The 15 Best Jeans for Men, in Every 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.

But we’re here to change that. After testing and taking some jeans for a spin ourselves, and after speaking to designers, stylists, fashion gurus, as well as other jeans-obsessed experts on what to look for in the best men’s jeans today (from the fit to comfort to the wash and beyond), we hereby present our foolproof guide to the 15 best jeans for men. So consider your denim journey has commerced here and now.

Being more active and outgoing than ever, the best jeans for men have reclaimed their status as the go-to comfortable pants style. They’re also more versatile than ever, letting you go out and about in denim while still looking elevated. Our picks of the 15 best jeans for men will thus give you all the hope and optimism there is to help you find the right pair that lasts (even if they’re jeans under $100 on Amazon). No matter your taste or budget, there’s bound to be a pair of jeans for you below.

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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, has “slim legs that allow your calves and ankles to breathe, sitting just below the waist.” “The Levi’s 511s are a great pair of slim straight jeans for the money; they are well-made, and the stitching feels strong,” Robertson says. With 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.” With dozens of colors and washes and dyes to choose from, in Standard or Big & Tall, consider stocking up with more than one pair.

Denim in the 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.”