Synonymous with rock n’ roll and teenage rebellion, the best skinny jeans for men were once the sacred denim of choice for indie bands, skaters, and punk rockers. That was until the mainstream caught onto their awesomeness, and everyone started wearing them.
Fast forward a few decades, and they’re facing some serious competition from baggier counterparts and styles worn by your dad. But skinny jeans are tough. And if the latest fashion catwalks are anything to go by, it looks like super slim silhouettes aren’t going anywhere. Better yet, they’re now a little bit looser—so your balls can breathe, and you don’t have to worry about peeling them off.
So what are your options? I’ve rounded up a fine collection of skinny jeans for men, ranging from the fashion-forward to the ever-reliable. So keep reading, my fellow skinny-jean fans, and start squeezing yourself into these bad boys.
Key Takeaways
Baggy might be big news, but skinny isn’t going down without a fight. Whether you’re shaking what your momma gave ya or getting brunch with the boys, a pair of skinny jeans will help you create an outfit with plenty of swag and just the right amount of attitude. Which is why I’m singing their praises and highlighting the best skinny jeans for men.
From Everlane’s four-way stretch style to H&M’s budget-friendly blue jeans, I’m going to be presenting the designs that deserve a place in every denim collection. You’ll discover denim suitable for every budget and occasion, plus find out what you should be looking for in the perfect pair.
Are those khakis too casual? Will slacks look like I’m trying too hard? We all face these kinds of questions as we stare at our wardrobes, wondering what the hell we’re going to wear. But getting dressed in the morning doesn’t have to rumble up such sartorial dilemmas.
With a pair of dark indigo jeans (like this pair from Everlane), you can strike that perfect balance between smart and stylish while creating a timeless outfit that will take you from bars to brunch spots and client lunches. Roll up the hems for a relaxed feel, or team them with Derbies and a button-down shirt to dial up the formality.
Material: 94% Organic Cotton, 2% Elastane, 4% Other Fiber | Sizes: 28-40 | Inseam: 28-34
Benjamin Franklin once said that “in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” And while unfortunately, his words still ring true, I think he missed one other non-negotiable: black jeans look good with everything. Whether you’re on a first date or hitting the bar with friends, some dark skinnies will never fail to impress.
My go-to pair would be Represent’s Essential jeans. Cut to the label’s ever-popular skinny fit, they’ll look the bees knees with everything from leather biker jackets to oversized tees and flannel shirts. Just don’t go too chunky with the footwear, as this super slim silhouette looks best with a more streamlined shape.
Material: 94% Cotton, 2% Elastane, 4% EME | Sizes: 28-38 | Inseam: 31
After spending the past few years working in our sweatpants, the thought of finding a formal pair of pants to wear outside the house is enough to send shudders down the spine. But what if I told you I had a pair of skinny (or slightly tapered) jeans that are as comfortable as they are stylish?
Luca Faloni’s premium denim is produced in the province of Padua from a mid-weight cotton with natural stretch for unrivaled comfort. You can wear this type of jeans at home, but you’ll definitely want to show them off when you do venture into the office. Team them with everything from Oxford shirts to long-sleeved tees and turtleneck sweaters.
Material: Cotton, Elastane | Sizes: 28-40 | Inseam: 30-32
If you’ve ever worn a pair of ripped jeans before, you’ll be fully aware of the reaction they get from the older generation. “Did you know you have holes in your jeans?” Yeah, thanks boomer. But despite what your dad seems to think, ripped jeans are cool (especially if they’re skinny).
This pair from Represent will add some serious attitude to your weekend looks. They come in a vintage blue wash with perfectly sized knee rips that won’t cause too much of a stir at your next family get together. Wear them with oversized graphic tees and designer sneakers for an unapologetic look that’ll shoot you straight to streetwear stardom.
Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane | Sizes: 28-38 | Inseam: 31
Whether you like the guy or not, you’ve got to give it to Jeff Bezos: Amazon is one hell of a place. I mean, where else could you go to buy meat shredder claws, lightsaber chopsticks, protein powder, and the best skinny jeans for men all in the same place?
Ultra slim for a skinny yet comfortable fit, these from Signature by Levi Strauss are a super affordable option ideal for everyday wear. You can wear them in the office with a fine-knit jumper or switch it up with a hoodie and sneakers for the weekend.
Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane | Sizes: 28-44 | Inseam: 30-36
When it comes to guides on skinny jeans for men, there’s often so much focus on blue and black styles that we often forget the power of gray. But I’ll be damned if I make that same mistake. Stylish, versatile, and all-round awesome, gray denim deserves to be taken seriously.
This pair from Amazon Essentials is a wallet-friendly option that looks like they’d cost a lot more (so I’m not going to judge if you tell your friends a little white lie). You can wear these cheap jeans with sneakers, boots, or brogues. While your outfit options really are endless.
Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane | Sizes: 28-42 | Inseam: 28-36
If you’re lucky enough to have a little cash put aside, splurging on a pair of jeans could turn out to be one of your most sensible investments yet. Unless you put on some serious size or plan on wearing them on a construction site, luxury denim should last you for many years (so it could be a decade until you need a replacement).
This pair from Tom Ford are skinny but not too tight, and they’re made from premium selvedge denim in a versatile indigo wash that can be dressed up or down. They’ll look particularly slick with a check shirt and boots, but you could also wear them with smart sneakers and a graphic tee.
Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane | Sizes: 30-40 | Inseam: 32-34
While designer denim is great, I’m fully aware it’s not for everyone. Whether money’s tight or you’re saving for a summer vacation, splashing $500 on selvedge jeans is probably not going to be your finest move. But thankfully, it’s entirely possible to acquire high-quality skinnies for less than the cost of your monthly rent.
H&M’s light blue pair is made with a hint of stretch to give you all-day comfort. They feature a regular waist, zip fly, and the classic five pockets. You can wear them with a plain white tee and leather sneakers or throw on a flannel shirt for something slightly dressier.
Material: 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane | Sizes: 28-44 | Inseam: 30-34
Just like flannel-lined jeans, I can appreciate that white jeans aren’t going to be for everyone. But I’d urge you to step outside your comfort zone and give them a try. A great alternative to the classic colors usually in your wardrobe, they’re a particularly stylish choice for the warm-weather months and summer vacations.
Add this Hollister pair to your denim collection and wear them for backyard barbecues, city breaks, and everything in between. I’ll be wearing mine with a striped shirt and canvas sneakers, but they’ll look just as good with a long-sleeved tee and high-tops.
Material: 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane | Sizes: 26-40 | Inseam: 28-36
The best skinny jeans for men are an essential item for every guy’s wardrobe. And you don’t get more classic than blue. From James Dean to Steve McQueen and Paul Newman, every style icon worth his weight in gold rocked a pair.
The 510 from Levi’s offers just the right amount of skinny, flattering your legs without cutting off your circulation. They’ll perfectly complement sweaters and shirts alike while showing off any footwear you choose. For casual days I’d go for sneakers—swapping them for boots when you want to look a little smarter.
Material: 70% Cotton, 28% Lyocell, 2% Elastane | Sizes: 27-38 | Inseam: 30-34
What To Look For In The Best Skinny Jeans For Men
Color
Choosing the perfect color will not only be determined by personal style but the level of versatility you require. For maximum wear, you would be wise to pick classic washes in blue, gray, or black. Light washes are great for summer, while brighter colors can show off your personality (but are much harder to style).
Material
Denim is made from cotton fibers using a twill weave, so you shouldn’t settle for anything less. However, many of the best skinny jeans for men will also be made from a blended fabric that has been given a little stretch. This gives you greater flexibility and ensures ultimate comfort. If you want the best in luxury, Japanese denim is a good place to start.
Style
From cropped to distressed, the best skinny jeans for men are available in a range of styles. You should choose the pair that best suits your style, but you may also want to consider what you will be able to wear the most. For example, if you’re looking for something smart for the office, keep it plain and simple. Need a weekend pair? Switch it up and get creative.
Final Verdict
If you were in any doubt about the future of skinny jeans, I’m hoping my guide will show you that they can still play a big part in your everyday rotation. There’s plenty of options here to consider, but you may want to take a closer look at Everlane’s dark indigo denim. Striking the sweet spot between smart and casual, they’re a versatile addition to any daily rotation—pairing well with everything from flannel shirts to graphic tees and crew neck sweaters.
FAQ
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Not just for girls, skinny jeans are a perfectly acceptable denim choice for guys too. However, while women’s skinny jeans are skin-tight, the male versions should be a little looser for a more comfortable fit.
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The style of jeans you wear is a matter of personal preference. If you find slim jeans too loose, skinny styles are a great option. Alternatively, you may feel that skinny jeans are overly snug. If this is the case, you may want to try a slightly more forgiving silhouette.
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While baggy, loose-fitting jeans are certainly having a moment, that doesn’t mean you should be chucking your skinny denim in the trash. The best skinny jeans for men are still very much stylish—offering you a great way to add a little attitude to your look.
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