The 12 Best Men’s Jeans for Every Guy’s Style and Budget

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.

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But we’re here to change that with our guide of the 12 best jeans for men along with pointers from designers, stylists, fashion gurus, and other jeans-obsessed experts on what to look for when finding the best men’s jeans. So consider your denim journey has commerced here and now.

While there’s a lot to digest—the fit, comfort, denim type, wash, distress level, and denim style trends—our picks of best jeans for men will give you all the hope and optimism there is to help you find the right pair that lasts, courtesy of some of our favorite online clothing stores for men. No matter your taste or budget, there’s bound to be a pair of jeans for you.

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 better fabric that’s softer to the touch. Fit-wise, this dark-wash denim, according to Isaac Robertson, a CISSN and ISSA-certified fitness professional, have “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 the brand’s moniker and logo readily recognizable from their threading in the rear pocket, the 511 jeans are “comfortable, well-made, and slender from the thigh down, in addition to their appealing appearance.”

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Denim in medium wash is great for achieving that perfectly worn-in look but requires more effort than most guys would like. Thankfully, Buck Mason, the underrated denim maker, has a solution. The brand itself 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 [Buck Mason’s] jeans stand the test of time and will last you a lifetime,” says Sokoloff. And the Ford Standard Jean has the rugged look you’ve been looking for, but without the tedious break-in period needed to achieve the perfect look. 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.”

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