have bigger legs, and often struggle to find jeans that fit right,
Barbell Apparel gets it.
You know why?
Because Barbell Apparel was built by athletes who were tired of clothes that didn’t fit their athletic builds.
So they decided to make their own.
These jeans are built specifically for guys with athletic builds.
Bigger thighs. Bigger glutes. Bigger calves.
They sit just below the waist, with extra room through the hips and thighs, and a straight fit from knee to ankle.
Here’s what impresses me the most:
They have a gusseted inseam, which is a diamond-shaped panel in the crotch that prevents blowouts and gives you more mobility.
They’ve also reinforced the belt loops, buttons, pockets, and zippers.
Everything is built stronger than regular jeans.
The denim is an advanced tech blend (95% cotton, 4% polyester, 1% spandex), balancing comfort and durability.
Barbell backs them with a lifetime guarantee and a lifetime fit exchange promise. If they wear out or if your body changes, they’ll take care of you.
Who these are for: Guys with athletic builds who are tired of jeans that don’t fit their legs, or anyone who needs jeans that can handle an active lifestyle.
11. Best Jeans for Tall Men – American Tall J1 Straight Leg Jeans
Material Quality: 7/10
Construction & Durability: 7.5/10
Fit & Design: 9/10
Value for Money: 8/10
Overall Score: 7.9/10
$89
American Tall
People think only short men struggle to find clothes.
Wrong.
Some of my friends above 6’3″ are always looking for trousers that don’t fit like capris.
That’s where American Tall comes in.
Just like Barbell Apparel makes jeans for athletic builds, American Tall makes jeans for guys who are too tall.
J1 comes in 36, 38, and 40-inch inseams.
That’s 4-8 inches longer than standard.
The fit is straight leg with a bit more room in the hips and thighs.
Higher mid-rise waist with classic five-pocket design.
The denim is a premium cotton-spandex blend (some colors even include polyester) for stretch and structure.
Pre-washed and shrinkage controlled, so they won’t shrink much after the first wash.
Construction is solid. Functional zip fly with button closure, lined rivets, and a leather patch.
I’ll be honest with you, I haven’t tried these myself (I’m around 5’9″, so not exactly the target customer)
But I have friends over 6’3″ who’ve worn these for years, and they swear by them.
Who these are for: Tall guys tired of jeans that look like capris. Finally, jeans that fit your actual leg length.
12. Best Jeans for Short Men – Ash & Erie Straight Fit Jeans
Material Quality: 7/10
Construction & Durability: 7.5/10
Fit & Design: 9/10
Value for Money: 6.5/10
Overall Score: 7.5/10
$158
Ash & Erie
Ash & Erie does for shorter guys what American Tall does for tall guys.
They make jeans for guys under 5’8″.
Shorter rises. Adjusted pockets. Proper leg lengths. Finally, a pair of jeans we don’t need to hem. Yay!
You can choose from three styles:
Midtown: Soft 11oz denim (98% cotton, 2% elastane) with some stretch. Straight fit from mid-thigh down. This is their most comfortable option.
Essential: Classic 11.25oz Cone denim (99% cotton, 1% elastane) with slight stretch. Mid-rise with straight legs. The most classic option.
Explorer: Supersoft 10.5oz Cone denim (92% cotton, 7% polyester, 1% elastane) with the most stretch. Regular rise with a wider leg opening. The most relaxed option.
After testing all three, here’s my recommendation:
If you want the best overall option, go with the Essential.
It’s the best balance of authentic denim feel and comfortable stretch.
But if you prioritize comfort above all, Midtown is the winner. It’s noticeably softer and more flexible.
All three are designed to be worn casually with five-pocket styling and a classic zip fly.
The only issue is the price.
Even though the quality’s solid, I do think it’s a bit overpriced.
Who these are for: Men 5’8″ and under who are tired of jeans that bunch up at the ankles or have pockets that sit in the wrong place.
13. Best Sustainable Jeans – Nudie Jeans Gritty Jackson Slim-Fit Straight-Leg Organic Jeans
Material Quality: 8.5/10
Construction & Durability: 8/10
Fit & Design: 8/10
Value for Money: 7.5/10
Overall Score: 8/10
$195
Mr Porter
Nudie Jeans describes itself as “tomorrow’s vintage.”
They’re so confident in their quality that they encourage you to wear their jeans for years, repair them when needed, and eventually pass them down.
The Gritty Jackson is a slim cut made from 100% certified organic cotton. Mid-weight. No stretch.
Why are these jeans considered eco-friendly?
Let’s start with the cotton. It’s certified organic, meaning no harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.
Then the production. Nudie uses lower-impact techniques that reduce water and chemical use.
And the hardware, like rivets and zippers, is made from raw, ungalvanized copper, which is more eco-friendly.
On top of that, Nudie has a free repair program. Forever.
Bring your jeans to any Nudie store and they’ll fix them for free.
That’s why they’re considered sustainable and eco-friendly.
The fit is slim-straight with a mid-rise and runs true to size.
Construction is what you’d expect from premium denim. Quality stitching. Durable hardware.
Mr Porter categorizes these under “Consciously Crafted,” meaning they meet strict criteria for lower environmental impact.
Who these are for: Guys who care about environmental impact and want quality denim made responsibly.
14. Best Black Jeans – A.P.C. New Standard Black Straight Leg Jeans
Material Quality: 9/10
Construction & Durability: 8.5/10
Fit & Design: 8/10
Value for Money: 7/10
Overall Score: 8.1/10
$275
Mr Porter
Black jeans are one of the most versatile things in your fall wardrobe.
But finding the perfect pair isn’t easy.
Most black jeans fade to gray after a few washes.
Or they feel too dressy.
That’s where A.P.C.’s New Standard Jeans come in.
This midweight denim is 98% cotton with 2% polyurethane, so you get a genuine denim feel with just enough stretch to move comfortably.
The fit is regular straight-leg with a mid-rise.
Classic and comfortable without being baggy.
The cut works on most body types.
Construction is premium: quality stitching and sturdy button closures.
The fabric breaks in naturally and gets better with wear.
Most importantly, the black color stays true longer than cheaper jeans.
Who these are for: Guys who want versatile black jeans that work for everything from casual to dressy.
15. Best Distressed Jeans – Diesel 1980 D-Eepher Relaxed Distressed Jeans
Material Quality: 7.5/10
Construction & Durability: 8/10
Fit & Design: 8/10
Value for Money: 6.5/10
Overall Score: 7.5/10
$375
Diesel
If you are the type of person who likes their jeans to look lived-in from day one, these jeans are for you.
The D-Eepher has Diesel’s signature destroyed look. Rips. Repaired patches. Subtle dirt effect in medium blue.
The denim is 100% organic cotton. Eco-friendly with Diesel’s “Cleaner Chemistry” approach.
The fit is relaxed with a medium waist that sits on the hips and a straight leg.
Button fly. Double eagle stitching on back pockets.
Here’s the thing about distressed jeans: they’re polarizing.
Some guys love the look. Others think it’s silly to buy jeans that already look beat up.
If you’re in the first camp, these are well-made.
The distressing looks intentional. Not cheap.
Who these are for: Guys who dig the distressed aesthetic and want a high-end version of it.
Sizing & Fit Tips
You need to be careful when buying jeans, especially when buying them online.
Here’s how to get it right.
Measure Yourself Properly
Don’t trust your pant size!
Why?
Because a size 32 in one brand might fit like a 34 in another.
Do these instead:
For waist:
Use a soft measuring tape.
Measure where you want your jeans to sit (usually at your belly button or just below).
Don’t suck in your stomach. Breathe normally and measure.
For inseam:
Measure from your crotch to where you want the jeans to end (usually the top of your shoe).
Or find a pair of jeans that fit perfectly and measure those.
For rise:
This is trickier.
Rise is measured from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband.
If you prefer jeans that sit higher on your waist, look for rises of 11-12+ inches.
Lower rises (9-10 inches) sit on your hips.
For thigh:
Measure around the fullest part of your thigh.
This matters more than you think, especially if you have athletic legs.
Common Fit Issues and Solutions
Problem: Waist fits but thighs are too tight.
Solution: Look for relaxed or athletic fits. Barbell Apparel Athletic Fit Jeans and Levi’s 550s are good options.
Problem: Gap at the back waist when you sit down.
Solution: You need a higher rise. Try mid or high-rise jeans, like the Buck Mason Japanese Loomstate Selvedge Full Saddle Jean.
Problem: Bunching at the ankles.
Solution: Either hem your jeans or look for brands that offer shorter inseams (Ash & Erie for shorter guys).
Problem: Too tight in the crotch area.
Solution: Look for jeans with a gusseted inseam (like Barbell Apparel) or size up and get the waist tailored.
Breaking In vs Uncomfortable
There’s a difference.
Raw and unsanforized denim (Iron Heart) will feel stiff at first.
That’s normal. Give them 1-2 weeks of regular wear and they’ll break in.
Sanforized denim (most jeans) should feel comfortable from day one.
If they don’t, you might buy the wrong fit.
Stretch denim (blend with spandex or elastane) almost doesn’t need a break-in period.
My rule: if jeans feel painful or restrict your movement on day one, size up or try a different cut.
Shrinkage Considerations
100% cotton jeans will shrink in the wash, especially if you use hot water or put them in the dryer. Expect 1-3% shrinkage.
Stretch jeans shrink less because the synthetic fibers are more stable.
Unsanforized denim (raw denim that hasn’t been pre-shrunk) can shrink 5-10%. Always check the product description and size up if needed.
Pre-washed jeans have minimal shrinkage because they’ve already been washed during manufacturing.
Pro tip: If your jeans fit perfectly when you buy them, they’ll probably be too tight after the first wash. Size up slightly unless you want a snug fit. Of course, some jeans will loosen up with wear.
Care & Maintenance (Brief)
Good jeans are an investment. Here’s how to make them last.
Washing Frequency Recommendations
The denim community loves to debate this.
Some people never wash their jeans. Others wash after every wear.
Here’s my take:
Raw denim: Wait at least 6 months before the first wash. Let it develop the natural fade patterns.
Dark-wash jeans: Wash every 5-10 wears to let the color hold its depth.
Light-wash or pre-distressed jeans: Wash when they’re dirty or start to smell. These won’t fade much anyway.
Stretch jeans: Wash more frequently (every 3-5 wears) because body oils and sweat can break down the elastic fibers.
Less washing = longer life.
But don’t be gross. If they smell or get dirty, wash them.
How to Wash Your Jeans to Preserve Color and Fit
Always wash inside out. This protects the outer surface from abrasion.
Use cold water. Hot water causes fading and shrinkage.
DON’T use fabric softener. It coats the fibers and reduces absorbency.
Use a gentle detergent.
Hang dry whenever possible. The dryer causes fading, shrinkage, and wear on the fabric.
If you must use a dryer, use low heat and remove them while they’re slightly damp.
When to Avoid Washing (Raw Denim)
I’ve said this before: For raw denim, wait at least 6 months before the first wash. Let it develop the natural fade patterns.
Washing raw denim too early, you might not get those high-contrast fades you love.
Instead of washing, try:
Spot cleaning for small stains.
Freezing (yes, really) for odor. Put them in a plastic bag and freeze overnight (in the fridge).
Airing out by hanging them outside on a clothesline.
When you finally do wash raw denim, turn them inside out, use cold water, and hang dry.
Repair vs. Replace Considerations
Don’t throw away your jeans just for a blowout in the crotch.
Denim can be repaired by a tailor or a denim repair shop.
Some brands (like Nudie) offer free repairs for life.
Replace your jeans when:
- The fabric is wearing thin
- They no longer fit properly (and can’t be tailored)
- They’ve lost their shape and bagging out won’t recover
But a single tear or worn spot? Get them repaired.
Final Recommendations
Let’s wrap this up with some quick takeaways.
Quick Recap of Top Picks for Different Needs
Best overall: Levi’s 501 Original. Can’t go wrong. Works for almost everyone. Under $100.
Best for denim lovers: Iron Heart UHR. Absolute best quality. Worth every penny if you care about fades.
Best for comfort: Mugsy Stretch Denim Jeans. Maximum stretch.
Best budget: Wrangler Relaxed Flex. Quality under $30.
Best for style: Tom Ford Selvedge. If you can afford it, these look sharp.
Where to Buy
Most of these jeans are available directly from the brand websites.
Pro tip: Check the return policy before ordering. Most brands offer free returns, but some (like Naked & Famous) only offer store credit.
Final Thoughts on Finding the Best Jeans for Men
Honestly, I don’t think there’s such a thing as universally “best” jeans.
Like I said at the very beginning of this post, the perfect pair depends on your body type, budget, style preferences, and what you’re using them for.
The best jeans for a raw denim lover and a guy who just wants comfortable jeans for everyday wear are completely different.
So, instead of looking for the #1 best jeans, ask yourself:
- What’s my budget?
- What fit do I prefer? (slim, straight, or relaxed)
- How will I wear these (casual, dressy, work)?
- Do I care about fade patterns and denim quality, or just comfort?
Answer those. Then use the reviews above.
You’ll find your perfect pair.
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