Few pieces of clothing are as versatile, enduring, or essential as a great pair of jeans. The right jeans can anchor your wardrobe. But get ’em wrong, and you could find yourself dealing with constricting fabric, an awkward cut, and a saggy bottom.
We researched hundreds of men’s jeans and tried 36 pairs in person. We also enlisted a panel of testers—representing different body types and aesthetic preferences—to share their feedback on the top contenders’ fit, style, comfort, and quality.
Five clear favorites emerged. Our picks include a great-looking pair of Levi’s, a flattering, lightweight pair for $50, and a high-quality pair made from thicker denim. We also have two picks made from raw selvedge denim, which molds to the body and develops a distinctive fade pattern. One pair is especially thick and sturdy—and at less than $100, it’s a great gateway to raw denim. The other pair is made from a lighter-weight Japanese raw denim, which speeds up and eases the often arduous selvedge break-in process.
