Fit:
Brent Whaley, a men’s fashion photographer, highlights the need for knowing what’s the right fit for you. “For me, it’s all about fit. If I don’t feel right in a pair of jeans I end up not wearing them and they just sit in my closet. A lot of guys buy jeans too tight and never wear them because they’re uncomfortable,” he says. Mary Pierson, the SVP of Denim Design at Madewell, also agrees that finding jeans that fit well and comfortably is of paramount importance. “I always recommend making sure your jeans are comfortable around your waist and lower hips,” notes Pierson. Maier also notes that when making a purchase of jeans, fit should take precedence before colors or washes since the right fit will help you to look your personal best.
The fit and cut of the jeans should match your body shape and personal style. There are different types of fits, such as slim, straight, skinny, tapered, relaxed, etc., which we’ll break down more below. The general rule is to choose a fit that is not too baggy or too tight, and that follows the natural shape of your legs.
Fabric:
The right type of denim fabrication can make or break your style and comfort in jeans, so the best jeans for men need to be durable. Look for jeans that are made of cotton or cotton-blend fabrics. Avoid jeans that are too thin or too synthetic, as they may rip or sag easily.
“Taking note of the denim quality, the reinforcements, and the construction are the best signals to look out for and keep the brand name out of your mind,” says Nick Kemp, the Head Designer at Taylor Stitch, on the denim mindset you ought to have. Simonitsch also echoes the same emphasis on the durability of jeans. “When I’m out and about I’m hopping in my truck countless times and don’t want to be restricted getting up and down. Along with bending over or getting on my knees during a fitting or shoot to tie my dude’s shoes, I can’t have tight denim on or light denim cause they’ll rip easily. So durability and longevity with denim,” says Simonitsch. Heavyweight denim, for instance, usually lasts longer.
Stretch:
Nowadays, in a world where denim is more active and outgoing than ever, a little stretch from a few percentages of elastane, spandex, or lycra is also recommended. When blended with denim fabric, these materials will come together to offer superior comfort and flexibility without sacrificing the classic denim look and feel. Baker, whose clientele includes Andrew Garfield, Glen Powell, Patrick Dempsey, etc. says: “Jeans should be easy and comfortable, but still with some stretch and hold… It’s always good to look for a little stretch if you’re looking for comfort.” Comfort thus also matters. “To look good in your jeans, you have to feel good in them first,” says Pierson. “Denim with stretch can be fitted closer to the body, but denim with no stretch should not be too tight.”
Inseam:
While your waist size is usually easily measured, the jeans’ inseam length deserves extra attention when it comes to the right denim style. “I take all of my client’s jeans to a tailor to make sure the inseam is correct,” says Kemph. Thomas also recommends purchasing the right length of jeans as the key to styling. “Make sure your jeans fall right before your shoes to avoid the look of extra fabric at the bottom,” she says.
Style:
“Pay attention to the wash and color of the denim. I tend to love a vintage-style wash or a classic indigo that you can dress up or dress down,” recommends Baker. “Your jeans should look gently worn in like you’ve been wearing them for a few years, not like you’ve been in a sandstorm.” You should also pay attention to the rawness of denim which describes “how the denim is washed or rather, not washed. I.e., you won’t see any whiskering, fading, or distressing,” explains Kemph.
In addition, find a wash that suits you. The wash of the jeans refers to the color and treatment of the denim. There are different types of washes, such as raw, rinsed, faded, whiskered, etc. The wash can affect the appearance and feel of the jeans, as well as how they age over time. Darker washes are more formal and versatile, while lighter washes are more casual and trendy.
Versatility:
“Ask yourself if that pair of jeans you’re looking at works with everything in your closet. Casual outfits, dressier outfits, etc,” says style influencer Brian Chan. “If you were to only wear this one pair of jeans for the rest of your days, will it actually last through the rest of your days?” Hence, do test the quality & the construction of jeans before purchasing, because the best jeans will serve multiple occasions. They should transition seamlessly from a casual day out to a semi-formal evening.
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