The Complete Jeans Style Guide for Men

A pair of well made, well loved jeans can be the most important article of any man’s wardrobe, and having stylish jeans is important for men too. Jeans can be worn almost anywhere while you’re doing almost anything, but just because jeans can be a versatile piece in your wardrobe, doesn’t mean that all jeans are created equal. Spending a couple extra bucks for a pair of well constructed jeans will pay dividends in the long run.  By the end of this guide you should have an excellent idea of how to navigate the deceptively complicated men’s jean market and find the perfect denim for you.  

You can establish many different kinds of outfits based around a great pair of Jeans, but the first thing you have to make sure of, is that they fit you properly and convey the right attitude for the occasion. Below is a brief overview of some common fits that you’ll run across while shopping at any store with a decent denim selection:

Slim Cut

Slim cut jeans have become popular over the last couple of years and are a good option if that fits your body type and you want to look more trendy than relaxed.

Straight Cut or Relaxed Cut

Straight cut or relaxed cut jeans are nice in the sense that they are usually the most comfortable, but they may end up looking baggy on your body type making them inappropriate for dressier occasions. A good option, but maybe not the most versatile one.

Boot Cut

The boot cut is another, more casual cut that should for the most part be avoided unless you’re planning on actually wearing them with boots. If worn with any other kind of footwear, the flared cuffs of the jeans can look messy and sloppy.

Slim Straight Cut

Slim straight cut is probably going to be your best bet as far as fit, comfort and versatility are concerned. They won’t plume up or taper down too much around your ankles, they just go straight down from your hips to your shoes, leaving you with plenty of room to move around in, but no excess baggage.

Another aspect to think about when buying your next pair of jeans is the “rinse” or “wash”. Simpler is better here. After finding a cut that you’re comfortable with, find a simple, even, dark or “indigo” wash. Pre-torn, pre-washed jeans are often over done, tacky and fake looking. Part of the joy of buying unfaded jeans is that they will show signs of wear over time, and you’ll have been responsible for all of them. Another thing to watch out for are overzealous back pocket designs or large obnoxious, colored stitching throughout the denim. Again, simplicity is part of the beauty of well made jeans, and it really helps you stretch your options as far as putting outfits together.

When wearing your dark wash jeans, don’t be afraid to get them dirty, and certainly don’t fret if they rip. Sew up or patch the rip and keep wearing them. Even after a few rips and tears, a quality pair of jeans should last you years. As for washing your jeans, be careful not to wash them too often, as this will accelerate the rate at which the cotton ages. Once every couple of months (or whenever they start stinking) should be enough. Hold out for as long as you can, because when you do finally wash them, all of the dirt and oil that they’ve collected will make for beautiful and unique markings once you’re done washing them. Over time jeans gradually became more faded, whiskered, wrinkled and distressed. The actually washing process is also incredibly easy. First pick up a small container of Woolite Black. Fill a sink or bathtub with warm water, add in a small amount of the Woolite and soak for one hour. You can turn your jeans inside out if you really want to preserve the dark indigo color in the cotton. At the half hour mark, roll the jeans, squeeze out the water and place them back in the Woolite water solution. After an hour has elapsed, drain, rinse and hang until dry.

Remember that simpler is better and don’t be afraid to spend a little extra money on a pair of jeans that you really love. If you drop down some extra cash, you may be able to wear the same pair of jeans for years. To get you started on your hunt, below are four great options for you to consider at varying price points. Good luck and happy hunting!