Men’s Jeans: A Guide to Timeless Denim Styles and How to Wear Them

Jeans are a wardrobe staple for men, offering versatility, comfort, and style in various fits, washes, and designs. Whether you’re going for a casual look or a more polished outfit, the right pair of jeans can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Here’s a comprehensive guide to men’s jeans, covering the different styles, washes, and tips for choosing the perfect pair to suit your style and body type.

1. Types of men’s jeans

Slim-fit jeans

Slim-fit jeans are a modern classic, offering a tailored look that’s close to the body without being too tight. They provide a sleek silhouette and are versatile enough to wear in both casual and smart-casual settings. Slim-fit jeans are slightly tapered from the thigh to the ankle, making them flattering for most body types.

• Style tip: Pair slim-fit jeans with a well-fitted t-shirt or button-down shirt for a polished yet casual look.

Straight-leg jeans

Straight-leg jeans offer a more relaxed fit compared to slim jeans, with a consistent width from the hip to the ankle. They provide a timeless and comfortable look, perfect for everyday wear. Straight-leg jeans suit most body types and offer a classic, laid-back appearance.

• Style tip: Pair straight-leg jeans with a flannel shirt or a crew-neck sweater for a casual weekend look.

Skinny jeans

Skinny jeans are the most form-fitting style, hugging the body from the waist down to the ankle. This style is ideal for men who prefer a modern, edgy look. Skinny jeans are best suited for slimmer body types and can be styled with oversized tops for contrast.

• Style tip: Wear skinny jeans with a graphic t-shirt and leather jacket for a contemporary, rocker-inspired outfit.

Tapered jeans

Tapered jeans are fitted at the thigh and gradually narrow down towards the ankle, creating a clean, modern silhouette without being as tight as skinny jeans. They offer a balance between comfort and style, making them ideal for casual or smart-casual outfits.

• Style tip: Combine tapered jeans with a casual button-down shirt and loafers for a refined, everyday look.

Relaxed-fit jeans

Relaxed-fit jeans provide more room in the thigh and seat, offering maximum comfort and a laid-back, casual vibe. These jeans are perfect for men who prefer a looser fit or need more space in the leg area. They are great for casual settings and offer a retro, 90s-inspired style.

• Style tip: Wear relaxed-fit jeans with a hoodie and sneakers for a comfortable, streetwear-inspired outfit.

Bootcut jeans

Bootcut jeans are fitted through the thigh and slightly flare out from the knee to the ankle. Originally designed to fit over boots, this style has a classic, vintage feel. Bootcut jeans are ideal for men who want a retro-inspired look or need a wider leg opening for footwear.

• Style tip: Pair bootcut jeans with a fitted t-shirt or plaid shirt and cowboy boots for a Western-inspired look.

Loose-fit jeans

Loose-fit jeans offer a baggy, relaxed fit throughout the entire leg. Popular in streetwear and 90s fashion, loose-fit jeans are perfect for men who want maximum comfort and a bold, laid-back look. These jeans work well for casual, everyday wear.

• Style tip: Combine loose-fit jeans with an oversized hoodie and chunky sneakers for a retro, street-style look.

2. Denim washes and colors

Dark wash

Dark wash jeans are versatile and can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for both casual and smart-casual settings. They have a polished appearance and are often the go-to option for a more refined, stylish look.

• Style tip: Pair dark wash jeans with a button-down shirt and leather boots for a smart-casual outfit.

Light wash

Light wash jeans have a more relaxed, vintage vibe and are perfect for casual, daytime wear. They are ideal for spring and summer months when lighter colors are more popular. Light wash denim offers a more laid-back, retro look.

• Style tip: Combine light wash jeans with a white t-shirt and sneakers for a classic, easygoing look.

Medium wash

Medium wash jeans fall between light and dark washes, offering a balanced, versatile look. They are great for everyday wear and can be paired with various tops, from t-shirts to sweaters.

• Style tip: Pair medium wash jeans with a flannel shirt or casual button-down for a comfortable, weekend-ready look.

Black denim

Black jeans offer a sleek, modern appearance that can easily be dressed up or down. They are perfect for smart-casual outfits or even semi-formal settings when paired with the right pieces. Black denim is versatile and creates a sharper, more refined silhouette.

• Style tip: Wear black jeans with a fitted blazer and Chelsea boots for a polished, modern look.

Grey denim

Grey jeans provide a more contemporary, edgy vibe compared to traditional blue jeans. They work well for both casual and smart-casual settings and offer a unique alternative to standard denim colors.

• Style tip: Pair grey jeans with a black t-shirt and leather jacket for an urban, stylish look.

Distressed denim

Distressed jeans feature rips, tears, and worn-out detailing, offering a rugged, casual look. This style is popular in streetwear and grunge fashion and adds a bold, edgy element to your outfit.

• Style tip: Combine distressed jeans with a graphic tee and sneakers for a cool, street-style look.

3. How to choose the right jeans for your body type

Athletic build

For men with a muscular or athletic build, tapered jeans are a great choice as they provide room in the thigh while offering a slimmer fit toward the ankle. Slim-fit jeans also work well if you prefer a more tailored look, but make sure the fabric has some stretch for comfort.

• Recommended styles: Tapered jeans, slim-fit jeans.

Slim build

Men with a slim build can opt for skinny or slim-fit jeans to create a flattering, modern silhouette. These styles highlight your frame without being too baggy or overwhelming.

• Recommended styles: Skinny jeans, slim-fit jeans.

Larger build

For men with a larger build, straight-leg or relaxed-fit jeans are the best options. These styles provide more room in the thigh and seat, offering comfort and balance without being too tight.

• Recommended styles: Straight-leg jeans, relaxed-fit jeans.

Tall build

Men with a tall build should look for jeans with longer inseams, available in tall sizes. Slim-fit or straight-leg jeans work well to complement your height and provide a balanced silhouette.

• Recommended styles: Straight-leg jeans, slim-fit jeans.

4. How to style men’s jeans

Casual looks

• Outfit idea: Pair light wash jeans with a white t-shirt and sneakers for a relaxed, everyday outfit.
• Outfit idea: Combine medium wash jeans with a flannel shirt and work boots for a rugged, casual look.
• Outfit idea: Wear distressed jeans with a hoodie and high-top sneakers for a bold streetwear look.

Smart-casual looks

• Outfit idea: Pair dark wash jeans with a button-down shirt, leather belt, and Chelsea boots for a smart-casual vibe.
• Outfit idea: Wear black jeans with a crew-neck sweater and loafers for a polished, yet laid-back look.
• Outfit idea: Combine tapered jeans with a polo shirt and leather sneakers for a sleek, casual look.

Business-casual looks

• Outfit idea: Wear dark wash jeans with a blazer, dress shirt, and loafers for a refined business-casual outfit.
• Outfit idea: Pair black jeans with a turtleneck sweater and leather brogues for a sharp, modern office look.

5. Jeans dos and don’ts

Do:

• Invest in quality denim: High-quality jeans will last longer and provide better comfort and fit over time.
• Choose the right fit: Make sure your jeans are fitted in the waist, thighs, and length. Tailor your jeans if necessary to achieve the perfect fit.
• Experiment with washes: Have a variety of jeans in different washes (light, medium, dark) to create different looks.
• Cuff your jeans if necessary: If your jeans are slightly too long, cuffing them can add a stylish touch while keeping the fit clean.

Don’t:

• Go too baggy or too tight: Avoid extremes in fit. Jeans that are too loose or too tight can look unflattering.
• Overdo the distressing: While distressed jeans can look cool, too many rips or overly worn-out jeans can detract from the outfit.
• Ignore fabric composition: Look for jeans with a bit of stretch (around 2% elastane) for added comfort, especially in slim or skinny fits.

6. Final thoughts

Jeans are an essential part of every man’s wardrobe, offering endless styling possibilities for casual, smart-casual, and business-casual settings. By understanding the different types of jeans, washes, and how they complement your body type, you can build a versatile denim collection that suits your style and needs. Whether you prefer slim-fit jeans for a sleek look or relaxed-fit jeans for laid-back weekends, the perfect pair of jeans will always be a reliable go-to in your wardrobe.