10 Awesome Pairs of Men’s Jeans to Wear Everyday

Other than court appearances and funerals, a great pair of jeans can be your go-to trousers for almost any occasion, from work to a date to a night out. They can also be found at just about any price and in a mind-boggling array of styles and washes, so searching for a new pair can feel like a full-time job.

Which is why the next time you buy a pair of jeans, you should invest in something versatile, like one of the 10 options we’ve identified below. While die-hard denim-heads are embracing a fuller, workwear-influenced shape that’s a throwback to the 1950s, most guys can rely on a slimmer, more classic silhouette. They shouldn’t fit like yoga tights, but most guys will want to aim for a cut that’s just a little closer to the body, streamlined through the leg. And after sifting through an almost literal mountain of the best options on the market, we’ve identified 10 pairs of jeans (at different prices), so we could recommend a few that would work for everybody and every body. But first, here’s are the three biggest considerations to make before you buy.

Wash

Denim traditionally starts out as a deep, dark, inky-blue fabric, dyed with indigo. The magic happens once the fabric is stitched into jeans, the five-pocket style, and get washed in massive — and increasingly eco-friendly — washing machines. Sometimes stuff is tossed in to achieve sand- or stone-washed effects, all in an effort to make a pair feel softer and broken in. Other effects include using high-tech lasers to burn designs into the fabric, and jeans literally being torn and repaired to mimic the scars and blemishes of a well-lived life. But because it’s not your life, it’s hard for us to recommend them. Which leaves you with a handful of options:

Dark Wash: Though even the darkest wash jeans are still decidedly casual, these pairs have what it takes to make it in a serious setting. Pair it with a crisp white shirt, a lightweight sweater and a blazer for work.
Light Wash: Go a little lighter for date night. Keep it clean, but feel free to go for whiskering — those thin, faded lines across the front that looks like you’ve been standing and sitting in this pair forever—or some light faded effects across the seat and thighs.
Distressed: Some abrasion here and there, usually a bit paler, more faded. More emphasis on points of wear like the butt, thighs, and pockets. Great for a tailgate or other similarly casual settings.

Stretch

Twill refers to the way denim is woven (this method causes those diagonal lines you can see if you look very closely), and this method is what makes denim so tough and so stiff.

In an attempt to keep up with the increasing demand for clothes that work hard and look good, most modern denim makers now sneak a little stretch fiber into their jeans for comfort and flexibility. Stretch also helps keep jeans from getting saggy, so they look great all day. Most companies limit the mix to one or two percent of overall material makeup, using fibers like lycra or elastane. Others are adding performance fibers to denim, like Coolmax®?for moisture and temperature management. While our recommendations include some of these materials, many are 100 percent cotton.

Care

While some serious denim aficionados insist on never washing your jeans, the reality is that most guys should wash their jeans. The editors at Denimhunters, a subscription-based denim learning platform, have found that if you don’t wash raw denim, the fiber may become brittle and break prematurely. Here’s your playbook for keeping jeans fresh, but not stripping them of their color too quickly:

1. Wash denim with similarly colored clothing.
2. Turn jeans inside-out before washing to preserve color and finish.
3. Use a cold water and the gentle cycle in the washing machine.
4. Use a gentle detergent such as Woolite. Avoid bleach, spot cleaners or fabric softeners.
5. Have a top loader? Start the machine first, then when the soap and water are completely mixed, throw in jeans and run a full cycle.
6. To dry, roll in a towel to remove excess water. Lay flat or hang to finish drying.
7. Tumble drying causes shrinkage and breaks down fibers (specifically those added for stretch). If you must, use a low heat cycle and run for as little time as possible. But your best bet is line drying.

J.Crew 484 Raw Indigo Stretch Selvedge

J. Crew’s 484 is tailored, but not skinny. They’re cut from indigo-dyed Japanese selvedge denim with a little bit of stretch. The raw denim is unwashed, so exercise caution with any white or light-colored couches.

Levi’s 501® Original Fit Jeans

Arguably the single most iconic pair of jeans you can own, Levi’s 501® is a flattering fit for a wide variety of people. And at just under $70, the price is right, too. They’re 100 percent cotton, and we’d advise buying them in the darkest, stiffest wash possible, and taking your time breaking them in.

Wrangler Born Ready Larston

With a blend of 99 percent cotton and one percent Spandex, this jean has the lightest touch of stretch. That’s a good thing: the Vintage Dark wash is a great all-purpose jean, and its durability means it can keep up with you — and everything you’ll want to do in them.

Todd Snyder Japanese Stretch Selvedge Jean

Todd Snyder has been described as having a “Savile Row-meets-streetwear aesthetic,” and its relatively new Japanese stretch selvedge denim jeans certainly live up to that promise. They feature a classic cut that looks just as good with a blazer and brogues as it does with a sweatshirt and sneakers.

Cotton Citizen Denim001

Made in Los Angeles, the Cotton Citizen Denim001 is cut from 100 percent cotton with a classic fit that leans a little slim. If you only have room in your closet for one black pair of jeans, try the Faded Black colorway.

Mavi Zach Straight Leg Jean

Mavi’s Zach model works just as well for athletic builds —with more room throughout the seat—as well as for the “Dad Bod”—where the timeless straight leg won’t make you look top heavy, and is cut straight from the hip to the ankle for comfort. It features a regular rise and a contoured waistband to ensure you’re turning heads wherever you go.

Edwin Marlon Selvedge Denim Slim Jeans

Not for the trend averse, the Edwin Marlon has a 12-inch rise, and a slim-fit that suggests the mid-century modern looks of (duh) Marlon Brando. Despite their slim-fit, the overall silhouette suggests volume, begging to be cuffed and paired with a classic white T-shirt…and a motorcycle jacket.

Lucky Brand 410 Athletic Fit Jean

If you’re gonna go Athletic, go all the way: this pair complements both Jocks and Dad-bods, with an on-trend slimmer leg, and COOLMAX technology to keep you cool when things heat up and warm when they cool down. There’s a little stretch for comfort…but we’re still not recommending them for the gym. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

Diesel Thytan

Designed specifically for a taller guy, the Thytan properly addresses longer proportions, so guys with long legs don’t come off looking too lean. The modern waist construction is a bit higher in the back. The Dark Blue color is also perfect to pair with a crisp white T-shirt or dressed up with a button-up and a sportcoat.

Gap Athletic Fit with GapFlex

The Athletic Fit offers more room through the thigh and seat, offering a great solution for a guy who hits it hard in the gym…yet it’s also pretty awesome for somebody who may be fighting the battle of the bulge in other ways. It’s got the same slim opening at the hem as their Slim-Fit, so it’s still maintains a modern, trim silhouette. We like the Dark-Tinted Stretch for an all-day option.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

3 of the Most Stylish Guys We Know Explain Fall’s Key Trends

To usher in the start of fall, we talked to three of the most stylish people we know to learn about the season’s key menswear trends. Most fall collections are already on the racks at retailers across the country. And though warm weather is still holding on in many parts, it’s not too early to invest in new garments for cooler weather. We talked to three industry insiders — Bruce Pask, Jacob Gallagher and Erick DeLeon — about the fabrics and styles prevalent in many designers’ collections. From the proliferation of velvet to a focus on functional pockets, these are what the top apparel brands are doing in fall 2018.

Bruce Pask

Men’s Fashion Director at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus

Photo: Cory Vanderploeg

Velvet: “Evening wear continues to be a category where men are having fun, trying new things, experimenting beyond the classic tuxedo and dressy options for after 5. Velvet, in particular, is a fabric that is seeing many iterations and colors this season, whether in a deep navy evening suit from Brunello Cucinelli, a burgundy velvet bomber jacket from Amiri, velvet 5-pocket style pants from Monfrère or any number of jewel-toned velvet jacket from Giorgio Armani, Etro and Cesare Attolini. These velvet jackets can be work with traditional evening shirts, tux trousers and black bow tie for a more formal occasion, or just as easily paired with a pair of jeans and a tee shirt for an evening out on the town. I love the variety and versatility of these items, really allowing our customer to show his personality in how he chided to wear it.”

Velvet Tuxedo Jacket by Brunello Cucinelli $3,395

Velvet Two-Button Sport Coat Jacket by Giorgio Armani $2,295

The Parka: “No longer just utilitarian outerwear for inclement weather, the parka has become a means for both fashion and function. Tom Ford made a big statement with multiple versions of this channel-quilted outerwear piece, featuring them in his first menswear runway show held in NYC at the beginning of the year. Drake chose to sport a Tom Ford python printed parka in his ‘Nice For What’ video. Virgil Abloh’s Off-White, Balenciaga, Prada, Moncler x Craig Green and Valentino all have great parkas in their fall collections that we will start to see our customers wearing as soon as the weather turns.”

Snakeskin-Print Puffer Jacke by Tom Ford $4,990

Quote Puffer Jacket by Off-White $2,110

Erick DeLeon

Buyer/Brand Manager at Martin Patrick 3

Patterned/Non-Basic Shirts: “Whether that’s from a very low price point from a brand that we carry called Kennington — which did a bunch of floral prints or fruits — to Rodd and Gunn all the way to Culturata and even Gitman Vintage. [We’re seeing] some shirts that a couple years ago you’d look at it and be like, ‘That’s crazy, I’m not going to wear a shirt with a bunch of oranges on it.’ But, people are having a little bit more fun and are less afraid of taking those small chances.”

Ellerby Sports Fit Shirt by Rodd and Gunn $178

Green Paisley On Twill Western by Gitman Bros. Vintage $205

Deconstructed Blazers: “Versatility seems to really sell a customer, lately, more than anything. It’s like, ‘Hey I can wear this to this occasion and this occasion.’ Whether that’s a trend or not, it’s definitely worth noting. Because in that vein, brands are responding to that. Deconstructed blazers are still very much on trend because you can travel with them, you can throw them in a suitcase. Boglioli is a perfect example of that — you can dress it up with a slack or you can wear it with a jean.”

K-Jacket by Boglioli $1,205

Brands Sticking to What Works: “At least this season, I didn’t see this much of trying to chase a trend or trying to start a brand. What has historically worked for brands is back on track. There was a time when Rag & Bone was over-designed or tried to do a lot, but it seems like they’ve toned it down a bit. And the same thing with Vince, Varvatos and Theory — it feels like they’re back in the lane where they were very successful, but still pushing the boundaries with fabric blends.”

Manston Bomber Jacket by Rag and Bone $595

Yost N Twill Jacket by Theory $495

Jacob Gallagher

Fashion Editor at The Wall Street Journal’s Off Duty Section

Utility and Function: “Utility and function have become the two dominant characteristics that people want out of their clothing. We’re seeing a lot of garments that are very pocket heavy; designers are really doubling down on that look from a lot of Japanese brands like Junya Watanabe to South2 West8 to Engineered Garments. But if you look at Lanvin or Goscha Rubchinskiy, they’re doing a lot of garments that have so much practical purpose to them. What I really like about it is it’s a trend that has a real functional value to it. Look at Mophies and wallets and phones and AirPods and keys and whatever else you may need throughout the day — I love this idea that clothes are speaking to that and are making our lives easier.”

Canvas Blazer by Junya Watanabe $1,135

Ripstop Camo M-65 Jacket by Goscha Rubchinskiy $990

Hiking Boot-Sneaker Hybrids: “I really love Roa right now. They’re a luxury hiking boot if you will. It’s this great hybrid mish-mash: they have a practical purpose for being in the rain or snow but are also a really cool-looking shoe. They are also a weightier shoe. It’s a nice anchor on a look.”

Neal Sneakers by Roa $335

British Checks: “We’re going to see a lot of British checked overcoats in particular. I think it’s really speaking to the fact that we’re heading back towards a time when designers are going to be a lot more sartorially-minded. This use of very traditional Anglo-looking fabrics — houndstooths, glen plaids — but then taking them and doing them on overcoats that are softer (softer shoulders, a little bit looser cut through the body). I think someone like Dries Van Noten does this really well and MP Massimo Piombo is amazing at this stuff.”

Houndsooth Coat by Dries Van Noten $1,715

Coat by MP Massimo Piombo $890

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

If You Invest in Quality Cashmere, Take Care of It Properly

It’s no secret that cashmere knits are expensive. Quality sweaters made with the fiber — the fine underdown of the cashmere goat — range widely in price from a few hundred dollars on the low end to a few thousand on the high end. The variation in price is due mainly to the quality and diameter of the fiber itself, which is measured in microns. That said, if you’ve invested in cashmere garments, you should care for them properly.

Unlike natural plant fibers like cotton or linen — or even certain wools — cashmere requires special care to guarantee its longevity. It’s with this in mind that heritage British cashmere brand N.Peal teamed up with NYC-based brand The Laundress on a range of nine products to care for high-quality cashmere. Founded in 1936, N.Peal recently opened its first US store in lower Manhattan, a short distance from where The Laundress sells its line of sustainable cleaning products for garments — the proximity led to a very practical collaboration.

The collection includes a set of liquids for cleaning your cashmere knits: a cedar-infused cashmere wash, a stain remover and a spray. Derived from plants, all of these are free of harmful chemicals like petroleum, phthalates, parabens and phosphates, and don’t use artificial colors or dyes. To help fend off moths, the collab offers cedar balls and storage bags to protect your pricey knits. And to keep your garments looking fresh and free of pilling, there are three unique products: a wooden cashmere comb to de-pill delicate items, a sweater stone to remove pilling and lint from chunkier knits and a brush — sourced from Redecker of Germany — that helps rejuvenate the yarn while removing lint, fuzz and hair.

All of the products offered are modestly priced and most cost less than $20. If you’ve put your hard-earned money into cashmere knits, this is a small price to pay to keep them looking great for years to come.

Cedar Balls by N.Peal x The Laundress $5

Cashmere Spray by N.Peal x The Laundress $10

Cashmere Comb by The Laundress $18

Cashmere Stone by The Laundress $18

Stain Solution by The Laundress $18

Cashmere Wash by N.Peal x The Laundress $19

Small Storage Bag by N.Peal x The Laundress $19

Large Storage Bag by N.Peal x The Laundress $22

Cashmere Brush by The Laundress $60

The Latest Levi’s x Outerknown Collection Is Full of Fall Staples

The latest collection from Levi’s Wellthread and Outerknown features a handful of essential cool-weather wardrobe staples. The Fall 2018 release includes a lined denim jacket, western shirts and new tees, all made with a focus on sustainability. The garments are a natural evolution of the brands’ collaboration, which first launched in November 2016 with four pieces (two 511 jeans, a denim trucker and a polyester sherpa Trucker).

The latest iteration of the denim jacket is a lined Type III-style jacket made from a blend of cotton and ReFibra Tencel. The Tencel is made with reclaimed cellulose from post-industrial cotton waste which is chemically transformed into a durable, versatile fiber. Like an earlier iteration of the jacket, the denim uses Levi’s WaterLess system that saves 50 percent more water than traditional dying methods. And, as this jacket is designed for cooler weather, it features a serape-style lining made from a blend of cotton and recycled cotton.

Building upon earlier styles, the Fall 2018 collection features two western shirts. One style is cut from the lining material of the denim jacket, a striped recycled cotton, and is appropriate for everyday wear. The other is designed as an overshirt and features a quilted shell made from a cotton-linen blend, padded with cotton and lined with the blanket lining used in the denim jacket.

The most affordable pieces of the collection are the t-shirts which cost $40 and feature a wave graphic inspired by the famous Hokusai wooldblock print ‘The Great Wave Off Kanagawa.’ Available in white and denim colorways, the shirts are made from recycled post-industrial cotton (white colorway) and recycled blue jeans (denim colorway).

The Levi’s x Outerknown collection continues to evolve and grow and is one of the more exciting sustainably-minded projects on the market. While not necessarily inexpensive, the garments are thoughtfully designed and are a great step forward in sustainable apparel.

Lined Trucker Jacket by Levi’s Wellthread x Outerknown $185

Padded Western Shirt by Levi’s Wellthread x Outerknown $165

Western Shirt by Levi’s Wellthread x Outerknown $128

Pocket Tee (White) by Levi’s Wellthread x Outerknown $40

Pocket Tee (Denim) by Levi’s Wellthread x Outerknown $40

How the Most Stylish Dads We Know Got Their Kids Back-to-School Ready

Being a parent is an indescribably difficult job that has reduced more than one man to a nervous, sweaty mess. But the most stylish dads we know are anything but, and they seemed to have brought the same rigor to getting their kids to go back to school that they bring to shooting amazing portraits, designing great clothing collections, and editing books and magazines. Below, how these guys got their kids ready to go back to school.

Billy Reid

Fashion designer and father of three

What sites or stores do your kids go to for school supplies and why?
My girls love Poshmark, Target, Madewell and Zara. They both have great style and love to discover cool finds on websites and in stores. My son is an athlete and shops at Dicks, Kith and eBay. My kids and their friends also like a lot of the pieces I created for my fall 2018 collection. The jeans, knits and jackets are the most popular this fall.

What’s on your kid’s back-to-school shopping list this year and why?
This year I have a daughter who is moving into the freshman dorm, so we’re shopping for a lot of dorm stuff. That’s a whole world of set up. I also have a daughter who is moving from a dorm into a house, so for her, it’s all about setting up a household. For my son, who is entering high school, he just wants cool shoes and jeans. This is turning out to be an expensive year.

Peacock Cardigan by Billy Reid $345

Matt Hranek

Writer, traveler, and father of one

Do you have any purchases you’ve made year after year? What is it, and why?
High school gear for Clara is more about style than practicality, but we still put the pressure on her for function. This year it’s Carhartt WIP for fall and new North Face puffers for winter. [She’ll wear] Sorel’s for heavy snow days or Nike Air Force 1s for light days.

What are you inspired by this year for back-to-school shopping either in trends or from a functionality standpoint?
Clara says she is inspired mostly by vintage trends during the ’80s and ’90s. On her list this year are a new pair of slip-on checkered Vans, and a couple pairs of Dickies. She is obsessed with hoodies and gets most of hers from Tyler, the Creator’s brand GOLF, Champion and a skate brand called Stray Rats.

Checkerboard Slip-On by Vans $50

Todd Snyder

Fashion designer, tailgater, and father of two

What websites or stores are you go-to for back-to-school supplies and why?
Amazon and Staples for the basics, but I am obsessed with Muji and have passed that obsession onto my daughters. My youngest is an artist and she loves going to the art stores in NYC. Blick has the best items.

How has shopping with your daughters changed as they’ve gotten older?
I have always enjoyed shopping with my girls. Their favorite places are Brandy Melville and American Eagle. As they have gotten older, their knowledge of sneakers has surpassed my own. I now find myself at Kith and Nike. I’ve even purchased Gucci sneakers for them. I’m just grateful their sizes haven’t been changing so fast!

.38mm Pens by Muji $14

Gabe Sullivan

Photographer, director, and father of one

What’s something you find yourself buying year after year?
We’re currently on our third Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket. It’s a staple piece during fall and winter for those chilly post-surf mornings and ski getaways in the mountains. And it especially comes in handy while visiting family near the Finger Lakes in upstate New York during the winter holidays.

What’s on your back-to-school shopping list this year and why?
A pair of Birkenstock Bartlett shoes. Legendary Birkenstock comfort combined with an understated style sensibility? Too good to be true? We’ll soon find out.

Girl’s Down Sweater Jacket by Patagonia $119

Madewell Just Launched its First Menswear Line

Not to be outdone by its sister brand J.Crew, which announced a massive list of changes to its product offering earlier this week, Madewell made big news on Wednesday by launching its first menswear line.

The brand, a heritage denim and workwear supplier founded in 1937 and revived by J.Crew in 2006, had for years only made women’s clothing. It was the kind of place where ladies with a little discretionary income could go and reliably find a great pair of jeans, a comfortable sweater and other wardrobe staples. And based on the first few pieces in its menswear offering, Madewell wants to be the same kind of place for men, too. (Our friends at Fashionista have already rejoiced that they’ll “finally have something other than ‘Everlane’ and ‘Uniqlo’ to say when our male friends/significant others ask us where to shop for basics.”)

What does that look like in practice? Madewell men’s is starting with 21 denim styles across three easy-to-understand fits (straight, slim and skinny) priced from $115. It also offers a classic jean jacket in two washes for $125, and a sherpa style for $175. Its t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies range in price from $35 to $98. (It’s also offering three sneaker styles from Veja, the socially conscious French footwear label.)

And while all the offerings are cut from better fabrics than what you’ll find at other price points, the big draw here is the jeans. Madewell’s design team reportedly spent two years figuring out how to imbue each pair with just enough polyester, elastane (and in some cases both) to give them the right amount of stretch. That kind of consideration makes us confident that Madewell will only continue to make clothes guys won’t want to take off.

Everything You Need to Know About the New, Less Expensive J.Crew

Just before Labor Day weekend, J.Crew announced that it would introduce changes and additions to its product lineup that would make the brand more, well, accessible.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, the company’s relatively new CEO James Brett promised the beloved American brand would soon introduce less expensive clothing, and make both the new clothes and its current product available in more sizes. And as it turns out, “soon” meant today.

Visit J.Crew’s 400+ stores across the country (or its website) right now and you’ll find a selection of new and updated products for everyone. For guys in particular, the changes have manifested in a new accessories collection called Oar Stripe, which offers totes and weekenders cut from leather, nylon and canvas. It also includes new belts, Chelsea boots and derbies in leather and suede.

If you’re a fan of the Ludlow Suit, you’ll also find fall editions of the Un-Suit — a new and highly undersung version of the tailoring staple that comes without a lining. That makes it slightly more casual — and a lot less expensive — even though it’s made from a wool-cotton twill from Abraham Moon, one of England’s finest fabric mills. You can pick one up for just $356, compared with $650 or more for some variants of the lined Ludlow suit.

And while you can still buy higher-priced items from the brand, they’ll have to justify their prices with the use of special materials or more involved design. (Nothing is more emblematic of this duality than J.Crew’s new line of Japanese stretch-selvedge denim, which tops out around $150 for a pair of straight-legged jeans.)

But by and large, J.Crew is making a good-faith effort to do more for a bigger group of people than it has in the past several years. After all, there aren’t a ton of guys who would spend $1,000 on a cashmere blazer, or $300 on a limited-edition coach’s jacket. But a lower-priced t-shirt (now $14.50, instead of the previous opening price of $29.50) is a good way to show people who love the brand — and those who’ve never set foot in a J.Crew before — that they’re worth a closer look.

“You have to have a competitive T-shirt,” Brett told the Journal. “If you lose them on the basics, then they’re not shopping you that often.”