Tested: The Best Denim Jeans For Men To Wear Right Now

Jeans have been a wardrobe staple since the late 1800s, and remain just as in vogue today as they were a century ago. The immense popularity of these denim bottoms means there are now hundreds if not thousands of pairs to pick from — and that’s before diving into specialty jeans like workwear jeans or motorcycle riding jeans. Well aware of this reality, we’ve thoroughly scoured the market in order to deliver this curated guide to and hands-on review of the best denim jeans for men. 

Selection & Testing

There’s an enormous number of available options when it comes to shopping for men’s jeans, so we kicked off our hunt for the best in denim by first thoroughly scouring the market for the latest and greatest available options. In order to narrow down our search, we divided this larger segment into sub-categories, such as best cowboy jeans, best USA-made jeans, best baggy jeans, and so on. From there, we then generated a shortlist of candidates by selecting multiple pairs from each sub-space. 

While details, product descriptions, and spec sheets can be incredibly informative, these elements only tell one part of a larger story. So, in order to gain a more comprehensive sense of how each pair wears, feels, and performs, we got our hands on each pair on our shortlist before proceeding to put them to the test. This process consisted of wearing each pair of for a day at a time before, before repeating this process several times over. This portion of the review process helped shine a light on how each pair fit, whether they were true-to-size, how comfortable they were, and overall how they felt and performed. We also tested the range of motion and mobility offered by each pair. 

On top of our more informal hands-on review process, we also performed off-the-body testing that see each pair scrutinized at length, enabling us to closely examine aspects like build quality and craftsmanship. Each pair was also individually reviewed before later being contrasted side-by-side. Once armed with the information from our testing, we then narrowed our original shortlist down to a final list of what our testing proved to be the best men’s jeans currently out there. 

Model Measurements: Our model in the photos is 6’2″ and wears 36” × 30” pants. Because of his proportions, he tends to opt for a relaxed fit as more slim-fitting pairs often look tighter on him, though that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be tight on everyone.

Wrangler Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jean

Best Cowboy Jeans: Since 1947, Wrangler has been making some of the best Western-style jeans on the market, and while it no longer produces its garments in the USA, it nonetheless continues to churn out some of the finest — and most value-laden — Western jeans that money can buy, as evidenced by Wrangler’s Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jean. Equipped with a standard waistband button and zippered fly, these jeans sports a cowboy cut design brought to life in super sturdy 15.25-ounce cotton denim. 

The Good

At 15.25oz, the denim borders on being a heavyweight construction, though still doesn’t feel overly stiff and actually broke in better than some of the less robust mid-weight denims I tested. The craftsmanship on display is nothing to write home about, though it’s perfectly acceptable. For being a pair of jeans that are mass-produced overseas, their construction is actually somewhat impressive, it just doesn’t compare to the quality of its pricier, boutique-made counterparts. The bleached color way we tested gives the jeans a more classic look that doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb when new. 

Unlike regular bootcut jeans, Wrangler’s signature Cowboy cut is a little less flared and a bit more narrow towards the cuff. While the cuffs are big enough to easily accommodate boots, they don’t look weird when wearing sneakers or really any other type of footwear. While they’re by no means skinny jeans or even slim fit, they’re more vintage straight cut does mean they hug the thighs a bit but open up as they extend down — which also gives them fantastic range of motion. And, while I know they were cut to fit a pair of cowboy boots, I found the taper and openings at the legs to be super conducive to wearing pretty much any other type of boot, from a pair of Red Wing Moc Toes to a pair of Dainese moto boots. 

Supplementary Strengths

The W stitching across the back pockets and the leather Wrangler logo patch further contribute to this pair’s more old-school feel, making them look more like something you’d pull out of your dad’s closet than they do a new pair of jeans made in 2024. With pairs available from just $50, there’s absolutely no denying the incredible value this pair of Wranglers affords. And, unlike most budget-friendly jeans, this pair will likely offer years — if not decades — of use. These jeans are also offered in 20 waist sizes, half-a-dozen inseam lengths, and a whopping 10 different color options, too. 

The Not So Good

Unlike Wrangler’s jeans from yesteryear, this pair isn’t made in America — which is a bit of a shame considering the brand’s quintessentially American identity. My bigger issue with this pair is with its versatility — or lack thereof rather. Like Carhartt WIP’s Brandon Pants, Wrangler’s Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jean is somewhat limited in its ability to pair well with different style and wardrobes. Due to the way they’re cut, these jeans also need to be worn a bit higher on the waist than I was typically used to, which took some getting used to on my part. 

Verdict: With a cut that hugs the thighs a bit before opening up at the knees, the Wrangler Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jean put a unique spin on traditional boot-cut jeans and offer an unmistakably old-school look — not to mention solid craftsmanship, a robust denim construction, and some seriously unbeatable value. 

Levi’s 501

Best Classic Jeans: In 1873, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis filed a patent for the process of riveting pants together.  This game-changing patent would allow the then fledgling firm to deliver the now legendary Levi’s 501 jeans. Though initially made for laborers, the rugged and dependable nature of these jeans would eventually see them widely adopted by the mainstream fashion space. Fast forward roughly 150 years later to today and the 501 jeans remain a mainstay in the men’s clothing space — and continue to represent one of the finest pairs that you can buy.

The Good

The jeans sport a timeless straight cut design brought to life using a mid-weight 12.5-ounce cotton denim. The version I tested features a dark indigo wash that comes contrasted via yellow and gold stitching — and a classic red Levi’s logo tag. The back of the pants also come adorned in one of Levi’s signature leather patches (which also shows the pair’s waist and inseam sizes). This indigo version also fades beautifully — and a lot faster than I expected, as I could already see the wash start to transition after only a week or two of use. Considering the price point they’re sold at, the button fly is a welcome and unexpected touch. 

Despite being a fraction of the price of some of the other pairs I tested, the 501s genuinely don’t feel all that different. Their denim feels robust and the construction feels sturdy and decently-well reinforced at all key stress points. In fact, this reinforced factor plays a massive role in what makes them so special. And, unlike some of the more high-end denim jeans on the market that require complicated and involved washing procedures, the 501s can just be tossed in the laundry and run in the machine along with the rest of your clothes. 

Supplementary Strengths

It’s not often you can pickup a pair of jeans at this price that will last as long as the legendary 501s. Even though their design and cut dates back well-over-a-century, they still look modern and have no problem lending themselves to most outfits — save for formal attire. What’s more, it’s actually kind of remarkable how little these pants have changed over the century-and-a-half since their debut. 

They’re also comfortable right off the rack and only grow more so over time with regular use. Unlike the original 501s, these jeans are no longer made in America — though Levi’s does offer USA-made versions of these jeans, albeit for a steeper price. At the end of the day, Levi’s 501s really do tick just about every box one could hope for when acquiring jeans, as they’re rugged, comfortable, and built-to-last. These characteristics are made all the more impressive by the fact that the 501s can be picked up for under $100 — and is little as $50 from select retailers. 

The Not So Good

Though they’re great jeans overall, there’s no denying that Levi’s 501s simply lack the unmistakably premium nature of its selvage construction counterparts. It’s build quality also screams “mass production,” not because it’s bad, but more because it lacks the more robust and reinforced feel that pricier boutique-made pairs tend to exhibit.

Verdict: A bonafide men’s wardrobe staple dating back some 150 years, the Levi’s 501s are the very definition of tried-and-true, lauded by laborers and fashionistas alike for their combination of quality, comfort, and value. If you’re on a tight budget and still want a decent pair of jeans, this should be your obvious go-to choice. 

Flint and Tinder Everyday Stretch Denim Jeans

Best Daily-Wear Jeans: When purchasing jeans that you plan on wearing on a daily basis for years to come, it’s not particularly difficult to justify investing anywhere from $200 to $500 in a quality pair. Very often you’ll actually save money in the long run by spending more on one good pair than you would on multiple pairs of cheap pants that you’ll have to replace after only a few months of use. And this plays a massive role in what makes the Flint and Tinder Everyday Stretch Denim jeans so noteworthy, as this pair manages to punch well above its weight, delivering the quality and comfort of a $300 pair, while costing a literal fraction of the price. 

The Good

This classic straight cut design has been brought to life in a mid-weight 13.5-ounce cotton blend that’s been infused with small amounts of elastic and polyester. Though their construction is extremely close in weight to the beefier 14-ounce pairs I tested, Flint and Tinder’s Everyday Stretch Denim jeans are substantially more comfortable, being noticeably softer despite only boasting a half-ounce difference in weight. Not only are they ridiculously soft right-off-the-rack, but the multi-way stretch properties these jeans offer make for an even more comfortable pair. In fact, I’d say this was easily the most comfortable pair I tested — and by a pretty decent margin too. 

They grew even more comfortable over time the longer I wore them (and washed them), plus I can imagine this area only gets even better with more time and use. The fit on these pants is true-to-size, and fairly middle-of-the-road in terms of its cut, being straight with a bit of taper. There’s no part of them that boasts a baggy fit either. I was also really impressed with the Everyday Stretch Denim’s range of motion, as its mobility is completely and totally unrestricted.

Supplementary Strengths

Sporting a classic five-pocket design, these jeans are also at least partially characterized by their impressive levels of versatility. Whether you’re headed to the office in a button-up or rocking them with a hoodie, the jeans look right at home with practically any wardrobe type, and can even pull off business casual outfits. The Huckberry-owned label has also bestowed this pair with a YKK zipper, a custom FnT-branded waist button, and bespoke Flint and Tinder signature antique metal shanks. 

Unlike some Flint and Tinder products, this pair is made in China and not America, though you’d honestly never know it from looking at the craftsmanship on display, as the build quality these pants possess is much closer to the type of overall execution you’d see on a $300 pair — making its sub-$100 MSRP that much more impressive and noteworthy. Considering you can snag a pair of these jeans for below the $100 mark also gives them some of the best value of any premium denim pants on the market. 

The Not So Good

Despite my best efforts, there really wasn’t anything negative I really had to say about these jeans. They not only offer pretty much everything you could want from a quality pair of jeans — ample durability, versatile and timeless style, unrestricted mobility, and unparalleled comfort — but they also do so at a fairly unbeatable price.  

Verdict: If you’re looking for an affordable yet objectively premium pair of jeans for daily wearing, dollar-for-dollar, nothing even comes close to Flint and Tinder’s Everyday Stretch Denim, as they provide the comfort, performance, durability, and overall quality of markedly pricier pairs, while being available for below $100. 

Carhartt WIP Brandon Pant

Best Baggy Jeans: As someone that grew up in the ‘90s and lived through the JNCO and Marithé + François Girbaud eras, it’s hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that baggier-fit jeans have once again become fashionable. And while there are plenty of options out there for baggy modern denim, few execute the loose-fit design better than Carhartt WIP’s Brandon Pant. 

The Good

Utilizing a five-pocket design, they feature a loose, straight fit with a back yoke and a low crotch. They are true-to-size, just very baggy around the legs. Decorated via a woven square label, these Carhartt WIP jeans are crafted from a 100% cotton 13.5oz “Smith” denim. Interestingly, the design boasts a shorter-than-normal inseam length which the brand says was done to “allow for active wear” though I didn’t find it really bolstered mobility or range of movement — then again, maybe it just felt weird doing physical activity or exercise in baggy jeans. 

Supplementary Strengths

The fit is definitely baggy, but not to a ridiculous extent where it feels like you’re swimming in your clothes — or still living in an era where spinners and tall tees are still popular. If sized down one or two sizes, the Brandon Pant does sport a more traditional fit, but at that point I’d argue you’re probably better off just opting for a pair of regular straight or slim cut jeans. The overall craftsmanship and quality of the construction isn’t bad, but it’s also nothing to write home about. The execution and fit and finish leave no doubt as to the fact this pair was born out of a mass-produced operation. 

The Not So Good

Because of the much more baggy fit, these jeans don’t really lend themselves to anything above and beyond casual use — which they admittedly excel at. As such, the limited versatility makes it a little harder to stomach their price — though at around $130 it’s not like they’re all that exorbitant to begin with. Additionally, just like with any non-timeless style that happens to currently be in vogue, there’s a very decent likelihood that these pants won’t be in-trend in half-a-decade’s time — unlike most of the other pairs on this list that are practically guaranteed to look as fashion-forward today as they will 20 years from now. 

Verdict: Taking inspiration from the baggy pairs from the ‘90s, the Carhartt WIP Brandon Pant is a robust, contemporary take on retro wide-leg jeans that are perfect for anyone trying to capture that throwback look — plus they come at a pretty fair price too. 

Buck Mason Ford Standard Jean

Best Vintage-Inspired Jeans: When it comes to men’s wardrobe staples, very fee do it better than Buck Mason. The Los Angeles label consistently delivers timeless designs brought to life using premium materials and further elevated via subtle details that collectively make for a more desirable product. And this MO is on full display with Buck Mason’s Ford Standard Jean. 

The Good

The Ford Standard Jean features a straight cut and a mid-rise design that’s complemented via a button fly. The Ford Standard Jean is cut from a 14oz indigo denim that’s yarn-dyed and infused with some light stretch properties. Milled in Japan, this construction is also pre-washed, giving it a softer, more lived-in feel right off the right, despite its fairly robust 14oz weight. The construction also offers an ideal blend of comfort and durability. 

Though it definitely features a straight cut, the design has been lightly tweaked, with the jeans tapering a bit at the leg, resulting in something akin to a slim-fit of sorts. They also happen to be some of the most comfortable 14-ounce denim jeans I’ve ever worn, as they’re surprisingly soft right off the rack, and only break in and become that much more comfy over time with regular use. 

Supplementary Strengths

For being made overseas, the craftsmanship on display is pretty impressive, as not a single thread or stitch appears loose or out of place. There’s also something that I really appreciate about how Buck Mason’s Ford Standard Jean looks like an old pair of trusty jeans, despite being brand new. The way the dye has been faded in natural areas gives way to a natural appearance. 

At first glance they resemble your average pair of straight cut jeans, though closer inspection reveals a few small but meaningful details such as a bespoke suite of hardware with custom Buck Mason-branded rivets and a bespoke waistband buttons running up the fly. While every variant boasts a classic look, the Light Wash version of the jeans that I tested sports a lived-in appearance that gives it an even more timeless feel. The more timeless aesthetic of this pair also affords it with a great deal of versatility — unlike Wrangler’s Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jean, which also feature a decidedly classic look while being far less versatile. 

The Not So Good

My only real complaint with this pants stems from their stretch properties. Made from 98% cotton infused with 2% Spandex, this 14oz construction just doesn’t offer much in the way of stretch, and could definitely benefit here from a bit more flex. I always really appreciate when jeans are able to strike a balance between classic looks and modern comfort and performance, and a bit more stretch and flex would no doubt place this jeans in that camp. All things considered, they’re still a fantastic pair, stretch properties aside. 

Verdict: Cut from a Japanese-made 14-ounce Spandex-infused yarn-dyed cotton denim, the Buck Mason Ford Standard Jean is the epitome of a timeless pair of jeans that puts a top-shelf spin on the classic formula, offering versatile, retro-inspired looks, quality construction, and modern levels of comfort and performance — all for a pretty fair price. If you could only have a single pair of jeans in your wardrobe, we’d recommend opting for these. 

Alex Mill Painter Pant

Best Painter-Style Jeans: From time to time, purpose-built garments made to serve a specific function become popular in fashion circles. And, not unlike how Carhartt’s workwear-style items have become increasingly adopted by the fashion and streetwear scenes, retro-style painters pants have also grown increasingly in vogue in recent years. And as far as authenticity goes, the Alex Mill Painter Pant blows pretty much all other contemporary options in this segment out of the water. 

The Good

This pair features a relaxed fit that’s loose, but not baggy — however, it is certainly bordering on baggy, walking right up to that line without stepping over it. This relaxed-cut design is crafted from a lightweight cotton Japanese indigo denim. Despite sporting a used-look right off the rack, this pair looked even more natural as it broke in over the roughly two-weeks I spent wearing and testing them. And, while they were fairly comfortable when tried on for the first time, they only got better here with regular use, too. 

There are also plenty of modern-day jeans with retro-inspired appearances, though Alex Mill’s Painter Pant is one of the very few pairs that look like they could have come straight out of a time capsule from the 1970s. The retro-look is furthered even more by this pair’s available vintage wash (which adorned the version of these jeans that I tested). This pair’s most unique aspect, the front patch pockets can be a bit divisive depending on your opinion, but there’s no denying the workwear influence this detail brings to the table.

Supplementary Strengths

The right leg sports two deep utility pockets while the left leg features a single utility pocket supplemented via a hammer loop — all of which are heavily reinforced. And these utilitarian details not only further this pair’s workwear-inspired appearance, but they’re actually functional. In terms of bang-for-your-buck, they aren’t the most value-laden jeans, but at under $200 they’re still fairly affordable. The overall build quality does leave something to be desired in some areas, but as a whole the construction is at least solid enough to provide years of dependable use — the pair just might not be a great candidate to pass down to future generations as a family heirloom as much as pairs like Hiroshi Kato’s The Hammer Straight jeans. 

The Not So Good

I personally happen to be partial to this pair carpenter-style patch pockets, though I also realize not everyone shares in this sentiment, which could be a strike against them depending on your taste. I also wouldn’t have minded seeing Alex Mill lean further into the workwear influence and treat the front of the pants to double-layered knees, as it wouldn’t just bolster the look, but it would actually allow them to serve as functional workwear pants, too. And, just like with Wrangler’s Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jean, my biggest issue with Alex Mill’s Painter Pant is its lack of versatility, as they really only lend themselves to use in casual settings/with casual outfits. 

Verdict: If an authentic-looking pair of ‘70s-style jeans with unique style is what you’re after, there are very few options that even come close to the Alex Mill Painter Pant, as its quality construction and idiosyncratic patch pockets help it to stand out from the crowd. 

Hiroshi Kato The Hammer Straight Selvedge Jeans

Best USA-Made Jeans: While plenty of guys appreciate garments with multi-way stretch, these kind of properties have traditionally not been very welcome by so-called denim heads, as infusing high-end Japanese selvage with Lycra or elastane is typically looked down upon. And while I once personally subscribed to this belief, certain pairs I’ve tested have shifted my outlook here, such as Hiroshi Kato The Hammer Straight jeans. 

The Good

Made from 14oz raw indigo Japanese four-way stretch selvedge denim, this pair is made is Los Angeles and is born out of a process involving more than 50 individual steps. The raw indigo finish looks fantastic, and its wonderfully contrasted via yellow, almost-gold stitching throughout. Custom hardware, a bespoke leather label patch, and a myriad of custom interior labels all help to collectively elevate the pair as a whole. Its belt loops are chain-stitched and reinforced, too. 

The overall craftsmanship is just stellar. I’ve tried on pairs of $500 and $700 jeans and Kato’s craftsmanship truly is on par with them. When looking at this pair alongside the other seven pairs I tested, Kato’s pair stood out as obviously being one of, if not the most high-end jeans of the lot. The overall quality of both the materials and how they were pieced together also practically guarantees that this pair will offer a lifetime of use. Additionally, they also make for a pretty extraordinary modern-day family heirloom, as they’ll likely last long enough — and still be in good enough shape — to be passed down to future generations. 

Supplementary Strengths

While the Los Angeles label advertises these jeans as sporting a straight cut, my testing proved the fit to at least be on the slimmer end of the straight-cut spectrum. And, though a lot of cheaper stretch denim feels fine at first but eventually bags out and looses elasticity, this pair was built to go the distance and maintains its multi-way stretch properties even after years of use (and washes!). 

The Not So Good

While I thought I’d have a few more gripes when testing these jeans, my complaints are few and far between. For starters, at around $250, they don’t come cheap, though all things considered, I really think you get what you pay for here. The construction is a little stiff right off the rack, but it broke in nicely — and fairly quickly. Additionally, stretch selvedge denim is admittedly often viewed as being somewhat sacrilegious by true denim heads, so this stretch element can be viewed as a negative, but it’s really just a matter of personal opinion. 

Verdict: If you’re after an elusive pair of legimtately high-quality, USA-made pairs of raw Japanese Selvedge jeans that still feature multi-way stretch properties, you really would be hard pressed to do better than Hiroshi Kato The Hammer Straight jeans. 

A.P.C. Petit New Standard Jeans

Best Selvedge Jeans: Walking an interesting line between being a boutique denim-head-approved brand and a mainstream fashion label A.P.C. — short for “Atelier de Production et de Création” — has carved out a interesting place for itself in the market, as its garments are very much in vogue, however it’s taken a unique approach to get there. Rather than striving to remain at the forefront of trends, the Parisian brand instead trades in minimalistic and largely timeless staples that are as in-style today as they were when Jean Touitou founded the label back in ’87. Premium materials and above-average craftsmanship further elevate these goods. And while A.P.C. does tend to stick to the script when it comes to its designs, it does occasionally deliver more modern items like its current flagship pair of jeans, the Petit New Standard.

The Good

The jeans sport a slim tapered, mid-rise design that’s cut from a 14.5oz sanforized Japanese selvedge denim canvas. Exhibiting minimal nep or slub, this pair’s construction does feel fairly stiff right off the rack, though I was amazed by not only how well it fades, but how quickly it occurs. This sanforized pair features a flat-felled inseam and belt loops that are sewn directly into the waistband, giving it a particularly sleek look. Another subtle but premium touch that also stood out to me was this pair’s caramel topstitching. The construction feels solid. Not quite workwear-grade, but nonetheless pretty good. Rounding out A.P.C’s Petit New Standard pair is a button fly.

Supplementary Strengths 

Whether dressed up with a sweater or even sports jacket, or dressed down with a flannel or t-shirt, it’s just a really smart and versatile-looking pair of jeans that lend themselves to the vast majority of settings and wardrobes, marking it particularly easy to justify the nearly $300 investment. I also really appreciate how this pair is almost completely devoid of any exterior labels, branding, or stitching that announce the manufacturer, as it not only furthers their minimalistic aesthetic, but the more ambitious nature makes them that much more versatile.

The Not So Good

While these jeans do fade quickly, they don’t break-in quite as well as some of the other pairs I tested such as those from Levi’s, Buck Mason, Flint and Tinder, and even the Hiroshi Kato pair. The tighter cut and fitted legs do help with this process, but ultimately the stiffness of the 14.5oz denim canvas just hinders its ability to conform to your body and movement. Additionally, they do shrink a little bit, though that’s somewhat to be expected based on the construction. 

And, though they are on the pricier side at around $300, they’re still relatively affordable as far as high-end Japanese selvedge denim goes. With that said they don’t offer the best value either. They are still a great entry-level pair for those interested in getting more into high-end denim — which no doubt plays a role in them currently being sold in more than 10 countries around the world. 

Verdict: Fading incredibly well and incredibly fast, the A.P.C. Petit New Standard is a stellar pair of high-end entry-level Japanese selvedge jeans for those looking to dip their toes in the space without spending an arm and a leg. 

Best Jeans Comparison Chart

A Quick Guide To Denim Types

Denim exists across a myriad of different types. As such, it helps to be familiar with the basic varieties that exist when shopping for a new pair of jeans. Below, we’ll break down the main types of denim being used to craft today’s jeans. 

Cotton Denim: Rugged, affordable, and relatively lightweight, cotton denim is what comprises most pairs of jeans, though there are variations of this cotton-based construction. 

Raw Denim: Raw denim is a type of construction that’s been dyed and then not washed following the dying process. Raw denim tends to fade much better than its counterparts. 

Rigid Denim: Old-school through and through, rigid denim simply refers to denim constructions that are devoid of any stretch materials or properties woven into the jeans. 

Selvedge Denim: Derived from the term “self-edge,” selvedge denim consists of a finished edge of a cut of material that’s constructed in a way that prevents it from fraying or unraveling. This type of denim can typically be identified by the appearance of its outseam, though this so-called selvedge line isn’t always visible. One major advantage to selvage denim — also known as “self-finished denim” — is that it doesn’t need supplementary finishing work like bias tape or a hem. Because of its ample durability and more unique construction, selvedge denim is typically viewed as being of markedly higher quality. 

Stretch Denim: Stretch denim is exactly what it sounds like; a denim construction that features stretch properties afforded by infusing denim with synthetic materials like Lycra or elastane in order to provide some flex and give. 

What To Consider When Shopping

There are dozens and dozens of areas one can factor into their decision when shopping for a new pair of jeans, the reality is that there are seven aspects that trump all others in terms of importance — all of which we’ll be delving into immediately below. 

Fit & Cut: Modern-day jeans come in a wide variety of different cuts and fits, from traditional straight-cut to boot-cut to tapered to slim-fit. While much of this area comes down to personal preference, it’s still an area that should always be taken into account when buying any jeans. 

Construction & Weight: The type of denim that a pair of jeans is cut from is of monumental importance when shopping, as this one single aspect plays a massive role in determining the overall quality of any pair. When reviewing this area you’ll want to check out both the type of denim along with its composition and weight. Also, as a point of reference, denim under 12oz is considered lightweight, denim between 12oz and 16oz is considered mid-weight, and anything 16oz or over is viewed as heavy-weight. 

Construction Technique: It’s not just the type of denim used to craft a pair of jeans that’s if major importance, but also the manner in which that material has been pieced together — also known as construction technique. Because the way in which jeans are stitched together, bar-tacked, or reinforced plays a monumental role in their overall durability, this is a wildly important area to take into account when shopping.

Color & Dye: Jeans obviously come in a wide array of different colors, washes, and dyes. So, when shopping for a new pair, you’ll want to consider the color and dye of any pair, along with how that color or dye is expected to fade or patina over time with regular wearing and use.

Closure: Different individuals have different preferences when it comes to areas like a pair of jeans’ front closure. Typically speaking, most pairs either employ a waist button and a zippered fly or a pure button fly — with the latter variety being more common on high-end pairs.

Hardware & Trim: While a pair of jeans’ primary construction is objectively more important, it’s still worth your while to examine finer details such as a pair’s hardware and trim, as elements like logo patches, rivets, and closure hardware have the ability to hugely elevate a pair of jeans — and often play a major role in distinguishing more premium pairs from their more budget-focused counterparts.

Stretch Properties: In more recent years, it’s become increasingly common to see traditional denim constructions infused with materials like elastane in order to afford multi-way stretch properties, which can often bolster comfort. While this partially boils down to personal preference, it’s nonetheless a crucial area to consider when shopping. 

Breaking Down Wash Type

There are three primary types of washes when it comes to modern jeans — all three of which we’ll be breaking down below. 

Wash: While standard denim jeans are available in virtually every color imaginable, the material starts its life cycle in a deep shade of blue. Once the jeans are actually sewn and deemed wearable, they undergo a major washing process, occasionally alongside other elements that give the bottoms a unique fade.

Dark Wash: Like most types of darker clothing, be it navy or black, a stark pair of jeans typically operates better in a more formal setting. Whether that’s work or a big event, you can try and channel a more sophisticated look with darker jeans — or just throw on a white tee, step outside, and call it a day.

Light Wash: Whether they’re overly distressed or fully intact, there are several ways to rock lighter-washed jeans, but they often look better in casual environments. Yeah, you can always class things up with a coat or button-up (preferably white, in this case), but it’ll probably look better in the summertime with your favorite camp collar shirt.

How To Care For Your Jeans

When it comes to how you should wash your jeans, people have come up with just about everything: walk into the ocean, then roll around in the sand; toss them in the bathtub with nothing but cold water and Woolite; hell, never wash them at all. And these may work for tons of people, but there are more conventional ways to do laundry, namely with something like, you know, a laundry machine. With help from Levi’s Definitive Denim Care Guide, we’ve compiled a proper list of wash instructions you should keep in mind.

1. First and foremost, follow the care tag’s directions, if possible.

2. Turn your jeans inside out.

3. Only toss them in the machine with like colors, be it black, blue, or whatever you’re buying. We recommend not using harsh soaps or detergents to preserve the wash.

4. This step strictly applies to top-loading machine users: wait for the water and soap to come together before tossing the pants in. In fact, you’re likely better off doing this for all your clothes.

5. Wash them in cold water.

6. When it comes to denim, drying machines are not your friend. If you’re in a rush, then use the absolute gentlest and lowest heat cycle possible. Otherwise? Line dry, line dry, line dry.

Honorable Mentions

With selvedge denim, you almost always get what you pay for, though there are occasionally exceptions to this rule — such as the Uniqlo Stretch Selvedge Slim-Fit Jeans. Using a chain-stitched finish, this genuine pair of selvedge stretch jeans can currently be picked up for just $40, which is practically unheard-of. So, while they may not boast the same level of quality as some of the more premium selvedge pairs out there, this Uniqlo pair almost certainly offers the best value of any selvedge jeans on the market — and by a pretty massive margin. 

Cut from a black 14oz denim that’s woven right here in America, the Glenn’s Denim GD111 Slim Straight jeans are an incredibly unique pair, as they’re individually crafted on a made-to-order basis, offering a bespoke clothing experience for only a fraction of what these premium products tend to cost — with this pair being available for under the $200 mark. Unfortunately, we ultimately found several of our main picks to offer slightly better comfort and performance, leading us to make this made-to-order pair a particularly honorable mention. 

The Noah Stovepipe Jeans offer a unique mix of modern and retro traits, calling on a tried-and-true Japanese selvedge denim construction and a wide-leg loose fit. Made in America, this five-pocket pair also gets a metal shank closure, copper rivets, and a woven back pocket label. While we were genuinely impressed with this pair, it ultimately lost out to the Carhartt WIP pair, relegating it to an honorable mention. 

Whenever you’re shopping for men’s wardrobe staples, we always recommend checking out the Todd Snyder catalog, as the San Francisco label delivers some of the very best this space has to offer — with the Todd Snyder Slim Stretch jeans being far from an exception. Offered in eight colors and washes, these stretch jeans feature a classic five-pocket layout, antique copper rivets, and a rugged 12.5-ounce construction composed of 85.5% cotton, 13.5% polyester, and 1% elastane for a bit of added stretch properties. At around $150, these jeans also offer pretty incredible bang-for-your-buck. 

Despite looking and feeling like your average pair of premium designer denim, the SA1NT Unbreakable Straight Jeans utilize a stretch construction that’s been infused with Dyneema in order to afford incredible levels of slide and abrasion resistance — allowing you to wear them in or out of the saddle. Rounding out this honorable mention pair is a top-shelf hardware and trim suite and a black wash that forms a unique patina over time. This pair is also offered in multiple cuts, and with or without internal pockets for housing D30 armor. 

Tested: The Best Men’s Denim Jackets to Wear All Year

If you’ve got a proclivity for high-end jeans, you’ll almost certainly appreciate the picks comprising our guide to the best denim jackets.