15 Types Of Jeans Every Man Should Own

I’ve spent years building my denim collection, and I’m convinced every guy needs a solid jean lineup.

Forget having just one trusty pair – the right jeans can transform your style game completely.

Each type serves its own purpose, whether you’re heading to work, hitting the town, or just running errands.

Here’s my rundown of the essential jean styles that deserve space in your wardrobe.

1. Classic Straight-Leg Jeans

The workhorses of any denim collection never go out of style. I grabbed my first pair after college and they’ve been my go-to ever since.

What makes straight-legs so essential is their perfect middle-ground fit – not too baggy, not too tight. The straight cut from hip to ankle works for nearly every body type and can be dressed up with a blazer or down with a simple tee.

Look for a mid-rise pair in a medium wash for maximum versatility. The beauty of straight-legs is that they play well with everything from Chelsea boots to sneakers, making them truly season-spanning staples.

2. Slim-Fit Jeans

My slim-fits completely changed how I dressed for nights out. They hug your legs without squeezing them, creating that tailored look that works perfectly for date nights or meeting friends at that new restaurant.

The slimmer silhouette appears more polished than relaxed fits but offers more breathing room than skinny jeans. I’ve found they pair exceptionally well with button-downs and sport coats when you need to look sharp without being overly formal.

The secret is finding the right amount of stretch – about 2% elastane gives you comfort without the dreaded saggy knees by the end of the day. Opt for a dark wash to maximize their dress-up potential.

3. Raw Denim Jeans

Raw denim completely changed my perspective on jeans. These untreated, unwashed gems start off stiff and dark but gradually mold to your body, creating a completely personalized fit.

The beauty lies in how they age – every crease, fade, and wear pattern tells the story of your movements. My first pair took about six months of regular wear before they truly became mine, developing honeycomb patterns behind the knees and whiskers across the thighs.

Yes, they require more care (spot cleaning and infrequent washing), but the payoff is enormous. Raw denim develops character that mass-produced pre-faded jeans simply can’t match. They’re an investment that improves with every wear.

4. Relaxed-Fit Jeans

Weekends call for comfort, and that’s where my relaxed-fit jeans shine. With their roomier cut through the seat and thighs, they’re perfect for those laid-back days when I’m running errands or meeting friends for a casual lunch.

Don’t mistake relaxed for sloppy – today’s versions are far from the baggy monstrosities of the 90s. Look for pairs that offer space without excess fabric bunching around your ankles. The key is balance – relaxed through the thigh but with a slight taper below the knee.

These jeans work best with casual footwear like chunky sneakers or work boots. For a put-together weekend look, I pair mine with a well-fitted henley or a simple sweatshirt.

5. Tapered Jeans

Tapered jeans solved my biggest denim dilemma – finding pants that accommodate athletic thighs without ballooning at the ankles. The genius of the tapered cut is how it gradually narrows from hip to ankle.

My favorite pair gives me room where I need it while creating a clean, modern silhouette. The narrower leg opening means they stack neatly over boots and showcase sneakers perfectly without needing to cuff them. This versatility makes them my travel go-to.

For guys with muscular builds, tapered jeans are particularly flattering. They highlight your physique without restricting movement. I recommend looking for pairs with a mid-rise and moderate stretch for the ideal balance of comfort and style.

6. Selvedge Denim Jeans

Selvedge denim changed my understanding of quality jeans. That distinctive red line running along the outseam isn’t just for show – it’s evidence of fabric woven on traditional shuttle looms, creating a self-finished edge that won’t unravel or fray.

My selvedge jeans have outlasted every other pair I own. The tightly woven fabric develops incredible character over time, with rich fades that simply can’t be replicated by factory distressing. Roll up the cuffs to show off that signature selvedge ID – it’s a subtle nod to denim enthusiasts everywhere.

While they command a higher price, the cost-per-wear makes them a genuine value. They’re typically made with raw denim, so expect a break-in period before they become truly yours.

7. Dark Wash Jeans

Nothing in my closet works harder than my dark wash jeans. They’re the chameleons of denim, seamlessly transitioning from casual Fridays at the office to evening events without missing a beat.

The deep indigo hue has a slimming effect and gives off a more polished vibe than lighter washes. I’ve worn mine with everything from T-shirts to blazers, and they never feel out of place. The versatility is unmatched – they’re appropriate for most restaurants, dates, and even some semi-formal occasions.

Look for a pair with minimal detailing and no distressing for maximum versatility. The best part? Dark wash jeans hide stains better than their lighter counterparts, making them practical for everyday wear and travel.

8. Light Wash Jeans

Summer weekends feel incomplete without my light wash jeans. The faded blue hue captures that carefree, sun-soaked vibe that darker denim simply can’t match.

I reach for these when temperatures climb, as the lighter color naturally feels more seasonal and relaxed. They pair perfectly with bright colors and patterns that might clash with darker denim. My favorite combination is light wash jeans with a simple white tee – effortlessly cool without trying too hard.

The trick is finding the right shade – too light and they can look dated or washed out. I prefer a medium-light blue that offers some contrast with white sneakers. These jeans embody casual confidence and belong in every warm-weather rotation.

9. Black Jeans

Black jeans rescued me from countless “what to wear” dilemmas. They occupy that perfect middle ground between formal trousers and casual denim, making them incredibly versatile.

I wear mine to concerts, dinner dates, and even client meetings when paired with the right shirt and shoes. The slimming effect of black denim is an added bonus, creating a streamlined silhouette that works for every body type. Unlike blue jeans, they don’t fade dramatically, maintaining their sharp look with minimal care.

For maximum versatility, I chose a straight or slim fit without distressing. Black jeans pair beautifully with everything from leather jackets to button-downs, and they’re the perfect canvas for making statement pieces pop. They’re the closest thing to a denim Swiss Army knife.

10. Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans made me rethink what I could pull off. Despite what trend forecasters claim, a well-fitted pair remains a wardrobe cornerstone for many guys, including myself.

The key word is “fitted” – not circulation-cutting tight. Modern skinny jeans offer stretch for comfort while creating a lean silhouette that works particularly well for slimmer builds. They showcase boots and high-top sneakers better than any other cut, eliminating the need for cuffing or tailoring.

Balance is crucial with skinny jeans – pair them with looser tops to avoid looking top-heavy. I typically reach for mine when dressing for concerts or nights out. They project a more fashion-forward vibe than straight-leg styles while remaining accessible to everyday wear.

11. Bootcut Jeans

Bootcut jeans made their way back into my rotation after years of skinnier styles dominating my closet. The subtle flare from knee to ankle serves a practical purpose – accommodating boots without bunching up awkwardly.

These aren’t the exaggerated flares from decades past. Modern bootcuts offer a subtle widening that balances proportions, especially for guys with broader shoulders or athletic builds. They create a flattering silhouette that’s neither too fitted nor too relaxed.

I pair mine with everything from western boots to chunky work boots. The slightly wider leg opening provides a masculine counterpoint to fitted tops. For best results, look for a pair that sits at your natural waist and features a moderate break over your footwear.

12. Athletic Fit Jeans

Athletic fit jeans were a game-changer for my wardrobe. After years of struggling to find jeans that fit both my thighs and waist, these specially designed pants finally solved the dreaded waist gap problem.

Built with extra room through the seat and thighs but maintaining a tailored look elsewhere, they accommodate muscular legs without forcing you to size up at the waist. The moderate taper toward the ankle creates a clean silhouette that works for both casual and smart-casual settings.

Most athletic fits incorporate stretch for movement, making them surprisingly comfortable for active guys. If your body type has been traditionally hard to fit, these might be the jeans you’ve been searching for. They’ve certainly become my most comfortable everyday option.

13. Distressed Jeans

Distressed jeans add an edge to my weekend outfits that clean denim simply can’t match. There’s something inherently cool about strategic rips, fades, and abrasions that give your look some attitude.

I keep the distressing moderate – a few well-placed knee rips and some authentic-looking whiskering rather than jeans that look like they’ve been through a wood chipper. This approach keeps them versatile enough to pair with everything from hoodies to button-downs without veering into trying-too-hard territory.

For balance, I keep the rest of my outfit relatively simple when wearing distressed denim. They work best in casual settings and weekend adventures. Factory distressing has come a long way – today’s versions actually look like they’ve been earned through wear rather than manufactured overnight.

14. Grey Jeans

Grey jeans opened up new outfit possibilities I hadn’t considered before. They filled the perfect gap between blue denim and black jeans in my wardrobe, offering a neutral base that works with virtually everything.

The subtle color creates a softer look than stark black while appearing more refined than traditional blue denim. I find them particularly useful during transitional seasons when I’m mixing wardrobe elements. They pair beautifully with both warm and cool tones, making them incredibly versatile.

For maximum wearability, I chose a charcoal shade in a straight fit. Grey jeans can skew either casual or dressy depending on what you pair them with – they look equally at home with a graphic tee or a tailored blazer.

15. Cropped Jeans

Cropped jeans transformed my summer style game completely. Hitting just above the ankle, they create a deliberate break that showcases footwear and adds a contemporary edge to otherwise simple outfits.

I was hesitant at first, worried they’d look like I’d simply outgrown my pants. But the intentionally shortened length actually creates a put-together look that’s perfect for warmer months. They allow for better air circulation while eliminating the need to roll cuffs – a win-win for hot days.

The trick is finding the right length – aim for 1-2 inches above the ankle bone. I wear mine with low-profile sneakers or loafers, typically without socks or with invisible sock liners. They’re a subtle way to show you’re paying attention to current trends.