There are a lot of options for men, from skinny jeans to straight cut jeans. It can all be a little intimidating, so Caswell’s Fine Menswear has put together this Men’s Jeans guide.
In the 19th century, Levi Strauss came up with a way of toughening pants for working men — miners, ranchers, cowboys, and the like. He mixed Italian sailcloth and Nimes (a forerunner of French denim). He included rivets to make pockets and seams less likely to tear. And the style turned into the iconic blue jeans.
They have since transformed from work trousers into a go-to fashion option. And since fashion changes, so have jeans.
Men have a selection in cut, fit, and color. That leaves options for work, weekends, and dressier events. Let’s explore what’s available.
Types of Jeans for Men
Everybody wears jeans, but jeans are not the same. For guys, the best jeans are of many kinds, including slim jeans and wide-leg jeans. These are popular styles, depending on your taste and body type.
Slim Fit Jeans
These aren't “skinny jeans.” Slim-fit jeans for men are cut slimmer with a tapered opening at the bottom of the pants that shows off the leg contours.
Slim jeans look good on a lot of people without being too tight.
Athletic Fit Jeans
Athletic-fit jeans have extra room in the seat and thighs. They're good for men with strong or athletic builds and are made of stretchier material.
The leg is a little tapered for a smooth look.
Straight Fit Jeans
It’s a classically collegiate look, but not sloppy. Straight-fit jeans have even width from the thigh to the ankle.
Straight jeans flatter a lot of body types, but are especially flattering for those with larger thighs.
Comfort Fit Jeans
Comfort-fit jeans offer a relaxed fit with more room through the seat and thighs. The slightly-tapered leg keeps them from looking baggy. This style offers a higher rise, which makes them more comfortable in the stomach area. Men with larger or more muscular builds will appreciate the ease of movement.
Tapered Jeans
Unlike straight-leg jeans that have a consistent width down the entire leg, the leg on tapered jeans gradually narrows from the thigh to the ankle. It creates a modern silhouette while still providing more room in the thighs.
Bootcut Jeans
The name says it all. Bootcut jeans gradually flare from the knee to the ankle to comfortably accommodate cowboy boots. That was the original intent, but the slight flare creates a balanced silhouette that looks great even if you’ve never ridden a horse. For the record, they can be worn with other kinds of shoes.
Popular Styles and Washes of Men’s Jeans
Beyond the style and fit of the jeans, think about the wash, color, and any accents. There's a lot to choose from.
Ripped Jeans
These are intentionally distressed, meaning there are rips and tears that have not naturally occurred. It is a kind of visible "edge" for people who like to look a bit more rock or punk.
Raw Denim
Once the jeans are sewn, they remain untreated. Raw denim is dark, stiff denim that can take up to a year to break in. But the wrinkles and rubbed spots remain yours.
Light Wash Jeans
These pale blues are almost bleached in appearance. Light washes are laid-back and vintage-y.
Dark Wash Jeans
The darker indigo is more versatile than light washes. This is a great pair of jeans for an everyday look or a fancy one.
Colored Jeans
Jeans come in a lot more colors than blue ffs. For a little variety, go with black, dark olive, or brown.
Vintage Styles
From ’70s bellbottoms to baggy ’90s jeans, vintage is an alternative for someone in search of other kinds of style statements. Vintage jeans are usually fashioned entirely of cotton and lack the stretch of modern denim.
The Perfect Jeans for Your Shape
Comfort is the great thing about jeans. Choosing the right style to flatter your body shape can really transform the way you look and feel. Here’s what to look for to ensure the perfect fit for your body type.
Slim / Athletic Build
Men with a slimmer or athletic build will look amazing in slim-fit jeans, which provide you with a more tailored style, but without tight fabric. They fit the seat and thigh with a higher back rise.
Muscular or Thick Thighs
Athletic-fit or comfort-fit varieties are fuller in the thigh without looking baggy. Straight-leg looks, with uniform width through the leg, are another choice.
Big & Tall Men
Straight-fit jeans will always work. The slight flare of Bootcut jeans balances the body shape.
Shorter Men
Either regular or slim-fit, or relaxed or straight-fit jeans will do. The cut should hug the leg, but not tightly, for a clean line. Fashion experts will also suggest you go for slim-fit.
Dark washes, slim fits, or straight leg jeans give you the most versatility. You can also elevate your jeans with a sharp dress shirt or polo, and a jacket or blazer. Switch boots, sandals, or sneakers for loafers or dress shoes.
Keeping it casual? A t-shirt, a leather jacket, and sneakers are a winning formula.
Men’s Jeans Fashion (2025)
Straight-fit jeans are still a staple in 2025, but baggy is back. A slouchy pair of wide-leg jeans is pure ’90s. Distressed or torn jeans give off that same vibe. Light washes are also trendy.
Conclusion
These durable work pants have lasted well over a century. But since then, jeans have moved in so many amazing style directions.
A variety of washes and special details combine for jeans that are so versatile. Shop our high-quality men’s jeans.
FAQs About Men’s Jeans
What are the trendiest men's jeans?
You would be in good shape with straight-leg or regular-fit styles. They have a nearly uniform width throughout the leg, and they fit most body types well.
Will skinny jeans ever go out of style in 2025?
There's a skinny-jean revival! Fitted or skinny denim, particularly in dark washes (or black), is considered by fashion experts to look very contemporary.
What jeans are best for short men?
Guys under 5'8" look much better in slim-fit or tapered denim. They should hug the leg, but not be over-tight. Regular fit jeans also work.
What type of jeans should every man own?
Classic and versatile is your regular or straight leg style. Opt for a darker wash or color to go from dressy to casual.
