Are white jeans still a thing? Are ripped jeans out of fashion? How do you ensure you’re not wearing “dad” jeans? These are just some of the questions men have when trying to upgrade (or downsize) their wardrobe. It’s understandable, considering the fashion staple is one of the most frequently worn items in your closet. So how do you choose the right pair of jeans? Here are some tips.
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When in doubt, go for a slim or straight-leg fit.
Somewhere between skinny jeans and baggy jeans is the perfect slim cut. They should ever-so-slightly hug your thighs, knees and calves but fit a bit looser near your ankle. Another option is the straight-leg fit, which is still fitting in the thighs, but looser in the knees, calves and ankles. A classic fit can also work if it’s not too loose below the knee. As a rule of thumb, fasten your belt and ensure there’s no cinching at the waist.
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Avoid excessive embellishments, stitching and branding.
One simple tag on the back pocket or belt tab is enough. Simple yellow stitching (or something that blends with the color of the jeans) works well.
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Wear the right wash for your outfit.
Blue jeans come in a variety of shades but as a general rule, a medium hue (classic wash) or dark blue is best to pair with more casual sportswear. Anything lighter (e.g., vintage wash) and you’ll look very casual. Colored jeans (e.g., red, olive, mustard) works best as part of casual attire and the other pieces that you wear should be more understated or you could end up looking clownish.
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Dress for your body type.
This sounds obvious but not all men know what they can pull off. When it doubt, ask a sales associate to help you and be sure to explain when you’ll be wearing the jeans (e.g., to work, on the weekends, only on casual dress days at work).
