Finding the perfect pair of jeans can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With countless brands, styles, and price points, navigating the world of men’s fashion jeans can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down our experience testing a variety of jeans, from budget-friendly options to premium denim, to help you find the right fit for your style and wallet.
Decoding the Denim Jungle: A Look at Different Jeans
We’ve put a wide range of men’s fashion jeans to the test, spanning various price brackets. Here’s a look at some of the notable hits and misses:
Men’s Fashion Jeans Under $100: Finding Value
The search for quality men’s fashion jeans under $100 proved challenging. Some contenders, like the American Eagle AirFlex+ Slim Jean and H&M Slim Jeans, fell short due to uncomfortable fabrics and poor construction. Even previously recommended options, such as the Unbranded Brand UB101 Skinny Fit and Uniqlo Men’s Slim Jeans, were removed from consideration due to fit and quality concerns.
Several other options in this price range presented issues. The American Eagle AE EasyFlex Original Straight Jean, while comfortable, suffered from poor stitching and shallow pockets. Everlane’s The Organic Cotton Straight-Leg Jean felt good but had an unappealing wash. Fit issues plagued the H&M Straight Regular Jeans and Lands’ End Men’s Straight Fit Stretch Jeans. J.Crew’s 484 Slim-Fit Stretch Jean and 770 Straight-Fit Stretch Jean felt comfortable initially, but their stretchy fabric lacked breathability and shape retention. The Lee Legendary Slim Straight Jeans had a great fit but showed signs of potential durability problems.
We tested various Levi’s models, including the classic 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit Men’s Jeans and the slim-fitting 512 Slim Taper Fit Men’s Jeans. While some showed promise, like the Levi’s Premium 514 Straight Fit Men’s Jeans and the Levi’s Premium 555 Relaxed Straight Men’s Jeans, inconsistencies in fit and length prevented them from earning a top spot. Old Navy’s offerings, the Straight 360° Stretch Performance Jeans and 90s Straight Built-In Flex Jeans, also disappointed due to their synthetic feel and loose drape.
Men’s Fashion Jeans: $100 – $200 – Stepping Up the Quality
In the $100 to $200 range, the Buck Mason Japanese Denim Maverick Slim Jean impressed with its comfort and construction, but tiny pockets were a major drawback. The Duer Performance Denim Athletic Straight excelled in comfort and flexibility but lacked a flattering fit. The Nudie Gritty Jackson Indigo Nights, made from durable denim, required a belt to stay in place and featured overly ornate back pocket embroidery. The Dstld Men’s Slim Jeans felt rough and shrank significantly after washing.
Outerknown’s The Dunes Straight Jean, a wider-legged version of the well-regarded Cove Slim Jean, had a looser fit than desired. The Ralph Lauren Sullivan Slim Stretch Jean had an odd feeling in the crotch area. Finally, the Todd Snyder Slim Selvedge jeans aimed for a vintage look but ended up appearing worn out.
Men’s Fashion Jeans Over $200: Exploring Premium Denim
The Men’s Lee 101 Z Regular Fit Straight Leg Jean, despite its premium price tag, disappointed with inconsistent stitching and an uncomfortable fit. The Citizens of Humanity Gage Slim Straight Archive jeans were comfortable but raised concerns about longevity due to their high stretch content. Even the luxurious Citizens of Humanity Gage Slim Straight Cashmere Denim jeans failed to justify their price.
Finding Your Perfect Pair: Considerations for Men’s Fashion Jeans
This exploration of men’s fashion jeans highlights the importance of trying on different styles and brands. Factors like fabric, construction, fit, and price all play a crucial role in finding the ideal pair. While price can be an indicator of quality, it’s not always a guarantee.
Ultimately, the best pair of men’s fashion jeans is the one that feels the most comfortable, fits your style, and meets your budget. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cuts, washes, and brands until you find the perfect denim companion.
