The 7 Best Black Jeans for Men, Tested by Style Editors

Levi’s 501 is the blueprint for denim. Every other pair of jeans exists in the shadow of this tried-and-true classic, which defines how jeans should look, feel, and fit. We found that the 501’s true-to-size fit, combined with its regular cut through the thigh, makes it easy to wear, even without much stretch. With varying fabric blends and big-and-tall sizes, it’s a style that truly world for everyone.

The 501 features the iconic five-pocket styling and a sturdy button—a hallmark of Levi’s heritage that’s both durable and reliable. These jeans are built to last, requiring minimal care; you only need to wash them every 10 wears at most. Although they’re not the flashiest on the list, this remains true: Their straight-leg cut and traditional fit will never go out of style.

You can rock them with a denim jacket for a bold Canadian tuxedo vibe or a crewneck sweater for a more elevated look. Sturdy, stylish, and comfortable, the 501s remain a classic and are a must-have in any man’s wardrobe.

Read More: Best Jeans for Men

Madewell’s 1991 jeans harken back to its titular year when cuts were a little bigger and breathable through the legs. While some jeans are tight through the waist and seat, this straight-leg fit is especially generous through the seat and thigh without being baggy. To cap off comfort, we found this pair has just a hint of stretch to them, so it’s not super stiff like others that we’ve tested.

If you’re open to dishing a little more cash for a pair of black jeans that is the perfect mashup between old-school and modern appeal, here is a solid choice. These jeans elongate your frame, making you appear taller than your actual height. Our style team loves pairing them with a simple knit and derby shoes, letting the denim falls right above the laces for a clean, put-together finish.

No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you—we are, in fact, recommending a pair of Abercrombie & Fitch jeans. The aughts stalwart has mounted quite the comeback in recent few years, earning a place alongside the top-tier players in the mall space. Case-in-point: The athletic loose-fit jeans are baggy without looking too Y2K. On a note brighter note, this denim is infused with stretch for a range of motion. Our style editors prefer to lean more into a smart-casual look with this pair, tucking in a white t-shirt with a belt and dress shoes.

There’s a little extra room through the thighs as well for those who never skip leg day and need extra space for the gains. Our only gripe? The vintage-style pre-fading is a little more washed than we’d like, but honestly, the fit and price are so great, we’re willing to overlook that small detail.

Pros

• Affordable
• Wide cut without being too wide
• Breaks the traditional fits in your wardrobe
• Alterations available before arrival at your door

After years of slim or skinny jeans dominating the scene, the pendulum has swung back to more voluminous style jeans, like these wide, straight-leg jeans from Uniqlo. The Japanese retailer is known for being on the cutting edge of fashion while keeping prices ridiculously affordable. For less than the cost of a night out, you can snag these jeans and completely shake up the fits in your wardrobe. During our testing, we found them to be breathable and comfortable, even when layered over thermal underwear in the colder temps.

Though this bold, trend-forward style might not be for everyone, the price makes it easy to take chance on a fresh look. Plus, if you want to lock in a specific vibe, you can even have them altered before they arrive at your doorstep.

Everlane’s line of classic-style jeans are exceedingly easy to wear thanks to the quality construction and straight-leg fight. This pair in particular is the perfect match for pretty much anything—the office, the bar, the weekend, everything under the sun. With its relaxed, classic fit, they feel slightly looser and more comfortable compared to slimmer cuts, but maintain a clean silhouette that’s not sloppy.

We found the relaxed fit means you get extra wiggle room through the thigh and seat. In other words, if you’re a fitness buff with got beefy quads, you’re in the right place. The cotton fabric is also pretty substantial, which means you’ll be in good hands during your cold commutes. Be warned—they do run a little large in the waist. Consider sizing down or be prepared to take them to a tailor to get a little nip/tuck for that perfect fit.

Ask any real denim head, and they’ll happily talk your ear off about their selvedge denim collection. For the uninitiated, selvedge denim is raw, untreated fabric designed to fade and patina in unique, personal ways over time. It’s the kind of denim that tells a story the more you wear it. The catch? It takes some care—wear them as much as possible before washing, and when you finally do, avoid top-loading machines (handwashing is the safest bet) to keep the dye from streaking.

That’s where Todd Snyder’s selvedge jeans come in, striking the perfect balance between authentic craftsmanship and modern convenience. These slim-fit, tapered jeans feature a destroyed look that gives them a perfectly lived-in charm right out of the box. They’re crafted with vintage-inspired details, like a shanked button fly, oxidized rivets, and even red ticking along the edges when you cuff them—because it’s all about the details.

Even better, these jeans are already a little broken-in and have just a touch of elastane, so you don’t have to wrestle with stiff denim while breaking them in. They’re equal parts style and comfort, making them the perfect choice for someone who wants that selvedge aesthetic without all the hard work.

Wrangler’s relaxed fit jeans are made with the working man in mind, providing a pair that feels well-suited for mowing the lawn or traveling on a long-haul flight. Thanks to the breathability of cotton, this pair doesn’t cramp your style or feel too stuffy. Between the material and straight-leg fit, we found it’s easy to wear these jeans on more than one occasion during the week.

Like other straight-leg jeans, they’re also relaxed through the thighs and seat. While they’re not overly stiff, Wrangler has opted not to include any stretch in them, so you may have to break them in a couple time if you’re used to an elastane-blend. In terms of styling, we love to wear these jeans with a plaid flannel shirt and a pair of sleek boots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Black Jeans Fade Over Time?

Yes, black jeans can fade with frequent washing and wear, especially if they aren’t treated with color-retention technology. To keep them looking fresh, wash them inside-out in cold water, use a gentle detergent, and hang them to dry.

How Often Should I Wash My Black Jeans?

To preserve their color and shape, you should was black jeans every 8-10 wears. Spot-clean minor stains and air them out between washes to extend their lifespan.