The right pair of jeans: it may seem like the easiest thing to find. However, most men really don’t know where to begin. Rather than simply tell you what to buy, I’d prefer to give you my basic run through of what I tell men when I style them. This way you find exactly what you know you will feel comfortable in within the parameters of staying fashionable.
- The lighter wash: Whether it’s an 80’s acid wash or even a light gray tone, it’s best to keep this one for casual times. This goes for burned out fashion denim too. By fashion denim, I mean, jeans that have been distressed, faded and/or pre-shredded (ripped, whichever term you prefer to refer to it as). Yes, it’s perfectly fine to wear “fashion” denim when you’re out during Happy Hour, but there’s never an excuse to have your jeans looking like they went through a battle (or two or three). Sometimes there can be too much of a good thing; I’ll just leave it at that.
Nudie Jeans Autumn/Fall 2013, Source: Fashionbeans.com
- The darker wash: Deep indigo dyes and even black denim are the perfect accompaniments to a dressed up evening outfit. The definitive staple to a solid business casual look, it makes for a stylish finish to any outfit. It’s best accompanied by a crisp white henley or a tucked/untucked button-up shirt to keep the look sartorially cool. Granted there’s still denim that’s darker and distressed but I recommend that you keep a dark jean a solid color for a cleaner and more professional (or dapper depending on if it’s for a day or evening look).
APC Fall 20143, Source: Style.com
A few tips for when you shop:
- It’s best to buy it a size down if the denim is a mix of cotton and elastin since the jean will stretch over time (i.e. if you’re a 34, you should go with a 33).
- When altering for length (if it’s too long since most designer denim is a 32″ to 34″ inseam), it’s best to keep the original hem on your denim if it has any distressing so that it can maintain its stylized look.
- A few choice brands to help get your denim search off to a great start: AG Jeans, Fidelity jeans, Citizens of Humanity, Joe’s Jeans, APC and Levi’s (either the classic cuts like the 501 or the higher-end Made and Crafted).
Topman Autumn/Winter 2013, Source: Fashionbeans.com