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Jeans. The word alone begs some weighty sartorial questions: What will you choose for your second skin? What makes the best jeans for men the best jeans for you?
The answer, turns out, is another question. Who the hell knows? It’s going to take some trial and error. You’re going to need to try on some denim, then try on some more. Live your life in multiple pairs of jeans and report back to yourself about the fit, style, length, material composition, all of it.
That… or you could just take my word for it and check out my top 20 picks for the best men’s jeans across a range of categories. From designer and budget denim to selvage scene-stealers and dad jeans, they’re all here.
Key Takeaways
To find the best jeans for men, I began by poring over dozens of brands, styles, customer reviews, photos, and even my own closet.
The resulting 20 pairs on this list are the best of the best based on factors that include but aren’t limited to comfort, style, material composition, durability, and construction.
My top overall pick is the handsome and formidable Graham Resin Rinse jean from Raleigh Workshop, followed closely by Lee’s Regular Fit Straight-Leg Jean in the budget category.
Why they’re great: You could close your eyes, spin around 10 times, and point at any random pair of Raleigh Workshop jeans and come away with your new favorite pair. Using a proprietary savage fabric, they obsess over the little things and they just don’t miss. The Graham Resin Rinse is a super versatile pair of jeans with impeccable styling and thoughtful details like antique brass buttons and half-lined back pockets. It’s an incredibly durable pair of jeans that will last for years if not a lifetime.
How they feel: The Graham features extra room around the seat and thigh and incorporates a whisper of stretch that’ll move with you throughout the day.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: These jeans are slightly tapered around the ankle, which won’t be ideal for everyone. If you’re looking for straight-leg jeans, Raleigh Workshop has plenty of options. Now, was that an exercise in nitpickery? Yes. Yes it was.
Material: 99% Cotton, 1% Stretch | Sizes: 28-42 | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine or Hand Wash
Why they’re great: The everyday jean should be comfortable, stylish, and conform to the contours of your legs without being too tight. Using denim sourced from a renowned Italian mill, Luca Faloni’s midweight jeans are available in two colors, the most versatile of which is its oh-so-rakish dark blue. This is another classic option capable of playing nice with anything from a summer blazer to a crisp white t-shirt.
How they feel: These button-fly beauties are all about stylish comfort. You’re working with a carefully sourced denim that incorporates a natural stretch for overall breathability and range of motion.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Luca Faloni’s jeans come in a decent range of sizes, but you’ll need to look elsewhere if you need big-and-tall sizes.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: 28-40 | Colors: 2 | Care: Machine Wash
Why they’re great: It starts with Japanese raw denim and it ends with a meticulous stitching process in Italy. What happens in between is more denim-related magic. Look, just know that this pair of Asket jeans is going to go with everything and it’s going to be with you through thick and thin for years to come.
How they feel: The mid-rise waist and slight taper present a classic look while the 100% organic cotton construction is every bit as soft as you’d expect.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Raw denim isn’t for everyone. Due to its untreated nature, the indigo color can rub off or “bleed” onto your other clothes if you’re not careful. While this isn’t unique to Asket’s jeans, it’s something to keep in mind in general.
Material: 100% Organic Cotton | Sizes: 28-38 | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine Wash
Why they’re great: Though Hamburg-based clothing label Closed has since expanded its product line to encompass anything from t-shirts to outerwear, it got its start with denim. Their Italian-made X-Treme Loose Jeans have been made with care from recycled and organic cottons and feature ripped knees and distressing throughout.
How they feel: In a word: airy. Built-in airflow aside, though, this is a super durable pair of jeans designed to get better with age.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The ripped and distressed look is a specific one. If you don’t already have an arsenal of oversized t-shirts, cardigans, and hoodies to pair with these jeans, they may not be the right style for you.
Material: 82% Recycled Cotton, 18% Organic Cotton | Sizes: 27-38 | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine Wash
Why they’re great: Neutrale’s crisp and modern aesthetic spills beautifully over into its Jeans NO1. Their “Natural” color lives somewhere between a crisp white and a subtle cream. Either way, they’re made in Spain using thoughtful processes and quality materials and are all but begging to be paraded down some pebbly European beach while you sip a Negroni and wave to your adoring fans.
How they feel: The pre-washed cotton is soft and luxurious. Meanwhile, a roomy fit keeps the air flowing and your legs breathing.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Any niche style or color such as this one should be considered an addition to an already diverse denim collection. If you’re just looking for an everyday wear, consider holding off on these until you’ve got the staples covered.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: 28-36 | Colors: 2 | Care: Machine Wash
Why they’re great: It’s almost impossible not to look good—nay, cool—in a quality pair of black jeans. Pair them with a blue denim button-down, white t-shirt, or jean jacket and watch as they do all the heavy lifting. Under the hood, you’re working with carefully sourced Italian denim that’ll last for years.
How they feel: Aside from cool? ISTO’s cotton blend is hefty and made to take a beating, but that doesn’t mean the skin feel takes a hit. You’ll still enjoy that soft, safe feeling you’re used to when the best jeans for men hit your legs.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Like white jeans, this black pair should be an addition to your denim stable as opposed to a pillar piece.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: 28-38 | Colors: 2 | Care: Machine Wash
Why they’re great: Everlane’s 4-way stretch jeans make an ideal go-to for the active guy who places a premium on maintaining a solid range of motion. It’s a supremely comfortable pant with a relaxed, tapered fit and a 365-day guarantee. I may or may not have buried the lede there with the whole guarantee thing.
How they feel: Everlane incorporates a generous amount of elastane into the fabric mix to ensure a fit that stretches with your movements and conforms to the contours of your body over time.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: If it ain’t broke don’t fix it, right? This is an outstanding overall jean that’s comfortable and versatile enough to wear several sartorial hats. Trying to pick it apart would be an exercise in futility.
Material: 94% Cotton, 2% Elastane, 4% Other Fiber | Sizes: 28-40 | Colors: 3 | Care: Machine Wash
Why they’re great: Everlane twice in a row? You’re damn right, Everlane twice in a row. And spoiler: There’s another twofer coming below. Back to the here and now, though—the fit of Everlane’s Skinny 4-Way Stretch jeans is a nice balance between the skinny you’re looking for and the comfort you need.
How they feel: Skinny fit aside, the 4-way stretch denim keeps things easy, breezy, and unobtrusive in the thigh and seat areas.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Less about Everlane and more about the style itself, skinny jeans are a niche look—especially in 2023. Slap these guys on and let your confidence, sneakers, and oversized devil-may-care t-shirt or sweater take the wheel from there.
Material: 94% Cotton, 2% Elastane, 4% Other Fiber | Sizes: 28-40 | Colors: 3 | Care: Machine Wash
Why they’re great: When you sign up for a pair of Lee jeans, you know you’re signing up for some of the humblest, hardest working denim in the game. The mainstay brand’s Regular-Fit Straight-Leg jeans are just that—a reasonably priced, universally wearable pair of no-frills jeans available in heavyweight and midweight denim.
How they feel: The straight, regular cut provides a loose and comfortable fit without looking oversized. These guys are made for comfort and breathability and can be worn year-round.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: If you like to dress your jeans up and prefer a more tailored look, this isn’t the pair for you. But while you won’t win any style awards rocking Lee jeans under $100, they still look great and can be worn almost anywhere.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: 28-42 | Colors: 40 | Care: Machine Wash
Why they’re great: Levi’s 501s. The O.G. What else can I say that hasn’t already been said by almost 67,000 5-star reviews on Amazon? Plenty, actually. These are classics for a reason. Available in a staggering array of sizes and colors, the straight-leg jeans are durable, comfortable, and ready to be dressed up or down.
How they feel: 501s only seem to get better with age in the comfort department. The fit is just right thanks to the seemingly bottomless well of sizes to choose from, but also because of its roomy-without-being-baggy cut.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Many people are attracted to Levi’s classic Americana image without knowing that production has largely moved overseas. If supporting American-made products is important to you, you’ll have to look to Levi’s limited-production, special-edition offerings.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: 28-66 | Colors: 32 | Care: Machine Wash
Why they’re great: Wrangler’s Cowboy Cut jeans are the real deal. No artificial flavors. No added preservatives. Just rugged, handsome, durable, all-natural denim made for cattle-wrangling, field-tending, line-dancing glory. They’ll also look great if you’re just some regular dude who likes to wear boots, but that’s not nearly dramatic enough for this forced narrative.
How they feel: Like all of the best jeans for men, Wrangler’s Cowboy Cut leg sheaths feel comfortable, sure, but also tough. A protective barrier protecting your legs from whatever your active day can throw at them.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: This is a niche pair of jeans that prioritizes function over form. They still look great, but prioritize accordingly.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: 27-54 | Colors: 14 | Care: Machine Wash
Why they’re great: Here comes Wrangler again, this time with a classic pair of ass-kicking jeans that are up for any amount of sweat and grime you can throw at them. Anyone who’s worked in a sweltering warehouse or outside on their feet all day (yours truly included) can attest to the fact that you don’t need your work jeans to be “special,” you just need them to be tough. These relaxed-fit, five-pocket jeans are just that.
How they feel: Weighty, solid, and more comfortable than they have any business being.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Unless your idea of “versatile” is looking great in your yard and also across the fence at the neighbor’s barbecue, these jeans have work on the mind and not much else.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: 28-60 | Colors: 8 | Care: Machine Wash
Why they’re great: Whether you’re looking into flannel-lined jeans for lounging around the fire pit or working outside during the fall and winter, it doesn’t get much toastier than this species of pant. Carhartt’s version features a 100% flannel lining and is constructed with a relaxed fit for increased range of motion. They can be as hard-working or leisurely as you want them to.
How they feel: Flannel-lined jeans. Yep, that should just about cover it.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: One of the most appealing attributes about denim is its year-round versatility. Carhartt’s flannel-lined jeans, on the other hand, are best left to hibernate during the spring and summer.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: 28-44 | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine Wash
Why they’re great: Kiton’s Trousers Cotton don’t just have an inspired name, they’re also some of the most ludicrously perfect luxury jeans available. It starts with the fabric itself, which comes from Kurabo, the oldest Japanese denim mill. From there, the denim’s rich dark tones, breathable comfort, and playful details like red kick tape around the hem take over.
How they feel: Ever worn butter? Yeah, me neither. But if that were possible, these jeans would probably be the next most comfortable thing.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: With great luxury comes great price tag. Indeed, four-figure jeans aren’t for everyone, but these are heirloom jeans made for turning heads and made to last.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: 30-42 | Colors: 1 | Care: Dry Clean
Why they’re great: Kelly Slater’s Outerknown is dedicated to creating sustainable clothes using ethical, environmentally friendly practices. So the next time you’re holding court at a breezy beach bar or grabbing coffee with a date in your Local Straight-Fit Jeans, you can feel as good on the inside as you do on the outside. The roomy fit is comfortable without reading baggy and the range of colors will suit every occasion and taste. Protip: Go Baja Blue and never look back.
How they feel: Organic cotton and a hint of stretch join forces to create a supple feel that’ll only get better with time. Did he just say “supple?” He just said “supple.”
Flaws but not dealbreakers: You’d be perfectly fine to dress up the darker colors of this jean, but at its core, the Local Straight Fit is built for leisure. If you’re looking to go business-casual, you’ll have better luck with other options.
Material: 98% Organic Cotton, 2% Spandex | Sizes: 28-38 | Colors: 6 | Care: Machine Wash
Why they’re great: Buck Mason’s hard-working denim collection strikes a perfect balance between sturdy construction, quality materials, comfort, style, and price. One example of a pair that doesn’t lean too hard in any one direction yet somehow lands in the sweetest of spots is the Ford Standard Jean. Mid rise. Straight fit. The perfect shade of blue. All present and accounted for in your new go-to pair.
How they feel: This is another one of those second-skin pairs of jeans. A classic cut and a touch of stretch will keep you moving comfortably all day.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Look, a bird! Yep, nothing to see here.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: 28-40 | Colors: 4 | Care: Machine Wash
Why they’re great: Uniqlo carries a huge selection of garments for every occasion, the majority of which come in a wide range of inclusive sizes. The fast-fashion brand’s Ultra Stretch Color Jeans offer an inseam range from 16- to 30-inches and sizes down to XS.
How they feel: While you’re definitely giving up some material in the length, you’re not giving up any comfort. The ultra-stretch denim does just that to keep your legs cozy while increasing your range of motion.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: These are well-made jeans, but you’ll still be giving up some longevity in exchange for their lower price point.
Material: 97% Cotton, 3% Spandex | Sizes: XS-3XL | Colors: 5 | Care: Machine Wash
Why they’re great: Just because you’re an older man doesn’t mean you need to settle for boring or dated styles. The style of 34 Heritage’s Courage Straight-Leg jean is classic, timeless, and ready to be dressed up or down.
How they feel: Looks aside, men of a certain age are also prioritizing comfort. So you’ll be happy to hear that the organic cotton that these jeans are made with is not only super soft, it also incorporates a generous amount of elastane for added stretch.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The 34 Heritage logo is subtly emblazoned across both back pockets. Something to keep in mind if you prefer brand labels and logos to be hidden.
Material: 86% Cotton, 12% Polyester, 2% Elastane | Sizes: 30-42 | Colors: 2 | Care: Machine Wash
Why they’re great: Asos is another brand that focuses on offering a wide range of sizes to suit all types of frames. The London-based retailer’s Classic Rigid Jeans have an inseam range suitable for taller guys and feature classic styling throughout. Availability in six colors makes these ripe for stocking up on.
How they feel: The regular rise and tapered fit firmly place the Classic Rigid jean in afterthought territory. And yes, that’s a good thing.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: A 34-inch inseam will be long enough for most taller guys, but if you’re 6’4”, you’ll likely need to seek out a big-and-tall retailer.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: 26-48 | Colors: 6 | Care: Machine Wash
Why they’re great: Is there even a line between dad jeans and jean-jeans in 2023? For the sake of argument, let’s go with yes. Dads like to keep things loose. Dads are function over form all day. And yes, dads love khaki. Oh look, here comes Forét’s Heath Denim Jeans that were constructed with an incredibly durable organic cotton and feature a slightly oversized fit. Right place, right time I guess.
How they feel: Let’s just say dad is going to be doing some serious lounging and/or yard work in these jeans. And you. You should do those things too.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: You give up a bit of versatility in terms of where you can pull off wearing this style of jeans, but they’ll serve you well regardless.
Material: 100% Organic Cotton | Sizes: 28-36 | Colors: 5 | Care: Machine Wash
Buying Considerations for Men’s Jeans
Quality & Weight
Men’s jeans are available in a seemingly endless array of styles and use materials that run the gamut in terms of quality. Midweight denim in lighter colors is ideal for summer, for example. And 100% organic cotton fabrics sewn together using thoughtful practices are usually good indicators of quality. Sweat the small stuff to make sure you’re getting a durable product, especially if you’re looking beyond the budget range.
Fit & Rise
Regardless of how well a pair of jeans is made, if they’re not comfortable, they’re not for you. Consider the range of sizes a brand offers and whether they fit your body type. Look at the rise and how the jeans are cut. Is there enough room around the seat and thighs? It’s always best if you can try them on in person, but pay close attention to how the jeans are made if you’re shopping online.
Color
Yes, neutral blues are the classic colors for jeans. They go with everything and look great anywhere. And while you should by all means have several pairs of indigo jeans at your disposal, don’t sleep on black, white, khaki, olive, you get it. Lighter jeans for warm seasons, darker for cool ones. Darker jeans also help provide a slimming effect capable of flattering any body type. Choosing the right color jeans can make or break your overall look.
Why you should trust us
As a fashion and grooming writer at FashionBeans, I compare, test, and research the products that make a gentleman a gentleman. If it can be worn, carried, or used in a way that elevates your look and feel, I’m into it.
For this review, I pored over trusted sources, customer reviews, detailed specifications, and my own experience to understand what makes the best jeans for men. After comparing over 50 pairs, I chose the resulting 20 based on considerations like comfort, style, material composition, durability, and construction. Ultimately, I want to see everyone find the best men’s jeans for them.
Final Verdict
Perhaps no single article of clothing is more crucial—and subjective—than men’s jeans. Put another way, one man’s denim treasure is another man’s denim trash.
Fine, that might be a bit extreme, but I think we can all agree that jeans are a key piece of any man’s wardrobe puzzle and we should all put some thought into their materials, construction, look, and feel. My top pick across those considerations and several more is the Graham Resin Rinse jean from Raleigh Workshop.
FAQ
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Jean styles change throughout the years, but there are a few classics that have stood the test of time and likely always will. Straight leg, relaxed-fit, bootcut, and tapered jeans are all popular and timelessly versatile options.
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Jeans made of 100% cotton or a cotton-elastane blend are typically the most comfortable. But like all things denim, how comfortable jeans are is highly subjective and depends on factors like your body type, lifestyle, preferred materials, and the climate you live in.
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Depending on your preferences, there is and always will be a place for styles like skinny jeans, light-wash jeans, and other niche-leaning options. That said, timeless styles like straight leg, relaxed-fit, and tapered jeans are the ones that are going to best serve you in the long run.
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Kelly Larson is a writer and editor with over 12 years of professional experience. In addition to writing articles for sites like UrbanDaddy and Visit The USA—America’s official travel site—Kelly has led editorial newsrooms in the creation of award-winning content in the digital space. When he’s not writing, Kelly enjoys running, spending time outdoors with his two sons, and searching for his next exceptional finger of bourbon.
