Denim jeans may have been around for hundreds of years, but they haven’t lost their magic.
The main reason jeans designers prefer denim is due to the material’s super strength, durability, low maintenance, and comfort. Denim is also one of the most eco-friendly jeans materials out there. Plus, there are plenty of options to choose from, depending on your fit, style, and budget.
But with thousands of men’s denim jeans brands out there, choosing the best pair of jeans is not exactly a walk in the park. Fortunately for you, we’ve simplified the search by putting together the top eight men’s denim jeans brands in 2021.
Table of Contents
How to Choose Men’s Denim Jeans
1. Fit
When looking for a pair of men’s denim jeans based on its fit, you’ll come across terms like ‘skinny fit,’ ‘slim fit,’ ‘regular fit,’ ‘relaxed fit,’ and ‘loose.’ It’s important to understand what each term means before making your purchase.
a) Skinny fit
Skinny fit denim jeans for men are designed to fit tighter around the thighs and butts. These jeans tend to be skinnier from the waist down, and often feature tapered legs. Skinny fit jeans are ideal for men with athletic bodies but thin legs.
b) Slim fit
Slim fit jeans are the favorite for most men, as they’re usually neither too tight nor too loose. The jeans are generally straight around the hips, narrow around the thighs, and feature a taper towards their leg opening.
c) Regular fit
Regular fit denim jeans are also known as straight-leg. These jeans are perfect for men with athletic bodies, especially those with larger butts and thighs. Although most regular fit jeans are straight from the waist down, some often come with legs that taper towards the bottom.
d) Relaxed fit
Guys who’re averse to the idea of slim fit denim jeans can consider relaxed fit instead. Relaxed fit men’s denim jeans come with plenty of space around the hip, thigh, and seat area. As you might have guessed, these jeans are ideal for men with athletic bodies, particularly those with wider hips.
e) Loose fit
Loose fit denim jeans are also recommended for big-bodied men. The jeans tend to add some bulk to a man’s lower half and can also be perfect for average-bodied guys who wish to appear bigger than their actual body size.
Loose fit is also some of the most stylish denim jeans fits out there, and usually features in many fashion runways over the world
2. Body Type
Your body type determines the fit and style of the denim jeans to wear. There are five major body types, including Skinny, Athletic, Muscular, Wide-hipped, and Plus-sized.
a) Skinny body type
Men with skinny bodies should preferably go for skinny fit jeans. However, avoid overly thin denim jeans, as these will only accentuate your already skinny body.
b) Athletic body type
You’re considered to be athletically-built if your body size has a square shape, with wide shoulders and wide hips. If you fall in this category, your best bet is to go for slim fit or straight-leg denim jeans.
Slim fit works for most guys with athletic bodies. However, men with exceptionally large thighs should consider straight-legged denim jeans.
c) Muscular body type
A muscular body is characterized by broad shoulders and narrow hips. Guys with this body type should opt for straight-legged denim jeans.
d) Wide-hipped body type
As the name aptly implies, wide-hipped men are wider at their hips and narrower at their shoulders. Guys who belong in this category are better off wearing straight-cut and relaxed denim jeans. The jeans should preferably be untapered.
But if you insist on tapered denim jeans, ensure that the taper begins after the knees. Otherwise, the jeans might give you a feminine look.
e) Plus-sized body
Plus-sized guys should consider high-rise denim jeans, which tend to accommodate their larger bellies. Such men might also opt for medium-rise jeans if they have no protruding bellies.
In terms of fit, plus-sized men would appear great in relaxed fit and straight-cut jeans.
3. Rise
The rise of a pair of jeans is the distance from the topmost button to the bottom of the crotch. There are three different types of rise, including high-rise, medium-rise, and low-rise.
High-rise stretches up to your belly button, medium-rise extends to your waist, and low-rise rests on your hips.
High-rise denim jeans are recommended for larger or older guys, thanks to their ability to flatten the stomach and elongate the legs. Low-rise produces the opposite effects, which makes them ideal for shorter guys.
Medium-rise is the middle-ground between high-rise and low-rise. It’s the best choice for most men.
4. Taper
The taper of a denim jean refers to the cut that stretches from below the knee towards the leg opening. There are three major types of tapers, namely Narrow taper, Regular taper, and Boot-cut tapper.
Narrow taper is designed to reduce the amount of fabric in a bid to enhance the jean’s slimming effects. This kind of taper is common in many slim fit jeans, and goes well with small-profile shoes like sneakers, loafers, and Chelsea boots.
Boot-cut taper features an opening below the knee to accommodate high-ankle boots. This taper style generally goes well with heavy-duty boots, such as work boots and motorcycle boots.
Regular taper is the standard taper you’ll find in most denim jeans for men, especially straight-fit and relaxed jeans. It’s recommended for guys with athletic bodies and pairs seamlessly with boots and sneakers.
5. Other Considerations
The following are other factors to bear in mind while shopping for denim jeans for men;
a) Aesthetics
The aesthetic appeal of denim jeans is primarily determined by its color. Some men’s denim jeans also sport a distressed look, which refers to the vintage worn appearance that certain brands use to give their jeans the look of raw denim.
b) Weight
Men’s denim jeans can weigh anywhere from 4 ounces to 30 ounces. Again, the weight you choose depends on your individual tastes and preferences. But if you travel a lot, you might want to shun overly-heavy denim jeans as they’ll only add extra baggage to your suitcase or backpack.
c) Washability
A pair of men’s denim jeans should be strong enough to withstand repeated washing. Also, establish that the fabric won’t fade after a few washes.
d) Budget
After all is said and done, you want a pair of denim jeans that you can afford. As with most products, the price you pay for men’s denim jeans is usually proportional to the quality you get. However, you can still compare prices to find retailers who offer reasonably-priced or discounted products.
8 Best Denim Jeans for Men
1. Amazon Essentials Men’s Slim-fit Stretch Jean
Size: 13.98 inches x 10.55 inches x 2.09 inches
Weight: 1.16 Pounds
Fit: Slim Fit
Color Options: Black, Blue Overdyed, Dark Vintage, Indigo Wash, Light Vintage, Light Wash, Medium Vintage, Medium Wash, Rinse, Rinsed Vintage, Vintage Light Wash, and Washed Black
Pros
• Ideal for wearers of different body sizes
• Great customer support
Cons
• Can be uncomfortably tight around the waist
Amazon Essentials Men’s Slim-fit Stretch Jean is made from 98% cotton and 2% Elastane. Cotton accounts for the product’s strength and durability while also making it machine-washable. On the other hand, Elastane makes this pair of denim jeans up to 8 times flexible.
The product features a strong but easy-to-use zipper that allows you to always keep your essentials out of sight. It’s designed to sit below the waist and has a tighter cut that stretches across the hip and thigh, making it excellent for wearers of different body sizes.
2. Southpole Men’s Flex Stretch Basic Skinny Fit Denim Pants
Size: 13.86 inches x 10.7 inches x 2.36 inches
Weight: 1.21 Pounds
Fit: Skinny Fit
Color Options: Black Sand Sign, Black Wash, Dark Vintage Sign, Ice Blue Sign, Jet Black, Light Sand, Light Sand Blue Sign, Medium Sand, Medium Sand Blue Sign, Rinse Black, Ice Blue New, Light Sand Blue New, and Medium Sand Blue New
Pros
• Strong and durable
• Highly comfortable
Cons
• Too big for skinny fit jeans
Southpole Men’s Flex Stretch Basic Skinny Fit Denim Pants features 78% cotton, 20% polyester, and 2% spandex. That combination makes it both strong and durable, as well as flexible and comfortable to wear. Besides being a skinny-fit pair of jeans, Southpole Flex Stretch is designed using an active flex stretch fabric which adds to its overall comfort level.
The product is tough enough to withstand repeated machine washes. Measuring up to 14 inches long, Southpole Men’s Flex Stretch Basic Skinny Fit Denim Pants can fit most average-height guys. Plus, the use of button closure instead of a zipper allows free airflow into your crotch.
3. ZLZ Slim Fit Men’s Biker Jeans
Size: 15.4 inches x 12 inches x 2.1 inches
Weight: 1.5 Pounds
Fit: Slim Fit
Color Options: Black, Blue, Light Blue, and White
Pros
• Machine washable
• Incredibly stretchy
Cons
• A bit too long
ZLZ Slim Fit Men’s Biker Jeans is another top denim jeans for men that prides itself on its high durability. The fabric, which is 70% cotton, 28% polyester, and 2% spandex, features triple stitches that hold up well to machine washing.
ZLZ Slim Fit Men’s Biker Jeans are also super comfortable, thanks to the use of sweat-absorbent, highly breathable, and elastic fabric. These jeans are easy to match with several shoes, including boots and flats. What’s more, ZLZ Men’s Biker Jeans come in two closure options – button or zipper.
4. IZOD Men’s Comfort Stretch Straight Fit Jean
Size: 14.61 inches x 10.39 inches x 1.77 inches
Weight: 1.23 Pounds
Fit: Straight Fit
Color Options: Nautical Blue, Soft Blue, Indigo Blast, and Khaki
Pros
• Tough yet comfortable
• Includes up to five pockets
Cons
• Labeling can be misleading
IZOD has been manufacturing premium-quality denim jeans for more than 75 years. Like most of their products, IZOD’s Men’s Comfort Stretch Straight Fit Jean is renowned for its robust strength and tear-resistance. The product is made of 56% cotton, 24% rayon, 18% polyester, and 2% spandex. Cotton accounts for its strength, while rayon and polyester make it comfortable to wear. Lastly, the use of spandex makes these denim jeans elastic and able to fit men of various body sizes.
IZOD Men’s Comfort Stretch Straight Fit Jean is available in a zipper closure as well as five pockets to hold your tiny valuables. Even better, there are more machine-washable variants of these jeans that feature up to 98% cotton.
5. Calvin Klein Men’s Skinny Fit Jeans
Size: 13.27 inches x 8.58 inches x 2.59 inches
Weight: 1.59 Pounds
Fit: Skinny Fit
Color Options: Alaska, Andres, Apache Zipper Blue, Atlanta Grey, Austin Dark Blue, Boston Blue/Black, Brown/Black, Butch Blue, Ernest, Forever Black, Haffen, Houston Light Tint, Marrakech Indigo, MJ Blue, London Frost, Percy Stretch Wash, Pills, Rock With You, Roxy Blue Destruct, Sheriff Blue, Sunlit Blue, and Wallace
Pros
• Numerous color options
• Available in multiple inseams
Cons
• Frayed areas around the seams
Established in 1968, Calvin Klein Limited has consistently offered high-end denim jeans as part of its wide collection of stylish attire. Calvin Klein Men’s Skinny Fit Jeans lives up to the company’s mission of providing quality clothing at industry-competitive prices. The jeans is made from 99% cotton and 1% spandex, and comes in a zipper closure.
Calvin Klein Men’s Skinny Fit Jeans is available in multiple inseams to cater to different tastes. It also comes in either clean-cut or ripped destructed variants, depending on your idea of a fashion statement.
6. Nautica Traditional Collection’s Men’s Relaxed Fit Jean Pant
Size: 10 inches x 9.2 inches x 1.6 inches
Weight: 0.7 Pounds
Fit: Relaxed Fit
Color Options: Coastal Patrol, Glacier Blue, Hookline Blue, Marine Rinse, Rigger Blue, Rocky Point Blue, Space Black Wash, and Submerge Navy
Pros
• A variety of colors
• Average size fits most men
Cons
• Relatively short for some men
One of the unmissable features of this pair of men’s denim jeans is its exceptional lightweight. Weighing just 0.7 pounds, the Nautica Traditional Collection’s Men’s Relaxed Fit Jean Pant is travel-friendly denim jeans that you can easily carry to any trip or vacation.
The pair of jeans is made of 100% durable cotton. As such, you can wash it several times in your washing machine without the fabric wearing out. The product comes in a zipper closure and up to five pockets.
7. Volcom Men’s Solver Denim Jean
Size: 16 inches x 12 inches x 2 inches
Weight: 1.1 Pounds
Fit: Straight Fit
Color Options: Allover Stone Light, Black, Blackout, Black Rinser, Blue Relic, Cosmic Blue, Cruzer Blue, Dark Grey, Daze Grey, Denim, Dirt Track, Dirty White, Dry Vintage, Easy Enzyme Medium, Enzyme Dark Wash, False Blue, Flat Vintage Indigo, Fog, Indigo Ridge, Indigo Ridge Wash, Ink Black, Mel Indigo, Mid Marboled Indigo, Light Wicked Blue, Ocean, Power Grey, Raw, Raw Beige Indigo, Rinse, Road Sky, S Gene Selvedge, Slate Indigo Grey, Standard Issue Blue, Stone Blue, Stretchy Black, Tokyo Indigo Blue, Tough Black, True Black Selvedge, Wide Goods Light, Used Blue, Vintage Blue, and Vintage Painters Blue
Pros
• Available in multiple inseams and color variants
• Features 5-pocket styling and elegant V-shaped belt loops
Cons
• A bit too stretchy
If aesthetic appeal is your primary consideration in a pair of men’s denim jeans, then you should definitely consider the Volcom Men’s Solver Denim Jean. This pair of jeans comes in over 40 color options to choose from. It’s also available in multiple inseams, including 30 inches, 32 inches, and 34 inches, each of which is complete with a 16-inch leg opening.
In the interest of durability and elasticity, Volcom Men’s Solver Denim Jean features 97% cotton and 3% elastane, respectively. Machine washability, adjustable closure, and five-pocket styling are other things to love about the Volcom Men’s Denim Jean.
8. Wrangler Authentics Men’s Classic 5-Pocket Relaxed Fit Cotton Jean
Size: 14.7 inches x 10.4 inches x 2.3 inches
Weight: 1.45 Pounds
Fit: Relaxed Fit
Color Options: Black, Dark Rinse, Dark Stonewash, Khaki, Stone Bleach, Stonewash, Storm, and Vintage Stonewash
Pros
• Durable and comfortable
• Comes in a secure, heavy-duty zipper
Cons
• A bit snug
Wrapping up our list of the eight best men’s denim jeans is the Wrangler Authentics Men’s Classic 5-Pocket Relaxed Fit Cotton Jean, which is made of 100% cotton and comes with zipper closure. The use of 100% cotton speaks to this product’s durability and machine washability.
Although cotton is not so elastic, the material’s breathability makes this pair of denim jeans comfortable to wear all day long. The classic five-pocket styling allows you to safely stash your valuables, including your watch, cash, or jewelry. What’s more, Wrangler Authentics Men’s rests on the natural waistline, making it ideal for men with different waist contours.
Conclusion
There are thousands of new men’s denim jeans being designed every day. But with each designer keen on marketing their products as ‘the real deal,’ you may find yourself lost in the maze of recommendations. That’s especially true if you go shopping before defining your tastes and preferences. Fortunately, you can bookmark this article as your resourceful guide the next time you go looking for the best denim jeans for men.