Best Jeans for Men: 17 Pairs to Flatter Every Body Type

The best jeans for men should flatter a man’s body type (regardless of body fat percentage), provide flexibility in motion, and remain unraveled over the years. While you have khaki pants, white T-shirts, and sneakers, there’s hardly a more ubiquitous piece of clothing. In this way, men’s jeans are enmeshed with your identity. 

People notice how a man wears his jeans and the fit he chooses. It says a lot about your character. Are you a steadfast man who buys the same pair of basic jeans every year, or do you experiment with trends?

Right now, it can seem skinny jeans are a hard no, replaced by carpenter jeans, patchwork embellishments, voluminous silhouettes, light washes, and relaxed fits. What never goes out of style? Properly fitted jeans.  

We cover what to look for in the best jean for men—including fit, washes, and more. Most of the best jean brands in this list offer multiple categories, but our goal is to simplify, offer a solid suggestion for each type that we stand behind, and perhaps inspire you to try a style you haven’t considered before—like a more relaxed fit or raw denim. We chose Flint and Tinder Stretch Selvedge Denim as the best overall pair of jeans for men. But if there’s one thing you could use multiple pairs of, it’s jeans.  

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Best Jeans for Men at a Glance

• Best Jeans for Men Overall: Flint and Tinder Stretch Selvedge Denim
• Best Relaxed Jeans: Todd Snyder Relaxed Selvedge Jean
• Best Straight Leg Jeans: Everlane The Selvedge Straight Fit Jean
• Most Iconic Jeans: Levi’s 501 Original Fit Selvedge Jeans

 Best Jeans for Men of 2024: 17 Pairs to Try Now

Best Jeans for Men Overall: Flint and Tinder Stretch Selvedge Denim

There was a time when, if one mentioned stretch and selvedge in the same sentence, you might get side eye—comfort and authentic denim didn’t mix. But the folks at Huckberry completely changed that perception. Flint and Tinder Stretch Selvedge Denim is the result of over a year of research and thoughtful design by an in-house denim team. The 11.7-oz denim feels comfortable from the first wear, and after rocking them all week, I can say they look and feel fantastic. With one percent stretch added, they aren’t a pain to break in, and you get to show off that selvedge strip when cuffed. Heritage details like copper rivets, sturdy contrast stitching, a suede patch, and proper selvedge fabric will make even hardcore denim heads nod in approval. They come in various cuts—slim, straight, athletic, and relaxed—to suit any body type, with washes ranging from deep indigo to light blue. And they strike a very accessible price point, might I add.

Best Performance Jeans: DUER Performance Denim

DUER excels at blending lifestyle with performance by taking classic garments and adding moisture-wicking, stretch, or tech textiles—all while staying stylish. DUER Performance Denim jeans are now proven classics. They may look like regular jeans, but under the surface, they feature performance stretch fibers for ease of movement, temperature-regulating fabrics, and antimicrobial treatment to keep you fresh on the go. The jeans also boast reinforced pockets, triple-stitched seams, and a security pocket for your wallet and keys. The best part? They’re incredibly comfortable and look like standard jeans—only you’ll know they can handle just about anything.

Best Mid-Blue Rinse Jeans: Taylor Stitch The Democratic Jean in Mid Wash Organic Selvage

Taylor Stitch The Democratic Jean could easily top several categories—among them, best selvedge, best taper—but the mid-blue wash is too good not to note. The subtle fading and whiskering (no rips or over-distressing) create a perfect canvas for this mid-blue hue to shine. These are versatile enough to pair with a T-shirt, leather jacket, or smart casual outfit. They’re also crafted from selvedge denim, an extra flex.

Best Relaxed Jeans: Todd Snyder Relaxed Selvedge Jean

Relaxed-fit jeans sit between super-baggy and fitted styles. They’re not just on trend now, but appealing to guys looking for more easygoing sway in their silhouette. This year, Todd Snyder is making a big push into denim, and as with everything the renowned American designer touches, his jeans are bliss: With a 13-inch rise and a stovepipe leg opening, Todd Snyder Relaxed Selvedge Jean is a great entry point for anyone wanting to try out slightly looser jeans. The construction nods to the quality and heritage craftsmanship Todd Snyder is known for, reinvented it with a silhouette for the current moment.

Best Faded Black Rinse Jean: Alex Mill AM Original 5 Pocket Jean

Alex Mill AM Original 5-Pocket Jean has a straight-leg silhouette that pairs effortlessly with almost anything. The X-loop detail on the back adds a unique touch, while the deeper yoke and oversized pockets give the jeans an authentic fit with a relaxed, retro vibe. While they were initially available in three blue rinses, the new vintage black wash complements the laid-back feel of these jeans with whiskering, creases, and subtle fading—an homage to the ’90s, but made for now.

Best Slim Jean: Buck Mason Maverick Slim Jean

Slim is a step broader than skinny, offering a streamlined cut for guys who want their jeans tailored and tapered with a slight bit of give. The fan-favorite Buck Mason Maverick Slim Jean nails this silhouette, featuring a clean, narrow fit through the leg and thigh. Pair these jeans with sneakers, boots, leather bomber jackets, or any of Buck Mason’s authentic and wearable outerwear. Inherently rock ‘n’ roll yet tailored, the Maverick Jean is available in a few washes. Still, our favorite is the 13-oz raw Japanese selvedge indigo for a refined tone.

Best Dress Jeans: Mott & Bow Mercer Jeans

Mott & Bow Mercer Jeans, a new, dressier style from the much-hyped denim retailer, come in various fall colors, from khaki and olive to navy and military green. While they have the polished look of dress chinos, they’re cut in a classic five-pocket jean style and made from cotton twill denim. Perfect for business casual or smart casual outfits, they’re soft and breathable, and include two percent elastane for added stretch and comfort—ideal for those upcoming holiday gatherings. Pair them with a merino knit sweater and an unlined wool blazer for a smart look.

Best Jeans with a Unique Silhouette: Levi’s 555 Relaxed Straight Jeans

While we cover plenty of silhouettes on this list, Levi’s introduces another cut to consider adding to your denim arsenal: 555 Relaxed Straight. These jeans fit the current fashion mood while maintaining timeless appeal. Inspired by a vintage thrift store find, they pay tribute to Levi’s classic straight leg but with more room in the seat. Available in a range of clean washes and even a utility-inspired fit, they remain relaxed through the seat and thigh for easy, everyday wear. Leave it to Levi’s to continuously innovate on top of its already undeniable foundation.

Best Light Blue Rinse Jeans: AYR The Normie

Los Angeles-based AYR is known for designing incredibly stylish and highly wearable menswear essentials. Its The Normie jean has become a modern classic. While it could easily win for best relaxed jeans, what truly stands out are the fantastic rinses. The Holiday hue, a light blue wash, perfectly captures ’90s nostalgia but feels fresh. Pair the light blue denim with white socks and black derby shoes for a cool Britpop-inspired look, or dress it down with sneakers and a cardigan sweater.

Best Straight Leg Jeans: Everlane The Selvedge Straight Fit Jean

When I think of straight leg jeans, I often picture that iconic ’50s look—something you might see on Marlon Brando—though nowadays you’re quite likely to spot them on masses of denim enthusiasts. (There’s even a whole movement in Japan dedicated to this aesthetic.) While Everlane The Selvedge Straight Fit jeans may not have a heritage background, they make up for it in silhouette and affordability. Made from organic stretch selvedge, these jeans maintain nearly the same width from thigh to ankle, with a slight taper. Cuff them to show off the selvedge strip—straight leg jeans usually look better styled this way. Pair them with Converse sneakers, Red Wing boots, or derbies; they’ll work with most footwear with some panache.

Best Stretch Jeans: Bonobos Premium 4 Way Stretch Jeans

Bonobos Premium 4 Way Stretch Jeans are so flexible that they almost don’t feel like traditional denim. Comfort takes the spotlight here—they’re like slipping into jersey knit sweatpants, albeit ones made from cotton denim. With an impressive eight percent stretch (from two types of stretch fabrics), these jeans maintain the durability and resilience expected from denim, which is often lost when comfort becomes the priority. Soft yet incredibly durable and available in various colors, they’re the perfect companion for all your upcoming holiday travel.

Best Boot Cut Jeans: AG Jeans Classic Bootcut Denim

Boot cut is a vibe, and it’s made a comeback in the denim world over the past few years. Clint Bootcut Denim from AG hits all the right notes, with just enough room through the thighs, a mid-rise waist fitted from hip to thigh, and a closer fit around the knees before opening into the ideal boot cut. With a flattering, effortlessly cool silhouette and subtle whiskering at the back of the knees for added character, these jeans look great paired with Doc Martens, engineer boots, or sneakers.

Best Raw Denim Jeans: Asket The Regular Jeans in Raw Denim

Raw denim hasn’t been prewashed or treated during production. It molds to your legs and movements over time (often after a bit of an uncomfortable break-in period), with each crease becoming uniquely yours, which is why many denim enthusiasts swear by it. Asket The Regular Jeans in Raw Denim are made of a rigid 13 oz Japanese heritage fabric made from 100-percent certified organic cotton and sewn in Italy. These are luxurious raw denim jeans cut in a classic straight leg that enhances the intrinsic appeal of the material. Break them in and earn those creases—they’ll be stylishly yours and worth the effort.

Best Slim-Straight Jeans: Hudson Byron Jean

Slim-straight jeans offer a slightly more tailored fit from the knee up while maintaining a straight cut from the hips to the ankles. They’re more form-fitting than traditional straight leg, but not as tight as slim fits, providing yet another option to add to your jeans drawer. Hudson Byron Jean owns this silhouette with its mid-rise cut straight through the hip and thigh with a slim-straight leg. Plus, the added stretch ensures the jeans keep their shape and move comfortably with your legs in the more fitted areas.

Best Selvedge Denim Jeans: Imogene + Willie Barton Eastland Jeans

Nashville-based Imogene + Willie has earned a reputation among denim heads, and while once an “insider” brand, it’s since gained wider recognition for exceptional small-batch selvedge. Made on traditional shuttle looms, selvedge denim is renowned for its tightly woven edges that prevent fraying, creating a clean, self-finished edge, often marked by a red stripe visible when cuffed. That history is woven into Imogene + Willie Barton Eastland Jeans, the brand’s latest release, featuring 100-percent cotton Japanese selvedge denim, cut and sewn in the USA. With a deep indigo hue and subtle fading, they boast engrained character along with plenty of life ahead.

Best (Very) Baggy Jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra Baggy Barrel Jean

While this super-baggy, oversized silhouette isn’t for everyone, it can be stylish for the right guy. Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra Baggy Barrel jeans are 100-percent cotton, come in various washes, and are crafted from more rigid denim to maintain their shape—and yes, they’re very baggy. To balance the volume, pair them with a more fitted top, such as a crewneck knit or denim jacket, for a stylish contrast.

Most Iconic Jeans: Levi’s 501 Original Fit Selvedge Jeans

A jeans list would be incomplete without the pair almost every guy should own at some point: the Levi’s 501. We know we feature Levi’s twice on this list, but that’s intentional and warranted. Possibly the most iconic jeans ever, these have been around since 1873 and have never gone out of style—and they never will. The 501 straight leg fit is regular through the thigh, sits comfortably at the waist, and its standard V yoke works with most body types. Available in various washes and in selvedge, the 501s ooze authentic style at an accessible price point. Trends may come and go, but the 501 is forever.

Best Jeans Styles for Your Body Type

The first step in determining the best pair of jeans for you is getting an idea of the shape and size of your body and seeing how that compares to the three generalized body types: ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. Not every guy will fit one of these perfectly, but it’s a good place to start.

• An ectomorph is typically taller (but can be short), has a smaller frame, and displays very lean (or skinny) muscle mass. Think Adam Levine, Matthew McConaughey, or an NBA baller like Kevin Durant. Ectomorphs should look toward straight-fit jeans with a low-to-regular rise and avoid super-skinny jeans as the tight fit will make them look even smaller.
• An ectomorph-mesomorph is a tall-ish, skinny-ish guy who is slightly larger than an ectomorph but slightly smaller than a mesomorph with moderate muscle definition. The best jeans for men of this body type are straight– or slim-fit with a low rise.
• A mesomorph is an average guy with an average frame. This body type is typically athletic with a lean, muscular build and showcases a rectangular shape. These guys should seek athletic, straight, or slim-fit jeans with a low or medium rise.
• A mesomorph-endomorph is slightly larger than a mesomorph but slightly smaller than an endomorph and is typically average height with big muscle mass—think Chris Hemsworth. These guys should lean into athletic, relaxed, or slim-straight jeans with good stretch.
• Finally, an endomorph is a large guy with a large frame. Typically, endomorph guys are short and stocky (but can be taller) with heavy muscle mass and a wide, round frame. Taller endomorphs should look for athletic-fit jeans or anything with a wide leg to go over those quads and avoid low rise jeans at all costs. Shorter endomorphs should seek slimmer jeans or an athletic slim fit and avoid wide legs, as these will make them look heavy.

With these body types in mind, you can get a sense of which jeans will look most flattering. It’s always important to pay attention to a brand’s size chart, though, to make sure you order the best size based on measurements.

Related: 19 Best Casual Shoes for Men to Look Sharp When Dressed Down

How We Chose the Best Jeans for Men

All the jeans listed would make solid additions to your denim rotation. Many of the best men’s jeans we’ve highlighted excel beyond the superlatives we’ve assigned them, so use this guide to discover standout styles from the brands, but don’t hesitate to explore their entire range. 

Each pair really does reign supreme in its respective category—for instance, the best dress jeans are ideal for more formal occasions. In contrast, the best stretch jeans provide unmatched comfort and flexibility. And the best straight-leg jeans cut that ideal silhouette, whereas the best raw denim appeals to those who prioritize authenticity and uniqueness. While we recommend having a few different styles in your wardrobe, consider these key factors when choosing the best jeans for your needs.

What to Look for When Shopping for the Best Jeans

Fit and Silhouette

The fit or cut of jeans is the most important factor when choosing the best pairs. While voluminous fits are in right now, the pendulum will swing back. Meanwhile, timeless, tailored silhouettes are always on trend, depending on your style and body type. The most common fits are slim, straight, relaxed and, more recently, athletic. 

• Straight-leg jeans are mostly straight from the hips to the ankles, with a consistent leg width. 
• Slim-fit jeans (not skinny) provide a tailored silhouette with a narrow leg and tapered shape from the waist to the ankle, a form-fitting look without excessive tightness. 
• Relaxed fits are looser than slim or straight, with more volume throughout the leg, and have a straighter silhouette and a longer rise. Boot-cut jeans flare slightly from the knee down, a more retro vibe that lengthens the legs. 
• Skinny forms to your leg without much give and works best on slimmer guys. 
• Athletic cuts are designed for muscular builds, with extra space around the thighs that taper down. Always try on jeans before buying when you can or ensure a flexible online return policy, as fit can vary between brands. Move around in them—what looks good in the mirror may feel different in motion.

Rise and Yoke

The rise refers to the distance from the waistband’s top to the crotch seam. If the rise dips more than an inch below your groin or hipbones, it may sag in the rear, so aim for a rise that sits snugly on your hips, with the waistband resting at or slightly below your natural waistline. The yoke—the V-shaped seam at the back—also influences fit, particularly around the rear. A standard V-shaped yoke suits most people, but taller individuals with fuller figures might prefer a wider yoke for balance, while shorter individuals or those with smaller behinds could benefit from an inverted arc yoke to create the illusion of height.

Selvedge vs. Raw vs. Stretch

Denim jeans are made entirely from cotton or from mostly cotton with a bit of stretch. Raw denim, also known as dry or rigid denim, has not been pre-washed or treated and appeals to those who want to break in their jeans over time for a special fit. 

selvedge denim is valued for its tightly woven edges that prevent fraying, resulting in a clean, self-finished edge. Often identifiable by a colored edge—commonly red—and visible when cuffed, selvedge denim is renowned among denim nerds. 

That said, stretch denim shouldn’t be overlooked: It blends cotton with a stretch fabric like elastane for added flexibility and is excellent for those who value comfort and have active lifestyles.

Color/Rinse

The color or wash of jeans is key to their overall look, and most guys should own one mid-to-light blue, one raw indigo, and one black pair. Darker washes are versatile and can be dressed up or down, great for business and smart casual settings. Lighter washes, like a mid or light blue, are versatile for everyday wear. While there are no strict rules about where you can wear different rinses, having a few variations in your denim closet is always wise. Some washes may feel tied to specific eras (like stone wash from the ‘80s), but classics never go out of style. Additionally, rinses like gray, hunter green, or tan offer a stylish hue for more dressy lifestyle jeans.

Details

In the world of denim, details reveal much about a jean’s DNA. For instance, some guys prefer a zipper fly, which is common in stretch or lifestyle jeans, while others prefer a button fly for its more durable, authentic feel, often found on raw or selvedge denim. Whiskering (those thin, faded lines around the front pockets or back knees) or subtle distressing can add character, but overly ripped or distressed jeans tend to look dated or tacky. If you want authentic distressed or ripped jeans, consider creating them with your wear over time. Look for minor details like a leather back patch, reinforced stitching, and durable rivets. Trust your instincts—feeling the hardware or patch can often reveal the craftsmanship behind a great pair of jeans.

Why You Should Trust Me

In addition to writing for Men’s Journal, I served as the market editor at Esquire for several years, scouring the industry for the best garments and goods that were not only worth the investment but also made for compelling stories and good advice for readers. That involved, of course, inspecting hundreds of jeans, along with wearing quite a few pairs myself, whether to the office or an after-work show or the grocery store (after all, great jeans go just about anywhere).  

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