The 16 Best Jeans for Men, Tested and Reviewed by Style Editors

The Levi’s 501 is the blueprint of jeans—the one that every other pair takes notes from. I’ve had the straight-leg style in my closet for some years now and it fits comfortably every time. It has an easy fit through the hip and thigh, with a slight taper below the knee that doesn’t stack over my shoes. The 501s is made with 100% cotton, that’s sturdy and substantial but still breathable, even in the subway where things feel stuffy.

Levi’s offers five different inseams, which is not standard for most retail denim brands. There’s also plenty of washes and different levels of stretch including low and high stretch as well none at all. In other words, whether you’re tall, short, or somewhere in between, there’s an option for everyone and you can skip wasting money at a tailor. I found that the low-stretch pair gives you enough flex to move around without any stiffness. The no-stretch version broke in nicely after a few wears, and the high-stretch ones felt more laid-back without losing shape, but just a tad less breathable.

I’ve washed the 501s a million times and the fit always held up. It hasn’t become too baggy or too tight. Though I’ve machine dried mine before and only saw minimal shrinkage, I still recommend air drying to keep the fit where it’s at. The button fly took a minute to get used to, but it adds to that vintage feel. Out of all the washes I tried, the medium stonewash was the standout. It’s soft straight out of the box, with just the right amount of fading. It works with everything in my closet: t-shirts and hoodies, oxford shirts and loafers, boots and sneakers.

Read More: How to Wash Your Jeans

This pair of travel jeans from Bonobos is the most flexible jean I’ve tested. Honestly, they wear more like athletic pants than traditional denim. The brand uses a stretch cotton blend with a generous dose of elastane, which gives you full range of motion to handle all kinds of airport chaos: twisting and turning through TSA, sprinting to your gate, or squeezing into a tight middle seat.

I usually fly in sweatpants because I can’t stand feeling restricted on long flights, but these jeans completely changed that. On a 13-hour flight back from Japan, I stayed comfortable the entire time. No pinching, no stiffness, and I wasn’t overheating, either. The fabric is super breathable and lightweight, so even during hot layovers and road trips, I didn’t feel like I was melting.

Another big win: they hold their shape. A lot of high-stretch jeans get that saggy, baggy-knee look after a few hours, but not these. I’ve worn and washed them multiple times, and they still bounce back. And despite the gym-pant-level flexibility, they still look like real jeans; clean, tailored, and polished.

They’re also extremely low-maintenance. I packed them tightly into a carry-on for hours, pulled them out, and didn’t see a single crease. That wrinkle resistance is impressive. They looked crisp and ready to wear, no steamer or iron needed. And in true Bonobos fashion: they come in more waist sizes and fits than just about any brand we’ve tested, so no matter your build, you’ll find a version that works for you.

Abercrombie has one of the strongest takes on the baggy jeans right now. This style of denim in general has fully made its comeback, showing up on runways all the way down to everyday streetwear. The brand’s offering is easy to wear: lightweight, super relaxed through the leg, and has that slight “puddle” at the shoe—meaning the hem stacks a bit over your sneakers instead of hitting right at the ankle.

I like that it comes in multiple inseams, so you can actually control how much stacking you want depending on your height or how you like your jeans to sit. And with 20-plus colorways, it’s easy to find a version that fits your vibe, whether you want something low-key and neutral or a little more standout. I personally love the vintage black wash that reads clean and modern, even with the looser shape. In terms of fabric, it’s made from 100% cotton that already feels broken-in, so you’re not dealing with anything overly structured out of the gate.

I put on the Ford Standard Jean from Buck Mason, and could instantly feel how durable this pair was. Not only is this denim as tough as they come, it’s built to last and looks damn good doing it. It’s sourced from Japan’s Kaihara mills, which is known for blending traditional shuttle loom techniques with modern innovation. In other words, this fabric has that rich, textured character you expect from premium Japanese denim, but with a level of consistency that ensures long-term durability. At 14 oz, these jeans sit in that sweet spot—not too heavy, not too light—so it feels sturdy but won’t take forever to break in.

Unlike classic 100% cotton, this pair has a hint of stretch that lets me move freely from the jump. The mid-rise sits perfectly at my waist and I noticed the cut is straight through the thighs, giving ample room to breathe and take big, confident strides. If you’ve got some serious quads, that’s not a problem. These jeans can handle your muscles without compromising your style. It tapers neatly down below the knee, laying right on your sneakers for a clean, sharp finish. Whether I’m keeping it casual with a tee or dressing it up with a crisp button-down and blazer, it has that versatile edge to switch things up.

Most selvedge denim is super stiff like cardboard, but that’s not the case with this pair from 3sixteen. Since the cotton fabric blend is infused with a hint of spandex, it’s wearable out of the gate. I didn’t go through an annoying break-in period, so I could actually sit down, bike to the bodega, or bend down low without cutting off circulation. The straight fit gives me breathing room instead of feeling painted on. It’s tapered in all the right places so you get that clean, tailored silhouette without feeling like you borrowed your little cousin’s pants. And they’re not stacking weird at the ankle or drowning your sneakers; these sit just right, especially cuffed.

This is Japanese selvedge denim from Kuroki Mills: a denim mill famed for its high-quality fabrics and innovative production techniques like indigo dyeing. Yes, the pair is priced north of $300, but you get your cost per wear, it goes with a bunch of different looks, and is built to last for years to come.

If you’re the kind of guy who thinks $15 jeans have to feel like cardboard and fit like a punishment, let me introduce you to the Amazon special that exceeds my expectations.These budget jeans clock in at just $15, but they don’t feel like a throwaway buy. The denim is a cotton-elastane blend, so while it’s not that stiff, 100% raw denim people love, it looks like classic denim and feels way more forgiving. That hint of stretch allows me to sit, squat, and climb stairs without any restriction. Honestly, the pair is also comfortable enough to travel in, which is not something I say lightly about most cheap jeans.

The fabric has a decent weight to it, too. It’s not paper-thin, not overly rigid; just that sweet middle ground that feels broken-in without looking flimsy. Now, are the jeans perfect? No. The zipper jammed on me a couple of times during the first few wears. Not a dealbreaker, because it loosened up and zipped smoothly after a bit, but worth noting. They’re functional, but they don’t have that tank-like durability you’d expect from a $200 pair.

Uniqlo’s straight jeans from its JW Anderson collaboration are a really clean, easy take on everyday denim. It’s got that classic straight-leg silhouette that’s not too baggy or too slim, so it feels wearable right away. I don’t feel like I’m fighting the jeans, but I also don’t feel swallowed by them. One of the standout qualities is the pre-washed finish. You get a subtle, broken-in fade straight out of the box that doesn’t feel stiff or raw.

Another thing to note: the inseam is 32, and on me this pair runs a little long, so there’s some stacking at the ankle. I’ve found it looks better cuffed. For taller guys, it creates a nice break over the shoe. When it comes time to style, it pairs nicely with oversized tees, structured outerwear, and pretty much anything you’d wear year-round. This pair just sits well, doesn’t feel restrictive, and holds up as a reliable “grab-and-go” pair. Plus, it’s more affordable than most options on the list, meaning you can stock up on the three colorways without blowing too much money.

When you’re spending good money on denim, it should be built to last and AGOLDE’s jeans fit the bill. The moment I pulled one leg through, I could tell it was rigid yet surprisingly smooth. It’s made from non-stretch sustainable cotton, which breathes well and softens over time without losing structure. It also has some heft, so I wouldn’t wear it in high-80- or 90-degree temps, but I’ll be reaching for it from fall straight through spring.

Style-wise, it’s a nice departure from your classic blue denim, with a washed-out grey hue that looks sharp with a plain tee or lightweight flannel and boots. My only gripe is the fit: the jeans are already baggy and only come in a 32-inch inseam, which creates more stacking than I’d like at 5 ‘8″. I had mine hemmed slightly to clean up the break. If you’re 5 ‘11” or taller, though, it’ll drape over your shoes or boots the way it’s intended without looking overly bunched.

If you’re looking to lean into the Western workwear trend without going full cowboy, AG’s classic bootcut Jean is an easy place to start. I wore this pair to the Beyonce Cowboy Carter concert to coincide with the album’s theme, but it also works just as well for everyday wear when you want to keep things more understated. For the office, you could wear it with a crisp button-down, simple tee, and minimal sneakers. From a fabric standpoint, the cotton-elastane blend has enough give to move with you, while the premium stretch denim from Japan’s renowned Kaihara mill still feels substantial.

It tapered through the thigh before opening slightly below the knee and sits naturally over cowboy boots. Though it looks just as sharp with clean leather sneakers if boots aren’t your thing. AG only offers one color, but I love the medium-blue wash, which has a clean, lived-in look that adds character without looking overly faded, making it easy to dress up or down. I’d throw it on with a plain white tee and overshirt for the weekend or a denim shirt and leather boots when I want to lean into that classic Americana vibe. Like AGOLDE’s jeans, this pair also only comes in a 32-inch inseam. In this case, it works for guys who are closer to 5’11” or taller.

Brooks Brothers may be known for Oxford shirts and chinos, but our fashion editors were thoroughly impressed by the Americana brand’s denim. Its slim fit pair is made with premium, mid-weight denim that’s super robust, but soft enough to wear for hours, with a hint of spandex for extra mobility. The fit is where the pair truly shine—a precise, tailored cut that contours through the hips and thighs for a clean silhouette without being super tight. Although the jeans fit closer to the body, you don’t feel like you’re suffocating.

Every stitch is strategically placed, reflecting Brooks Brothers’ heritage in classic menswear while still feeling fresh and contemporary. Style-wise, these jeans bridge the gap between smart-casual and laid-back cool, so we’ve worn them to a baseball game as well as an office meeting. These jeans are a dream for a lean to moderately athletic build, though if you have a muscular lower body, you might want to size up.

Wrangler makes one of the most iconic cowboy jeans out there for decades. These were originally made for working cowboys and riders, but this timeless silhouette works for a casual office day or weekend outings. The denim is heavyweight cotton, so right away you feel that structure with a broken-in-over-time feel.

Fit-wise, it sits higher on the waist and runs straight through the leg with room where you actually need it—seat and thigh especially. That’s why guys with thicker legs tend to gravitate toward them. They don’t squeeze you or taper too hard, so you actually get comfort without losing that classic straight-leg Western shape. It’s not chasing trends or trying to be “updated.” And if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to the AG Jeans, this is your best bet.

Billy Reid teamed up with denim specialists Citizens of Humanity to create a jean that blends the former’s laid-back refinement with latter’s impeccable quality. The first thing that struck our tester when he tried this jean on was the rich, dense feel of the denim. It is 100% cotton but still provided plenty of flex and mobility, thanks to a fit that is just roomy enough.

The Adler was one of the most expensive jeans we tested, but it absolutely justified the cost. This is an investment piece that can last for decades of continuous wear with a little TLC. Think of it like splurging on a nice pair of boots, with pretty much the same price range, lifespan, and versatility.

Indigo is the dye that makes most jeans blue. When a brand uses a really rich indigo, like Mavi did here, you get a beautiful range from deep, dark navy and light sky blue. The lighter fades gradually show up and get more pronounced with each wear in a jean like this.

Mavi nailed the modern athletic fit in this jean, providing plenty of room in the hip and thigh, along with a taper in the lower leg that looks clean and stylish. This fit is assisted by a blend of cotton, tencel, polyester, and elastane that is lightweight and stretchy. It was one of the most comfortable jeans for our testers with big quads.

I’ve probably tested over 30 pairs of dark wash jeans in the past few years, and they all start to blur together. But I can confirm that this one from Tommy Hilfiger is an exception. The straight cut is what really sold me. Because it’s regular from the hip to the hem, it doesn’t pinch when I sit down. You know that awful feeling when you’re at your desk or on the train and your jeans dig into your hips like a vice grip? None of that here. I wore these straight through a long shoot day and a subway ride home without needing to unbutton them the second I walked in the door.

The fabric blend is another win: it’s mostly cotton with a hit of lyocell. That synthetic blend softens things up in a way pure cotton denim never does. It almost feels broken-in right off the rack but still has the structure of a good pair of jeans. And unlike stretch-heavy blends, it doesn’t bag out or sag. The deep rich indigo wash makes it easy to dress things up with a blazer, but casual enough that I can throw on sneakers and a simple tee without it looking too forced.

Our style editors did some research and it turns out that there is no rule saying you can only wear white denim during the summer. Every guy could use a pair in their wardrobe, and make good use of it all year around. The best option we found is this pair from Ralph Lauren that has a pearly white texture, while providing the rugged comfort of a pair of jeans. It’s a straight fit but not too loose, and there was just a hint of stretch for a little boost in comfort.

If you haven’t worn white denim in the past because you’re just not sure how to style it, the trick is to think of something you already know how to work with and just switch this jean in. If you wear chinos in any shade of khaki or brown, a pair of white jeans will give an edgier look without having to change anything else about the outfit. You get the opposite effect when it comes to bluejeans, where swapping them for white elevates the feel of, what is otherwise, the same outfit.

The fit of a black jean is crucial to pulling off dressed up fit, and that is exactly what Lee did here. For starters, I’m 5’8 and the slim-straight cut elongates my profile, giving a sleek, balanced silhouette. This pair is tailored to hug my frame just right without feeling like I squeezed into skinny jeans. When wearing them out on multiple occasions, I still felt like I had enough room to move, thanks to the comforting stretch fabric.

Adorned with branded hardware and the leather logo patch, the aesthetic feels like a nod to the past, while the modern cut still keeps you looking fresh. In terms of style, this pair is the ultimate wardrobe chameleon, working in both casual and semi-dressy settings. It looked just as great with a simple tee and sneakers at a backyard BBQ, as it did with a sport coat and dress shoes at a theater show.