Unlock the Secret to Confidence: The 16 Best Jeans for Men That Style Editors Swear By (Number 7 Changed the Game for Me)

Ever wonder why some jeans just refuse to go outta style, no matter how wild the fashion rollercoaster gets? That’s exactly the magic Levi’s 501 pulls off—it’s like the original blueprint that every other pair secretly envies. I mean, a straight leg with an easy fit through the hip and thigh, plus that subtle taper below the knee? Classic, right? What really caught my eye is the variety they pack in: five different inseams and choices in stretch levels, which is almost unheard of at this price point. Whether you’re rocking a no-stretch rugged vibe or a low-stretch sweet spot that moves with you, these jeans adapt without losing their soul. I’ve tested them through everything—from office hustle to weekend errands—and honestly, the fit holds up like a champ. The button fly? Yeah, it takes a moment, but that vintage feeling? Totally worth it. If you’re still trying to figure out the perfect pair that blends comfort, durability, and style, Levi’s 501 might just be your new go-to. LEARN MORE

Call it the blueprint, the original, the one that started it all—Levi’s 501 is the jean every other pair takes notes from. Trends come and go, but the 501’s straight leg, easy fit through the hip and thigh, and subtle taper below the knee make it basically timeless.

You get five different inseams to choose from, which is rare for jeans at this price. So whether you’re tall, short, or somewhere in between, you don’t need to mess with a tailor. You also get to pick your level of stretch: no stretch, low stretch, or high stretch. We tested all three and found that low stretch hits the sweet spot; it still feels like true denim but gives you enough flex to move around without any stiffness. That said, none of the options felt uncomfortable. Even the no-stretch version broke in nicely after a few wears, and the high-stretch ones felt more laid-back without losing shape, but just a tad less breathable.

We wore them for everything from office days to weekend errands, and the fit always held up. It was never too baggy, never too tight, even after multiple cycles. The button fly took a minute to get used to, but it adds to that vintage feel. Out of all the washes we tried, the medium stonewash was the standout. It’s soft straight out of the box, with just the right amount of fading. We found it worked with pretty much anything: oxfords, hoodies, boots, sneakers, you name it.

They’re as low maintenance as jeans get. You just wear them, wash them cold when needed, and hang dry. We’ve machine dried ours before and only saw minimal shrinkage, but we’d still recommend air drying to keep the fit where it’s at.

Read More: How to Wash Your Jeans