It’s hard to think of a more classic wardrobe staple than a pair of blue jeans. Whether you dress them up with a blazer or down with a simple white tee, high-quality denim always serves your closet well. After speaking with a menswear expert, I landed on the seven best jeans for men available in a wide range of sizes and cuts that will stand the test of time. My top pick overall is the Todd Snyder High-Rise Slim Stretch Jean, a versatile pair that’s structured yet flexible. For affordability, you can’t go wrong with the Levi’s 511 Slim Jeans, an iconic slim-leg style that’s under $100.
I rounded up the best jeans for men that are versatile, well-made and comfortable, including picks from Levi's, Todd Snyder and Bonobos.
Waist sizes: 28 to 38 | Inseam lengths: 30 to 34 | Leg opening: 14.5 inches | Style: Slim | Colors: 3 total, including Blue and Arctic Wash | Material: 85.5% cotton, 13.5% polyester, 1% elastane
The Todd Snyder Slim Stretch Jean earns the top spot on this list, thanks to its universally flattering cut and vintage-inspired details. The unique material is made of a cotton-polyester blend, with a hint of elastane for movability. “Todd Snyder is a great all-around option for denim because they offer everything from sought-after Japanese selvedge to simple, well-made stretch denim,” says Allen. This particular style features a trim leg that tapers slightly at ankle, with thoughtful touches including antique copper rivets and a chain-stitched coin pocket.
Huckberry Flint And Tinder All-American Straight Jean
Waist sizes: 28 to 38 | Inseam lengths: 30 to 34 | Leg opening: 15 inches | Style: Straight | Colors: 8 total, including Huron Dark Wash and Pacific Wash | Material: 95% cotton, 4% polyester, 1% spandex
Straight-leg jeans are a universally popular choice: They look good on almost everyone and are easy to style. This pair from Huckberry’s in-house brand Flint And Tinder is particularly noteworthy for its handsome wash that features subtle fading and whiskering on the front. Cut, sewn and washed in El Paso, Texas, the straight-leg jeans offer an easy fit throughout the waist, seat and thigh. A small amount of spandex provides extra flexibility, so you can move with ease.
Best Men's Stretch Jeans
Flexible Jeans That Come In Multiple Fits
Bonobos
Bonobos Premium 4-Way Stretch Jeans
Waist sizes: 28 to 46 | Inseam lengths: 28 to 36 | Style: Tailored, slim taper, slim, athletic, straight | Colors: 6 total, including River Bank and Whirlpool | Material: 92% cotton, 4% elastomultiester, 4% elastane
If you prefer your jeans to have a little more give to them, you should consider Bonobos’ Premium 4-Way Stretch Jeans. The fabric is made of an innovative blend of cotton, elastomultiester and elastane that keeps its shape while allowing for a full range of movement. Bonobos offers five different fits—tailored, slim taper, slim, athletic and straight—ensuring that there’s something for every body type and preference. Bonobos also earns points for its color selection, which includes shades of gray and black. (Just keep in mind that the non-blue shades have a different fabric breakdown than the hue shown above.)
Best Affordable Jeans For Men
Iconic Pair From a Trusted Brand
Levi's
Levi's 511 Slim Fit Jeans
Waist sizes: 26 to 42 | Inseam lengths: 29 to 36 | Leg opening: 14.5 inches | Style: Slim | Colors: 11 total, including Hard Edge and City Days | Material: 99% cotton, 1% Lycra
Levi Strauss has been making denim pants since the 1800s, and the brand has become one of the most recognizable names on the market. Today, Levi’s continues to sell reliable jeans at affordable prices: Its 511 fit is one of its most popular styles that costs just $70. Sitting below the waist and offering a slim fit throughout, these jeans are lean without reading too skinny. They come in a wide range of washes, with both low-stretch hues (that feature just a hint of Lycra) as well as stretchier options.
For those with athletic body types—or simply those who like feeling comfortable in their jeans—the Lucky Brand 410 Athletic Straight Stretch Jean is an excellent, affordable choice. These jeans feature a mid-rise waist, extra room in the seat and a flexible feel, courtesy of a small amount of elastane blended into the fabric. The combination of cotton, lyocell and Coolmax polyester provides just enough structure while wicking away moisture throughout the day. While the fit is relaxed throughout the leg, this pair tapers ever so slightly towards the ankle for a more streamlined silhouette.
Best Slim-Leg Men's Jeans
Streamlined, But Not Too Tight
Everlane
Everlane Comfort-Stretch Slim-Fit Jean
Waist sizes: 29 to 36 | Inseam lengths: 30 to 32 | Leg opening: 15.5 inches | Style: Slim | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Medium Indigo | Material: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane
Slim-leg jeans are known for their slender profile and slightly snug feel, resembling a more laid-back skinny jean. Everlane’s Comfort-Stretch Slim-Fit Jean offers a close-but-easy fit throughout the seat and leg. While the narrow cut gently hugs the leg, with a hint of elastane, these jeans won’t feel too constricting. They come in dark, medium and light washes in addition to the black option pictured above.
Best Relaxed-Fit Men's Jeans
Roomy Fit With A Slightly Tapered Leg
Madewell
Madewell Relaxed Taper Jeans
Waist sizes: 28 to 40 | Inseam lengths: 30 to 34 | Leg opening: 14 inches | Style: Relaxed | Colors: 4 total, including Casner and Brinmont | Material: 95% cotton, 4% polyester, 1% elastane
Relaxed-fit jeans are a good option for men who prefer a looser fit; they score highly in the comfort department without looking baggy. This pair from Madewell is highly versatile, made from classic cotton denim with a touch of polyester and elastane for flexibility and immediate comfort. While these pants provide plenty of room in the hip and thigh area, the gently tapered ankle keeps them from appearing sloppy or disheveled.
What To Look For In The Best Jeans For Men
“Investing in a well-made pair of jeans means they’ll break in beautifully by molding to your body and last for years instead of wearing out after a season,” says Allen. Here’s what to keep in mind regarding fit, material and price.
Fit
According to Allen, finding the right fit comes down to body shape and personal style. The most common jean fits you’ll come across while shopping are slim, straight, relaxed and athletic. “Slim-fit jeans work best for leaner builds or guys with slimmer legs, offering a tailored look without excess fabric,” he says. “Straight-leg jeans are the most versatile, suiting most body types by balancing room and structure.” If you have a broader build or muscular thighs, Allen recommends a relaxed fit—this is also a good option for anyone who simply wants a bit of extra comfort throughout the seat and leg. And finally, athletic-fit jeans are “cut for guys with beefy legs who need more room up top but still want a clean, tapered finish,” Allen explains.
Material
Not all denim is created equally. Some denim fabric is 100% cotton, while others are blended with a hint of spandex or elastane for a bit of stretch. Allen’s preference is high-quality 100% cotton, preferably selvedge, with a tight weave and mid-weight; however, if you prefer a bit more flexibility, you’ll likely feel more comfortable in stretch denim. Signs of a well-made pair of jeans go beyond the fabric itself. “Construction details like chain-stitched hems, reinforced stress points and quality hardware indicate durability, which means your jeans will last for years,” says Allen.
Price
When it comes to men’s jeans, it’s worth it to spend a bit more up front to ensure you’re getting a high-quality pair. “A good pair of jeans typically falls in the $150 to $300 range, depending on the brand, fabric and construction,” says Allen. That being said, it’s possible to find a good pair for under $150—just keep in mind that less expensive jeans typically have a lighter fabric weight and aren’t as durable as their pricier counterparts.
How I Chose The Best Jeans For Men
To pick the best men’s jeans, I spent hours researching top menswear brands. I only included styles from brands with stellar overall reputations and overwhelmingly positive customer reviews.
I kept Allen’s pointers and advice in mind as I did my research, making sure that my selections were in line with his insights.
Once I finalized my list, this roundup was reviewed and approved by Molvar, who tapped into her own knowledge of men’s denim trends.
Everyone has a slightly different body type, which is why I featured jeans with a variety of fits, including slim, athletic, straight and relaxed.
Budget, too, was also considered; I made sure to include under-$100 pairs (like the Levi’s 511 Slim Jeans) as well as more expensive investment pieces.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve published dozens of fashion stories; our extensive range of articles includes several roundups dedicated to menswear in particular.
Forbes Vetted fashion editor Hana Hong oversaw the publishing of this piece; She has over a decade of experience covering men’s and women’s apparel.
Epting spoke with Turner Allen, founder and lead stylist at Style Turner, to gain more insight into what men should pay attention to when shopping for jeans.
This story was last updated in June 2026.
Our Experts
Turner Allen, founder and lead stylist at men’s personal styling consultancy Style Turner
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